Touched by The Master's Hand

Current Inventory 4 Sale

2012-01-29T21:41:00.000-05:00

I sell my work. It is unique treasure to bring a bright spot to people's lives.

I wasn't born yesterday or even the last 18,250 days. Don't bother doing the math, silly. My point is that though I may not be a spring chicken anymore, I am keeping a little current on some technology. One is a way that will help you purchase some of my ever-so-kewl art ever-so-easy by hand-picking in Skype-person. If you want to purchase my ever-so-soft hand painted bamboo Bobbie Socks to bring color to your world, email me and we'll arrange a Skype shopping trip. Don't forget to ask me about my other current work, which could be jewelry, handdyed silk scarves, and my latest endeavors.

I have three ways for you to pay or you may even have a more techie way, so shop at The Master's Hand soon.

Can you believe it? We're living the unbelievable Sci-fi we used to watch and read in our youth. Amazing.

1970 & '74 Patterns for Sale

2012-01-26T12:49:00.000-05:00

These 20 vintage patterns are authentic and never been used. The patterns are made from a heavy paper and capture an era that has gone and come again several times. They are for Knit fabrics. I'm selling them in sets with -20% if you buy both.

1970/74’s Knit Patterns

9 Large Set $90 11 Small Set $110

5 Women 10 Womens

1 Man 1 Juniors

3 Youth

Large Set is 9 - 9 1/2" x 12 1/2"

Detail of Large Set

Small Set 11 - 9"x6"

Detail of Small Set

A Treasure of Fiber Mag/Books for Sale

2012-01-26T12:20:00.000-05:00

Magazines & Books for Sale

20% off if you buy the whole lot of a magazine

65 Threads $7 each + shipping from 46220
#13, 22, 23, 27, 28, 38, 56, 57, 59-116

53 Fiberarts $5 each + shipping (published only from 1975-2005)

Nov/Dec ’79, ’81 #2, Sept/Oct ‘82, May/June ’84, Sept/Oct ’84, Vol 14#3, Vol 15#2, Vol 15#4, Vol 17#1, Vol 22#5, Vol 18#5, Vol 20#5, 4 of ’97, all 5 of ’98-’04, 1^st 2 of ‘05

41 Ornament $5 each + shipping

Vol 18#1, Vol 19#1&2, Vol 20#2&3&4, ALL 4 ea Vol 21-Vol 28, Vol 29#1-3

57 Beading $3 each + shipping

Spin-Off Summer ’91 $5 plus shipping

20 Weaver’s Issues $10 each + shipping

8, 9, 11, 15-21, 25-37,39-43

Handwoven’s Design Collection $15 each + shipping

#10 Terrific Table Toppers

#12 Great Cover-ups

#15 Sensational Scarves

37 Handwoven $6 each + shipping

N/D ’89 Fab For Fashion

M/A ’90 Window, Summer tops, Design a Shirt, Table Toppers Ntbk, Bronson Lace Alphabet, Weave Elephants

S/O ’90 Tartans & Plaids, Christmas Gifts, Weaving w Multiple Tensions,Afghan Weaves from Baskets

J/F ’91 Jack Lenor Larsen, Color & Weave, Backed Fab, Four Terrific Coats

M/A ’91 Explore Summer & Winter, Compters in Weave, Fabs for Interiors

M/J ’91 Fabulous Finishes

N/D ’91 Plain Weave

J/F ’92 Felted Fabric, Fiber Jewelry

M/A ’92 Lace Weaves, Projects for Baby

M/J ’92 Double Weave

S/O ’92 Pile: Velvet, Ray, Chenille, Corduroy

N/D ’92 Borders

J/F ’93 Color-Design & Inspiration

M/A ’93 Weaving for the Studio, Kids Clothes, Baskets

M/J ’93 Cotton

S/O ’93 7^th Ave Swatches, Beautiful Blankets, Simple Jackets

N/D ’93 Wonderful Rugs, Finn Weave, A Tea Bag Basket

J/F ’94 Coverlets & Overshot Look-alikes, Bronson for Rigid Heddle

M/A ’94 Weaving w Kids, Space-dyed Chenilles, Strip Piecing for Narrow Fabrics

M/J ’94 Finger –Manipulated Weaves

S/O ‘94 Crackle Weave, Holiday Cheer, Boundweave Figures

N/D ’94 Designing for Interiors, Big Bold Rugs, Upholstery Fabrics

J/F ’95 Texture Transposition, Overshot Border, Felted Fabrics

M/A ’95 Tops & Jackets, Rags to Wear, Lots of Dots

M/J ’95 Tapestry Process practice Technique

S/O ’95 Pueblo Southwest, Twists on Twill, Holiday Home

N/D ’95 Arts & Craft Textiles, Woven Containers, Easy Accents

J/F ’96 Fulled Fabrics, Small Bands, Country Weaving

M/A ’96 Fashion Fabrications, Plain Weave Plus, Old West Allusions

M/J ’96 Stripes Into Plains, Summer Weaving

S/O ’96 Tartans, Nordic Traditions, Yarn Medley Vests

N/D ’96 Art Overtwist, Tapestry Today, Overshot Traditions

J/F ’97 Wearables Embellished & Adorned, Game Plan for Rugs

M/A ’97 Linen Weaving, Huck Lace, Growing Flax

S/O ’97 Rag Rugs, Designing Wopmen, Holiday Weaving

N/D ’97 Name Drafts, Swedish Lace, Christmas Cheer

S/O ’99 20^th Year Edition

Weaving BOOKS plus shipping

A Handweaver's Pattern Book by Marquerite Porter Davison, Hardcover with dust jacket, New $40

A Weaver's Book of 8-Shaft Patterns from the Friends of Handwoven edited by Carol Strickler, Hardcover, New $45

Warping All ByYourself by Cay Garrett, ’83 Print, New $35

Everbody's Weaving Book by Alfred Allan Lewis, Hardcover with dust jacket, New $40

Weaving Without a Loom by Sarita R. Rainey, Hardcover, Used Good School Library, ’68 Printing, $13

RepWeaves by Lundell, Hardcover, New $40

Decorative Art Weaving by Ulla Stallberg, New $20

Warp Painting A Manual For Weavers by Dominie Nash, New $20

Bobbie Socks

2012-01-23T22:25:00.001-05:00

My most popular item is Bobbie Socks. They are fabulous. They are handdyed. They work for every season. They are unique but my return clienteles buy them for comfort, winter warmth, and softness. You can look conservative on the outside while being colorful under the surface. Love'em!

Bamboo Socks

• They are soft, soft, soft!

• Rumor has it that bamboo rayon fibers are both highly absorbent and possibly bacteria resistant.

• Bamboo is a very renewable resource that grows fast without chemicals and pesticides.

• 94% pure Bamboo, 6% Spandex for s-t-r-e-t-c-h. Bamboo is developed in the same way as Rayon.

