Time for the next layer! This one is made using my favorite Melissa Frances paper from her Thankful collection www.melissafrances.com. I kind of cut this freeform following the pattern of the lace and beads. I was afraid that they would go flying all over the place with my first cut, but I think this was a very well made garment because each bead was securely sewn on the the lace. I used vintage (found in a box I got at some auction years ago) mini rickrack in pink and white to decorate the top and pink and blue piping for the bottom. So I cut the strips of beaded lace and laid them on a big piece of cardboard and spray adhesived like a maniac on the back of it, then carefully laid it all around the sides then pressed down to secure in place. This has stood up well through all the traveling so again I renew my love for spray adhesive :-)

Today was the Logan www.logangraphic.com mat cutting class at AC Moore which was a lot of fun. There were four students and they did great and were so enthusiastic, it inspired me!

Some sad news yesterday which I am still trying to deal with... Chris (my 27 year old in the army) called and said he had gotten the phone call telling him he was leaving for Iraq on Wednesday. In my mind, I know he has been waiting to hear since January and that this should not come as a shock. But I was hoping that somehow they might forget that he was there or that something would happen where they'd say he didn't really have to go- he has a 2 year old for heaven's sake! It sounds ridiculous even to myself when I read this- but now the day is coming very soon and my heart hurts when I think of him going off again. Please pray for us all, my friends.

I was looking through some photos today and realized that I never posted the "recycled" cake that I made using Melissa Frances's new papers for the CHA Green Gallery! Shame on me...

The challenge was that 25% of the project had to be made from a recycled or found object. The piece I built the cake on was a beaded top I found in the thrift store for $7. I took it apart and added a piece to each layer. In order for you to see the cake in all it's glory, I am going to reveal one layer at a time to prolong the suspense (and give me material for 5 blogs :-)) and then unveil the entire photo in the grand finale!

I think the biggest challenge with this project (as in life) was just diving in and starting. I was going to use styrofoam as a base but quickly figured out that foamboard would be much easier to pack in nesting layers for the plane trip to CA for CHA. I assembled all of the materials and started to work. Decided to use kind of a sewing theme so gathered a bunch of zippers, buttons, ribbons, trim and rickrack to try out. Then I cut apart the top... that was a little scary because it was a one of a kind thing if I messed it up. But then again it was only 7 bucks... I loved the beaded trim that I used on this layer- it was the bottom of the beaded top. And I have to say I was very glad the size was XL- more fabric and beading to work with! More in the next post...

Sew Cool

This is a project I did for a CHA Designer Challenge. It was kind of fun because I do not draw at all. But I went on line and found a very basic clip art drawing of a sewing machine. Then I converted it into a 3D rendering that translated into a pattern to make with foamboard using the proportions

from the sketch. When I read this, it doesn't sound like a lot of fun but it was. Guess I am a nerd :-)

Working on stuff for some of the manufacturers I talked to at CHA due by March 1. Wish me luck with that!

Well, it's time to take all those photos, favorite layouts and artwork out of the closet and get them up on the wall. While the weather is still cold, snuggle up some night while you're watching TV and make a list of all the projects you want to mat and frame and where you're going to hang them. I recently found out that a major chain in my area sends all their work out to be matted, at a minimum cost per piece, of $42.50. For that, you could buy a Logan mat cutter (www.logangraphic.com) and a class on how to use it for what you'd spend on just 3 mats ordered from the store! Plus you then have it for all future projects. For me, there's no question that's the smarter, most economical and creative way to go.

If you are interested in learning more, please sign up for my class at the AC Moore in Fairfax, VA scheduled for February 28 from 1-3 PM. Cost is $35 and all supplies are included. Contact me for more information. Hope to see you there!

So here's a section of the booth I shared with Lorine Mason in the License & Design Section at the Craft and Hobby Association show held in Anaheim, CA last week. I am hoping the VIP's that walked through are interested in licensing some of my three dimensional projects so I have some work to do to get it ready but the response has been very encouraging.

Now that our heat has been restored and life is settling back down to an empty (excpet for the boxes that remain in the garage) nest, I am looking forward to spending more time with Hayward. Looks like we are headed out somewhere in the RV this weekend! Maybe to the auction in PA- I hope...

Hope you all have a great week!