collage queen

Summer Colors

2011-05-24T00:49:00.000-04:00

So, time for a little touch up paint, eh?

Spring Views

2011-05-24T00:30:00.000-04:00

At the top, a close up of my favorite- The Batik Iris.

The the German ones that line the path to the bird feeders.

It has been raining so much I haen't pulled one weed from these beds . . .

Sharing a Sun Beam

2011-03-29T00:14:00.000-04:00

Photo Display

2011-03-04T02:39:00.000-05:00

Here's a "before" and "after" shot of the front of the gallery. These are prints of photos Ive taken last summer. I put up a bar to display my larger silk scarves, the smallerones are displayed in a small trunk on the counter top.

Framed Prints

2011-03-04T02:14:00.000-05:00

I primed and painted the frames, then added crackle layers and some glazes to get the

'vintage' look that I like.

Then I paired up prints of my favorite photos with the frames.

Picture Frames

2011-03-04T01:50:00.000-05:00

I've never been able to part with picture frames. I have a couple of boxes of various frames that I decided to sand and paint. I sorted through them and began cutting mats for a photo exhibit for March.

A New Line Of Printed Silks

2011-01-23T21:48:00.001-05:00

Layers and layers of color and print.

Dyed scarves ready for the next step- distress printing.

Scarves spread out to dry as they are distressed.

Symbols in Turquoise and Chocolate.

Studio Work

2011-01-23T20:50:00.000-05:00

Hand drawn screens drying before beginning to print.

Printed silks on the drying rack- before rinsing. The dark brown birds and feathers lighten after a final rinse.

Prints

2010-08-30T14:46:00.000-04:00

These were two pieces of greige cloth I dyed green (ages ago.) I wasn't happy with the color so I used the peices as practice sheets as I played around one day with leaf prints.
The leaves are Tansy, Yarrow, Queen Anne's Lace, and a few other bits from around the garden- all printed with textile paints.

I wasn't really happy with that result, so I added a faint monoprint over each using MX dyes with diamond shape bubble wrap on a piece of plexiglass. Better, but they still kicked around in the studio. Recently I was printing blocks for a quilt with a set of silk screens I made up. I decided to add just two prints, each in chocolate brown (MX dye.)
These two pieces seem to be complete at last...

Roses in Bloom

2010-08-27T02:08:00.005-04:00

When I need something to cheer me up, I usually need to look no farther than my own backyard.
When I visited the "David Austin Roses" booth at the Philadelphia Flower Show this spring I treated myself to two new roses.
This first soft pink beauty is an English Rose called "Eglantyne." It is named after Eglantyne Jebb, the woman who founded the 'Save The Children Fund.' The blooms are large and have a sweet Old Rose scent.
I almost didn't purchase the second rose here, "Carding Mill." In photos it looked quite orange but I was assured the blooms were apricot. 'Apricot' doesn't begin to describe the beautiful blend of pink, yellow and apricot that make up the color of this flower. And it has that wonderful Myhrr fragrance.

Back In The Studio

2010-08-26T09:00:00.005-04:00

Here I am working at my big drafting table in my studio. I'm printing a series of bird blocks for Baby Quilts I'm making in chocolate brown and pink.
Next I'm going to print the same set in teal and chocolate.

Intentions

2010-08-24T02:05:00.000-04:00

My brother passed away on August 5th.

There's a little post about him here:

http://jumpinmillville.blogspot.com/2010/08/remembrances.html

I had planned a vacation at the beginning of August, intending to update my blog when I returned.

I've taken lots of photos and I've gotten back to work in the studio, so I'll be following through and keeping my 'on-line journal' here up dated more often.

Baltimore Herb Festival 2010

2010-06-01T13:55:00.002-04:00

For us this is the official beginning of Summer. Leakin Park is filled with vendors offering plants for sale.

There are lots and lots of people and some great music.

Bluegrass Band Durham Station performed during the event.

And new to Leakin Park this year is the Hopi Labyrinth. This was added as part of three sacred sites that are now a permanent installation, along with the Sacred Magnolia Grove and the Navajo Ceremonial Circle.

