3/100

 

I had to do at least one print with Legos! My son is 35, and yet I still find Lego pieces in the craziest places. This one was a 4 x 6 inch sheet to build on. Not a great print - it certainly needs another layer. Not today. I wonder if I put a coat of clear gesso on the photo first if it would print better. Part of this whole process is to learn along with having fun while developing a habit. Gesso ahead...

2/100

 

A simple gelli print using a stencil for the background and a second addition of the ribbon vine. I am thinking that I don't like green when working with portraits. I used a damp towel to remove paint from his face, as the "wicked" look was not great. It is nice that the paint removes rather easily from the photo if caught before it dries. 

I purchased the ribbon years ago for a project. I've used it over and over again! Maybe a stencil needs to be cut! Sometimes the simple designs are the best.

100 Days / Yes - I will try to do my best

 I was on the fence about participating in this year's 100 Day Project. Then Beth asked. I figured if she was game, I was too.

My plan is to do a daily print of some type on an old photograph. I have tons of photos and a paint stash that is quickly drying up in the tubes and bottles. My only rules to myself is to try new things and publish even if I consider the print "a fail". 

I want to start with my sepia collection of unknown people. Of course my mother knew who this boy was right away! A cousin of hers.  

Multi steps... random gelli print background and a stencil cut from a tissue box for the second layer

Inktense

 I watched a clip recently where the artist used watercolors to create variegated color on white floss. My thought, not permanent.  I decided to use inktense blocks:

I used a second "coat" of color after the first layer was dry. The floss feels soft and I think it will stitch well. Quick and fun!

Library Play Day

 Once a month, friends get together to work on projects, talk (alot!), eat, and problem solve at our local library.  I worked on journal backgrounds and left feeling uplifted and filled with joy.

I don't normally work on so many at a time, but knew that drying time would be a constraint. It was a good day.

Jonah

 More stitching... These beads have been in my stash for ages. It felt good to use them all!

Lenten Lily

 Helleborus, also known as a Lenten Lily, caught my eye at Trader Joe's in Iowa City on Monday.  The colors! Are they not inspiration for a textile project?!?

Trash day

 An early morning walk to the road with the trash bin was quite lovely.

Jonah

 My process: As a collage artist, I begin my work with small blocks that may or may not be stitched and beaded. I enjoy putting the pieces together into a larger block and then do a baste to keep them in order. Usually, there is not a piece of fabric on the back, as that just adds another layer to stitch thru.

This piece is pinned and ready to start stitching. I keep the blocks small so they are easy to take with to stitch while visiting my husband.

February project: Jonah

 Work on this project began with creating some random stitched blocks. I've now weeded thru and removed the ones that just don't work with my theme and color palette. There are many ideas and components that I've pulled to be a part of the project - probably needs some more weeding. For now, I just want to begin designing, with a goal of finishing by the end of February. 

My basic palette is teal, brown, and grey:

Shards of glass. Yes - I do like breaking up bottles and jars to run thru my rock tumbler!

Shells! 

Lots of beads:

I dyed this tablecloth ages ago. Somehow it will fit into the design.

Little bits of lace and random messy stitching:

Couldn't help myself - more dyeing to be done!

This is the beginnings of an idea to include. Whale baleen created from a discarded leather jacket. My first thought was to stitch the pieces down, but it is just too thick - my hands hurt just thinking about pulling the needle. I woke up this morning with a new thought - couching. It was so obvious to me after a good night's rest!

And finally - I know I want to include yo-yo's from a coverlet my grandmother made back in the 70's.

Gelli Therapy

 The trip to the hospital for my husband turned into relocating him to a nursing home.  We knew it would happen eventually,  but i still wasn't ready. The past 2 weeks are somewhat of a blur, but I keep moving forward with my "new normal". 

 Yesterday I took the day off and headed to the library for time with friends. Played with making some gelli prints - always good therapy!

Life changes so fast

 My husband took a little ride this week. His body has been failing for some time. We are now looking at big life changes. I knew it would happen at some point, but the reality of a nursing home is still a shock. 

Back from the sea

 Our week in the Caribbean is coming to an end. It's been great to spend time with my son - and we even got along! Now back to reality. 

Bishops Palace

 I love old houses. The woodwork, high ceilings, and details that created a masterpiece.  We did a self guided tour and I was not disappointed. 

Galveston Art Center

 Found an Art Center in Galveston: