destination unknown

My thoughts on report cards....

2012-01-29T08:00:00.000-05:00

I've never uploaded an animated gif before. Oh the things that you get accomplished while you are procrastinating.........

(note to self -- you have to copy image location and then paste into the upload image from the web button)(because I won't remember this next time)

ArtUnraveled

2012-01-28T12:05:00.004-05:00

I just realized that I didn't pick names for my ArtUnraveled giveaway. I had the Lovely Miss L pick the numbers -- she chose 1 and 4. That is Joanne and Natalea! There are some surprises coming to you both :)

This is a picture of what Joanne is teaching at AU -- Hello Dollies!

I heard from Linda -- the Organizer of the retreat. I got into all of my first choices. Yay! Some spots are filling up. Some of Deryn's classes are full so I might not be able to add a class when I get there. Yikes! and Congratulations, Deryn!

If you are thinking of going, consider Angie's class:
Up Close and Personal -- it's all about texture!

Five Faves Friday! Children's Animated Movies

2012-01-27T08:00:00.001-05:00

I LOVE children's movies. I can watch them over and over and over and over and over.

My five favourite children's movies:

1. Monsters Inc.

2. Toy Story (them all)

3. Wall e

4. Finding Nemo

5. Shrek

I also like The Little Mermaid a lot. But mostly I just like the soundtrack.....

Full Disclosure

2012-01-24T19:38:00.004-05:00

So, on Sunday, Mr. B and I went to Ikea. For breakfast, not to shop :) Usually, the breakfast is pretty good here, but the eggs were kind of runny -- not so good for scrambled. But for $4.19 (breakfast for 2!), who's complaining, right?
So, we had to walk through, right? We walked through the showroom parts -- and the whole time I was thinking "Wow, I love my home and I don't need anything else, hurray!". then we went downstairs to the open stock section. Bad idea. They had the CUTEST glassware with little pink or green (or turquoise) flowers on them. Ice cream would be SO LOVELY in the bowls. But I resisted. (and I can't even show them to you because they aren't even online yet). There is currently a lot of pink at Ikea -- it looked so pretty.

Then we walked past the baking section and I saw these:

Cookie cutters -- see the HEDGEHOG ??? and the SQUIRREL ?? and the snail? Too cute!

And a pastry mat too . It's silicone and kind of fun. You're not supposed to use metal cookie cutters on this one.... but we do have lots of plastic ones....

Our pastry mat disappeared when we moved.

So Mr. B -- who also needed a flower pot to repot the Aloe plant that he is bringing to work -- bought the cookie cutters and the pastry mat. He bought them. Not me. Him. Pay no attention to the fact that he has never used cookie cutters before. Or rolled out pastry. He's going to learn. Soon.
Money spent at Ikea: 16.99. His money.

Five Faves Friday! Movies

2012-01-20T08:14:00.005-05:00

It is so hard to narrow down the movies to five...

My five favorite movies:

1. High Fidelity

2. Pretty in Pink (or Sixteen Candles?)(I had to go with Duckie)

3. Dead Man (well, really anything with Johnny Depp)(Chocolat, Pirates of the Carribean, the 1st one?)

4. Amelie

5. Groundhog Day

Gross Point Blank likely should have been there too... and Toys. I love those Cusacks... I watched The Sure Thing a few weeks ago, wow, we have all grown up a bit, haven't we? I also really liked Inglorious Basterds and Little Miss Sunshine, Green Card, Edward Scissorhands and What about Bob.... oh, and also Unbreakable, 6th Sense and Fight Club. I can't really narrow this down to five.... I should have categorized this list!

Eclectic, aren't I?

What are your favourite movies? Why?
(And don't forget my giveaway!)

Go

2012-01-19T08:00:00.000-05:00

another day, another card...

I sent this card to my mom and dad. Because this year, we're going to GO!

divine

2012-01-18T08:00:00.000-05:00

Another pretty 2012 card!

2012 has been divine so far ... how is your year going so far?

Art Unraveled 2012

2012-01-17T08:00:00.001-05:00

It's that time of year again! Time to pick my classes for Art Unraveled, which happens at the beginning of August in Phoenix (yes, it is hot there, but the only time I actually leave the hotel is to go to the patio during happy hour :) (and a brief trip or two to Trader Joe's)

And I can't wait to see these super fabulous friends of mine (and to eat Greek Fries!)

and to see Adena, Fran, Angie, Tracey, Lorri, Don, Susan... and Michael :) Can't believe that it's still 7 months away, LOL.

This is my lineup for 2012, assuming that I get into all of the classes....

Tuesday - 10 Objects 10 Ways -- a drawing and watercolour class with Jane LaFazio
Wednesday -- Flower Power -- torch enameling with Melissa Manley
Wednesday Night -- Romantic Buckle with Ruth Rae
Friday -- A Cut Above -- Lino cutting with Pam Carriker
Sunday Evening - Coffee, Tea and Onion Skins -- Dying with Lorri Scott
Monday -- Bench Scraps -- jewelry with Richard Salley

I seriously have been considering Deryn Mentock's Alchemy of Objects... if the class doesn't sell out (it might) I might add it when I get there...

I am also considering Joanne Thieme Huffman's Hello Dollies -- I'm not sure if I want to take an evening class the night before I leave... because I have a very large road trip planned with Mr. B right when I get home!

ANYWAY, in the tradition of past years, I have participated in the 4x4 technique chunky book. I had to make 28, 4x4 pages showcasing a technique that I learned at ArtUnraveled. I decided to make some gelatin monoprints which I learned from Jane Lafazio -- you could take her class this year!
I made a few extra -- so I'd like to give 2 away.

Please tell me (in the comments area) What class would you take at ArtUnraveled? Why? I'll pick 2 random winners on January 22. I really should have done this before I sent in my registration.....

Love -- a fabric collage

2012-01-16T08:00:00.001-05:00

Finally, I'm listing some work on etsy .

I made this quiltie last year, but couldn't part with it :)

It is an 8 "x8" fabric collage. the background is vintage cotton and silk and it is embellished with vintage and new fabrics, lace and felt and some vintage buttons. It is hand embroidered and hand quilted. It would be lovely framed or applied to the front of a purse.
You can see the listing here.

The Library Rocks!

2012-01-15T15:00:00.000-05:00

I have always visited the library often -- but 2012 will be the big year of the library for me (with the no shopping and all). The Toronto Public Library rocks! I love "ordering" books on my computer, and then they arrive at my library a few days later. And I can borrow ebooks for my Kobo! I worry about the libraries closing -- it is in the news all the time here.
Please, everyone, Support your local library!

Here's what I got this week!

Some inspiring reading and eye candy:

(my favourite of the 3 is Jenny Doh's Creative Pilgrimage book -- oh, please let me be able to to to the Squam retreat some day! )

And a few to read on the subway:

For those of you who have asked how the frugal year is going.... I haven't bought anything! Well, 1 lunch at McDonalds , a box of cookies for my class (they were super-good this week) and some stamps at the post office. That's not shopping. BUT... I have dreamed about shopping (seriously, what's with that? It's like a nightmare -- because in my dreams I know that I'm not allowed to buy things and I'm trying to sneakily buy them and hide them :)

In real life I am coveting this ipad cover (bookbook) and this iphone cover (also bookbook) I have been on the waiting list for my new iphone for months! It will arrive THIS WEEK ! .... (hey, that's not a purchase for this year.... it was ordered waaaay last year... )

I think that I can get away with the iphone case as a necessity... but not the ipad case... I do already have one :) And with the iphone case -- I'm hoping to be able to barter one... or wait for someone to give me one as a gift.... Valentines day is coming (okay, maybe too spendy for Valentines day) and Mother's Day is coming (again, too spendy)...

Five Faves Friday - My "Go To" Art Books

2012-01-13T20:00:00.001-05:00

I have so many art/craft books! I read them over and over and over. It was really hard to limit this list to just 5, so I am am listing the ones that I keep beside my bed -- the ones that influence me every day. I think that they really give an insight into the art that I am drawn to make -- stitching on fabric and paper, adding some paint and printmaking techniques, scrappy layers, and my big love for making jewelry.....

1. painted pages by sarah ahearn bellemare (look inside at the link)

2. cut it, paste it, sew it by Chisa Itou (look inside at the link)

3. Jewelry Lab by Melissa Manley (look inside at the link)

4. Layered, Tattered & Stitched by Ruth Rae (look inside at the link)

5. Scrapbook Workshop by May Flaum (look inside at the link)

(the links are to Amazon.com -- because the US site has more "look inside" features -- but if you are in Canada, buy them from an independent retailer, or Chapters.ca.... or amazon.ca -- preferably in that order :)

I also look at the Art of Personal Imagery by Corey Moortgat often, and Printmaking and Mixed Media by Dorit Elisha.

What are your favourites? Why?

Winter morning

2012-01-09T08:00:00.000-05:00

Today I'm back to school after a two week break. I'll miss curling up in bed in the morning with my tea, my ipad and my little dog....

Welcome, winter!

2012-01-08T17:24:00.002-05:00

This weekend I (finally) wasn't sick any more. I've been a bit under the weather. For pretty much my whole school break! But Saturday was a beautiful day, so Mr. B and I walked to the beach. It was much colder there than at home (I live maybe a mile from the water?). I brought some cards that I made on Saturday morning so I could have a little photo shoot.

But first I shot my toes in the water. Normally there is ice out for a few hundred feet, but it's been so mild this season! If I closed my eyes, I could hear the waves lapping the shoreline... just like in the summer :)

Welcome, 2012! Welcome, winter! There was a little pile of ice, so I shot my cards there. I'll post more throughout the week.

Five Faves Friday - Favourite Decor Books of 2011

2012-01-06T08:00:00.002-05:00

This list was hard to narrow down!
My five Favourite Decor / Design / Style Books of 2011

1. Nomad ... & Etcetera (Sibella Court)
2. Dottie Angel (Tif Fussell)
3. Decorate (Holly Becker)
4. A Perfectly Kept House is the Sign of a Misspent Life (Mary Randolph Carter)
5. Creative Walls (Geraldine James)
6. Pale & Interesting (Atlanta Bartlett)

okay, I can't count :)

Andy's pajamas

2012-01-02T08:00:00.000-05:00

Andy patiently awaits breakfast in his super cute pajamas ...(he loves them)(really -- he is the best dog ever for dressing up -- he pushes his head through when you ask him, and lifts up his paws to put them into the sleeves).

A year of living frugally

2012-01-01T08:00:00.004-05:00

(frugal - 4x6 -- made from stuff that was already on my desk)

I am challenging myself in 2012 to a year without retail -- in-store or online shopping. This is not something I'm undertaking lightly. I am very serious and committed to this. Why? Because I feel that I'm buying things that I don't truly need. Last year (2010) I read Annie Leonard's book "The Story of STuff: How Our Obsession with Stuff is Trashing the Planet, Our Communities, and Our Health -- and a Vision for Change". Read it or read about it if you like. don't worry -- I'm not going to try to brainwash anyone into joining me. This is my journey, not yours :)

I am going to (try to) buy only consumable items for the whole year. Consumables include toiletries -- I might need to buy some antiperspirant sometime during the year and I don't want anyone else to have to suffer through my challenge :).

My exceptions will be books if they are gifts or for my classroom -- I live a few blocks from the library and really should be using it more than I do-- and anything that I already have that breaks and needs to be replaced (like my washing machine that currently needs replacing) (and something like a toner cartridge for my printer -- printing report cards and newsletters, etc. is part of my job).

I think that I'll allow myself exceptions at thrift shops and yard sales... (and I get to use up the gift cards that I currently have -- those were GIFTS to me-- and I have one for the Workroom and to Deserres to use when I really need an art fix :)

I have enough art supplies to get me through the year (okay, to get me through a lifetime). Enough paper, tape and staples...

I have enough clothes. And plenty of fabric if I run out.... I even have enough thread...

I certainly have enough stuff... too much stuff....

So, if you are getting a gift from me, or a trade in 2012, it will either be thrifted or handmade using materials that I already have. Or it will be edible -- I promise that I won't use any thrifted ingredients to make food, lol.

Anyone care to join me in this challenge? I am going to list every single purchase that I have made and then publish it at the end of each month (Mr. B buys the groceries, so I should be able to "balance" my wallet).

The part that I anticipate as difficult will be the online shopping, and the book buying. And the magazine buying. Wish me luck!!

(my word of the year this year is "frugal" -- and it's not even a pretty word, like meander was in 2009, remarkable in 2010 and content in 2011)

starting balance in my wallet:
$100

Happy New Year!

2012-01-01T00:01:00.000-05:00

Source: brentfosterphotography.com via Martha on Pinterest

What are you doing New Year's Eve?

2011-12-31T10:26:00.001-05:00

I will be spending a quiet evening with friends.....

Five Faves Friday! Favourite Fiction Books of 2011

2011-12-30T08:38:00.000-05:00

My favourite fiction books that I read this year (not necessarily published this year)

1. Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern
2. Come, Thou Tortoise (Jessica Grant)
3. Room (Emma Donoghue)
4. The Red Queen (Philippa Gregory)
5. Never Look Away (Linwood Barclay)

13 Days of Christmas - Day 9,10,11,12,13

2011-12-28T12:10:00.005-05:00

oops... I kind of dropped the ball on the 13 Days of Christmas! I was too too busy with school and preparations at home. I didn't even get my tree decorated for Christmas! That's okay, because my mom had a beautiful tree and I was able to spend 4 days looking at it!

Back to the 13 Days...
(Most of the unwrapped images were taken from Leslie Brier's blog -- because I forgot all of the gifts and my camera at school for the holidays... )

Day 9 was Hope

Hope made these beautiful pins --she is so talented at painting faces... my pin is actually a bit darker grey/ blue and goes with my grey sweaters perfectly!

Day 10 was Terrie. The clasp on the bag is a vintage candle clip for a Christmas tree!

Inside was a pretty ornament -- vintage sheet music wrapped around a wooden spool -- it has the perfect amount of glitter on it, and looks fantastic on my little tree! (I have a twig tree up that carries all of my 13 days ornaments from this year and years past)

Day 11 was Linda Morgan

Linda made beautiful assemblage dolls --= the arms and legs are vintage doll parts uneartherd (literally) in Germany.
Day 12 was Terry

-- she made us these super cute birds -- I love the eyelash detail and the plumage :)

Day 13 was Pat Winter

Pat made us each a pin -- it is very romantic and filled with lavender so it smells so pretty!

So many of us made ornaments this year! Our instructions simply said to make a gift for each person in the group. I'm glad that some people made pins though -- I can wear them all year round :)

Next up with this group is a Valentine Charm swap (not a 12 Days or 14 days -- just a simple swap)... I'm off now to start sketching charms !

13 Days of Christmas - Day 8

2011-12-12T20:07:00.002-05:00

Day 8 was from Corinne

This garland is BEAUTIFUL! The photo doesn't do it justice at all. I have this hung in my kitchen doorway now. It looks fabulous!

Thank you, Corinne!

13 Days of Christmas - Day 7

2011-12-12T11:14:00.000-05:00

Day 7 is Vivian!
Viv is fabulous at making very detailed little bundles of whimsy!
This is the group of them (photo from Viv's blog)

13) Days of Christmas - Day 6

2011-12-11T08:00:00.000-05:00

Day 6 is me!

This is my gift all wrapped up. I recycled a bird seed sack and cut it into small pieces, sewed them into small pouches and then stamped a 6 on each one. then I punched some holes in then and tied them up with yarn. I love white and red. So pretty......

I made some decoupaged glass ornaments. First I made collages and then I decoupaged them on to the backs of glass hearts.

Then I collaged the backs. SO one side is under glass and one side isn't.

I'm sure that everyone expected a stitched ornament (or gift) from me this year. I hope that I didn't disappoint anyone! I really wanted to try these :)

13 Days of Christmas - Day 3,4,5

2011-12-10T08:00:00.000-05:00

Oops -- I went awol for a few days -- I even missed Five Faves Friday! (it will return next Friday)

Day 3

Day 3 is Elizabeth. Elizabeth was our lovely hostess. I give many thanks to any American host of a swap that has me in it. Not because I'm difficult, lol, but because they have to do extra work to get my package back to Canada. THANKS for having me, Elizabeth!

Elizabeth made us pretty hanging fabric cones. She sun-printed the fabric herself. It is so pretty and this photo really doesn't do it justice :)

Day 4

Day 4 was Leslie.
She made these super cute little snowmen and trees in a basket. They are so fun in the tree!
Here is a shot of them from Leslie's blog -- I love them all grouped together!

