......I have a hard time sleeping. My sewing machine is set up, beads, material, sewing tools are all in order. I just have to decide on the color scheme which I will consider while I am falling off to sleep. This class is going to be great and I was pleasantly surprised to be with artists that I have worked with before. This is going to be so much fun.
I am going to sign off and read Larkins book. I can't wait until tomorrow.
Thursday, July 8, 2010
MY BIRTHDAY PRESENT TO MYSELF
Today I head off to Greenville to study with Larkin Van Horne. I am really excited because I haven't been to the Greenville Arms for quite some time. It is always nice to be with other like artists, sharing ideas and conversation. The food is always wonderful and the rooms are cozy. The studio is large and it is always filled with fun and laughter, and AIR-CONDITIONING. I will be taking pictures and will post them when I get back.
SPEAKING OF THE HEAT. I hope that everyone is doing well in this heat. I almost had air-conditioning in the studio but it was not to be. Oh, not that I didn't have the unit all ready to install but Jay was having quite the time with the one we bought for the bedroom and his patience grew quite thin. Between the heat, the terrible directions and Skippy and Buffy (the prior owners, don't ask!) I decided that it would be best to take both units back to Home Depot. Soooo...off the mountain I go to return the deadly units. The good thing was that I got to ride in cool comfort while I drove to and from the store.
On the way back I began to ponder my dilemma and before I knew it thoughts of being really wealthy so that we could hire a handyman to take care of these quite complicated tasks began to enter my very tired and hot brain. Next think I know, I am at the store buying $40.00 dollars worth of lottery tickets because we all know that the hope brought on by the possibility of winning is quite uplifting!!!!! (there has got to be a friggin' winning number in there somewhere). Finally I arrive home just in time to make dinner. Tacos! Easy and he likes them.
Just as I am about to sit down to the table Jay comes in with the book to the air-conditioner (it never made it back into the box) and he says in a very low voice "We needed to use plan B". You see, there were two ways to install the unit, plan A and plan B. Apparently it was plan A that caused us all the problems we were having. Who knew you had to turn the page to see if there was another way????? Then he says, without missing a beat..."Why did you bring back the AC for the studio?". "Are you kidding?" I said to him. "Between the heat, your frustration, my frustration because you were frustrated, Skippy and Buffy, (stop laughing Brian!), and the fact we were going through this for a total of four days of summer before it snows again, I figured that there was no way on this earth that you were going to bring a much bigger unit up a flight of stairs!" All of a sudden I realized that he looked terribly confused and I just started to laugh and laugh. Poor Jay. "It is all good." I say to him. But I have a question for all of you men who may be reading this. Why is it that you begin a project thinking it is going to go right the first time? It never does. Why? BECAUSE YOU NEVER READ THE DIRECTIONS UNTIL IT IS TOO LATE!!!! Women on the other hand, have been conditioned to think we don't know what we are doing so we take the next couple of days reading the booklet and then going on the internet to do the research needed in order to complete the project.
Oh well, it is all good. Besides, all was not lost, I came home with an extra fan for the studio! Happy birthday to Me!!!
SPEAKING OF THE HEAT. I hope that everyone is doing well in this heat. I almost had air-conditioning in the studio but it was not to be. Oh, not that I didn't have the unit all ready to install but Jay was having quite the time with the one we bought for the bedroom and his patience grew quite thin. Between the heat, the terrible directions and Skippy and Buffy (the prior owners, don't ask!) I decided that it would be best to take both units back to Home Depot. Soooo...off the mountain I go to return the deadly units. The good thing was that I got to ride in cool comfort while I drove to and from the store.
On the way back I began to ponder my dilemma and before I knew it thoughts of being really wealthy so that we could hire a handyman to take care of these quite complicated tasks began to enter my very tired and hot brain. Next think I know, I am at the store buying $40.00 dollars worth of lottery tickets because we all know that the hope brought on by the possibility of winning is quite uplifting!!!!! (there has got to be a friggin' winning number in there somewhere). Finally I arrive home just in time to make dinner. Tacos! Easy and he likes them.
Just as I am about to sit down to the table Jay comes in with the book to the air-conditioner (it never made it back into the box) and he says in a very low voice "We needed to use plan B". You see, there were two ways to install the unit, plan A and plan B. Apparently it was plan A that caused us all the problems we were having. Who knew you had to turn the page to see if there was another way????? Then he says, without missing a beat..."Why did you bring back the AC for the studio?". "Are you kidding?" I said to him. "Between the heat, your frustration, my frustration because you were frustrated, Skippy and Buffy, (stop laughing Brian!), and the fact we were going through this for a total of four days of summer before it snows again, I figured that there was no way on this earth that you were going to bring a much bigger unit up a flight of stairs!" All of a sudden I realized that he looked terribly confused and I just started to laugh and laugh. Poor Jay. "It is all good." I say to him. But I have a question for all of you men who may be reading this. Why is it that you begin a project thinking it is going to go right the first time? It never does. Why? BECAUSE YOU NEVER READ THE DIRECTIONS UNTIL IT IS TOO LATE!!!! Women on the other hand, have been conditioned to think we don't know what we are doing so we take the next couple of days reading the booklet and then going on the internet to do the research needed in order to complete the project.
Oh well, it is all good. Besides, all was not lost, I came home with an extra fan for the studio! Happy birthday to Me!!!
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
SUNNY'S SEWING LESSONS
I can't imagine that it has been over a month since my last post. That doesn't mean I haven't been busy in the studio because I have. It is just that time gets away from me with so many things to do. But the summer so far has been awesome and filled with friends and family to widdle away the hours with creative endeavours.