Adult’s 9-11 Adult’s 11-13

(up to Women 10)

Children’s

Code Size Shoe Size

1 ~nb-6m inf 0-1

2 ~12m inf 1-4.5

3 ~24m kids 3-7

4 ~4.5-5.5 2-4.5

5 ~5.5-6.5 4.5-7.5

6 ~6.5-7.5 7.5-11.5

7 ~7.5-8.5 11.5-3.5

Art Cloth

2012-01-23T20:43:00.000-05:00

I love to dye fabric, especially silks. More than dyeing, printing is great, especially deconstructed printed. This type of printing will be more I'll be playing with.

Journal Quilts

2012-01-23T18:44:00.000-05:00

I joined people across the world in making Journal Quilts for a few years. Journal Quilts are 8.5" x 11" with the goal of making one a month (at least 9) and experimenting in techniques. One of mine was published in Creative Quilting: The Journal Quilt Project with Karey Bresenhan. You will see Beading in PV, MX on page 206.

2005

Jan '05 - Many Many Quilts

Feb '05 - Power Source

March '05 - Stages of Daughterhood - Mommy

April '05 - Suicide By Tabacco - Survivors' Heartbreak

2006

Jan 06 - Beading in PV, MX

back of Beading in PV, MX

Feb ' 06 - Log In Your Eye

March '06 - Synthetically Organic

April '06 - Lint Roller & Bubble Jet

May '06 - Remains of the Day

June '06 - Ima Flashen

July '06 - Sheer Color

Aug '06 - Parts of Speech (front)

Parts of Speech (back)

Sept '06 - Ricky Timm Inspired


'07 Listen 17 x 22 "We can do no great things, only small things with great love."	~Mother Teresa

Art Quilts

2012-01-23T16:21:00.000-05:00

Window

My taste changes continually but here's a history of my art quilts. Most contain my handdyed fabric, including cheesecloth, velvet, mercerized cotton, and silks. Some also include my hand printed fabrics.

Window detail

Another Window version

Mentor

Mentor detail

Ghost Layers

Twigs

B Made Whole

Past, Present, Future

Projects of Late

2012-01-21T14:56:00.001-05:00

I've spent the last several years downsizing from 5,200 square feet, 1,500 of that studio space, to 1,200 square feet. With an anticipated move across country for more college, I need to reduce into 700 square feet. I can do it if I can get a place with a small yard to dye and a garage. That would take a miracle and I'm asking for many!

The last few weeks I've been pulling things out that need to find a new home. After seeing how little I can part with and still have a descent supplied studio and basic home furnishings, I have no idea how I fit it in a 26 foot moving van and a tiny place in CA. Of course, I could do it nicely with either a home or a studio, but both being essential is a challenge.

So as I spy more that I will allow to leave my life, I have been finishing projects that has been patiently awaiting my attention. Projects I won't finish before I move go into the farewell pile. Here are a few projects I have finished in the last 10 days.

Happy creating!

Teaching Winter/Spring '12

2012-01-11T00:57:00.001-05:00

I'm teaching @ IAC this Spring...
Dye Independent, 12 weeks, will be on Wednesdays 12:30-3:30 from 1-25 to 4-11 @ $351 members/$390 non-member.

This class is designed for each student to have their own independent study. You may want to simply tap into the time and supplies to dye weekly on your own. You may have a complete project to work toward. You can participate in the synergy of the group. You could spend your time experimenting with what you already know and have access to instructor suggestions. You may want structured lessons before spending the rest of the class time implementing it. There's endless techniques and enthusiasm so you may want all the above.

Contact 317-255-2464, Indianapolis Art Center's to sign up.

My Business Name - The Touch of The Master's Hand

2012-01-11T00:49:00.003-05:00

Yes, I am touched, LOL, in many ways but the following explains why I am special. I have been touched forevermore. The Master is not exclusive and stands ready to touch each who ask to be His instrument and play His music. You have value!

The Touch of the Master's Hand ^Song here^

'Twas battered and scarred and the auctioneer
Thought it scarcely worth his while
To waste much time on the old violin,
But he held it up with a smile.

"What am I bid, good folk?" he cried.
"Who'll start the bidding for me?
A dollar, a dollar . . . now two . . . only two . . .
Two dollars, and who'll make it three?

"Three dollars once, three dollars twice,
Going for three" . . . but no!
From the room far back a gray-haired man
Came forward and picked up the bow.

Then wiping the dust from the old violin
And tightening up the strings,
He played a melody pure and sweet,
As sweet as an angel sings.

The music ceased, and the auctioneer,
With a voice that was quiet and low,
Said, "What am I bid for the old violin?"
As he held it up with the bow.

"A thousand dollars . . . and who'll make it two?
Two...two thousand, and who'll make it three?
Three thousand once and three thousand twice . . .
Three thousand and gone!" said he.

The people cheered, but some exclaimed
"We do not quite understand . . .
What changed it's worth?" and the answer came:
" 'Twas the touch of the master's hand."

And many a man with soul out of tune
And battered and scarred by sin
Is auctioned cheap by the thoughtless crowd
Just like the old violin.

A "mess 'o pottage"
A glass of wine
A game and he travels on.
He's "going" once
And "going" twice
And "going" . . . and almost "gone"

Then along comes the Master, and the foolish crowd
Never can quite understand
The worth of a soul or the change that's wrought
By the touch of the Master's Hand.

Myra 'Brooks' Welch (1877 - 1959)

I Visited Home - My Sewing Maching

2011-09-08T13:07:00.000-04:00

Ahhhh, feels great. I enjoyed cutting and sewing for twenty-four hours. I started and put away one project that has brewed in my mind for a year. I instead made a couple class samples for sewing 100. I have six classes in two different places on the books this fall, four of which are new. These classes are:

Happy Apron               Personal Pillowcase

Market Bag                  Dye a Silk Scarf

Hand-dyed Shirt           Mono Print with Dyes

Yesterday I made samples for the first two classes:

Happy creating!

Bobbie

Artsy Purses

2011-09-01T01:22:00.004-04:00

I designed a purse pattern and made a series that I sold. I also teach the Artsy Purse. It has custom interior pockets and piping. The outside designs are limitless but I teach paper piecing in this class.

Mailable Fiber Postcards

2011-07-10T23:06:00.001-04:00

Yes, fiber postcards card be mailed just a paper ones. Some people sew cardstock to the back. Some have a fabric back and write on it. I found a blank mailing label with adhesive the perfect size that could be removed after received in the mail and then mailed again. A lot of people collect them and display them on their wall as art.

Beaded Faces

2011-07-10T21:54:00.001-04:00

I had a period of three years where life's challenges had me in an art coma. I have always disliked hand work, loved it, but don't like doing it. During this particular art coma, a friend of mine, Nancy Fullerton, got me hooked on bead weaving. It was a delightful phase that included a series of faces I designed and sold.

My Wearable Art

2011-07-10T20:14:00.002-04:00

I've been making clothes since Junior High School. As those who know me and have taken classes with me or from me, know that I immediately am redigning patterns the minute I begin reading them. It doesn't matter whether it's a sewing pattern, beading, or knitting, I call myself a re-designer.

When I began to dye and do surface design techniques, I used it to make wearable art. It was what I was know for in Artists' Own, an art co-op gallery myself and 20 other artists began in 2000 in Lafayette, IN.

As with most of my interests, wearables transformed into another textile interest. Therefore, it's been several years since I've made wearables. All my pieces have homes and I didn't get pictures of most of them. Here are a few I remembered to document.

