Handbag commissioned by Cyndy

It has been quite busy in the studio lately!  I worked hard and long (and I mean really long!) to get a commission done. My friend, Cyndy Kempken, asked me to create a handbag for her with special pockets to meet her needs. The main challenges were using earthtones (not usually my thing) and working with upholstery fabric, rather than quilting weight cottons or silks. Cyndy also wanted me to do something “creative and arty” on the front. It was a tall order, but I finally finished it and delivered it to Cyndy yesterday.

Throughout the process, I shared the bag’s progress with Cyndy. I first did the pattern in some inexpensive cotton fabric. We made adjustments to it and then I started to create it in the final fabric. I found that I had difficulty with the fabric, but with the help of a walking foot, I was able to complete the bag. The front flap is decorated with a hand-painted cord I used to tie up a scarf I made. I knew I needed something to just dress up the bag a bit, and the colors in this cording were perfect for Cyndy’s bag. The strap, which you can’t see very well, is made from the strap of a handbag I purchased at Goodwill for $1! It was perfect, as Cyndy wanted an adjustable strap that would allow her more versatility. I couldn’t have created a more perfect strap if I tried!

Under the front flap of the handbag

Inside fo Cyndy's Bag

design is different than you’d expect. The flap does not go over the opening. Instead it goes over the front. On the flap, there is an iPhone pouch. You can barely see it, but it’s there on the front. Under the flap are two additional pockets. The top one is a zippered pocket for change. It has a gusset at the bottom to hold the weight and bulk of coins. Below that is an elasticized pocket for Cyndy’s keys. The fabric used for these pockets matches that of the interior of the bag.

And the inside has a different fabric with a magnetic snap closure. There are pockets meeting Cyndy’s specific needs. There is a pocket for her cosmetics, another for small jars (like liquid stevia), and finally, one for glasses.

I handed the bag to Cyndy yesterday. She was so excited to finally have it! As soon as I gave it to her, she put it on her shoulder and didn’t take it off! She was going to start using it immediately. I hope she loves it as much as she did yesterday!

More to come soon!

Once again, I am participating in the annual One World One Heart event. This is an international blog event that started back in 2007. It’s HUGE!

For some background on the event, I’m posting exactly what Lisa, the fabulous organizer of the event has to say:

WHAT IS ONE WORLD ONE HEART?

I created this event in 2007. The original idea behind this giveaway event was to bring bloggers together from around the world who may never ordinarily meet. It closes the gap of the blog community and enables us to interact, discover new and wonderful people, and in the process possibly win a prize or many prizes along the way. 2007 had roughly 85-90 participants and many connections were made because of it……friendships that are still going strong.
We had a strong showing the first year for sure, and then in 2008 we had just about tripled that number. In 2009 there were 911 participants, to say I was amazed is an understatement. 28 countries were represented in the 2009 event as well.
This is more than wanting to win something…….that is only the means…….in the end it’s about finding kindred spirits. Someone who may be fairly new to blogging, not sure how to navigate, find others and have others find them….Some are long time bloggers and in some cases well known in the blogging community. Whatever the case it brings all of them together. This is an INTERNATIONAL event that has and had participants from the US, Canada, France, Sweden, Germany, Finland, Malaysia, Brazil, The Netherlands, Australia, New Zealand, Scotland, Ireland, England,Wales, Slovenia and more. It transcends geographical location, socio economics, political affiliation, religious beliefs……it’s a coming together like the giant community we are on this planet. If only it took a simple giveaway to create PEACE everywhere, in the mean time here we give from our hearts. We are not solving the worlds problems nor are we curing anything nor are we changing the world. We are merely generating a closer community between humans through blogging. What more could I ask for, my little idea has surpassed my wildest dreams of what it could become.

WHAT IS FRAN GIVING AWAY THIS YEAR?

Now on to the good stuff: What am I going to give away this year? This year, there will be two gifts available. Both are art dolls I made.