Sunny is here visiting and we have been out straight. She has helped me with so many projects and we have a ton left to do!!! She loves pocketbooks and so she did decopauge on one. It came out so good. Then she sewed on my sewing machine and did very well. We are going to do a skirt next. Oh my goodness, she will be leaving on Saturday for her next adventure and as she said...."Grandma, we are running out of time". The story of my life.
Well off to see the movies. We are going to see Eclipse.
Sunny is here visiting and we have been out straight. She has helped me with so many projects and we have a ton left to do!!! She loves pocketbooks and so she did decopauge on one. It came out so good. Then she sewed on my sewing machine and did very well. We are going to do a skirt next. Oh my goodness, she will be leaving on Saturday for her next adventure and as she said...."Grandma, we are running out of time". The story of my life.
Well off to see the movies. We are going to see Eclipse.
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
A MORAL DILEMMA
I have been asked to teach a landscape quilt class. At first it was exciting but when I went to her with the description of the class and the material list she stated that she didn't want any of these classes to cost her money. I was surprised to say the least because the materials were included in the cost of the class. Boy was I confused. I explained to her that I wanted to teach from a certain book that was a favorite and that the students were paying for it. This didn't seem to make a difference to her and she said that she got stuck with too many books for classes that never happened. She then asked me if I just couldn't copy from the book like other teachers had. I told her that I couldn't do that because of copy write infringement. She wasn't happy when I said that. On top of this issue, I was told by another teacher that she takes half of what the student is charged. I would think she would encourage classes which would help her sell kits, material, etc.
One thing is certain, I am not making copies and am now considering teaching a smaller class in my studio.
One thing is certain, I am not making copies and am now considering teaching a smaller class in my studio.
Monday, April 19, 2010
THE LONG ARM IS COMING! THE LONG ARM IS COMING!
I did it!!!! I bought a long arm quilt machine to add to my design business. It cost a bunch and I was having a heart attack all the way home. My plan is to pay it off by making it work for me. It is going to be fun.
The studio is rocking but I will admit the the surgery knocked me for a loop. Today was tough but I got up there and did some sewing. I am designing a dress and I have to say that I absolutely love it. Tomorrow I will work on the sleeves, then hem it and place some beads on it. It is really wonderful to have a room big enough for all of my toys and I am very grateful.
Once I get my ufo's finished I am going to begin to sew through my library. It should prove very interesting.
The studio is rocking but I will admit the the surgery knocked me for a loop. Today was tough but I got up there and did some sewing. I am designing a dress and I have to say that I absolutely love it. Tomorrow I will work on the sleeves, then hem it and place some beads on it. It is really wonderful to have a room big enough for all of my toys and I am very grateful.
Once I get my ufo's finished I am going to begin to sew through my library. It should prove very interesting.
Thursday, April 15, 2010
A STREAM OF THOUGHTS ABOUT LOVE, ART, GRANT
Today was a good day in the studio. I have several projects on the table. One is for a class I am teaching and the others are for art submissions or for family. I spent several hours working on designs. Some days I become so blocked but not today. My studio is filled with things that I love; pictures of my children and grandchildren help me to get past my blocks just by talking to them and whispering to them how much they are loved.
Tonight, I sat by our fire pit that we built by the stream that runs along the side of our house. I had such an overwhelming feeling of missing my sons and so I got up to get my phone which was in the house. When I turned it on Grant had called me and left me a message that he was thinking of me. No one can even imagine what that means to me.
Tomorrow I will design something that reminds me of him. It will be flowing and bright and gentle and strong. It will be warm and thoughtful just like he is.
Tonight, I sat by our fire pit that we built by the stream that runs along the side of our house. I had such an overwhelming feeling of missing my sons and so I got up to get my phone which was in the house. When I turned it on Grant had called me and left me a message that he was thinking of me. No one can even imagine what that means to me.
Tomorrow I will design something that reminds me of him. It will be flowing and bright and gentle and strong. It will be warm and thoughtful just like he is.
Thursday, March 25, 2010
A FRIEND AND HIS ART
I have a friend Charlie, who creates wonderful works of art in wood, metal, crystal and found objects. He has asked me to make a sign for him and I am working on it. It has been trial and error making this sign because it is made entirely in fabric. I plan to quilt it and once I figure out how to post pictures of my work on this blog I will show all of you. Oh, yes, the sign will be quilted as I take any opportunity to practice a skill.
The studio is doing well. It isn't quite finished yet but I am getting there in between the art I am creating. Tomorrow I am teaching a science class (don't ask) but I wish it were an art class. It will pull me out of the studio for a few hours which will be hard.
Oh, did I mention that I am purchasing a long arm quilting machine? I am not sure where I will put it but it will be somewhere in the studio. There has even been talk of turning the large garage into the studio; that would put the upstairs open for the guys to watch the races!!!!
In any case, I think I am going to ask my son Grant to help me with this blog and a web project I have in mind. He is wonderful at these things...and I am not just bragging. He really is good.
After the sign I will be working on some quilts I need to finish. Until the next time; I hope everyone is pursuing their dreams especially not that spring is here!
The studio is doing well. It isn't quite finished yet but I am getting there in between the art I am creating. Tomorrow I am teaching a science class (don't ask) but I wish it were an art class. It will pull me out of the studio for a few hours which will be hard.
Oh, did I mention that I am purchasing a long arm quilting machine? I am not sure where I will put it but it will be somewhere in the studio. There has even been talk of turning the large garage into the studio; that would put the upstairs open for the guys to watch the races!!!!
In any case, I think I am going to ask my son Grant to help me with this blog and a web project I have in mind. He is wonderful at these things...and I am not just bragging. He really is good.
After the sign I will be working on some quilts I need to finish. Until the next time; I hope everyone is pursuing their dreams especially not that spring is here!
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