Dragonfly - from my hand dyed silks, pattern by Diane Ericson

Top and Skirt from rayon, decolored and overdyed - Ericson patterns out of print.

Details of long vest made from cotton jaquard art cloth (10 layers) of mine.

Details of another vest

Blue Mod Coat

1st Lap Quilt Top Finished

2011-05-30T23:02:00.000-04:00

Bobbie Pins

2011-05-04T14:03:00.002-04:00

I was contacted last year by the Indiana State Museum requesting some of my art pins for their gift shop. Kathi Moore was searching the web and found pictures of samples from a class I had taught at Indiana Bead Society. How nice! Check out their "Frugal & Fancy: Indiana Quilts" exhibition that will be up until July 17, 2011.

Here are some of my Bobbie Pins...

1st Year Art School

2011-05-04T01:08:00.002-04:00

I'd like to share some of the pieces I've created in the classes from my first four semesters.

This triptych is "Past, Present, Future" (9” w x 14” h + 20.5” w x 29” h + 12.5” w x 10.5 h = 43” w x 29” h). I hand dyed all the cotton fab. This is one of my most satisfying pieces. It was from my Color & Design II class with Stephanie Robertson.

This is a Vessel of Light (23” h x 18” w x 9.5” d) made with layers of synthetic fabrics, fused, painted, and melted.

Detail

This is a coffee table box for remotes from Foundations I. It's a collage mozaic piece with broken plate and mirror pieces, polymer clay, and beads.

This printing plate is from Color & Design I.

My steampunk necklace needed earrings and a ring for my final project in Foundations I.

My altered book from Foundations I has a silk quilt, pillow, knitting needles (nails) for the linen yarn. Of course, there must be a good book and a snack near by. The base is a candle holder from a second hand store.

The Writing's on the Wall is paper lamination on sheer fabric. It is double sided with printed text and hand writing that's been aged. Also included is deconstructed screen printed fabric, hand dyed cheesecloth and cotton batting.

My drawing classes are a stretching experience. I've improved but hand work is not a love of mine, whether it's hand writing, hand sewing, or drawing. But I'm glad I'm getting the experience. Maybe I'll post some of those pieces, but no breath holding, please.

Thanks for viewing.

Bless and be blessed,
Bobbie

Custom Thermofax Screen Service INFORMATION

2011-03-12T21:24:00.020-05:00

Custom Thermofax Screen Info & Order Sheet

Hello art enthusiast.

Screening is an awesome adventure. Thermofax screens are fun and affordable. You can screen on fabric, paper, polymer clay, wonder under, wood, leather… You can screen with thickened dyes, inks, decolor agents, and paints of many kinds.

Thermofax screens give you a couple options you won’t get with most other silk screens. With thermo screens you can flip them over for a reverse image, they store compactly, and you can use bleach products with them for decoloring.

Thermofax screens are considered a temporary screen with more than a hundred pulls. I’ve only remade one image. If you find you want to use an image more, you can either have another thermo screen made or be secure that making the image into a photo emulsion screen will be worth the effort.

I provide a mail order service for thermofax screens. You send me your images. I return to you a framed screen within the next business day of receiving your order with info on how to care for thermo screens.

Although I get your screens back in the mail the next business day, allow two weeks travel time from you to me and back to you. Doubtful it will take that long but plan ahead and get a happy surprise in the mail early than the stress of yesterday's deadline. Don't ask me how I know about waiting to the last minute, I'm just saying...

The most frequent question is about sending images via email. My experience is that every time I've made screens from images sent through the Internet, there has been problems. Because I want my customers to be 100% satisfied with their screens, I request hard copies of the EXACT image(s) be mailed to me. You are the artist/designer and what you send me is what you will receive back in a screen. I alter nothing; size or anything else.

- - - - -

Complete screen service is normally requested, which includes your image on the film, mounted and framed, ready to use. You may request your image on the film unmounted to 'frame' yourself as you desire.

You, too, can be on your way to many fun hours of play and expanded art. Here's how:

1. I have created the Image Allowance Sheet that I can email you. It has the boundaries to work within for three sizes of framed screens. You can enlarge or reduce your image to fit within the desired frame.

If you are in immediate need of boundaries, stay within these:
Legal 6½ x12 Full 7x9½ Half 3¾x7 Quarter 2¾x4
If your image pushes the boundaries, go up to the next size of screen so you can have a well (room to put your medium before spreading).

If you want your image larger than the above measurements and are mounting the screened image yourself, you have 10 inches of width and no limit to length. Contact me for length cost.

2. Gray tones won’t produce an exact representation of your image.  That may prove interesting, though. If you want an exact image for your screen, it needs to be only black and white. Send a clean copy of your image. Any stray ink will show on the finished screen so use a white liquid correction pen to clean up unwanted marks/dots.

I will run a copy with the needed carbon ink to save you a trip to the copy shop. Note here that I will return the exact size of image you send me.  I do not alter your design in any way as you are the artist and in total control of your image.

3. Number the image, on the back with an ink pen, not a pencil.

4. Email Bobbie for the address in which to mail your images along with the following form and a check.

Questions? fiberartBV@aol.com

Order Form:
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Name_______________________________________________________
Date___________________________
Address_____________________________________________________
Phone___________________________________
Email_________________________________________________

     Framed Size               Complete Service   OR   Imaged Film Only
Super (10-1/2" x 13-1/2")                        Special Order
Legal (7-1/2" x 13")                     $20               or             $10
Full (7-3/4" x 10-1/2")                   $15               or              $8
Half (4-7/8" x 7-1/2")                   $10               or              $4
Quarter (3-3/4 x 4-7/8")                 $7               or              $2

   Circle size & service for each image                          Cost
Image 1  Super   Full   Half   Quarter    Complete or Imaged Film    ________
Image 2  Super   Full   Half   Quarter    Complete or Imaged Film    ________
Image 3  Super   Full   Half   Quarter    Complete or Imaged Film    ________
Image 4  Super   Full   Half   Quarter    Complete or Imaged Film   ________
Image 5  Super   Full   Half   Quarter    Complete or Imaged Film   ________
Image 6  Super   Full   Half   Quarter    Complete or Imaged Film   ________
Image 7  Super   Full   Half   Quarter    Complete or Imaged Film   ________
Image 8  Super   Full   Half   Quarter    Complete or Imaged Film    ________

                                                                                  Sub-Total   ________

Shipping – 10% of Total Cost of order or $2.50 minimum Shipping   ________

                                                                          Total Enclosed ________
Have you?

 Sized image  Clean image  Numbered images

 Completed form  Included check and images

Please feel free to contact me with questions. I JUST loooove helping people enjoy their art.

Touch of The Master's Hand Bobbie Vance

Happy Creating!

Art Project - Visitor Guide

2011-02-07T17:20:00.000-05:00

This is a fabulous tool. If you can't travel the world and see the master's art in person, this is the next best thing. You can even view details of the art that you couldn't get close enough to see in person. Wow!

I still want to travel and see it all for myself!

A Challenge

2010-12-11T12:58:00.002-05:00

A Challenge:
Spend little or no money this Christmas.
Create NO debt.
Be intentional and invest yourself into creating personal gifts.

I heard a true story the other day on the radio of a family that was given a gift of a goat ($75). They used the milk to make cheese to sell and the goats waste on their humble vegetable garden to increase its crop. They sold the extra veggies. The story went on with how this goat increased this family’s quality of life.

I’ve heard about this type of giving for a few years. Wow. Even a couple of chickens ($25) can give children a way to earn money for an education. I have wanted to contribute to families in this way. It’s so doable with mega results. I wanted to give an animal for each of my daughters and grandones. The boys would love to be part of a family’s story like this.

It's also possible to help a community to dig their only well for deep, fresh water. There are many different areas to help in, including Hope for Sexually Exploited Girls @ $35.

Compassion: Releasing Children from Poverty

World Vision

My life has since changed so drastically that I am unable to participate with family or able to afford gifts. Helping others have become more important than before and if I get the chance, my gift purchasing will be helping a family help themselves. I'd give it in the names of loved ones.

A related subject…

Every Christmas since I’ve been an adult, I’ve made a lot of things for presents. I've sewn old fashioned night gowns for my girls like my mom made us. I've made matching jammie bottoms for every family member. One year I painted sweat shirt for each dad of hand-drawn pictures from their children. I've made unusual flavored popcorn for popcorn lovers. I've cross-stitched and framed pieces and painted family Christmas table cloth pieces. My sister Kathy could probably remember more. She has a better memory than I.

I love making personal gifts. I find it easier than thinking of the perfect gift to buy. I also like receiving handmade gifts thoughtfully chosen.

In this economy, I look at it as a time to encourage others to get back to simplicity and heartfelt, meaningful lifestyles. Instead of buying gifts, give the blessing of acts of service as a gift. You can print out coupons for things like:

~3 hours of free babysitting
+A homemade meal
~An evening playing cards or board game
+A week of doing laundry
~An afternoon of helping in the garden
+A batch of their favorite homemade cookies

Even if a person has the financial resources to shop til they drop, why do it? What you save can buy a family a chance at life above starvation.

If you don’t want to put together a personal gift, then seriously consider buying a handmade one from a local artist. If you want to downsize and have a more personal touch, there are many creative ways to put an inexpensive gift together.

I have some ideas that would work for even the most insecure ‘crafter’ to put together with very little money. One of my grandboys loved the idea of planting something he could watch grow. Therefore, an idea would be to buy a nice pot, a small bag of potting soil and a package of seeds. You can divide the soil into small freezer weight zipper bags for several different people.

Try to remember an interest or passing comment a person has made that you can individualize something special for them. I have a friend, Cathy K., that is amazing at doing this.

I've seen people make from scratch, a long shelf life food gift. They mix the dry ingredients together for a cake, cookies and even beans soup. They put the mix in something like a glass canning jar with a rubber sealed lid. It'd have a nice ribbon and the recipe tied to it for the receiver to easily finish for a tasty treat.

If you have no history of making a gifts, you can take a one-time class, or a series of them. Classes are at craft stores or online.

~Knit a scarf with the investment of one ball of yarn and a set of needles. A yarn store may even have a free beginner’s class.
~String some NICE beads for a bracelet. A privately owned bead store usually is happy to help you design it and give you instructions.
~Sew a bib or tasteful apron. Quilt stores are great for ideas on inexpensive and simple gifts.

Are you getting some ideas of your own? Please share them with other readers and myself.

If you do purchase, support small businesses and artists. There are many local galleries, art gift shops, and museums with handmade, reasonably priced treasures.

Be intentional this year in spending little and making Christmas personal. Bless and be blessed!

Midterm Time

2010-02-27T10:57:00.007-05:00

It's the weekend before my very first midterms. I have a very detailed list of what I need to do these two days.

First, I think I'm going to start a separate blog, a personal diary. Deb gave me the idea. It has no purpose except for me to record my journey. It'll have my victories, my revelations, my depths of despair, my roller coaster of emotions. It'll start with a woman, a mother and grandmother, and discarded wife, a Christian woman left in debt, no education, no value that the world outside her home recognizes, and progress into a first time college student looking for each new step of her life. I'll be interested in seeing where she goes. Hopefully it will be world travel, helping others experience joy and victory, feeling valued and loved, and encourage individuals that a relationship with God through Jesus is the only relationship that makes it possible for anything.

I'll leave this blog for art. That may mean that I'll continue to post infrequently here until I get to a different point in my mind and life. Since art is a passion of mine, a part of who I am, a joy and excitement that cannot be quenched, I'm going no where.

After midterms, I'll post here pictures of my first two 3D class projects. I love this class. It's perfect for my strong left brain. It's perfect for my secondary strong right brain. Interpretation: I use my logical, organized thinking along with my creative side in this class.

Off now to do Algebra.

Be a blessing and be blessed.

Happy creating!

Goodbye '09. Hello New Year!

2010-01-01T20:02:00.021-05:00

It's been 6 months since I've blogged. It's been a full year of major changes and continues on. I begin Ivy Tech on January 11 in Fine Art. This will be my first college experience. I'm excited. I have no idea what I will be when I grow up but it will be one who helps others have joy.

This year I have hand painted/dyed a few hundred pairs of bamboo socks and people loved them. I will use this as one way to support myself while in school.

I have also freelanced designed and sewn for People for Urban Progress. Two people rescued the roof fabric from the RCA (Hoosier) Dome from it being taken to the landfill. The fabric is Teflon coated fiberglass and comes is 'hard' and 'soft'. The red and black were the letters on the Dome of RCA. They are donating most of the fabrics to the Indy Parks Department for shelters. To subsidize the cost of other materials and labor, they have had several people like myself come in to create wallets, clutches, and messenger bags with the fabrics. One place the pieces are featured is Silver in the City. It's a great project and much fun.

This year I taught at Indy Art Center, Frankfort Library, Indiana Bead Society and in my studio. I started a weekly group for women to feel safe in being themselves while having knitting in common. Our ages range from 19 to 60+. The young woman, Ashley, 19, has astounded me with her transparency, her dedication to the Lord and His principles in her daily life, her love and acceptance of all people, age and uniqueness. It's rare for a person of her age. She's one beautiful, hip person.

I've said goodbye to friends and a life style. I've meet new and wonderful friends that will be in my life for years. I suffered much hurt and I've gained much growth. I experienced family and friends of many years rallying beside, behind, under and above me, lifting my hands when I could not, and bringing me joy and victory. I've seen impossible things happen because of prayer and have gotten back into a daily time with the Lord in His Word.

I've watched my eldest daughter purchase her own home with her mate and four children. I've watched my youngest daughter mature more due to hardship in her life. I've seen my baby sister sacrifice more than she had and share the depth of my despair in this difficult year. It's a love I haven't experienced before. My brother saw needs in my life and met them without being asked while his are more than I could ever bear.

So has this year been one of hell? Yes. Has it been one of a taste of Heaven. Yes. I could not have the taste without choosing Him while the hell raged around me. So I am thankful for the hell making it possible.

What does this new year hold for me? I can only guestimate and walk forward day by day. And I am comfortable with that, even glad.

