July Fireworks

I always enjoy watching and trying to photograph fireworks. These are a few attempts from earlier this month.  

Sketchbook 2012

A couple years ago I started seeing online all sorts of gorgeous pages being put together for the Sketchbook Project. I was inspired and finally decided to take the plunge and sign up for the Limited Edition 2012. Deadlines and challenges work for me, in that they push me to do something I may not get done otherwise. So this project was to push me in the mixed media area. Technically I do mixed media as I work in clay and fiber but I wanted more push so I signed up. 

I took the 'sketchbook' part seriously and didn't aim for perfection but instead for the learning experience yet at the same time I didn't want to send in a piece of junk so of course there were a couple pages that got redone. You can check out the sketchbooks in person or have a look at them online. You can find mine here. There is an unlimited number of inspiring sketchbooks to look through!

This one wasn't a stretch but is somewhat of a signature piece for me, teabags with dried petals.

 Above is my husband's favorite. It is a more personal piece. It was done at a journal workshop.

 This is watercolor paints stamped onto fabric. Done at one of our Odd Tuesday play dates. 

 Handmade paper, also made at an Odd Tuesday get together. 

Summer Back Pack

Not long ago I took the plunge and bought an Asus tablet. Although I love my Nook for reading books, storing recipes, files, etc it is a little small for reading e-magazines, web surfing or email. My Asus does those things wonderfully and so I wanted to take it on vacation. Well it didn't fit into my purses so I finally made a little back pack which was just perfect to use as I traveled hands-free through the airports on vacation. I'm continuing to use it whenever I'm out with my Asus or just need a small back pack so I can be hands free.

I used a a kid's backpack pattern from McCall's as it was the size I wanted and it was in my stash. I added an extra pocket at the back and a long fabric strap with a clip to hold my keys yet allow me to pull them and use without unhooking them. Picking the fabrics was one of the time consuming elements as I wanted to use my hand dyed pieces. Ended up piecing some commercial pieces to make the straps and commercial for the lining. Oh yes, added some extra pockets inside too. So overall I'm pleased.

Hope you're having a fun, colorful, creative summer! Or winter depending where you are spending it!

South Florida Fiber Art Exhibition

Florida Craftsmen would like to invite you to “Fresh Design: Fiberart in the New Millennium” featuring artwork representing sixteen southeast Florida fiber artists. Their artwork will be on display at the Second Avenue Studio at Florida Atlantic University’s downtown Ft. Lauderdale campus.
The exhibit features both two and three dimensional, individual and collaborative works in a variety of fiber media and techniques including quilting, appliqué, weaving, dyeing, knitting, embellishing, stitching, paper folding and handmade paper.

Although the term “fiber” often conjures up images of domestic or decorative crafts, viewers will be delighted by the range of masterful, innovative and critical work created by some of Southeast Florida’s most talented artists in this genre.

Alissa Alfonso, Nancy Billings, Marianna Blauvat, Georgeta Fondos, Andrea Huffman, Kevin Kichar, Francene Levinson, Evelyn Mitchell, Irene Torruella Munroe, Candice Phelan, Maya Schonenberger, Gina Skillings, Catherine L. Waltz, Elizabeth Vitale, Marianne R. Williamson, LeeAnna Yater.

Opening Reception: July 19th – 6:00-8:00 p.m.

Exhibition Dates: July 19th through August 17th

Gallery Hours: Wednesday: 4 to 6; Thursday & Friday: 12-5 or by appointment. Gallery Location: 220 SE 2nd avenue, Fort Lauderdale 33301

For information: 954-762-5695 or kaesteve@fau.edu

Summer Vacation