Day 5

On the fifth day of Christmas Patti and Elizabeth were channeling each other :) Patti made ths sweet vintage cone. It was nicely wrapped in a piece of muslin (all ready for me to use when I make some fabric tags for Christmas gifts)

13 Days of Christmas - Day 2

2011-12-07T00:14:00.003-05:00

Day 2 was from Mary Zimany!

I love Mary's packaging. I'm not sure if she put the bags through a printer, or not. I'll report back on that :)

Again, some hard-to-photograph glass...
This is very 3D inside a watchmakers case. It is so pretty. I'm going to have THE BEST tree this year!!

13 Days of Christmas!! Day 1!

2011-12-06T21:00:00.000-05:00

Our 13 Days of Christmas started of a bit later than intended (we were supposed to start opening on December 1), because Canada Post decided not to be super speedy :) But the gifties are finally here safe and sound! Let the rumpus begin!

These are all of the wrapped gifts:

I've decided to open Day 1, 2, 3 and 4 all at school this week to make it easier to photograph. Won't all of my teacher friends be jealous?

Day 1 is from the WONDERFUL Barbara Burkhard!

Here it is all wrapped in black and white splendor...

And inside was this beautiful delicate ornament! So difficult to photograph, but I didn't do a bad job, I don't think. It is a clear glass ball with a transparency inside. I've seen tutorials of these around blogland lately -- and I think that barb did a fabulous job!!!

The ornament was nestled inside of this pretty winter cuff.

Barb has set the bar high for the rest of us to follow!!!
Thanks Barb :)

Another simple card

2011-12-05T08:00:00.000-05:00

This is one of my favourite cards. I love the simplicity. And the pine cone stamp is fabulous, isn't it?

Holiday cards 2011!

2011-12-04T18:20:00.003-05:00

I've been making cards! (not that I've had much time with all of these craft shows to visit :)

I like the simplicity of these... and of course, using up fabric bits is high on my priority list...

But I love playing with washi tape too!

Five Faves Friday! Salty Snacks

2011-12-02T08:04:00.000-05:00

I love salty snacks. Problem is, sometimes I eat a whole meal while I'm snacking.

My favourite salty snacks!
1. Cheese and crackers (Triscuits or Wheat Thins)
2. Plain ripple chips
3. Nuts and Bolts (Bits and Bites)
4. Nuts -- Peanuts, almonds, pistachios....
5. Olives

Wychwood Barns Holiday Art Market

2011-11-29T08:00:00.001-05:00

December 4th & 11th, 2011
Barns Holiday Art Market (at Artscape)
Artscape Wychwood Barns, 601 Christie Street , Toronto
12-5

OOAK - Stacy Cameron

2011-11-27T08:00:00.000-05:00

Another one of my favourite OOAK artists is Stacy Cameron. Stacy makes BEAUTIFUL jewelry from silver and copper. I have many of her pieces! She's in booth O-06. She'll be filling up her etsy shop after the show, so be sure to check it out in December.

OOAK Danielle Hession

2011-11-26T15:55:00.004-05:00

If you are in Toronto, don't forget to go to the One of a Kind show this week! It's on until December 4. (10am-9pm Mon-Sat. Closes at 6 on Sunday)

Please stop in and see Danielle Hession. She's in booth K 53. This is the first year that she's done this show, but I've purchased work from her in many sales all over the city! She has so many beautiful collages this year... it will be hard for me to choose only one when I go back today!

CBC Charity Craft Show

2011-11-26T08:00:00.001-05:00

(card by okku designs)

Wednesday November 30th, 2011
CBC Charity Craft Sale
Canadian Broadcasting Centre, 250 Front Street West, 8:30am-5:30pm
(click here for a list of vendors)

I'll be running there right after school to check out Fumiko Maehara's fabulous pottery. Her work is my fave and I own many pieces :)

Speakeasy Sale at the Gladstone

2011-11-26T07:00:00.000-05:00

Thursday December 1st, 2011
SpeakEasy's Annual Holiday Sale
The Gladstone Hotel, 1214 Queen West, 7pm-11pm
(Toronto)

Five Faves Friday! TV shows

2011-11-25T08:00:00.000-05:00

If it's Thursday night at 10 pm, you'll find me curled up on the sofa watching The Mentalist

My Five Favourite (current) TV Shows:

1. The Mentalist

2. Criminal Minds (I heart Matthew Gray Gubler :)

3. House

4. The Big Bang Theory (Mr B says that I remind him of Amy Farrah Fowler - my personality -- is this a compliment????)

5. CSI (Although I'm losing interest this season) (I miss Grissom so much)

It's all about the Hospital and Crime shows :) And BBT is just odd. I like odd.

I'd add Greys Anatomy, but I'm losing interest in it this season....
I'd likely enjoy Mad Men -- I hear that it's good-- but I've never watched it.
I think that I like Grimm -- but I've only seen 2 episodes.

Craftiness in Downtown Toronto

2011-11-24T08:00:00.000-05:00

Craft Fairs coming to a (Toronto) neighbourhood near you!

2011-11-23T08:00:00.001-05:00

Coming up This week in LeslieVille:

Thurs. November 24th, 6pm to 10pm:
Leslieville Wanderlust, an evening neighbourhood shop-hop & holiday kick-off along Queen East from Logan to Greenwood (think discounts, gratis treats, prizes & East-End good cheer)

Sat. November 26th, 11am to 5pm:
Crafternoon Tea, an annual holiday crafty/fashion market & charity tea party (25+ indie vendors of handmade gifts & wearables, plus a fundraising English-style tea to benefit Red Door Shelter).Held at Nathalie-Roze & Co. 1015 Queen Street East (on the south side, at Pape)

Christmas Book

2011-11-22T20:51:00.004-05:00

I joined an exchange this year (with the Canadian Chickies) that was a book exchange. We were supposed to create or alter a book and make it Christmassy for the recipient to use as a journal, scrapbook, etc.

I decided to do a "Remains of the Day" Style journal.

I chose a rose coloured fabric as a base, with a green contrast. The ruffle of silk on the ribbon is my favourite embellishment.

Then I made 2 signatures of pages and stitched them in.

I hope that Heather likes it! Thanks for organizing us Dawn!

This last shot is the Ghost of Christmas Present(s)" AKA the reflection of Martha in the window :) . I took it while I was shooting the above photos. That's my school yard in the back ground. AKA the school with no balls. Sigh.....

Five Faves Friday! Favourite Hot drinks

2011-11-18T23:08:00.001-05:00

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Five Faves Friday! Hot Drinks

2011-11-18T08:30:00.000-05:00

It is hard to come up with 5 of these, because my #1 by far is tea.

My five favourite hot drinks:

1. Earl Grey tea
2. Chai tea
3. Chai latte
4. Peppermint Hot Chocolate (the Williams Sonoma super duper spendy kind)
5.French Vanilla Cappucino

One of a Kind Show

2011-11-14T08:00:00.000-05:00

Many of you know that for many years (10!) I did the One of the Kind Show. I don't mean that I shopped it -- I had a booth there. It's not just a teeny weekend craft show where you have you stuff on a flimsy table. You have a whole booth - a mini shop -- for 11 days. It's a ton of work -- but very worth it. So many people ask me why I don't still do it. I don't have time to make enough stock to last one day, let alone 11 days! I've also completely changed my style, so I would have to be re-juried in. I would love to go back and do it someday though. I go for a few days ever year to see what's there, buy some food and visit my friends. You might see me sitting in booths helping out too.

This year Toronto's One of a Kind Christmas Show will be held from Nov 24-December 4. It's held at the Direct Energy Centre at the CNE grounds (that's the huge building just inside the Princes Gate)

Show Hours:

Weekdays 10am-9pm
Saturdays 10am-9pm
Sundays 10am-6pm

OPEN LATE
Thurs Dec 1 10am-11pm

There are 800 Artisans there. If you have never gone, be prepared to walk, and walk and walk. The show is huge.

Over the next few weeks I will showcase some of my favourite artisans. Much of what they make isn't available online -- so you need to come down and have a look!

Check out the One of a Kind Show Website for more information, and to purchase discounted tickets.

Five Faves Fridays! Colours

2011-11-11T08:00:00.001-05:00

I'm going to have a new feature on my blog -- Five Faves Fridays. You can play along on your blog too, or leave me a comment about your favourite things.

