Time to Heal

The other day while browsing the Hive (an online artist community) I saw a post for a free e course being given by one of my fave inspirational artists. http://willowing.ning.com/

The artist, Tam, is so amazing. I have watched so many of her vids on you tube just when I need a little inspiration. Her work is gorgeous and makes me so happy. When I saw she was offering a free course I had to take part! I signed up at her site and am waiting for my first assignment like a good little student. I had always wanted to take a course, but there just isn't enough money in the budget for things like that. I think a lot of people have that feeling. Tam is offering this course free out of the wonderful goodness of her heart! I wanted to spread the word and encourage people to go sign up on her site and take part in the free course or one of her paid courses if you can. She is such a lovely artist. Take the time today to enjoy art.

Wee Book!

I have made a wee book. I joined the one tiny thing book swap on craftster and managed to bind and make a wee book I'm very proud of. I can't share it yet as it isn't in its new home, but I can share a picture of its packaging!

Inside that little fun happy box is something I can't wait to send away! I know Kira will love it just as much as I loved making it. Giving away art makes me truly happy!

Charley Harper Embroidery

Charley Harper for Marianne
Originally uploaded by AlwaysInspired

I've finished another block for the Hoop Up and send swap on flickr. This was a side swap (someone not in my group). Marianne's theme was Charley Harper illustrations. After commenting on how much I hoped we got paired up we didn't so Marianne asked if I'd like to do a side swap. I said of course! I have had a Charley Harper coloring book here for ages that I've wanted to use to stitch. I choose this image because it is one of my faves and would go with the color theme Marianne was wanting. I used two different pieces of Amy Butler fabric to applique the leaves. I thought it was a nice touch and would go well with the piece Marianne had already done. It was fun and I hope she really likes it!

Tis the Season

It's that time again. Time to start planning holiday gifts! Time to stock pile fabric in hopes to get everyone's gifts done! In that pile is enough fabric to make lots of gifts. An entire quilt kit for my little sister (minus the backing fabric), red and white polka dots and stripes to make my Mother in law 8 place mats, peacock blue and green fabric to make my Aunt a Chinese coin quilt (minus backing), fabric to sash and boarder some embroidered quilt blocks for my Grandma (blocks not embroidered yet!), and lets not forget the shirt the Hubby wants embroidered (not in the pile). Yikes! So much to do so little time! I've also decided to do the trim the tree swap over on flickr. Make 3 ornaments and get 3 in return from secret partners. Just sounded like to much fun. Ornaments shouldn't take that long? Right? LOL

What can I say, I guess I like the pressure. Today I'm going to try to finish up adding boarders to my Mom's quilt (yes, I'm still working at that, don't ask.) and get some more pages in the wee book I'm making for Kira done.

So here is the goal of this post: WIP Sunday! Each Sunday from now until Christmas I'm going to document something I'm working on. Blogging keeps me motivated. No more side projects! Focus on the goal here people!

Art Journal Page 4/5

Art Journal Page 3/4
Originally uploaded by AlwaysInspired

Another 2 page layout in my art journal. I think it helped me feel some closure on the art festival I organized for the art center. I used a flier that I had made up for the event and gessoed it into my journal. After lots of hours of doodling I have a zentagle with the flier underneath. I used a bit of distress inks to give it an aged look, but it doesn't come through in the picture very well.The art fest was successful and my art journal entry makes me feel like it is over. For this year at least!

Fall is Here!

Tractor
Originally uploaded by AlwaysInspired

The art festival was a success. We raised a lot of money for the art center and had a lot of fun. A few minor hiccups, but that is to be expected. My Little Two Feathers doll sold for $95!
I'm working on a few projects. A tiny book for a swap, an embroidered block for the Hoop Up swap,a new art journal layout, and my Mom's quilt. I've started planning Christmas gifts as well. Ahhh, this time of year goes way to fast! Our new kitchen cabinets will be here the week of October 4th so we are also trying to get ready for that.
I thought I'd share a photo I took a week ago at my Uncle's farm I took the photo through the lens of my sunglasses and it gave it a really cool aged effect. Fall is here!

Oh Deery!

Deery for Rachel
Originally uploaded by AlwaysInspired

I finished another block for the Hoop up and send swap, over on flickr. This time it was for Rachel (Sweetteamom). Here theme was whimsy/forest. Digital Misfit designed and drew up this sweet little deer and I just had to stitch him up! I added fabric applique to the tree and flower centers. I used blanket stitch, backstitch, split stitch, seed stitch, stem stitch, and satin stitch. I think he turned out super cute!