Pat on the back, new ATC

I have exciting news. Judy Coates Perez posted a photo of my technique book on her blog. It's always fun to get a pat on the back from someone. I love her work so knowing she liked something I made is very much a compliment.

I went to our city's celebration today. Lot's of businesses have booths, a few craft people, some restaurants, and of course there was a parade and carnival rides. Sometimes you can get good coupons from the business people if there is something you want to buy. There aren't as many craft people as there used to be. Kind of expensive to set up a booth and even harder to sell enough to make it worth while. It's tough to find a place to sell our work that doesn't eat up all the profits. I did buy a tiny purse that someone had for sell. I needed something for change. It isn't homemade but it is very cute.

I also received an ATC in the mail. I sent one in return but forgot to take a photo before I mailed it. Darn! I hate it when I do that. Isn't this cute! The little knitted part can be removed from the ATC and worn as a pin. Very clever.
My husband and I have been doing lot's of walking in the parks lately. That is where I took the butterfly photo. I've been getting quite a few nature shots. We have been blessed with beautiful weather.
Have a creative day
Janet

Technique Book Cover Art

Some time ago I posted about a mixed media exchange. I received about 40 half sheets of paper, each with a different technique for surface design, each completed by a different person. I wanted to put them all together in a book so I would be able to find them when needed. Each of the pages has directions on the back of the page detailing the steps to replicate their beautiful work.
I took a class taught by Judy Coates Perez at the Minnesota Quilt Show and decided that was the technique that would make a perfect cover for this book. I made the cover art soon after the show in June. Summer gets so busy with travel, yard work, getting sick (bummer!) but I did finally finish my book cover.

I didn't want to leave the edges of the metal exposed, because knowing me I would have cut myself at some point. I used to make fabric frames, so the front of my book is basically a frame. I used leftover fabric from a couch I re-covered, it's a faux leather. I think it looks really good with the metal. Now I need to start experimenting with some of the techniques in the book.

Have a creative day
Janet

Playing with mixed media

Awhile ago I joined a Mixed Media group. An exchange was initiated in the group to make altered paper. I made around forty half sheets of paper, all with the same technique. I sent my papers through the mail along with my return envelope and received forty different half sheets in return. Each of the sheets includes how-to instructions on the back. They are each a work of art! So many talented people out there, I can't wait to try all of these techniques. I'm planning to try some of them on fabric as well as paper.


Last week at the Minnesota Quilt Show I took a class called Heavy Metal Play Day, taught by Judy Coates Perez. It was a lot of fun, an entire day playing with designs on pieces of metal. I decided to use her techniques to make a cover for all of my altered paper techniques. It isn't quite finished yet but I just started yesterday. I need to buy some inks to add some color, and finish adding some texture to the background of the picture.



I had a wonderful time at the Minnesota Quilt Show, took three full days of classes. I've only taken one class before and that was four years ago. I am almost ashamed to admit I have never been to any show but the Minnesota Quilt Show. I haven't been quilting long, so four years ago was the first show I went to and that was only for one day, half of which was taken up with a class. Last year I went to the MQ show in St Cloud Minnesota but only for about half a day. That was a quick run through and see as many quilts as I could manage. This year I ran down between morning and afternoon classes to see all the quilts. Amazing work! This show is completely run by volunteers and they do an extraordinary job. Next year, I plan to do my part and volunteer for one or two spots. I have several big shows in mind to try to attend in the future. I think the AQS show in Des Moines would be good for a first big show.
Have a creative day
Janet