First Up -- My five favourite colours. You might think that it is silly to have 5 favourite colours. Doesn't that almost encompass them all? Well... no...

My favourite colours change and evolve. The following colours reflect what I am wearing , and the colours that I love to have in my home.

These are my current five favourite colours:

1. Grey -- I love all greys. I wear them and want to surround myself in greys.

2. Chartreuse. I am a picky green lover. I love the yellowy green of chartreuse. And isn't the name wonderful? I wear it in the summer, and use it as an accent in my home.

3. Brown. I love a deep, rich, chocolate brown to wear and to decorate with. It's going "out" of style a bit, but right now, I'm still loving it.

4. Black. I wear lots of black, and use it as an accent in my home.

5. Whites and naturals -- I love these for my home -- I have a very neutral palette, but I don't wear many whites.

What is your favourite colour? Are your favorites for the home the same as what you wear?

Fall/ Winter Craft Fair Roundup (Toronto)

2011-11-07T08:00:00.000-05:00

( Needle Felted Fox by Lesley Anne Green who will be at The One of a Kind Show)

I love going to craft fairs. I like to see what is new, and who the up-and-coming artisans are.

I'm going to showcase as many as I can find in the Toronto area. If you know of any, please leave a comment, or email me!

I'll try to list them a week ahead of time and then a reminder a few days before they happen.

Here are the ones that I have so far (I'll tell you far more about them individually when their dates get closer). Put them on your calendar -- and let me know of any -- no matter how small :)

November 24-Dec 4 -- One of a Kind Show, Toronto (CNE)

November 25-January 1 -- Niagara Holiday Market (Niagara Falls)

December 10 - o'born Holiday Multiples Fair , Toronto (west)

December 10+11 -- City of Craft, Toronto (west)

December 11 -- Bazaar of the Bizarre , Toronto(west) (at the same venue/ time as City of Craft? I don't know how this works?)

(Plants You Can't Kill by Shannon Gerrard who will be at City of Craft)

I know that there will likely be some holiday show& sales in the Annex, at the Gladstone, some in the Beach, but I can't find dates yet. What's with that? I'm already playing my holiday music :)

(Pillow by Shannon Adolph who will be at The One of a Kind Show)

If you're itching to shop before any of these happen check out some of the great shows in the city that carry independent artists! (again -- please let me know of the many, many that I have missed -- I'm a west end girl :)

Wise Daughters Craft Market (west -- in the junction)
Fresh Collective (west -- roncesvalles, Queen, and kensington)

And don't forget to check out Toronto Craft Alert for all things crafty (a great resource for shops, supplies, classes, etc)

Chagall at the AGO

2011-11-06T19:00:00.001-05:00

I spent part of this gorgeous autumn day at The Ontario Gallery of Art seeing the "Chagall and the Russian Avant-Garde" Exhibition.

My favourite period of Chagall was his "circus" period. I was able to see many of these in Paris many years ago. Still, some of my favourites were displayed here in Toronto:

(Double Portrait With Wine Glass)

(Blue Circus)

(The Dance)

I am a member of the AGO. Mr. B said that this was his favourite exhibition yet at the AGO... I'm not so sure.... Would it have been worth the $25 admission charge? Well.... it sure is more economical than flying to France to see them...... I'll likely go again to see my favourites again before they leave in January.....

We walked home, strolling along my favourite strip -- Queen Street West. I am so lucky to be able to live exactly where I want to live -- within walking distance of downtown. I love it! And I'm so lucky that Mr. B is a walker too :)

Happy Halloween!

2011-10-31T20:39:00.002-04:00

I'm kind of doing a cross post of what's on my teaching blog.

But I HAD to show you the cool pumpkins that my class made today!

Look at the emotion!

see the rest here!

Poppytalk

2011-10-30T08:00:00.001-04:00

Poppytalk is another design blog that I follow.

They too have put out a "lookbook" called Indie Love. It's a book of indie handmade and vintage goods from around the world.

It's the digital edition highlighting artists from the Poppytalk handmade shop.

Perfect eye candy. And it's extra special for me because Jan, the owner, is Canadian :)

This is a room with super fabulous wallpaper that she posted (and that I pinned :)

Source: poppytalk.blogspot.com via Martha on Pinterest

And check out this totally inspiring laundry room (definitely puts my concrete block walls to shame) . Jan has posted 12 Laundry Rooms (and closets) to be inspired by on Babble. (another one of my favourite sites)

Source: poppytalk.blogspot.com via Martha on Pinterest

True Colors

2011-10-29T13:44:00.007-04:00

I finally had a bit of time to do some of my own art. Well, these pages are for Saundra's book. I'm currently in a "round robin". Some people have asked me what this is, and why I do them.

Well.

In 2004 I had to got to my favourite Rubber Stamp, Great Impressions (now Bizzie B's) store to buy a gift for my friend Meep. When I was there I saw this fabulous book -- True Colors: A Palette of Collaborative Art Journals, published by Stampington.

True Colors showcases the art of 15 amazing mixed media artists. Each artist chose a journal and a colour scheme and then sent it on to the next artist, who would work in the book, using the colours that the journal 'owner' had selected. This book was the most wonderful book that I had ever seen. Seriously.

I went home and thought about the book for days. At the time, I had NO money -- I was a single parent and I had gone back to school (teachers college). So I scraped together every cent I had and walked back to the store (it's about 5 miles) (each way) and bought the book. At the time it was $50 Canadian (our dollar was low). Pricey. But so worth it. It lit a fire in me. I searched the internet for some way that I too could do this. Then I found ArtChix Studio, and entered the world of online yahoo communities (Sadly, Art Chix doesn't have a yahoo group any more).

I found a wonderful Round Robin Group (thanks to Julie for believing in me and letting me join!). I now have many beautiful journals of my own... and I have personally met half of those True Colors artists. I've told them what an impact they made on my life. It truly was a life changing experience. Well worth the fact that we had to live on Kraft Dinner and Campbells soup for a month to make up for it (Sorry Miss L).

This led to an interest in Artist Trading Cards, and also to forays into many different kinds of mixed media. My deepest love is still for fabric based projects, but art journaling still is high up there in my list of things that I love to do.

Many thanks to Stampington and the fifteen True Colors Artists!
Please click on a name to visit their websites or blogs. Many of them teach -- I would not say no to a class taught by any one of these talented women :)

Lynne Perrella (buy her books or take her classes!)
Sarah Fishburn (Pasticcio Quartz is a must -read)
Teesha Moore (read the blog, go to the retreat (artfest) or buy some rubber stamps)
Marylinn Kelly
Linn C. Jacobs (sadly, Linn has passed away)
Michelle Ward (read her blog, take a challenge or buy some fabulous rubber stamps!)
Anne Bagby
Karen Michel (I can't even begin to gush enough about Karen)
Monica Riffe (no website :(
Claudine Hellmuth (I so want to take a class from Claudine! Please come to Toronto!)
Lisa Renner (I keep missing her classes at ArtUnraveled. Next year for sure)
Judi Riesch
Keely Barham (now Keeley Benkey) (Keeley is lovely)
Nina Bagley (Nina makes me laugh every time I see her -- she is so.... Nina)
Lisa Hoffman

You can read more about these artists on Seth Apters Blog

Lynne Perrella
Marylinn Kelly
Michelle Ward & Lisa Renner
Lisa Hoffman & Judi Riesch
Anne Bagby & Karen Michel
Teesha Moore & Monica Riffe
Sarah Fishburn & Keeley Benkey
Nina Bagley
Linn Jacobs

Lovely Clusters

2011-10-20T07:49:00.004-04:00

Rachel Follett's blog -- Lovely Clusters- the pretty blog is one of my favourites!

Her blog encompassses so much -- colour inspiration, mood boards, inspiring spaces, fashion finds, and more. She also showcases artists. It is a daily read for me.