Doll pin-cushion

The first: For an artists’ holiday exchange in 2008, I made these funky doll-pin cushions. They were well-received by the recipients and we all use ours all the time. So, when I was talking with my friend Angie about what I should give away, I remembered that I had one of the doll-pin-cushions that I hadn’t gifted to anyone! Well, that made my decision easy!

I’m giving away this lovely doll pin cushion. She is hand-made by me. The face is a face I painted myself and then scanned and printed onto fabric. I added the hair, beads, embroidery, and buttons by hand. She was truly a labor of love. I’ve enjoyed having her here in the studio, but she’s ready for a new home. Perhaps it will be your home!

Funky Doll

The second is another doll I made. Like the other, she is hand-made by me. I made a few of these and intended to sell them, but they remain here in the studio. So, this one is up for you to win! Like the funky doll pincushion, she is hand-made by me. The face is another face I painted and printed onto fabric. I also drew the main image in the center and printed it on fabric. Some people have told me it looks like a rubber stamped image, but it’s not! I drew this when Dave and I went on our first trip overseas. It’s the ironwork from our first hotel in Paris, France. After printing the image on fabric, I added color to the fabric. The additional fabric on this doll’s front is from Vintage Kimono Fabric. She is sewn my machine with some quilting, but the beading is all added by hand.  She, too, is ready for a new home!

THE FINE PRINT:

To enter the drawing, please post a comment on THIS POST on my blog (Facebook comments will not be accepted for entry). Your email is required, but will NOT be published! It will only come to me – I need a way to reach you if you win! I will accept comments until noon Eastern time on February 15, 2010. At that point, I will add up the comments and use a Random Number Generator to choose the winner. The winner will be posted by 5 pm Mountain Time on February 15, 2010.

For the past two years that I’ve participated, I’ve made several new friends online. We correspond regularly. I look forward to “meeting” you and to becoming a part of your world! I’ll be stopping by all the websites of those who stop by mine so we can all get to know each other! Take some time to look at the main OWOH site to participate and to meet some other bloggers who are participating.

Nature Inspired - by Tracie L. Huskamp

Nature Inspired: Mixed-Media Techniques for Gathering, Sketching, Painting, Journaling, and Assemblage arrived in my studio late last night from Tracie Lyn Huskamp of the Red Door Studio. I pre-ordered her book because, knowing Tracie, I knew the book would be fantastic. And, I was right! Tracie’s calming, soothing personality comes through in the book – through the photos and the text. I highly recommend this new book to anyone who is interested in mixed-media or painting nature.

Baptistry - Step 3 - adding in some more color

I also, as promised, am posting another picture of the Baptistry. I plan to work on it more today, but I haven’t gotten to it yet – exercising and laundry come first! More to come…

Classwork from Experimental Watercolor with Alex Shur

I took 3 classes this year. The first was Experimental Watercolor with Alex Shur. Alex has a very interesting approach to watercolor painting. Whereas most of the time when we’re doing watercolor we decide upon our shapes and our subject, Alex creates backgrounds on quarter-parent sheets of watercolor paper. After they dry, she looks for objects in the backgrounds. It’s a very intuitive way of working. I have to admit that it took a bit for me to be able to get into that mode of searching for shapes in clouds, but once I did, I found quite a few things in the backgrounds. I still have to finish some of them, adding in some details and some white gouache or china white watercolor, but I like where this is going. Some of the images are really small. Others are larger, like 1/8 of the parent sheet of paper. It was a good exercise to get me out of the comfort zone I’ve been in lately with determining my painting subject before starting. I think it will be an exercise I use going forward.

Classwork from The Land of Odds with Katie Kendrick

The second class I took was with Katie Kendrick. Katie is a giving and loving soul. I’ve taken classes with her in the past. I mostly took the class because it was a different subject (not a face-painting class) and I just needed a dose of Katie! We brought to class five or six paintings from an artist who inspires us and used those as jumping off points. For me, it was Chagall’s paintings. In particular, I was drawn to his paintings of couples who appear to be flying or floating. I also like that he has more than one subject in his paintings. He seems to have things that appear unrelated, but are related to each other in the painting. I often paint just one main subject and then go back and finish off the background. So, like Alex’s class, this one was a good stretch for me. It was forcing me to embrace a less-detailed method of painting.

Classwork from The Land of Odds with Katie Kendrick

My third and final class was with the fabulous Judy Wise. Judy has so much expertise to share and there is always something to be learned in her classes. Judy is dynamic and giving as an instructor and a person. Her art has always fascinated me and I have some of her prints up in my studio. She shared with us how to get a multi-layered encaustic (wax) painting while using collage and acrylic painting techniques under the beeswax layer.

Classwork from Captured in Wax with Judy Wise

One distinct thing about Judy’s encaustic work is the black halo that is around the artwork and she was willing to share that technique with us. It was a fun class. I haven’t done collage in a while, so again, this stretched me as I created the main figure for my painting. She is made up of collage elements and paint – a combination to make her all mine. I’m not sure yet if she’s done, but she’s certainly on her way!

After Art Unraveled, Joanne and I went to Sedona for four days. I’ll post about that next!

First, an update on the wrist. I’m weaning off of the wrist splint and doing some strengthening exercises. As I type this, I have no splint on. It makes typing MUCH easier! I am able to write better, draw again, and create. Cutting fabric is much easier without a splint in the middle of your hand!

Painted journal cover for Victoria

I did some sewing to keep myself sane during this whole thing. Nothing major. Just some fooling around with the machine. When we were in Boston in January, I spent some time with my friend’s daughter, Victoria. I showed Victoria, a budding young artist, my sketchbook. She was excited to learn about how I used it and so I offered to get one together for her. One of the projects I worked on was a journal cover for Victoria. I decided that since she’s still only 7, it might be nice for her to have a cover that can be used over again and the journal itself can be replaced. I found a 5″ x 7″ 140# Cold Press watercolor journal, and I made  a cover for it out of fabric that I had painted. With the wrist problems, it took a long time and I finally completed the journal cover yesterday! I’m happy with the results and will put it in the mail tomorrow. I hope Victoria likes it!

In the midst of the wrist issue, I had some other health issues. I’ve talked before about my chronic illness on this blog, but rarely about things that are not related to that. Well, these issues are not related to my chronic illness, but to just being a woman in my 40s. Women’s stuff. Basically, I am having a hysterectomy on March 18th. This is a decision I am completely comfortable with. For over a year, we have tried to manage my symptoms with medications and this is no longer working. It is time for a more permanent solution. Adding to this decision is that I am also part of a family that has a history of ovarian cancer, so while the surgeon is in there, I’m going to have her remove my ovaries. Better safe than sorry. The surgery is scheduled to be laparoscopic, assuming all looks good when the doctor gets in there. We’re hopeful that it will be an easy surgery.

Six weeks after the surgery, I expect to be “released” from my restrictions. A few days later, we are actually heading out to Europe. Dave has been asked to speak in Venice, Italy at a conference. Last year, wen we were in France for another conference, we talked about our wishes to go to Italy this year. Well, life is pretty amazing. and it’s like the Universe heard our wish and it was granted! We are going for two weeks, and, because it is so soon after my surgery, we’re planning a relaxing trip. We’re just going to focus on Norther Italy – Lake Como area, Venice, Florence, and Milan. We do expect to go back at some point in the next few years, so we’re saving Rome and Tuscany for that time. I know myself well enough to know that I would push myself in Rome. Florence will already be pushing it, since it is toward the end of our trip, but I won’t miss seeing the David statue and the Duomo.

