Renegade Los Angeles

I am exhausted!! This weekend was the Renegade Craft Fair in Los Angeles, it was held at the California Market Center Penthouse in L.A.'s fashion district. And while the venue was SUPER cool- I couldn't help but be a little freaked out being at the very top of a building in LA- especially when my hubby (who is a structural engineer who does earthquake testing for a living) kept bring up what would happen if there was an earthquake!  But the views were amazing, the crowd was super hip and weird (its LA!) and the vendors were fabulous! Growing up as a "craft show kid" with artist parents, I know from lots of experience that craft shows can be a huge gamble and totally exhausting.  But this weekend was worth the while and best part was actually getting to hang with my husband- it was definitely a bonding experience! I have lots of updates to share but they will have to wait until tomorrow...I am way too tired!

what day is it?

What day is it? Oh yes it is Wednesday- day number 3 of my first week of being self employed and I am exhausted but in a really good way.  I have been working so hard preparing for the Renegade Craft Fair in LA this weekend (please come visit if you are in the area!)  and if life was different and the last month had not been spent leaving my day job and then traveling to teach in Oregon (and if I had NOT hurt my back) I would not have to cram all kinds of work into just one week....But miraculously, I am actually on top of everything and just about ready to head up to LA early Sat. morn.  

I have piles and piles of colorful clutches, pouches, pencil bags and canvas jewlery to fill up my booth.  At this point my studio is a crazy (but organized) mess of color and texture- LOVE IT!

  

I am also trying my best to get caught up on email, shipping the last of my etsy orders out and try to begin to plan the next year- unfortunately time is not on my side this week but I will just have to do my best.  I am also preparing for my next online class, Recycling Remix and I cannot wait- this is my PASSION right now- making art out of trash so check out the information here..its gonna be SO creative and FUN and in my opinion the best one yet! 

Ok I am off to try and relax for a bit and then it is off to bed and then back to the creative grind tomorrow!!

First Day on the Job

So I am finally back home from my long trip to Oregon and unfortunately the last few days of my trip I threw my back out (AGAIN!!) and since I have been back home in San Diego I have been nursing myself back to good health. I need to figure out how to better deal with my back problems but I am finally feeling better and today was the first day of my new job (working for myself).  

You will see below that instead of dressing nice, I am wearing my painting overalls, scarf on my head and NO MAKEUP- please note that for the first time in like 15 years my Monday morning did not involve putting makeup on! Instead of sitting in a cubicle I am sitting on the ground sorting through purses....

and in instead of sitting in an office with no windows I am now working on the computer in our patio garden....

and while I am SUPER stressed making purses and getting prepared for Renegade Craft Fair this weekend- I am thrilled with my first day of my new job :)  More to come tomorrow!

My Shameless Plug for Oregon

Have I mentioned how much I LOVE Oregon? I actually might love it as much as I love my husband or my parents and brother... But I am bias because it is home to me! For those out there who have never visited- in my opinion it is one of THE MOST BEAUTIFUL places in the world!! So if you are looking for a cheap vacation, a road trip or just somewhere that will make you feel small in comparison to the beauty, the largeness of the ocean, the green, the quiet, etc, etc look no further than Oregon for your next trip!!  Here are a few pics from my trip to prove how darn great it is....

Peace- What a Strange Feeling!

So I have some MAJOR time to kill at the Portland Airport- one of the down sides of traveling back and forth to the Oregon Coast is the distance from the airport (I am pretty spoiled in San Diego living about ten minutes from the airport) so getting to the airport and catching a flight can be a trip in itself! 

In my past live (like two weeks ago) this would be the time that I would start to have an internal battle- sitting at the airport after having an amazing experience teaching and spending time with family.  Sitting at the airport feeling the dread sweep over me- having to switch gears and go back to work (no offense to all of my former co-workers- I love you all!) but it takes a toll stepping from art world to office world.  When I am working as an artist I am messy (of course), free, my time is organized by the way that I work best, I am busy and stressed but loving that it is on my terms- I am pretty much the complete opposite of a 9-5 kinda gal.  When I travel I've always have a hard time coming back to real life- not because I don't like my life but because I have felt for so long like I just don't fit into the world I have been living in and for the first time I am sitting at the airport and won't be returning home to an office job!! I didn't cry when I said my goodbyes, I didn't call my husband telling him how much I want to change my life, I am in really good spirits and for the first time I feel peace and as if I just might fit into the life I will be living- what a strange feeling!!!  