She has just put out a beautiful magazine/ catalog full of pretty things -- with links to all of the shops (just hover over the image in the catalogue and when the link appears, click on it)

I think that I just HAVE to have this bunny in a bathtub. It is so odd :)

Source: etsy.com via Martha on Pinterest

And these cloud earrings are adorable too

Source: lovelyclusters.com via Martha on Pinterest

Blogging for Bliss

2011-10-19T20:00:00.002-04:00

So.Blissdom. I've had a bit of time for reflection and I've realized that my blog isn't exactly what I want (or need) it to be. I originally began it as a showcase for my own art. But I need it to be more.

m-is-for-martha will change a bit. I'm still going to be blogging about my art, but I will also focus on my inspiration. The things that make me who I am (and who I want to be). I'm going to focus on the blogs that inspire me. The events that inspire me. The little things that inspire me. The big things that inspire me. inspiration

Some inspiration from my dear friend Colette Source: a-bird-in-the-hand.blogspot.com via Martha on Pinterest

At Blissdom I learned how to market my blog. How to make it popular. How to write it so it has great SEO ( search engine optimization). All of those things were interesting, and perhaps they will be in the back of my mind as I write, but being popular has never been my focus. Being true has. Having said that I also learned at Blissdom to question who I am and how I want people to see me. Because my blog is an extension of myself. It's like extending a handshake to the reader. Inviting them into my life a bit. Inviting YOU into my life a bit.

I have read Tara Frey's book Blogging for Bliss -- it is a useful resource for bloggers, especially bloggers who are artists or craftspeople. Of course, it is very pretty throughout, and I am all about the eye candy :)

Blissdom Canada 2011

2011-10-16T12:08:00.011-04:00

This weekend I lucky enough to be able to attend the sold out Blissdom Canada Social Media Conference here in Toronto. It was billed as a woman's event, but there were a few men there too, attending and presenting.(huge thanks to the organizers -- Barbara Jones, Paula Bruno, Alli Worthington, Catherine Connors)

This is a short video that CBC made at the Gala Opening.

I met many, many, many wonderful, inspiring women.

Julie Demers (@TweetJewels) (Julie blogs for Caprina -- the wonderful goat's milk skin care products) and I met at the Thursday night Presidents Choice Financial Tweet up (yeah, hahaha, really funny for me to attend, because up to that point I had never tweeted).

(that thing that Julie is holding is a cookie! I kid you not. We ate it a few seconds after I took this photo)

Shannon Sveda (Canadian ECE) and Kelly Williams saved me from aloneness ( hey, spellcheck isn't changing that -- is " aloneness" really a word?) at the Gala opening at the CBC on Thursday( I had lost Julie) (we found her shortly after). Thanks girls! Barb Fine (Little Footprints) joined us too! The cosmic alignment teamed us up many more times throughout the event.

(Kelly, Shannon and me eating. That's what we did. Ate)

Of course, it wasn't all fun and parties ( okay, maybe it was all fun, but not all parties)
I attended some GREAT sessions!
(you can find the whole agenda and descriptions of the sessions here)

The Art And Science Of Finding Inspiration – And Using It
Tanis Miller, Elan Morgan, Bon Stewart

She Works Hard For The Money (And So Do You): Why And How You Should Be Making Money From Your Blog.
Janice Croze, Andrea Tomkins, Susie Parker, Katie York

Canadian-Ish: Being Canadian in A Borderless Digital World
Kyran Pittman, Allana Harkin, Catherine Connors (Moderator)

Take your Craft To The Next Level
Karen Green, Angella Dykstra, Aidan Morgan

What’s In A Brand? The Art Of Defining Yourself And Your Creative Work
Kimberley Seldon, Gail Vaz-Oxlade, Dee Brun, Julie Cole (Moderator)

To Publish Or Not To Publish: Taking Your Writing Beyond The Blog (Or Not)
Ann Douglas, Jen Reynolds, Theresa Albert, Nadine Silverthorne

New Media Vs Old Media Vs Next Media: What’s On The Canadian Cultural Horizon

I had kind of a blog epiphany during the Art of Defining Yourself session... I got all teary.... because I am finally figuring out who I am and who I want to be :)

On Friday night there was a fabulous party -- MabelBliss -- hosted by Mabels Labels)
Mmmmm.... Mabel' Tinis.....

There were some totally amazing snowcones by Sweet Ice Snow Cones! I'd show you a picture, but I can't seem to find any promo pics on their website....
-- I am still dreaming about the strawberry lime one that I had. You can book them for your event! Wouldn't snowcones be SO FUN at a wedding?

Urban Moms hosted a screening of Miss Representation -- a film that explores how the media’s misrepresentation of women has led to the underrepresentation of women in positions of power and influence. Powerful and moving......
I was too tired to attend the closing night Costume and Karaoke Party, but I heard that it was so much fun. I'll go next year! I promise!

So, what did I learn? That I needed a twitter account ( to tell you the truth,I'm still not totally sure why). So I set it up while I was there. you can follow me @m4martha. Many, many thanks to Shannon and Barb who helped me brainstorm my name.....

I also learned that I really need to "define" who I am, why I'm blogging, and what I want my message to be... More on this in my next post.

My business card garnered LOTS of interest.

It totally reflects who I am and what I do, so I was really pleased with all of the compliments :). Next time I need to have a bit more info on it-- my Twitter handle, and maybe a line about what I do...and my teacher blog addy too.... Looks like I'll need a few more rubber stamps! ( I don't like to print my cards because I like to make them from recycled card.....). I designed my stamp in photoshop and then emailed it off to Vistaprint to make for me. I am very happy with the quality of the stamp ( self inking). I've had some stamps custom made on etsy and I wasn't happy with the quality.... one of the few instances that I could do something better than an "expert".

Special thanks to the sponsors! (there were many more than I have listed below)

Kelloggs gave us bags full of coupons, lots of cereal, a special travel cereal bowl, and A super cute Toucan Sam tshirt! We got to pose for a cereal box cover too! They also sponsored our breakfasts -- Blueberry MiniWheats are so yummy!

Arm and Hammer gave bags of product too! ( I've already tried the OxyClean stain remover-- it rocks!)

Fisher Price gave out toys and diapers ( mine are going to a Woman's Shelter nearby)( except for the super cute iPhone cover for babies -- that's going to my cousin for her adorable baby!)

Maple Leaf gave us bread ( Mr. B made French Toast with it this morning- very yummy), and lots of other yummy stuff and coupons!

Kraft Canada had a spooky room set up filled with yummy Halloween treats made from their products -- and we got loot bags too!

And check out these super cute labels from Mabels Labels!!!

Lisa Leonard made all attendees this pretty Blissdom necklace! Checkout her website for having your own custom necklace made! (and also other very cool personalized things. How about some customized collar stays with a message on them. What a great gift!)

I will definitely go back to Blissdom next year! Will you see me there?

Know thyself

2011-10-14T13:47:00.001-04:00

Some things that people don't know about me:
I am very shy. I have to force myself to interact with adults.

Some things about which I am knowledgeable:
Early Childhood Education. Play based learning. Emergent curriculum. Kindergarten.
My Bernina.

Some things about which I am not knowledgeable:
Twitter :)
The gym......
My Singer Featherweight

Some things that I believe:
Determination gets me by.

" If you want to improve, be content to be thought foolish and stupid"
-Epictetus

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Location:Blissdom

Nuit Blanche

2011-10-01T22:41:00.001-04:00

Tonight is Nuit Blanche. I am here.

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Location:Park dale

Still squeezing in some creativity

2011-09-18T17:27:00.003-04:00

In between being terribly sick (bad cold) and all of the necessary school planning (split grades = lots of work), I made a new lanyard today! It's for my classroom key and my other necessity -- my lip balm :). A whistle and my school ID will go on there too -- last year's version broke in half.

My old lanyard was about 10 years old and was starting to fall apart. So I made a new one. One that is very "me"! I don't expect it to last 10 years though. So I think that I'll make an assortment of them and wear them as jewelry. I'm not sure if you can see from the photo, but I've hand sewn some buttons on there, in addition to some of my favourite abc fabric scraps and other text fabric. And of course, lots of tea dyed muslin and cheesecloth....

A bit of art

2011-09-14T08:00:00.000-04:00

Now that I'm back to school, planning takes up most of my time. I still try to make some time for art though (and I have some projects coming up later this fall).

This one is brand new. It has a painted background with paper layers but the tag on top is encaustic.

The collage at the top of the post is watercolour mounted on canvas. It was originally part of a book spread, but the person who it was for dropped out of the RR, so I added a few details and then mounted it on a black canvas.

A Weekend Away!

2011-09-12T20:48:00.006-04:00

Mr. B won an award at work "The President's Club" Award, so we went on a trip with 8 other couples (including the company president).

Our day started at Chudleighs Apple farm.

We picked an apple or two and then ate lunch.

Then we walked around and looked at the farm animals (aren't they cute?)

Someone making a donkey out of herself.....

I like llamas!

Then we traveled on to Stratford... did I tell you that we were in a party limo? Sorry, I forgot to take a picture of it.....

Then we checked into our hotel room, then went out for dinner. My meal wasn't all that photogenic, but Mr. B's scallops were!

Then we traveled down the street to the festival theatre to see Camelot. I'm not a big musical fan, but I love the story, and I really enjoyed watching Geraint Wyn Davies as King Arthur. (I've had a secret crush on him ever since Forever Knight, lol)

The next day we went out for brunch and had a bit of free time in Stratford. I found a fabulous clothing store, Resonance, and could have spent many hours and thousands of dollars in it. I'll be back there for sure...... There was a beautiful coat that I didn't buy... but I'm still dreaming of....

Then we waited for our limo back to Toronto. And we waited and we waited and we waited. The limo driver (not the one from the day before, a new one) had picked up our luggage at the hotel, and was driving our luggage back to Toronto. WITHOUT US! Sheesh.

But look what I found while we were waiting.

Justin Bieber's star. He's from Stratford. So hey all of you young ladies... I touched the star that Justin Bieber touched. I am so cool.

So we made it back to the big city a few hours late. But it was worth the trip :)

Pixlromatic

2011-08-26T17:20:00.001-04:00

this is my new fun app!

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Location:Up north

Oh, the silliness

2011-08-26T17:04:00.001-04:00

this week has involved a bit of silliness. can you tell?

the face is because I keep seeing coloured leaves falling! Yikes!

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Location:Up north, on an island....

At the beach...

2011-08-22T09:55:00.001-04:00

Okay,well, our little island doesn't really have a sandy beach, but it does have a dock! I'm off now to enjoy the sun!!!!!
But I'll leave you with this....

(above pick is Meep and I right after Meep serenaded me with her uke - it looks perfect,doesn't it???)

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Location:On vacation

2011-08-20T12:58:00.001-04:00

well, I realize that if you are a regular reader, you likely think that the whole last few months haVe been one big vacation.... But really, I've worked hard. School planning, learning a whole new curriculum, etc. AND last week I painted ( walls) all day, every day in the stinkin heat.

but now I'm off to girls week at the cottage.
Meep, Gaayla, Ooga and I ( code name Click Click Mwah) (ummm, our theme for the week is Cavegirls....)

So here we are, ready. For our big adventure.....

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( I'll be posting our antics and my art projects remotely this year! 3G rocks!)

Location:On Vacation

ArtUnraveled - my friends!

2011-08-14T15:45:00.001-04:00

A big part of AU is seeing my friends ( oh, and eating the fab omelets every morning, lol)(and eating at My Big Fat Greek Restaurant)(and happy hour)

Ruth, Maija and I - the best roomies ever!

Joanne
I should ( and will) see her more often than once a year, since she lives so close)

Adena from Alabama

Lynda from Phoenix

Don and Susan Madden- who drove me to the Orange Tree, ate breakfast with me, and delivered Little Dude to me ( more on that in another post)

I didn't get a photo of some people... I'm missing Fran! I should have taken pics of Linda and Chuck who organize and host AU. Oh, well, next year :)

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ArtUnraveled Day 7 part 2

2011-08-13T10:13:00.001-04:00

In the evening Ruth and I took the Party Animal class from Olivia Thomas. It was really fun! take a doll class from Olivia if you get the chance. You will not be disappointed!
I learned that I need to loosen up and stop focusing on being perfect. This is true for all of my art. I need to relax more....
I didn't quite finish my Party Cat, but I was really close!
Here she is!

I'll finish it as soon as I get home,and I'll take another pic. I REALLY like making these, I'm sure that I'll be making more.

from the left: Zombie Girl, my finished Party Animal, Bunny, and Olivia Thomas' Party Skelly!

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ArtUnraveled Day 7

2011-08-12T10:25:00.001-04:00

Monday was "A Day to Dye For" . The teacher was supposed to be Lorri Scott, but Lorri has a torn retina and can't travel :( We missed you Lorri!
Glennis Dolce, aka Shibori Girl, was our teacher. I was off to a slow start ( I was so tired) but I picked up a bit in the afternoon. I didn't dye all of my silk, but I'll dye it at home.
Here are my silks (the top pic shows my stitching before I pulled it up and dyed)

the finished silk sampler (the stitched one from the pic at the top) is the top left blue white and green silk

And below are my cottons and silks dyed with indigo (the bottom ones are still wet) Glennis makes moons for Jude Hill of Spirit Cloth if you're thinking that it looks familiar:)

Glennis is SO knowledgeable about her art! She was so interesting.....

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Art Unraveled Day 6

2011-08-11T08:21:00.001-04:00

Day 6 was supposed to be a day off :) but Maija talked me into taking a class with Diane Cook. The class was called Words of Inspiration. It was a metal etching class ( which I have done before) and we made beautiful cuffs.

This was my workspace

And my finished piece

I LOVE my cuff! I am so happy that I took this class! thanks Maija!

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ArtUnraveled Day 5

2011-08-10T08:54:00.001-04:00

No class today. today was the shopping extravaganza! I was being frugal, but I did buy one of Jane LaFazio's fabric collages.... I can't find the photo that I took, so that will come later.

Saturday was also the Artist "Showdown" and Auction. many of the teachers participated! The instructions to the artists stipulated that they could not use their " usual" materials or work in their "usual styles" . If they were caught working IN their comfort zone, their piece would be taken away! The pieces were auctioned off at the end. The money went to a scholarship fund for one or two people who can't afford to come to ArtUnraveled. Spreading the Art Love....

Jane LaFazio

Olivia Thomas

Angie Platten and Jane Eileen

Tom Ashman

Dan Carrel (Sp?)

Ruth Rae

Michael DeMeng

Michael deMeng ( the auctioneer)and Rice Freeman Zachery ( Chief heckler and MC )

I did bid on a few pieces, and I WON the last piece of the evening. Michael's mask! He was lovely enough to sign it ;) and now I have it to blackmail him. Feathers,Lace, pink, glitter and sequins,lol. although the style is typical Michael:)

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ArtUnraveled Day 4 Part 2

2011-08-09T13:46:00.001-04:00

In the evening I took Ruth's class. Creativity Exposed. Collaging a few small pieces and then building on them. I brought a pretty little dress to mount mine on. It was pale purple, so I switched out my regular palette for one that was purple and green ( and a few accent bits) . I'm pretty happy with what I made. Perhaps this will lead a foray into some new colours for me?

Some collages and a cuff :)

Mounted on the dress

I stitched one collage on my tank top ( all hand sewing, so you people who say that you "can't" use a sewing machine CAN embellish your clothes)

A close up of that embellishment

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artUnraveled Day 4

2011-08-08T09:06:00.001-04:00

Another blissful day with Jane LaFazio! today was Sketching and Watercolour - Pods and Pinecones. it was really hard! but Jane is great and gives lots of constructive criticism, so everyone had GREAT results.

This is what the class produced. Amazing.

If you'd like to buy a dvd or download one of her classes, you can get them from interweave Press. I don't know how to make a link with Blogpress, so you're going to have to google it......

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ArtUnraveled Day 3

2011-08-07T23:50:00.001-04:00

Day 3 was Jane LaFazio! I just love her! I will DEFINITELY take a class from Jane again. This one was gelatin mono printing. I'll be using this in the future with the kids. I did most of mine on fabric, but I did do some on paper too.

I was too busy in the class to take any pictures of Jane :(

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Art Unraveled Day 2

2011-08-03T20:17:00.001-04:00

Today was Karen Michel's "Gridlock Collage". I've wanted to take a class from Karen for so long. Again, another great teacher! I finished 2 small pieces! yay!

First I prepared my wood:

Then I put the backgrounds on my grid pieces:

Then I painted my backgrounds:

Then I collaged my little pieces:

Then I did a lot more, lol. Then I was finished!!! They even have hanger things on the back!

The colours of the finished pieces are a bit off.... They look great in person :) Can you guess which one I made for Lauren?

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ArtUnraveled Day 1

2011-08-02T20:18:00.001-04:00

Today was Bottle Cap Beads with Melissa Manley. Melissa is SO NICE. she's a great teacher - very helpful and so generous!