I will continue to clean up after 2009. I will give my best to school. I will be moving into a smaller place. I will find a way to support myself despite society's boxes. I will treasure my family every chance I get. These things are my intentions.

School is exciting but as a non-traditional learner, I wonder what new things I will learn to do to be successful in a traditional setting. As one with a unique take and presence in public, I hope people will give me enough opportunities to see my intentions rather than my first impressions.

In moving, I would like to be able to have studio space with minimal living quarters. I don't know that having my full studio set up will be used for school but it will help to provide an income and sanity with joy.

I head into 2010 as an adventure, an entire life change. I have adjusted to that mentally and somewhat emotionally in '09. Each new day brings more excitement for the future. I thank God He has made me an overcomer. May I encourage you that trusting Jesus brings peace and joy despite the hell raging around us. Seek His fullness and if I don't see you before, we'll rejoice together in Heaven. Whoo hooo!

God Bless and happy creating.

It Was A Great Afternoon

2009-07-13T23:37:00.010-04:00

Six ladies came to the Frankfort Library to Dye & Bead A Silk Scarf. Each student seemed to really enjoy themselves. I certainly enjoyed teaching it and loved to see them enjoying it. See what beautiful scarves they created.

Sharon's inspiration for her dye pallet was her umbrella.

She later emails:

Bobbie,

I have to tell you that I had such a wonderful time on Saturday. I felt like I really created something. I've finished my beading and the scarf is totally finished. I hope we can do this again. I've already emailed Flo how great the class was.

I think this class is a great way for women to feel good about creating a piece of art. Some may not feel as comfortable about the beading but even that was pretty simple.

Sharon

It was a great afternoon.

God Bless and happy creating.

It's Quilted

2009-07-13T14:57:00.008-04:00

I hope to do a series of quilts called Made Whole. This is the first. B Made Whole is now officially a quilt. It was requested from a woman who's name started with the letter B, alas the "B". With life being so difficult, bartering or horse trading, as some call it, is one way to pay bills. That's one bill temporarily down within hundreds. Right, Dori?

This piece is made from my hand dyed and printed fabric, expect for the cross and the black.

God Bless and happy creating!

Offering Summer '09 Classes

2009-06-30T22:32:00.007-04:00

One blessing of having my studio, is that I've set it up for teaching. I can be flexible to meet many different needs.

Over the next couple of months, I have scheduled classes in my Master's Hand studio and in Frankfort, Indiana. Frankfort has a library that is fabulous in promoting the arts. Their exhibitions and classes are extensive. Check it out.

I've purposely constructed the following classes for fun with an end product. But if you want more understanding and time to learn, play and experiement, I also have designed classes for that, as well. Email me for more info.

These classes need a minimum number of students to sign up and submit a deposit before they will happen. Since I love to share my passion in textiles and see my students succeed and enjoy themselves, I'm hoping the classes fill. Go ahead, make my day. You'll be glad you did. :-)

July 11, Sat 1-5, Dye & Bead Fringe a Silk Scarf at Frankfort Library
765-654-8747 to register

July 17, Fri 2-3:30, Top This $15 at Indy MH Studio
Dye the top, apron... you bring that is made of 100% cotton, rayon or linen.

July 25, Sat 1-4 Quilters' Gradation Dye Set $30 at Indy MH Studio
Choose a color and dye eight values of it along with two muted steps = 10 fat quarters. You can purchase fabric from Bobbie or bring quality fab. Can do silk for wearables or quilts.

July 31, Fri 1:30-4:30 Monoprint Dye $30 at Indy MH Studio
Play with thickened dye in monoprinting on your fav fab. Bobbie will also have fab for sale. We will jump in and play, fingerpaint, let our inner child enjoy.

August 8, Sat 1-4, Quilters' Two Color Dye Run $30 at Indy MH Studio
You’ll choose two diff colors (ei. blue & yellow = diff greens) to dye 11 fat quarter steps between the two. A dye run set works together perfectly in a quilt. Fabric available for purchase.

August 14, Fri 2-3, Feet First $10 at Indy MH Studio
Feet need a lift, too. Dye a pair of your socks. O so soft bamboo socks can be purchased.

August 22, Sat 9:30-12, Dye a Shirt & Socks at Frankfort Library
765-654-8747 to register

I'm always open for scheduling something special for you and your friends or a guild.

God Bless and happy creating!

I Teach And...

2009-06-22T23:36:00.006-04:00

Bobbie Vance has sewn from childhood, done fabric loom weaving, dyed since 1990, spent several years bead weaving, designed and constructed Art-To-Wear, created Artcloth, and been published for one of her art quilts. She is a founding member of Artists' Own, a cooperative art gallery of mixed media in Lafayette, IN, known there for her wearable art. She has taught at quilt shops and retreats. Bobbie teaches at the Indianapolis Art Center and her Art Retreat Studio.

Check out Bobbie's art at Galleries and Etsy Art Shop

Email her with questions and/or booking a workshop or class.

• Bobbie loves sharing her passion in textile art and design.
• She will construct a class especially for you or your group, 6th graders to 106 year olds.
• She can host an activity or meeting in her conference room.
• She can host an art retreat for friends or guilds in her studio or your facility. Women stay overnight or for a week. She has up to six beds with two full baths. And for the agile, there’s plenty of space for sleeping bags and BYO air mattresses.

Bobbie Helps Organize Your Studio
Have a spare bedroom? Transform it into your studio. Or maybe you set aside studio space and it’s stacked with sacks of stash. Can you find your supplies and tools quickly? Good chance you have treasures you’ve forgotten, too. Bobbie’s organizational skills are so strong she enjoys helping others create a well structured and labeled work environment. Everything will have its place and be within easy reach.

TEXTILE ART CLASSES

Feet First
1 hr
Student brings a freshly laundered (no fabric softener) 100% natural fiber (cotton, linen, rayon) socks or purchase a pair of bamboo socks from Bobbie. Dyeing each additional pair $4.

Screen Play
6 – 3 hr classes
You can act up in this class. We will focus on using plain wooden framed silk screens for different ways of applying thickened dye on cloth. The discovery process will use stencils you make, masks, found objects, … that will produce organic and representational imagery. Homework is needed for personal imagery. You supply 2 screens and fabric. Let’s play with screen printing on fabric.

Screen Play
3 hr segments

Mono Print Mono
6 – 3 hr classes
We’re gonna mono print on fabric in many different ways with thickened dye. Left brains will be engaged and introduced to the right brain. Stretch, play, dance in this freeform dye play. You supply your fabric. Homework, yes, includes gathering ideas for mark making.

Mono Play
3 hr segments

Dye Together – Parent/Child
1½ hrs
6 years old and up
This is a date for you and your child to dye together. With one parent, their shirt, to one child, their shirt, Bobbie leads. While you learn to chemically bond dye particles to your shirt, you'll bond a bit more with one of the most special people in your life. And again each time you wear your shirts.

Dye Together – Husband/Wife
1½ hrs
Gather a few couple friends (or not) to splash color into your date night. Husband/Wife, both bring a white, 100% natural shirt top. No, it doesn’t need to be matching shirts. The only manipulation allowed is to the fabric in order to create patterning. Even left brains will enjoy this. Bonding guaranteed.

Youth Top This
1½ hrs
10 years and up
Nothing more fun than dyeing your own shirt, except wearing it. Bobbie has many samples and colors for inspiration. Create your own one-of-a-kind wearable art.

Adult Top This
1½ hrs
Nothing more fun than dyeing your own shirt, except wearing it. Bobbie has many samples and colors for inspiration. Create your own one-of-a-kind wearable art. Student brings a freshly laundered (no fabric softener) 100% natural fiber (cotton, linen, rayon) shirt.

Guild & Logo Shirts
1½ hrs & 1 hr
Have a guild that would like to dye a shirt and print their logo? I got ya covered. Individuals dye their own unique shirt and later print with a common logo.

I’ll Dye Trying
3 hrs
Love handdyed fabrics but thought them too difficult or just didn’t know where to start? Get a taste of how easy, safe, and fast you can dye your own unique, colorfast fabrics. You’ll create 9 one-yard piece of your favorite single and multi-colored fabric. With structure, this free-spirited method of low-water immersion dyeing comes from Ann Johnston’s Color By Accident and Bobbie’s 19 years of dyeing. (This is the first class in the Art Cloth Series.)

Silk Scarf Dye Workshop
1 hr
In this workshop, we will dye a silk scarf. It’s fast, easy, fun and around your neck or waist at the end of class. Dye a second one for a friend for an extra $10.

Dye & Bead A Silk Scarf
4 hrs
Amaze yourself and others by creating a unique and stunning art piece. Students will dye a silk scarf and then bead an easy and fast fringe.

Dye Study Course
7 - 3 hr sessions
Whether you’ve dyed for years or never, Bobbie has designed a structured seven week in-class exercise course to begin understanding fiber reactive dyes. Eight students will make a dye sample book that includes 8 different colors wheels, color ranges between two colors, value gradations and more. Less students require more classes. This foundational class will equip you to begin your own journey of experiments to enlarge your dye samples. Class recommended but not required for her Artcloth Study Course. Fabric Kit for Sample Book $30 for 8 students.

Artcloth
12 -3 hr Sessions (36 hrs)
It’s layers of colors, visual texture, and/or imagery on fabric that can be hung or draped in your home. It can be made into wearable art or used in quilts. Each class introduces you to new subject matter. You’ll create items for subsequent classes until the culmination of layered artcloth. You’ll dye, make stamps and silk screens, decolor, work with thickened dyes and more. Homework required.

DYEING FOR QUILTERS

Two Color Dye Run
2½ hrs
With eleven fat quarters you’ll choose two different colors (ei. blue and yellow) to dye the steps of gradations between the two. Possibilities are interesting and endless. If you choose complimentary colors (ei. blue and orange), you'll produce muted versions of your original colors and a few different browns. A dye run set works together perfectly in a quilt.

Gradation Dye Set
2½ hrs
Choose a color and dye eight values of it along with two muted steps. You'll create ten harmonious fat quarters. You might even want to do one session dyeing black to very light gray.

Hand Dye a Rainbow
1½ hrs
Dye two yards in multiple colors on one piece of fabric.

THEN THERE'S

Beaded Earrings, Bracelet, Necklace…

Learn to Knit

AND SEW ON

Artsy Purse
5 sessions or 2 days (15 hrs) with homework.
Some sewing experience needed.
Create your own unique purse that'll bring admiration from all. Bobbie will guide you through designing, paper piecing, simple construction, and custom interior pockets. We will also touch on options of surface embellishing like couching yarns and using your sewing machine's decorative stitches with decorative threads. By the end of class you should finish your first purse and won't want to stop with making more of these show-stopping Artsy Purses.

Art Quilt classes

Journal Quilts

Paper Piecing

Surface Embellishment via Sewing Machine

AND More…

Bobbie’s Studio Prices are subject to change
Private Lessons @ $35 hour
Semi-Private each student @ $20 hour
3-6 Students each @ $10 per hour
without kits and supplies

Classes currently available Weekday, Evening or Saturday, beginning 10 am ending to 9:30 pm

Email me to schedule and for information.

God Bless and happy creating!

Stages of Life

2009-06-22T21:46:00.008-04:00

Well, hello, friends. I am now in the midst of a major life change. Tho it is very difficult, it will later be a very excellent change. In fact, the only difficult thing is now I have to support myself after 32 years. Man, it's a hard world out there. Five months of seeking a job has proved fruitless.

I would love to support myself, like many of us, by my passion in textile art. Ultimately, I would love to have a store front of the most excellent kind, all the supplies imaginable for creating our arts. In the back I would have an enormous wet studio and a dry one, as well. I'd have teachers from world wide to make it worth your trip here. Of course, I'd be teaching in the meantime, grin. Such a nice dream, huh? Without a dream, it won't happen. So I dare to dream.

On a smaller scale, my current studio is set up nicely for teaching. I even have 3 extra bedrooms with 2 full baths for art retreats. I've constructed many classes from 1 hr to a week long for my studio and also for the Indy Art Center. I've been teaching at IAC for around 5 years. Oh, and there's my custom thermofax screen business. Alas, this doesn't even begin to make it possible to pay part of the utilities each month. It's just a matter of time that my studio and home will not be mine.

Nevertheless, I continue to do the best I can and work hard to go forward. Sadly, many people are facing similar situations for different reasons. Yet let's be people of integrity, creativity, and hard work. No matter the day to day struggles, we will be successful. Hold your head high and sleep well.

God Bless and happy creating!

B Made Whole

2009-04-13T14:14:00.006-04:00

Made Whole is a series I've started. B Made Whole is the first. I started with the extra blocks from my AQ Knit Tote. The cross and black are commercial fabrics. The remaining fabric is my hand dyeds and printed fab.

An art quilt was requested and the woman's name begins with the letter B. She liked the overall feel of the Knit Tote so B Made Whole began. I was going to do a pillow case method to create the quilt. She mentioned in passing about it being framed to I've yet to talk with her about the final 'mounting'.

I'm thinking the next in the series will be Lemonade: Made Whole. Yes, it'll be with lots of diff hand dyed yellows and golds.

God bless and happy creating.

AQ Knit Tote Follow-up

2009-03-09T11:21:00.007-04:00

Thanks for the encouraging comments on this tote. I have discovered several things to tweak on my tote. The one that needs contemplation is the placement of the handles. Because the tote is 20 inches wide, which is wide, I put the handles in the center. Seemed like a good idea at the time. With the use of the tote, I find that if the weight isn't balanced on both ends, it contorts. So I'm thinking if I put the handles closer to the ends of the tote, yet angle toward the center, that may solve the problem. I'll see on the next tote if that will work. The other quirks can be fixed on this tote.

I spent a few days in San Diego and lower LA with a good friend of mine. We had 'Woman Time'. I talked and talked. She listened to me some of the time, LOL. I reluctantly flew back with the temp of 84 and returned to 11 below. That's at 95 degree diff. That's a big BIG diff. I wanna live there but without all my grandboys able to move, too, I'm making the best of Indy.