I've been reading up on Walking The Labyrinth as a meditaion and this was my first opportunity to do just that. It was interesting to watch adults walking it, some carrying their newly purchased plants with them, then came the children- their only thought was to run through the maze as fast as they possibly could....

Philadelphia Flower Show

2010-03-17T01:01:00.000-04:00

On Friday we took the drive to the Philadelphia Convention Center to visit the Flower Show.

A very nice event (although it was very, very crowded) and just the thing to welcome Spring.

Details

2010-03-17T00:44:00.000-04:00

Glazed turquoise Buddha head statue, wooden reclining Buddha, brass statue in front of a luscious, inviting tent....

Artist's View

2010-03-17T00:13:00.000-04:00

A peacock made of flowers and feathers, the Artist's point of view... and one of the few things I will stand in line to see: the Bonsai Exhibit.

Main Displays

2010-03-16T23:58:00.000-04:00

This little 'crooked shed' was really fun.

And the big lobster made from flowers with red pepper claws.

Lots of the exhibits featured recyled elements- chairs made from bicycles, beer keg table, a black hose trellis.....

Flower Show Favorite

2010-03-16T23:44:00.000-04:00

My favorite of all the displays- the PNC Exhibit featuring recycled industrial bits and pieces, filled with plants and road signs, and joined with rusty metals.

Silk Screen Printing Class

2010-02-12T02:28:00.002-05:00

Here's the results of the first Silk Screen Printing Class I've held in the new studio- Deconstructed Silk Screen Printing. I had three students who printed on cotton fabrics using two different method- using objects collaged on the screen to create a resist, and drawing and painting directly onto the screen to create a resist.

This was a fun class and one I will be offering again in the Spring.

Finished Fabric Panels

2010-02-12T02:15:00.000-05:00

Here are a couple of shots of fabric panels after the excess dye has been rinsed out.

High Street

2009-12-10T01:40:00.002-05:00

One of the many cool things about having a studio on High Street in Millville- watching the holiday parade through a big picture window. The top photo is taken from our front window as vintage cars from the Motorsports Park go by.

Then a local school band followed by Miss Holly City. I haven't had much experience 'panning' with my camera. My focus ended up on a spectator across the street and Miss Holly City is just a bright blur.

Parade Night in Millville

2009-12-10T00:36:00.002-05:00

It was a cold night but no rain (for a change!!) At the top is Isabel in front of her brightly lit studio.
Along with local businesses and high school bands, the National Guard marched in the parade.
All the fire companies in the county were represented but my photos of the fire engines weren't that good.

A Beautiful Evening

2009-12-10T00:21:00.003-05:00

The top photo shows the Levoy Theatre and the very crowded street. Next is my favorite float in the whole parade, the "Nightmare Before Christmas." Jack Skellington and the Mayor were front and center waving to the crowd.

The last photo in this group was taken from across the street at the Levoy. It shows a balloon vendor passing in front of our studio in the Artist's Consortium and JB&ME.

Millville Holiday Parade

2009-12-10T00:06:00.003-05:00

The low lighting and constant movement was a challenge- I've never tried to take photos in this kind of situation before. But I kind of like the effect. This is the Millville Merchants Association float.. "My Art Dazzles."
And of course, Mr. & Mrs. Clause on a sparkling sleigh.

Third Friday

2009-11-21T23:07:00.002-05:00

Last night was our third 3rd Friday since we opened Jump In.

But it was the first 3rd Friday that it did not rain!!

The Artist's Consortium and Jump In Studio had a steady flow of people all evening. Sue and I had a great time meeting so many people. We enjoyed the opportunity to spend some time getting to know several of the talented artist's who display their work in the gallery.
It was such a hectic evening that I didn't take any photos once things got started. Just this one, and I got so many comments from folks admiring these beautiful violets from my BFF Barbara Carter. Thank You Barb! They're really lovely.

Autumn

2009-11-21T22:38:00.000-05:00

Things to do before it gets too cold.. Rusting fabric in the backyard.