So, since my surgery is a week away, I’ve been preparing for the trip. Dave and I spent time booking hotels, renting a car, scheduling flights, ordering my allergy translation card, updating our passports… All the things you need to do before a trip. Our itinerary is set, but leaves us some room for day trips and such. Now, I just need to learn some Italian phrases so I can get around, order food, and ask for a bathroom!

So there you have it, my update. I hope to have some drawings or other art to share with you soon.

Today, I went for my x-rays and then on Friday we leave for Boston. Yes, you read that right. This Southwest desert dweller is headed to Boston in late January during winter storm season! Only a few things could get me back East in the winter. and two of them are the reason Dave and I are braving this weather. We have close friends in Boston from years of living there. Dave’s best friend from medical school is having a Bat Mitzvah for his eldest daughter, Julie. That was the catalyst for getting us out there. Jeff and his wife, Kiran, have become great friends over the years. They have visited us here in Phoenix and we used to see them a few times a year when my in-laws still lived in Massachusetts. We don’t get out there as much to see Jeff, Kiran and their 3 fabulous children, and we could not miss this milestone on Julie’s life.

Another tradition when we go East is to see one of my dearest friends from college, Eric. Eric’s family includes his lovely wife, Leah and two adorable little girls. Eric’s oldest daughter, Victoria, has requested that I teach her how to draw portraits. It will be a challenge, as, on top of my wrist problems, Victoria is in first grade and we probably have about two hours with them. But I will gladly take up the challenge.

We’ll only be in Boston for a few days. We are scheduled to return on Sunday, weather allowing… Other than traveling from airport to car to hotel to house and synagogue back to hotel, we’ll be warm and toasty. I’m planning to have warm thoughts to keep myself warm – in addition, of course, to my old winter coat, scarf, and hat!

Monday I have my follow-up appointment with the hand surgeon. I suspect that he’ll keep me in the splint for another few weeks if it’s healing well. If not, well, I’m not willing to think about that option right now. After a few short days at home, we’re on the road again. We have our winter vacation scheduled and we’re headed to Cancun. I’m so excited to see the beach! That is the only thing I miss since we’ve been land-locked. But vacations are that much more special.

Don’t forget the One World One Heart giveaway! There is still time to enter.

OK! Offf to pack!

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Chihuly Exhibit Dec 2008

Yes, it’s been quite a while. Sorry about that. If anyone is still reading, here are a few fun photos from my visit to the Desert Botanical Garden. Angie and I went to the Chihuly installation and were agape at most of the art. It was a lovely morning. Perfect Phoenix winter – in the low 60s!

Chihuly's Beautiful Glass Balls at the Botanical Garden

Chihuly Sun in Boanical Garden

The glass was so incredibly inspiring! I cannot believe how he is able to manipulate such an awesome medium. The colors and shapes have really inspired me and I can’t wait to start drawing in my journal and painting!

Chihuly Blue Glass with Cactus

Blue Glass from Chihuly exhibit December 2008

If you’re planning to be in Phoenix between now and March, do take some time to attend the Chihuly installation. It will be well worth your time!

Chihuly Exhibit with Sun Reflections

Contentment - 4' x 4' abstract acrylic on canvas

Wow. It’s been a busy week, filled with creative endeavors. There is so much to share!

This first painting I worked on for several hours yesterday. It has been a work in progress for well over a year. It started as a grid-based painting, in which I added some garnet gel and some gesso for texture.  I painted each of the grid spots individually and then it sat. It was dark and brown and not exciting to me – though friends and family loved it. It sat there, literally for months at a time. Then, a few months back, I added heavy gel medium in random swirls and painted it with more of a reddish base. It sat again for months.

Yesterday, I was inspired to tackle it. I added some yellows and oranges and it was starting to come together, but I wasn’t sure. Then, in an attempt to better reach the edge, I turned the painting 90 degrees. Well, that did it. I was able to see this figure coming out of the painting. And this is what it turned into. It’s sort of turned into a Miro-Picasso-esque painting. It makes me happy to look at it. I think we’ll hang it today somewhere in the house.