Art Quilt to a Knit Tote Finished

2009-02-20T12:53:00.017-05:00

Remember the blocks that turned into a pieced quilt top? I have now completed it into a knit tote I designed. Yeah. The final tote is 10 inches high and 20 inches wide. This tote is not for storage but for toting a knit project around so as to keep my hands busy when needed.

This is the first piece, 20 x 40, that I quilted on my quilting frame. So this project accomplished many goals. I pieced, designed the blocks for an art quilt look, broke in my quilting frame, made an Artsy Bag, created an attractive knit tote, and created a class sample. I will also use this tote to help me get a job. Yes, a job. Mixed emotions there. But I want to help other design and create their vision successfully.

For designing the tote, I used the techiniques I teach in my Artsy Purse class that I teach. The tote has custom pockets. Two of the pockets will hold a pattern book or an 8.5x11 direction sheet. The other two pockets is for needles and my other tools.

The tote is deep enough for a cardboard can that I sometimes use to put into a ball/cake of yarn. The lid has a hole in the center with a slit cut from the side of the lid to the center inwhich to insert a strand of yarn. It keeps the yarn contained from the cat and gives it room to roll around. There is also enough room in the bag for the knitted project to hang out.

The handles on this bag was purchased and reworked for where the wear-and-tear occures so as to prolong the life of this bag.

I think I like it. I'm gonna load it up and take it with me this weekend while on a bead retreat. Never know when I wanna pick up a different kind of needle.

Hope this inspires you.

God Bless and happy creating.

Help Others To Help Others

2009-01-30T11:51:00.009-05:00

I received my copy of Quilting Arts and immediately looked for my very first ad I've placed. There it was. It turned out nicely in print. I questioned if it would pay for itself. Regardless, I want to present an opportunity for those that purchase custom thermofax screens from me so as to help others to help others.

What is a thermofax and how can the screens be used? Welsh is a great resource. If you have more questions, please feel free to email me.

With people loosing jobs or getting their wages cut, it's time everyone step up to the plate to help one another. What has happened to us, including myself? We have slowly eroded into autopilot. Are we more pleasure seeking machines than caring humans? Let me tell you a story that helped me see how simple it can be to help and care for others.

We received over 12 inches of snow overnight. Since I don't work outside my home, yet, I didn't think anything beyond it's beauty. That afternoon I passed my large front window and saw the neighbor shoveling his snow, then the other neighbor, oh, all three were out removing snow from their drive. Then I noticed my drive had been cleared. I felt blessed and humbled. I live in a new neighborhood and we four have lived here a year or less, the newest moving in a few months ago. It was he who cleared my drive. Later I brought him and his family my homemade spaghetti sauce and all the fixings for a complete meal. "That's what neighbors are for." he says.

Earlier in the afternoon, another neighbor came over for a visit. It's so nice to have neighbors, friendly, and even more so having common interests. Mary is a creative woman and a doll. So she's beading and I'm quilting while we visit. I asked, "Did you hear about the 95 year old man who froze?" "Yes, I did. And yes, the electric company is partly to blame but my question is, ‘Where were his neighbors?" Wow, I had never thought of that. "Surely they knew he lived there and should have been checking in on him." She was right. I haven't lived where people did that. People used to do that, care for those around them. In this economic time, may it bring us back to paying with cash and being kind and helpful to those lives around us, beginning with me.

All this to lead to my offer. For those purchasing from my custom thermofax service, I will give a 10% discount on each order (shipping excluded) if the person pledges to give that 10% to an organization that helps those in need. A need can be for food, clothing, shelter, or education to overcome their plight. I will also be giving 10%. Make a note on the order form that I’ll email you that you want to help others to help others. If you are interested, I will compile a list of organizations I whole heartedly trust to use the donations wisely without it being eaten up in their organizational overhead.

In the meantime, bless someone just because you can.

God Bless and happy creating.

Knit Tote

2009-01-27T14:40:00.006-05:00

I've assembled some of the blocks I've constructed (Dec 16 I've Been Sewing). This piece is 25 x 42 inches. I have plenty of block left for later projects but starting today, this piece is being made into a tote bag for a knit project.

I love totes. I love organization. I love keeping my hands busy. So I keep a mindless knit project toted up and ready to grab as I walk out the door.

When finished, I'll give you dimensions.

God Bless and happy creating.

A Scarf For Imri

2009-01-23T12:22:00.009-05:00

I finished knitting Imri's Christmas scarf last night, grin. Her new coat looks just like the skein of yarn. The two (coat and yarn) didn't even meet to compare personal profiles but they are right for each other.

This is a free pattern called "My So Called Scarf". The stitches are confusing to interpret for a semi novice like myself but I did it right, yeah. After I finished the scarf, I found a YouTube demo of the stitches.

I used 2 skiens of this yarn. Therefore the pattern doesn't show. I used Sz 17 needles coz that's the largest I have other than 25. Sz 19 would have been better. The yarn calls for 17.

After finishing the scarf, I felt it needed something extra. So I used the yarn to sew on this beaded fringe I had in my stash.

Though I have many knit projects started, I'll start BreAunna's Christmas scarf next. Always plenty of creative things to do.

God Bless and happy creating!

Designing A New Class

2009-01-21T15:04:00.005-05:00

Last year I taught this 3 hr Beaded Fringe Scarf for the Indianapolis Bead Society's Spring Workshop. I gave the students an option to purchase one of my handdyed silk scarves and got a great response from the gals.

They ask me to design another fringe scarf class and this is the sample I just finished for submittion. This Netted Fringe Scarf is very simple to do.

While speaking of teaching, I had students, now friends, over Friday night. During the first Artcloth class I taught at Indianapolis Art Center, the students bonded with one another and myself. They started gathering together several times a year for finger food and show and tell. My second Artcloth class did the same. So since I moved to Indy this last year, I wanted to take a turn hosting. I invited both groups on the same night. It was very enjoyable and rewarding despite the 15 below cold.

They were also helpful giving ideas in which to support myself in my fiber passions. I am now considering opening my home sometimes for art retreats. I have 6 extra beds and 2 baths upstairs. I have the 1,000 sq ft studio and a conference room in the basement with nice natural lighting. I can provide food as an option or there is good eats near my home. It was even suggested to be available for group meetings and workshops in the conference room.

With improved lighting for detail work and finishing decorating, hosting will be added to my teaching within my home. I'm excited.

God Bless and happy creating.

Christmas Projects

2008-12-16T18:51:00.006-05:00

I usually make at least one item per person for my family for Christmas. Like always, this year I have tons of ideas. I'll have to default to barely getting one thing done, again. Looks like I'll make matching jammie pants for all the guys, Lake Poppy (Grandpa Vic), Tyler (my oldest daughter's mate), and my four grandboys. Last year was the first time I made jammies. They were red and yellow flannel Hot Wheels jammie pants. I had the fab on my shelf intended for the back of a comforter for two of the boys. I made my two daughters pink cat ones from fun flannel in my collection, too. This year I'm making myself use what's on my shelf again. I have a bolt of plaid flannnel that'll work tho I'm tempted to go and buy a fun flannel. NO. Discipline. Use what I have.

