Thursday, March 24, 2011

cool and inspiring...





 stunning set of hand printed and hand dyed silk 

stitched cards by Heike Gerbig



beautiful blue hand dyed textiles by Heike



delightful hand tatted gift from Suztats




my charming resident studio textile pup by Heike.

who is much less demanding 

than this little guy...



who will not be having

studio privileges...


what's inspiring you lately?

Sunday, March 6, 2011

snowdrops...


saw these on the trail yesterday...



a subtle first reminder that spring is on the way

hope you are seeing some 
delightful signs of seasonal change too...

Thursday, February 24, 2011

presentation matters


Anyone who has ever purchased an item from my shop 
knows that presentation is an important part of the sale for me. 
The manner in which you present your art 
reflects how you feel about that piece. 
It's also a nice way to show your appreciation 
to your customer!




I like to send off my fabric cuffs in one of these little pouches. 
It only takes a few minutes to put together and 
makes the presentation so much more complete!



I start with a piece of unbleached parchment paper doubled over 
with a strip of fabric sandwiched in between to stabilize the stitching 
for my cover design. Once I've finished sewing down my logo and design 
I line the inside of the envelope with bumwad (tracing paper) 
and sew around the edges. I like to do this to prevent the 
stitches from catching on the cuff. 
Sew a strip of fabric along the edge...


 fold in half and stitch the side and bottom together.
Punch a couple of holes through the fabric, add some ribbon 
and you've got a neat little pouch! 


Saturday, February 12, 2011

the definition of serenity...

if you've never visited the blog of 
you are missing a real treat, 
for it is a truly enchanting place 
filled with her exquisite nature-inspired 
textile art and photography


recently Carolyn sent me the most wonderful treasure


a precious handmade heart...


with the most extraordinary hand stitching and details
isn't it totally awe-inspiring...filled with elegance and tranquility?
I'd just love to vacation in that little cottage by the sea...
thank you so much Carolyn for such an inspiring gift.. 
sweet memories of favorite places and things.



Tuesday, February 1, 2011

Friday, January 28, 2011

the love is in place...


a most favorite gift
beaten and recycled...


 silver plate and brass leaf created  
 from a reclaimed jardiniere by Barry Smith
his generosity also included this most extraordinary 
little copper bowl...


Barry is an Australian sculptural artist and metal worker. 
These two phenomenal pieces were created by beating 
recycled metal from discarded objects.

Each time I admire Barry's work, 
the texture, details and designs take my breath away...

 Wire Whimsy by Barry Smith. To read more go here.

" I like textured and 3D artwork; artwork that has layers and embeds history and messages in and on the material; artwork that takes used, forgotten and discarded materials and objects and gives them new life, new forms, new meanings. My art encourages the viewer to not only be uplifted by an appealing or quirky form; but also to look for messages and personal meanings in the art." - Barry Smith


Double bowl font by Barry Smith. To read more go here.

"Much of my work reflects themes of peace, meditation, nature 
and our journey through our life and environment. 
Where possible I use found objects and salvaged 
or recycled materials in my work." - Barry Smith


Detail Shrine for Artist Blogging by Barry Smith. To read more go here.

Many thanks Barry for sharing your talent, inspiration and 
creative wonders with the online art community!


Thursday, January 20, 2011

a breath of fresh air

simple

uncomplicated 

design perfection...


Linnet, located in Kyoto, Japan is one of my 
favorite online shops to visit for inspiration. 
They have the most beautiful textiles...


"Linnet is a company that has been created by 
the fusion of different skills partly by architecture, 
and the other by art and design."



"The company was named after the bird's name 
who likes to eat flax seeds,
which is the law material of linen, 
as linen is our most favorite material."



 Linen. wool. organic cotton. cotton wool



muted palettes and gauzy fabrics


natural fibers


linen waffle


linen canvas



linen hand crochet and tweed




I'm sure you can see why it's one of my favorite places! 
Having purchased fabrics from Linnet, I can vouch for their 
prompt customer service and quick shipping. 
The prices are stated in yen, but there is a link on the site 
for currency exchange rates. 

enjoy!

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