Babushka and owls

I have been creating for another you guessed it upcoming event. Actually this week I learned of acceptance to two events this month. The first one is this Saturday at McGavock High School from 9:00-4:00, more info here. The second event will be November 22 & 23 at Centennial High School, more info here. I have never participated in either of these events but have heard nice things about both. At this time indoor events are particularly appealing.
Last year I was doing weekly events at the Nashville Farmers Market...it got very cold and rained more than not. YUCK!

Here are some of the things I've been working on, the owls are hand painted on a full canvas apron. I only have three of these aprons and am tempted to keep one. I still have to paint the other two and am not certain of what I will paint. I really want to do more owls, as I am comfortable painting them at this point. But I will try something different maybe trees or birds?

The babushka move from room to room, I think they miss Amber playing with them. They settled on the dining room table to be my muse.I was inspired by the babushka fabric from etsy and made as much as I could with the four fat eights that I ordered. I have a ton of hair bobby pins, three eye masks and four cup cuffs. I hope these sell...I could never use all those babushka hair pins!

Well I need to start cranking out some more goodies for the shows. Check back I'm sure I'll have more craftiness to share soon.

Artist or Creator

Here are some of the new things I have brewing in the cottage. The owl shadowbox is not exactly new but I have upgraded to a larger size. This is an 8x10 frame and the owl is larger than the last bunch. I was a little overwhelmed at the response to the owl shadowboxes and sold all but one at their debut event. FYI I do plan to list some in the store this week. The blackbird is something I've had in my head for awhile and the bird was drawn about a year ago. As soon as I sketched him out I thought of the song "Blackbird" by Paul McCartney, I love that song.Not sure the bird is complete, I need to change the ribbon for sure and I was thinking of adding some tags to the key. You'll see soon. I thought of putting the bird onto a hand painted Nashville bag and still may do so yet.

I do need to thank my friend and booth partner Jodi Reeves for giving me the encouragement to "branch out". My stash contains paint, brushes, mod podge, wire and a whole lot more. A year ago you would find mostly fabric, thread and buttons. Which brings me back to the title "Artist or Creator"? I have never considered myself an artist, although I know art is not exclusive to a painted canvas. I have been comfortable with creator and think I will stick to that. As women we have the ability to create life! It doesn't get any better than that. I know for myself after I became a mom my creative button clicked and life has never been the same since.

So now that I am putting paint to canvas and "branching out" I think I'll stick to the creator label.

I do have to put a word in about the Webb School of Design event in Bell Buckle......
I helped Jodi the first day (I did not show) and she was interviewed by the Shelbyville paper!
Then she won a ribbon ! Her art was purchased to hang in Webb School! Jodi was the Diva of the Day! Go check her out and get the scoop here.

Owl bag done!

Here is the finished owl bag. A lot is going on with this bag...hand painted, applique, free motion stitching, vintage buttons, WOW! I love it! I hope the customer likes it, it's a gift for her sister.
I really really want to make one for myself now.
It is so funny how we creators never seem to create for ourselves, always for others.
People that know I sew assume I have made all these awesome handmade things in my home...not so.
Most of the handmade items in my home are from other creators and that is just fine with me:)
One day, yes one day I will have all the time in the world to create just for me. I just hope I can still see well enough to thread the sewing machine.

More goodies coming so check back, enjoy your week end!

Hand painted Owl Bag

Here is a WIP involving paints, an owl and some free motion stitching. So far so good....I still am a little uncomfortable painting and always think I've ruined it as soon as I start painting. Then the free motion stitching is a whole other story. I know with time and practice it'll get better. But it does have that wonky style, don't you think? Part of the charm? Actually I am having fun but wish the stitches were a little more consistent.....any tips?

I know once it all goes together no one will notice the stitching. It's funny I'm always telling a friend of mine don't worry about the stitches, it's your style. I guess this may be my style as well???

I'll post more when the bag is complete. You can see the back and interior fabrics that will be used for the lining in the overall picture. I want to do a beaded handle for this one, it's just telling me that right now.

The handpainted owl bag

If you have been reading the blog you may remember the play date post. My very talented artist friend Jodi Reeves came over and "encouraged" me to do a hand painted handbag. I have been wanting to do some other type medium and branch out a little. So what the heck I'll give it a shot. I do okay with sketching but putting down paint is another story....it's harder than it looks.

Recently Jodi did a post about her bags and comparing styles said she was "Green Acres" and I was "Manhattan". Well if that is the case my art is "refrigerator art" and she is "gallery art". I feared my bag would just sit there until a family member took pity and asked to purchase it. However I finished the bag Friday night before the show (didn't take a picture) and sold it Saturday!!! WOW never in a million years would I have thought. The even stranger thing is the customer paid me more than the asking price, was I being "PUNKED"?

Knowing I didn't even take a picture my friend Michelle aka Wicked Moxie came to the rescue with her camera. Note always take pictures of your creations!! So here is my first hand painted with first attempt at free motion machine stitching handbag. I did enjoy doing it and plan to do more, so keep checking back.