Tip: Both my girls complimented for the first time on a project I made for them. They said the jammie pants were THE most comfortable fit they've ever had. The pattern is in the booklet Sew Easy Pajama Pants by Cindy Taylor Oates. I found it at a quilt shop where I was teaching. I originally made them as a sample to teach the requested class. Don't tell my hubby or Tyler but I also made their pairs from this girls pattern. The only comment was that Tyler thought they were short in the crotch, grin. Normally, I find elastic waist pants are long in the crotch. So this year, I'll make Tyler's longer.

We are having an early Christmas this year. May you be blessed this season and bless others. Merry Christmas.

God Bless and happy creating.

Studio Progress

2008-12-16T18:10:00.007-05:00

Ahhhhhh, it's so nice to be making process. After eight months, I'm still moving in our new home.

In my last home, I had a 10'x10' sewing studio. Our two+ car garage was converted into my dye studio with heat, cooling, washer/dryer, sink and counter. I have so much supplies and equipment that I couldn't set up fully in the two spaces. My new studio space has had to be totally redesigned as I've never had 1,000 sq feet, let alone both studio combined. Now my office, dyeing, weaving, designing, thermofax, sewing, beading and knitting space is on one floor, all mine. Woo hooo.

My husband has been assembling my first quilting frame (Hinterberg). I didn't even know what one was until I saw it last April at Chicago's Quilt Festival. Soon as I saw how it works and that I could use my second Bernina on it, I knew this was the first step to quilting art quilts larger than 18" x 18". This pic has the sewing machine backward, grin.

Boxes with my quilting frame were the first mail I received at our new home. And yes, it took 8 months to get hubby to set it up. I already have a twin size quilt sandwich I constructed last year that I tried to quilt on my regular sewing machine. That experience lead me to quickly fold it up and wait for a quilting machine. Five months or more later, I discovered the frame. Doubtful, but maybe Imri will get that quilt that matches her Asian flavored living room for Christmas.

With the assembly of the frame, I found the inspiration to find homes for some of the fringe 'stuff'. Being an obsessive organizer, I want everything to have a logical place. Though it takes a while for arranging a studio, I find that there is always homeless papers and a few odd-and-ends boxes that sit there to haunt me. I've even moved a box or two from house to house without emptying them. Tisk.

I've been productive more lately than I have in a long time. Nevertheless, I have a ways to go to dedicate myself to producing a fresh body of work. I really need to replenish my business account as our personal account has greatly been affected by the current economy. Vic is a mortgage broker and half owner in a home building company. That says it all in that sentence.

As you can see from these pictures, the clutter has been catagorizied and filed. My design table by my desk is clean. So is my desk. Feels great. Caution: flat surfaces collect clutter. Paper is my enemy.

I went through the slots in my thermofax station. I discovered things I forgot I had. More projects I want to do. Luckily these should be easy, fast, and quick sellers: greeting cards.

When I clean out and organize, things are messier than before I began. But now the thermofax station is fully opertional again, clean as a whistle.

I can breath and work.

Oh yes, while working on this area, I've been machine felting the five bags of wool clothing I found at Goodwill. I bought tons of books that has given inspiration. Now I have projects and ways to use my Embellisher machine.

God Bless and happy creating.

I've Been Sewing

2008-12-16T16:20:00.026-05:00

I've had no formal art schooling and am at a point where I want to design from scratch using NO inspiration. So I've taken 3 weeks of Nancy Crow within a year and a Drawing and Composition class at the Indy Art Center where I teach. I've taken Claire Benn and Leslie Morgan for a week and Sue Benner this year. All these were in attempt to create from scratch. Though I've grown from these workshops, I don't know that I've made much progress on design. My lack, not instructors.

This is not to say that I can't design like crazy with a source of inspiration. I can and do. In fact, I take an idea or pattern and go off in another direction, making it my own.

In my frustration of feeling blocked in the ability to design from ground '0', I asked my Drawing and Composition instructor about it. He suggested I might want to face the fact that that is how my brain works, that I need it, and there is nothing wrong with that. In fact, it's normal. I don't want to settle for that, though, and will keep pressing on. In the meantime, I won't feel bad or abondon working with an inspirational jump off point.

This brings me to my current project. Karla Alexander's book New Cuts for New Quilts - More Ways To Stack The Deck, has spurred an idea. Check out page 38. I love how black pops colors. So I made 2 decks as she suggested and reduced 35 blocks with the same fab as the bigger blocks. I've all the blocks assembled and put aside, waiting for the design wall arrangement. Christmas sewing now, blog later on that. After Christmas, I will make a knit tote that is wide and shallow from these blocks. I'll have a lot of extra block fabric left for other projects.

God Bless and happy creating!

My New Studios

2008-11-16T01:39:00.031-05:00

We moved to the Indy area the end of April. One benefit was for me to have full studio space around 1,000 sq feet. I'm blessed! I am now 95% set up and have already had students in. Beginning at the hall into my dye studio, I have two 4x8 tables and two sinks. The tables can be converted from padded printing to mono printing.

To the left are supplies and tools. Further left are bolts of fabric, a Baby Wolf loom and a large light table.

To the right is my design area with my desk and thermofax screen set up.

Now we enter the sewing studio with projects in progress and a large box to donate.

Almost everything is labeled.

I also have a closet with beads and yarn.

I now have no excuse not to be highly productive.

God Bless and happy creating!

One Step

2008-11-15T11:24:00.029-05:00

Creative people. Some of us have a mind that never stops creating. That's me. I find I do much more work in my mind that I get done with my hands. But last night, I actually overcame some obstacles and made a practical piece I'd been thinking about for a while. That's One Step toward producing more art. Feels good.

This is my fall TP cover. I made it from my hand dyed scraps of a color run. I lined it with a slip charmeuse so it'll silk easy over the roll. The colors slowly change are you turn it.

Now it's time for me to clamp down on myself and start making lots of art. I need to for my sanity. I want to because I love it, its my passion. I need to so I can sell to support my habit. This blog and you are part of my accountability. Feel free to write me via my complete profile.

Another way to supplement my art is my custom thermofax screen service. It also helps other fiber artists have access to their personal screens without the large invest of the machine and film. If you aren't familiar, check out the pic of a framed screen and it screened on fab. It's such a fun fast toy.

What is a thermofax and what would you use a screen for? Here are some answers. http://www.welshproducts.com/resources/faqs.php?faqCatID=T More questions? Feel free to email me.

If you have a few minutes, check out my galleries.

God Bless and happy creating!

Greetings!

2008-11-11T17:55:00.034-05:00

My purpose for this blog is to record, encourage and make myself accountable in creating fiber art.

I have had no desire for a blog in the past. I don't like to journal or hand write a note. But lately, I have developed a desire to record my creative thoughts and processes. I must be careful that I don't spend dawn to dusk on my computer as organization is my inborn strength. It prevents me from producing my art.

Disclaimer: I cannot accurately articulate and am often misunderstood. It takes many words for even myself to understand my random thoughts. So please give me the benefit of the doubt in my communication and feel free to ask me if I am able to expound so as to understand.

Check out my art galleries. They currently display old work. But look for new work in the upcoming months.

You can also see my teaching schedule.

God Bless and happy creating!