Scarves in progress

2009-11-21T22:33:00.000-05:00

Here they are on the drying rack.

On the table during the first stage of the process- the initial printing.

Printing in the studio

2009-11-21T22:10:00.000-05:00

Screen set up using found objects.

Sybols screen ready to print.

Jackets & Scarves

2009-11-01T23:53:00.001-05:00

Offered for sale in the studio this month: Our Lady of Guadalupe Jackets; "Rune" pattern Scarves

The New Studio

2009-10-26T23:47:00.001-04:00

Things are settling down into a nice routine, at last. The new studio is open and what follows here are the 'Before & After' shots of the space.
We managed to create a multi-function Art Studio and Classroom, as well as a great display area for all of our Artwork.
We were open in time to be a part of the COAST Studio Tour and Third Friday in October.

Display Wall & Display Cabinets

2009-10-26T23:33:00.000-04:00

Entrance

2009-10-26T14:15:00.000-04:00

Display Area

2009-10-26T13:56:00.000-04:00

Lois"s Worktable

2009-10-26T13:48:00.001-04:00

Sue's Work Table

2009-10-26T13:33:00.000-04:00

Millville Festival

2009-09-14T22:57:00.002-04:00

Sunday was the Second Annual Downtown Millville Arts, Music & Antiques Festival.
We had just lovely weather and crowds of people came through all day. I had a wonderful spot right across from the plaza so I was treated to excellent live music all day long.
One of the highlights of the day was the "living statue" who made several appearances to the delight of everyone.
This photo of my booth at the festival shows sunlight coming through the back of one of my de-constructed screen prints, a green paisley sort of piece.

Autumn

2009-09-14T12:56:00.000-04:00

I guess I've finally wrapped my mind around it. It's here and I'm ready for it.
This is a view of misty rain falling on Lake Nummy on Saturday.
But today at last the bright sunshine has returned. I have a few good days left for working outdoors.
And now leaves to rake....

Back In The Garden

2009-08-28T13:21:00.000-04:00

By now my garden is usually dried up and overgrown with weeds. Not so this year, the dahlias are still blooming. The Butterfly traffic is constant, especially after the Milkweed bloomed.

How I Spent My Summer Vacation

2009-08-17T00:04:00.002-04:00

A spur-of-the-moment trip to Washington DC that included a Tour Of The White House!!
No photos though, because no cameras allowed.
I did take a few 'tourist view' shots while we walked around town.
We even got to sit in on the Senate in session. This is a shot of "Freedom" from inside the Senate building.

The weather was wonderful and we stayed at the Hyatt Regency, a short walk from everything!

National Museum Of The American Indian

2009-08-16T23:44:00.000-04:00

At last I got to visit this fascinating museum! The surrounding grounds have gardens and interesting statues and places to sit.

The building is a wonderful, sculptural space surrounded by a flowing pool and waterfalls.

Each floor is filled with amazing artifacts and exhibits that send the imagination spinning.
A child's dress with a doll and toy shield...

And a special unexpected treat: an exhibit of paintings by Fritz Scholder.

Washington DC Images

2009-08-16T23:05:00.000-04:00

Just walking around town with my camera....

Rust Dyed Fabric Swap

2009-07-15T20:24:00.000-04:00

This is the lovely piece of rusted silk fabric I received from Beth Wheeler in our Yahoo Group's summer swap. It is sooo yummy! The photo is taken indoors on my design wall, so the color and depth are much richer. This is calling out to me- it wants to be a handbag......
Here's a link to Beth's Blog:
http://www.threadsociety.blogspot.com/

Tote Bag Swap

2009-07-14T21:01:00.000-04:00

I just mailed these 2 totes to the swap mom in the clothpaperstudio yahoo group.
we're trading 2 for 2 so I'll get 2 totes back. These bags are BIG. They measure 20" x 20" with a strap long enough to go across and around your neck. I really like how they turned out.
Here's a link to the pattern I used:

http://sewbunnybum.blogspot.com/2008/11/bunnybums-version-of-market-tote.html

My Own Garden

2009-07-12T20:57:00.000-04:00

After spending a lovely day enjoying the gardens of the generous people who participated in the garden tour, it was nice to come home and enjoy my own garden.

I even had a few friends come by tonight for "a drink."

I'm Back!

2009-07-12T20:24:00.000-04:00

I have never been away from my blogs this long since I got started blogging. But I've been processing some big changes and things have settled a bit, so it is time I catch up.

At last summer has really arrived- it was in the 90's today, normal summer weather at last!

Today I went on the Annual Summer Garden Tour presented by The Little Gardens Club in Atlantic County, New Jersey.

Hydrangeas ruled this year, as they were all in perfect bloom in every garden we visited.
We saw some really lovely settings and got some great inpriration for our own gardens.

Riverfront Renaissance Center for the Arts

2009-04-18T23:57:00.000-04:00

This is the wonderful surpise that was waiting for me when I walked into the gallery on Third Friday for the opening of the Artist Made Books exhibit. My Garden Journal altered book had received a 'Best In Show' Ribbon!!

Welcome Spring!

2009-03-20T00:00:00.000-04:00

It is time to finish planting my seed trays and start turning over the garden beds ...ahhhhh

Garden Journal Altered Book

2009-03-09T21:04:00.000-04:00

This is the front cover of an altered book I've been finishing up this past week. It has been a fun project to celebrate the change of seasons. I used resin for the first time in a book, embedding pussy willow catkins in a frame.

The book is filled with my own digital photos taken in my garden. Mostly pictures of the many different birds and butterflies that live in, and visit the garden.

I tried a different way of putting this book together. I took out all the pages of the original book and then stitched my pages into the old cover and spine, also using text from the old book to add detail to my collaged images.

Rust Dyed Fabric Swap

2009-03-04T23:37:00.000-05:00

I received this beautiful fat quarter of fabric in a Yahoo Group Swap. It was rusted by Sue Cottle and came to me all the way from New Zealand!!
It is a silky, slinky poly fabric and this photo doesn't do it justice- it has deep, rich color. I took a quick shot of it outside in the wind just before the snow came.
I never even thought of rusting anything but cotton fabrics before joining the Rust Dyed Fabric Group.

Deconstructive Screen Printing

2009-02-28T22:32:00.000-05:00

This is my first attempt at printing using a 'breakdown printing' method. A very interesting technique, and one I plan to play around with alot more. This is a two yard piece on the clothesline before rinsing. It will change once the excess dye is washed out of it. Very fun to do!

Valentine Swaps

2009-02-12T23:49:00.000-05:00

These are the banners I received in the Mini Banner Swap from the members of the Yahoo group "in this house and garden."
Aren't they lovely? I had so much fun taking part in this. I know I'll want to do it again.
I wish I could've gotten a nice sunlit photo, but we had a very windy day here today. The flash washes out the colors.

Mini Valentine Banner Swap

2009-02-08T22:43:00.000-05:00

These are the mini banners I sent in for the swap. Collaged paper-fabric (a technique from Beryl Taylor's workshop) background, pc hearts and photos from vintage postards, and vintage lace all stitched onto my hand dyed red fabric.

Work In Progress

2009-02-07T16:42:00.000-05:00

Here's the beginnings of my mini banners for the Valentine Swap- adding eyelets, vintage lace and the glittered hearts.

Polymer Clay Hearts

2009-02-07T16:02:00.000-05:00

Here's my worktable with some hearts I'm making for a Valentine Swap for "In This House & Garden" Yahoo Group. I rubbed Martha Stewart's Garnet Red Glitter into the clay before baking. I LOVE Martha Stewart's Glitter!!

My Birthday Post . . . . . . . . (another reason why I love NJ)

2009-01-24T23:55:00.000-05:00

The bitter cold temperatures have given way to a bit of sun. We've had very little snow here so far this year. It has warmed up enough to melt the ice in the Delaware Bay but the shore is still covered with frozen waves. Ray and I took a late afternoon walk on the beach in the Villas today and I took these images. We only saw 2 seagulls. A lovely way to celebrate a winter birthday....