Angie and Me

This week, I also went to the Desert Botanical Garden with Angie. We had a lovely time taking photos, enjoying the garden, and watching them set up the Chihuly exhibit. It is amazing how many pieces go into one piece of art. The one behind us in the photo to the right was not nearly finished when we got there, nor was it near done when we left! We will be going back in a few weeks to see the entire exhibit completed. We’re both so excited about that!

Our shadows in the morning sun

We walked around for over an hour and found a quiet spot to sit and paint. Angie was so focused on the cactus she was painting that she didn’t even notice that I was photographing her here. I love the concentration in her face when she draws!

Angie Drawing in the Gardens

I drew the knot in one of the trees above Angie. And, while I’m not exactly thrilled with the drawing, it did give me a starting off point for the painting below. It’s not quite finished yet, but I think it ill be a fun piece for Dave’s office. Most of what I’ve painted for him are dark paintings that have anatomical drawings as the base. This will be a good counterbalance to that one. Dave likes it because “it looks like a dinosaur” from the side. That’s what I love about abstract renderings!

Knot in Tree Trunk 16" x 20"

I also spent Wednesday evening with some very creative women at the West Valley Mixed Media group. We’re a new group, and this was the second meeting. Lots of people attended, and I think we’ve got some great new things to share with each other. It’s just good to meet others who are interested in mixed-media work.

Wednesday afternoon I met my friend Sharon for coffee. I donated a bunch of supplies that I no longer need to her pre-school. It felt great to be able to donate things to a great cause… not to mention the space it created in the studio. Of course, that meant some de-cluttering and some organizing, which was another creative pursuit this week.

This week Dave and I are attending a benefit for one of the free clinic programs his office sponsors. I have donated a tote to the silent auction. I’m hopeful that it will bring in some money for the cause. In the meantime, I’ll be doing more art here in the studio!

First, however, I am so excited to say that I have found a friend from college who lives here in the Phoenix area. Sharon is a friend who was a year behind me at college. We spent a lot of time together while we were there, but we drifted apart – as will happen in life. However, we reconnected and we’ve met for lunch. We have already planned a second meeting. I love friendships where you don’t miss a step, even with 20 years in-between! Sharon coming back into my life has been a blessing.

Untitled 1 - Abstract Acrylic on 300# Watercolor Paper

I’ve been working on several things. Among them is a set of paintings I did. I did a lot of drawing in my journal, trying to figure out what my next project would be. I didn’t want ot do an art journal page. I wanted to try to create something abstract. So, I just started to play with line and design.

Untitled 2 - Abstract Acrylic on 300# Watercolor Paper

These two paintings were originally done about 4″ tall x 8″ wide in my journal. They looked, to me, like two people intimately involved. It really started to look, to me, like an abstract depiction of my closeness to my husband. I drew several iterations of this and I ended up with two designs I wanted to paint. So,I took out some handmade 300# watercolor paper I’ve had for far too long and I started to create. I’m really happy with how this came out. Each one a long time, but they are so different from the rest of my work that I’m pleased.

New Handmade Journal

I have also been doing some drawing, journaling, and working on a project for a swap. I rarely participate in swaps, but this one was particularly fabulous. Some friends and I decided we wanted to do an Eight Days of Chanukah swap in repsonse to the 12 Days of Christmas swaps out there. So, I have been working on the gifts for that. It’s taking a long time, but I suspected they would and I am taking my time. The gifts will be shared the evening that everyone in the group opens my present. Until then, you’ll just have to wait! LOL

I’ve continued to draw and journal – so much so, that I am in need of a new journal. I created the journal to the left with some fabric I have had in my stash for a while. The book is filled with four signatures of 140# watercolor paper. It fits easily in my medium-sized purse.

I think that’s everything from here… I hope you are well and enjoying autumn!