If this was the only class that I was going to take at ArtUnraveled I would go home happy. I finished 4 beads, but am started on many many more, and I have the tools to finish them at home. But you know what? I really really NEEEED a disk cutter. they are a bit spendy though. Maybe for Christmas, Santa? ( I'd provide links, but I don't know how to do it using blogpress)(when I come home I'll do a whole post about what I NEED and what I WANT)

Anyway... Without further ado... Here are my beads!

I have a class tonight about using a Dremel, so tune in later for the critique!

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meet my new friends!

2011-08-02T00:16:00.001-04:00

so, in my last post I said that I wanted to take more pictures of my friends. well, here they are!
meet my friends Keen (mary janes)

my new friends Merrel 1 and 2

Flip and Flop

I'll try to take some human friends tomorrow....
(photos taken on my balcony!)
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ArtUnraveled

2011-08-01T06:00:00.000-04:00

I'm off today to ArtUnraveled in Phoenix. I can't wait to see my friends!! oh, and to take the classes!

This is the lineup (a bit full, but Maija twisted my arm on a few)
Tues: Bottle Cap Beads (Melissa Manley)
Tues Evening : Dremel Applications - Thomas Ashman
Wed: Wood collage Totems (Karen Michel)(
Thurs: Monoprinting on Fabric (Jane Lafazio)
Fri: Sketching and Watercolour for Journals - Pinecones and Pods (Jane Lafazio)
Friday Night : Creativity Exposed (Ruth Rae)
Sun -:Word of Inspiration (Diane Cook)
Mon: A Day to Dye For (Lorri Scott) (actually, Lorri can't travel, so Glennis ? is teaching)
Mon Night: Party Animal (Olivia Thomas)

These are the dear friends who I CAN'T WAIT to see

Maija:

Ruth:Joanne (who only lives down the highway a bit in Michigan, but I see her more often in Arizona :)

My goal this year?? To take more pictures of my friends!

Finally, some new work!

2011-07-31T22:03:00.004-04:00

I've been making these collaged pouches. I really enjoy free motion stitching!

Andy had a haircut

2011-07-25T08:00:00.001-04:00

Isn't his lion tail cute?

(Ray cut his hair -- it's a zillion degrees here, so we're all a bit hot)

Yard Sale finds

2011-07-24T10:46:00.005-04:00

Well, I've not been making much art, but I have found some interesting things at yard sales!
What do you think of this hole punch? I pretend that it is an electricity switch and every time I turn it on, Mr B shivers in convulsions. heeheehee. It takes so little to amuse us...

First you set the gauge to the width of the paper (it is 6" -- see the 6 in the little window?)

Then you slide the paper in and press

2 perfectly spaced holes punched every time!

Yes, so little to amuse me.... Hey, it was only 50 cents! Now I need to find some kind of project that uses lots of 2 hole punched cardstock......

Hot

2011-07-21T08:00:00.000-04:00

Well, I'm back from the cool north (thanks, D&D!)

I don't complain about the heat very often but the heat here is almost unbearable (I'm a heat lover -- I'm almost always cold). I'm puttering around -- organizing, but not really feeling much like being creative. I'm having a yard sale on Saturday. Lots of junk to sell. Sorry, junque to sell..... so I'm doing a lot of sorting.

How hot is it? -- well, today will be 37c -- that's 97f!!! and with the humidity taken into account, it will be over 47c -- that's 117f! YIKES. And I have no AC. I do have fans though.

Off now to the cool basement -- to organize my Christmas ornaments, then to organize the studio. Mostly because I need the large work table for my yard sale :)

Relaxing

2011-07-15T21:09:00.001-04:00

This has been the best week ever! look where I am!

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Finally, summer!

2011-07-12T14:58:00.002-04:00

I made some thank you cards. They are a bit simple -- but very effective, I think :) The photo is a bit blown out due to the brilliant sunshine that we've been having lately!

Happy Canada Day!

2011-07-01T18:36:00.002-04:00

If it's Canada Day, I'm on the island! (That would be Centre Island in Toronto).

The Dominion Day Regatta is held here annually and we go every year to watch Lauren row. Tomorrow she rows in London. Hey! I've turned into a hockey mom! Go Lauren!

Eliza Doolittle

2011-06-22T21:21:00.002-04:00

Isn't she so cute?

I bought her album earlier this year (I actually preordered it -- I never do that) -- it's a favourite. I love the song "Skinny Genes" too -- but I don't like the video so much.

(only a week left of school -- I'm super busy with year-end stuff so no time for art! But soon, soon!)

camper love

2011-06-15T08:00:00.000-04:00

I just love vintage campers. How ironic for someone who doesn't even have a driving license. But I'd love to have one parked on some land somewhere and then go and visit it on weekends. Like a cabin :) (how I would get there is another story --- I'm sure that Mr. B would want to be part of this dream)(really, truly -- that wasn't sarcastic -- he has a strong sense of adventure)

Anyway -- have you heard of Sisters on the Fly? It is a group of women (nearly 1,000) from around the U.S. who own and restore vintage camping trailers. Your should see their gallery! Of course I'm pinning them to my pinterest board -- Camper Love.

(these images via , who else? poppytalk)

poppytalk

2011-06-14T10:13:00.000-04:00

Do you follow the blog, poppytalk? It's my favourite blog for style, home decor, little cool things,
I could just pin EVERYTHING on there to my pinterest boards!. Sigh... I love pinterest.....

Pure Green Magazine

2011-06-13T08:00:00.000-04:00

While we're checking out online magazines, check out this one!
Pure Green Living
It features (on the cover!) my favourite local florist, Coriander Girl!
Don't forget to check out the Pure Green blog!

The new issue of Rue is also out. My eyes are getting sore from all of this online reading. Plus, I can't read these while reclining on my chaise longue.....

my life is all about the frogs

2011-06-12T21:46:00.004-04:00

Have you been following my other blog -- Ms Brown's Classroom? Check it out to read about how our tadpoles are changing/have changed into frogs!

The fun all started on April 27 -- so if you want to read it chronologically, go to my other blog, and then read the posts from April 27 until today (not to worry -- there are only 4 or 5 posts about the frogs). I'll be returning them to their home pond next weekend!

Sweet Paul

2011-06-12T09:35:00.003-04:00

The summer issue is Sweet Paul is out! If you don't already know (have you been under a rock?) Sweet Paul is one of the best Online Magazines out there! And it's free! The summer salads look so beautiful (and yummy). The food that I prepare is never photo worthy. But it tastes good -- and that's what counts, right?

Candy Coloured Whimsy

2011-06-08T08:00:00.000-04:00

This is my work in Rachelle's book (in the altered book Round Robin that I'm in). It's theme is "candy coloured whimsy" (well, candy colored whimsy because she's American, lol)

Scrappy Layers

2011-06-07T08:00:00.000-04:00

This is one of my favourite blogs for card making and all-things-layered inspiration. Homespun with Heart.

(this card above is Danielle's card -- click on it to go to her blog)

I love Danielle's style! She does the scrappy layered look that I am finding lovely right now. My sewn work is definitely headed in this direction. In fact, some of my scrappy layers are shown in the Art Quilting Studio which is out now! (umm... I don't have my copy yet, so could someone who has seen it please confirm that I'm in it :) and maybe tell me the page number?)

Even More Mixed Minded

2011-06-06T08:00:00.000-04:00

This is the nametag that Karen made for me! She actually sewed nametags and lanyards for each participant. (I'm pretty sure that she never sleeps). Karen has more energy than anyone that I've ever met. Honestly :). I made the embellishment in the upper right corner. I made it in Carmi's class when I was supposed to be making my needle felted brooch. I got a bit sidetracked. I think that was because we had some wine and cheese beforehand....
You can see more pictures of our work from Carmi's classes here on Carmi's blog!

More Mixed Minded

2011-06-05T16:58:00.006-04:00

More from my weekend at Mixed Minded in Kitchener!

The brides were out in full force! From what I gathered -- they were raising money for the "Make a Wish" Foundation. They were wearing their own wedding dresses and going out for a night on the town.
This is a background that I started for my mixed media quilt. Actually -- its move than a background -- it is the base for the quilt. I can't give away Sandra's secrets though. You'll have to take a class from her :) You can see what Ludgera did here.

I needle felted in Carmi's class. This is my work-in-progress. (I didn't finish anything at the retreat -- except for the make and take -- more on that in a minute)

Isn't this cool?
Karen (Mixed minded creator and artist extraordinaire) was at the Inspire Retreat in North Carolina (oh I am so jealous) a few weeks ago and Tracie Lampe did a class of her cool fused plastic bags. I have a small pouch by Tracie that she gave me at ArtFest a few years ago. But anyway, Tracie said that Karen could teach us how to make small bags for our "make and take" -- this is the bag that I made.

Literally -- the whole thing, from 3 plastic bags to finished project - took about 10 MINUTES!!! And isn't it cute??? Target bags rock. (Especially since we don't have Target yet in Canada)(soon!) Great for carrying my lunch at school. I bought Tracie's book -- it's a fun one!!! More fusing to come. It's right up my "reuse and recycle" alley!

Mixed Minded

2011-05-31T21:08:00.005-04:00

This weekend we headed up (down?) the highway to Kitchener to the Mixed Minded Even that Karen Ellis from The Art House Studio put on. It was FANTASTIC! .
I am terrible at taking pictures -- so I don't really have many of the event (even though I brought 2 cameras with me)

Below is the placemat that I worked on top of while in Sandra Spagnuolo's class....... House of Cards. (I took 3 of Sandra's classes, so what I did in each of them is a bit of a blur). If you have a chance to take a class from Sandra -- don't miss it. She's a great teacher and her background techniques are fabulous! She holds an open studio in the Milton/Guelph area if you live near there. Check out her blog here to see times/dates/ content.

(I did a bit of stamp carving -- this is my practice sheet of the heart stamp that I made)

I made this technique sample in one of Sandra's classes.

It was great fun seeing lots of my friends -- and also seeing some friends who I only know from online -- like Pam Barnes and Karen Oullette! Heather Robinson was supposed to come, but couldn't make it, and we really missed her. Hopefully, we can all get together and have an art weekend in the fall!

(more pictures of the event will be posted tomorrow as soon as I unearth my other camera :)

2011-05-15T17:04:00.004-04:00

So today Mr. B and I went on a tree tour. In the pouring rain. Oh, the things you do for love....

( The Lovely Miss L talking about the Serviceberries -- or Saskatoon Berries)

My daughter, the Lovely Miss L was giving an Edible Tree Tour in Trinity Bellwoods Park. She was representing LEAF at Park Day -- The Friends of Trinity Bellwoods Park sponsored the event. Despite the rain -- there was great attendance -- between 15-20 people! L is a great speaker. Very knowledgeable -- I learned a lot!

(redbud)

Did you know that you can eat acorns? The ones from the White Oak tree are the best. You can roast them. Like chestnuts. The buds from the Redbud tree are delicious in salads. And you can use Spruce tips to make Spruce Tip Shortbread.

(spruce tips)

(latte to warm up my poor soggy body)

If you live near Trinity Bellwoods Park in Toronto and you are able to volunteer a bit of your time this summer, The Friends of Trinity Bellwoods Park need some people to "adopt" some young trees. This involves watering the trees once a week if it is a week with no rain. Water, buckets and a wagon are available in the park -- they just need the people power to do it!

zombie apocalypse

2011-05-14T06:00:00.000-04:00

So, on my left is.... my printer..... perhaps I'll be swinging it around from its cord?
On that note, off to read Pride and Prejudice and Zombies: Dreadfully Ever After.

finally -- beautiful weather

2011-05-08T17:00:00.000-04:00

We've been walking on the beaches the last few days... picking up driftwood for our dogproof fence, picking up beach glass, watching the sailboats and watching all of the busy life at the marinas, sailing clubs and rowing clubs.

(the dogproof fence)

I found lots of glass treasures!

Lauren and her friend Christina have a new rowing blog: Rowing is Awesome. It's modeled after the 1000 Awesome Things blog (which I read daily). Check it out if you row, have rowed or like rowing.

A Wee bit of me Wednesdays on Saturday :)

2011-05-07T14:41:00.003-04:00

I'm a bit behind on everything this week

{one} when was the last time you used a pay phone (if ever)?
I called Maija from the airport in Phoenix last summer.

{two} did you ever fail a subject in school?umm.... do I have to admit it? okay, statistics in first year University.

{three} where do you go to get your favorite hamburger/cheeseburger?.... do I have to admit it? McDonalds. Yes, really.

{four} have you ever served jury duty?Nope.

{five} how old were you when you moved out of your parents’ house?19

{six} what is your favorite color to wear?

Black

{seven} do you have a pair of shoes that you wear all the time?I love my Keens Mary Janes. I have 4 pair! In the winter, my Blundstones.

{eight} do you enjoy talk radio?

I listen sometimes online... the arts ones.

{nine} if you could turn one unhealthy food into a healthy one, what food would it be?potato chips, hands down.

{ten} who is the best speaker you’ve ever heard in person?hmmmm.... myself? hahaha (so not true)

Woo Hoo -- Junkhouse!

2011-05-02T08:00:00.000-04:00

I am so lucky!
I won the coolest thing off of one of my favourite blogs! (that's a little chalkboard to the right of the mugshot). this couldn't have come at a better time for me -- It was a great moral booster during these grey spring days......

The blog is junkgarden -- I read it daily for a look at some fab clothes, great home decor ideas and some very cool finds! She has lots of great links -- you should definitely follow her blog! Junkgardengirl also showcases her own mixed media work that she sells in her etsy shop -- I've purchased some of Angie's house necklaces in the past!

(aren't these adorable?)

-- and now she had some super cute jailhouse charms!

Royal Weekend

2011-05-01T18:14:00.003-04:00

Yes, I was up at 5am on Friday. We had lots of festivities at school too :)

My favourite Royal memorabilia:

Harry is my favourite royal. He keeps it interesting :). Buy the poster here.

I found these tea bags creepy yet amusing!
I can't believe that 2 billion people watched the wedding. Astounding. At school I let the kids watch the wedding highlights on You Tube. Who watched it? THE BOYS. Interesting..... I think that the boys liked the cars, the horses, the carriages, the uniforms, the soldiers, the planes doing the fly by. The girls were only interested in the princess, but they said that she didn't look like a "real" princess, so they lost interest. All were floored, however, when I told them that the woman they called "granny" was the queen. I don't think that I ever convinced them that she was the queen (no crown= no queen).

Back to sewing

2011-04-28T23:05:00.000-04:00

The cards were fun -- but now we're back to the sewing :)

I made this pouch/ pencil case for my friend D for her birthday. I was really happy with it (except for the stupid zipper that I used -- it's a bit sticky -- sorry D.

A wee bit of me Wednesday on Thursday

2011-04-28T20:17:00.004-04:00

{one} have you ever been stuck in an elevator?

No! Yikes!

{two} have you ever ridden on an elephant?

No! Yikes!

{three} have you ever met a well known celebrity?Um, yes....Well, does Leni count?
I met David Cronenberg a few times when I lived in the apartment below his daughter, Cassandra. It was a big deal to me.

{four} do you have any food allergies?Roibos tea -- my throat swells up. It's scary! Yikes!

{five} do you know how to sew?It's what I do best!

{six} did you get an allowance when you were young?

Sometimes.....

{seven} how often do you fill up your gas tank?My gas tank fills itself, lol..... hahaha

{eight} have you ever been stung by a jelly fish?No. Yikes!

{nine} have you ever been robbed?Not in-person. But I've had bicycles stolen. And money..., and lots of other stuff. My daughter, the Lovely Miss L is super-unlucky. She has things stolen left right and centre :(

{ten} what is the worst haircut you’ve ever had?

Right before my high school graduation picture I had a hair cut and a perm. It was supposed to be a long, layered, soft curled look -- like Farrah Fawcett. Instead she cut off all of my hair and gave me a curly perm. It was HORRID. I looked like a poodle. And I think that my mom liked it. Yikes!

Mermaids

2011-04-27T08:00:00.003-04:00

I had so much fun with the cards. I sent these ones off to a mermaid-loving friend in Chicago.

I sat upon a promontory,
And heard a mermaid, on a dolphin's back,
Uttering such dulcet and harmonious breath,
That the rude sea grew civil at her song;
And certain stars shot madly from their spheres,
To hear the sea-maid's music.
~ William Shakespeare (A Midsummer Night's Dream)

Easter Wishes

2011-04-24T08:00:00.000-04:00

Happy Easter to all of you who celebrate Easter!

Doilies and Bunnies

2011-04-23T08:00:00.000-04:00

Even better than bunnies. Doilies and bunnies!

Again, I wish I had stitched the scallop down (these cards were off to a swap, so it's too late).