Combination of Techniques

2009-01-21T20:33:00.000-05:00

Here are two finished screen prints on rust dyed fabrics. I love the texture the rust marks add to the overall design and the warm golden color.

My Newest Projects

2009-01-18T20:26:00.000-05:00

I've spent alot of time recently screen printing on fabric.
The first picture shows my work table with some sketches and preliminary digital images.
The second picture shows the screen set up and ready to print. I'm using thickened procion dyes, rather than paint or ink. I don't want to change the hand of the fabric.
The final pictures are some of my results before washing the activator and excess dye out of the fabric. The colors lighten up just a bit.

Finished Product

2009-01-18T17:34:00.000-05:00

Here's the same rusted piece after being washed and pressed.
I used a large coffee can for this piece, it is larger than most of my rusted bits. Now coffee comes in plastic tubs (useful for other enterprises but what to rust with next????)

Rusting Fabric

2009-01-11T20:48:00.000-05:00

I've found that I am IN LOVE with rusted fabrics. They stand alone wonderfully in a project and are excellent beginning pieces to dye, paint, stamp or print on. Here you see a collections of rusted elements and the pieces in the rust dye bath. I like to wind cotton cording around my pieces. It increases the pattern on the fabric and yields yard and yards of rusted cording.
The last photo is a piece right out of the bath (in bright sunlight.) It will lighten a bit when it has been washed and pressed.

A New Year, A New Post.....

2009-01-01T18:42:00.000-05:00

Happy New Year!

I'm going to try to get caught up posting pictures I've been taking of all my projects these last couple of months.
These are some of the little polymer clay tiles I made while reading "Mixed Media Mosaics" by Laurie Mika. A wonderful book that got me looking at my collections of stamps and mica powders in a whole new way.

Outside Front Cover

2008-08-16T23:16:00.000-04:00

This is the front cover of my 'Garden Home' accordion book. It is covered with metallic foil and alcohol inks. The pages are bound together with ribbons tied through grommets attached to each page. The photos don't really show it, there are a variety of charms dangling from the ribbons between each set of pages.

Interior Pages

2008-08-16T23:11:00.000-04:00

The page on the left is the inside front cover. Two pockets each hold a tag, the first is labeled 'heart' and the second 'soul.' The tags have my favorite quotes about gardens. On the top of the right page is a marbled ribbon with the word 'treasure.'

In the second photo, the left hand page shows an angel. The word 'remember' is printed on a bit of ribbon just below her. The page on the right shows a photo, though aged and distressed, of my own garden. The word 'dream' appears at the top of the page.

Garden Home Back Cover

2008-08-16T22:24:00.000-04:00

The top phot shows the last two pages of the book.The page on the left says 'believe' at the bottom of a pocket holding three feathers.

The second photo shows detail from right page, the inside back cover. The word 'home' is stamped on a bit of ribbon over a piece of vintage lace.

The last photo is the outside back cover.

Frida Kahlo Altered Book

2008-07-29T00:00:00.000-04:00

This is the outside front cover and first page spread of my altered board book celebrating Frida Kahlo's 100th birthday.

It is made up mainly from pictures from the Philadelphia Museum of Art's monthly newsletter. There are also postcards, the brochure you got when visiting the exhibit, and in the pocket in the photo above 3 tickets from each of my trips through the exhibit. A chance to see these paintings "right in my own backyard....." I couldn't keep away.

Each flower's center holds the little metal buttons they clip on you when you visit the museum. I saved mine and collected extras from my various companions.

Altered Book

2008-07-28T23:50:00.000-04:00

Interior Pages

Altered Book

2008-07-28T23:41:00.000-04:00

Pocket details from back page & outside back cover.

Brand New Blog

2008-06-18T18:36:00.000-04:00

I've decided to begin a new blog just for posting pictures of my art work.

My other blog, ASTALU, will have more family photos and gardening bits.

The launch of my new blog will soon be followed by the launch of my new Esty Shop:

collagequeen@etsy.com