Putting a brave face on!

Today I saw the organizer of the art exhibition and she showed me the art quilts - they are ruined. To make matters worse, she said that the rules state that they are not responsible for any damage, in other words, NADA NIENTE NO compensation. When I feel like it I can remove the images and words and stitch on new ones - but that won't be for a long time!!

When I saw the artwork for sale on that fateful evening, I felt like my paintings didn't belong there and had already decided not to renew my sub for the coming year. The ruined art quilts just fuelled that - so I resigned. I'm licking my wounds quietly today, but tomorrow is a new day (isn't that what Scarlet O'Hara said...)?

Have to say ...

... how much I appreciate your comments on the blog, I don't always have time to reply individually, but wanted to let you know how they warm the cockles of my heart.

Some of my art quilts were entered in an exhibition and preview night was Friday. Well, just to top off a dreadful week, someone spilled wine over most of them, she said she'd been jostled in the crowd! They had captions printed on fabric and they all ran. That was my Epson printer which I no longer have, didn't know the ink wasn't fast - I'm seeing the organizer tomorrow to find out what they propose. I suppose they have insurance, hope so!! Aaargh!!

I need ...

... to just mosey around today, charity shops, art shops and all that!! I've had a rotten week, DD3 in Italy had to have an MRI scan of the head after suffering with very high levels of pain, my nerves were agitated - then the result was negative!! Thank God!! Then I had an attack of colic which lasted for 9 hours, thought I'd have to call an ambulancein the night - was not well for 2 days. But, now everthing is fine and I'm going out shortly to enjoy myself.

Art Quilt Swap

Hello to all the fabric lovers out there - I'm hosting an art quilt swap "Vintage Circus" here on Art-e-Zine. Hope you'll be tempted when you see the fabulous examples.

How does that work??

I found  a Madeira thread tidy yesterday and am hoping someone knows how it works. It looks simple enough but I haven't got a clue LOL.

Slides

I bought this lovely wooden box with dovetailed joints at a church sale a couple of months ago. It is double sided and it has 315 slides in it of Israel and the Holy Land, all named and numbered. I'd really like to use the slides for artwork and will have to give it some thought as to how best to do that. I suppose I could cut out the negative and use them as frames, or maybe there's something amazing waiting to be discovered LOL. Any ideas out there??

Yesterday

I went to see friends yesterday who live at the beach and the weather turned sunny and warm (the day before was freezing). Unfortunately, the train broke down and instead of half an hour to get there, it took nearly an hour and a half!  I really enjoyed myself but to end the day I misread the train times which were for Saturdays, so more delays and I arrived home really tired out. It's so invigorating to spend time with like-minded artists, to bounce ideas back and forwards, and I'm so happy to have met Val and Ruth.

I've got a ...

.. Dremel power tool and a vise so I can drill holes in glass and coins etc. and learn to do a lot of fancy things. I have joined a Yahoo group Dremel for Artists, to keep me right - and listmom Belinda Spiwak is very generous with her time and advice. It only arrived yesterday, and I was out all day today, so tomorrow's the day!!!

Bees

I was wakened this morning at 6 by the frantic buzzing of a bee, so I did what I always do and got a feather duster and coaxed it to cling on - and gave the poor bee back its freedom.

I've finished another wallhanging for my 'stock' box - here's Beth:

More Wearables

Today, I've finished two more cuffs (not easy to photograph or is it just me that's no good with the digital camera hmmmmmmmm), had a look at what I have to do for an art doll swap later this year and drew the face.

I'm looking for a fastener for a cigar box purse (handbag) but can't find anything small enough. Has anyone made these who could give me the name of a supplier??

Wearables

Here's the first of my new venture in wearables -- a leather cuff vintage style. I'd ordered round elastic to form the closure but when it arrived it was a bit too thick. So I used what I already had, it hasn't been the easiest thing I ever made but I think they're going to be worthwhile and a 'first' always takes more time . I have another two almost ready, entirely different - great fun to make.

ATC swaps

I find it relaxing to make small things when I've got a lot on my plate, here are some ATCs for a lace swap (antiqued lace, sequins and beads on a spotted background). I made an extra one to keep but now I'm not sure which, so I could do with some help here LOL - if anyone would care to leave a comment on which one they like best, I'd be so grateful. They are numbered 1-4 starting at the left - thanks!!

Today

I went to my favourite charity shop today where I usually find old lace and stuff. They had some little beauties and I also had a good rake through their button drawers and got some lovely old wooden ones and more pearl buttons - I just can't resist them!!

I've noticed that wearable art is on the increase so thought I'd try something new. I really don't want to make earrings etc. and came up with a new twist on a type of bracelet. I've made three but waiting for supplies I bought on ebay to finish them off - then I'll post them.

Paintings

Here are the paintings I was talking about, both mixed media on canvas - 'Fuchsias' - the colours are a bit strange (the green base is not that green in reality), and 'Tree of Life' which I'd posted before but here it is again in case some of you haven't seen it:

Been quite busy

Yesterday, I finished the paintings for the exhibition in 2 weeks' time. I went to bed feeling contented and slept like a baby! I'll photograph them later today and will post them. One of them was already exhibited in that fiasco in December - but I've put all that behind me and on to pastures new!!!

I am also making things for the Xmas market - here's Maddalena:

New Books

I love it when new books arrive by post - all the anticipation - cup of coffee at the ready - and open the parcel! I have to say that I was so let down by '1000 Artist Trading Cards' by Patricia bolton (Cloth Paper Scissors fame) - the cards in this book are very amateurish and even if I was a rank beginner, they wouldn't have inspired me to give it a go. So it's parcelled up and going back to Amazon tomorrow.

But the other two books are great *Where Women Create: Inspiring Work Spaces of Extraordinary Women* and *The Altered Object: Techniques, Projects, Inspiration* - I'm very pleased I bought them.

New Assemblage - LILY

I finished this assemblage last night but, for some reason, I couldn't get Etsy to cooperate, so I went to bed. And today is the Wimbledon finals which start in 20 mins. and HAVE to watch that!! So here it is:

Ideas Box

On one of the Yahoo groups I'm a member of, this month's Lottery ATC is postage stamps. I had been collecting postage stamps for ages but on my last clear-out, I gave them to the charity shop. Wouldn't you know it - as soon as I give stuff away, I need it!!! But this week I got a package from Hong Kong so I used the stamp. I have a big box stuffed with 'ideas' things and was able to put this ATC together quite fast. Thank goodness I didn't throw that out....

What I've been doing

Here's my latest experiment. I got some offcuts of wood and did a plaster and cheesecloth backing then played around with some bronze and gold paints, and finished it off with buttons and old trim. But I'm not sure that it's finished. I wondered if I should hang some little tags off it somewhere???

What do you think?? All comments are welcome!!

What I've been d