Honoring my History

The last few years I have been sentimental towards the past- something I NEVER EVER would have thought would happen to me. Growing up was pretty awkward and while I am not one to have many regrets, (I typically just learn and move forward) these days I have felt a fondness for the past (the good and bad), people that were a part of my life and an appreciation for my history. While I do spend A LOT of time back traveling and forth from San Diego to my hometown on the Oregon Coast, this trip was a little different for me because part of the time was spent in Portland - the city where I went to college and experienced what I like to refer to as my "formative years"- the place where I made lots of mistakes and if I did feel regret it would likely be for experiences in P-Town! Getting to kick off my new self employed life teaching at ArtFiberFest in Portland was kinda profound. Teaching validated the love and passion I have for creating and sharing that creativity with others and revisiting a little bit of my history felt important. I spent some time visiting my favorite haunts, streets, places that left a mark on me and my favorite part was meeting up with an old friend to catch up- As I drove back to the coast once AFF ended, I found myself reflecting on how much my life has changed, how much I have grown since my days back in the Portland and how much farther I want to go. Taking the time to honor my history in this trip was the best way I could kick off the next chapter in my life.

ArtFiberFest!

ArTfiBeRFesT

Once again ArtFiberFest was a wonderful experience and I cannot say enough about the amazing and creative people that attended! This year it was at Reed College in Portland, OR and for anyone out there that is looking for a new and creative experience this the the retreat for you!! Everyone (as usual) completed all kinds of wonderful projects. All of the students in both of the classes that I taught, TOTALLY exeded my expectations and put their own twist on my techniques and projects. I never get tired of seeing the things that I teach get turned into something unexpected! My grattitude goes out to Teesha, Tracy, Tiffany and Trista for putting on such a fabulous, well thought out and inspiring retreat- they totally ROCK! Here are a handful of pics from the last few days!!

There is No Place Like Home

I arrived home (the Oregon Coast) yesterday and boy does it feel good to be here. While we live in San Diego my heart lives here and I know that someday we will end up here or at least divide our time between the two places- that is my dream. I spent a good portion of the morning exercising- while I am away I am amping up my workout routine and went for a long run on the beach, came home and did some more prep for ArtFiberFest which starts on Wednesday. The sun was out and I was able to paint in the back yard (I am banned from the painting anywhere near the house since I am so messy!!) I accomplished a lot and am now exhausted- I think that the emotions, activity and hard work that were crammed into the last few weeks have caught up with me so I really needed this time to recharge before teaching on Thursday and Friday. I will be doing my best to blog while I am here so stay tuned for more...

To USD with Love

Eight years ago I moved to San Diego from Oregon to start fresh and to see if a relationship would work with my now husband (living in the same city).  Back then I am not sure what I set out to accomplish- I was in love and looking to change my life ( I did not have much of a plan) The first thing I needed before moving was a job and when I flew to San Diego to interview at USD  I had no idea at the time how much a job would affect my life.  In the last eight years I worked many different positions at the university (I even lived with students for a lot of the time) always looking for something that would click, where I felt like I could stay forever and be comfortable. I am now happy to say that this never happened, I was always uncomfortable, always wanting something more in work which has lead me to this new chapter in my life- I never thought I would be so grateful for being uncomfortable! 

After having some time to reflect on the last eight years, I've found myself feeling so blessed to have the lessons and experiences that my job at the university provided me- the greatest being the people and the relationships.  I started my life here not knowing anyone except my husband and I can honestly say that I am walking away from a job with some of the most amazing and wonderful friends that I ever could have hoped for.  People who encouraged me, who saw the real me, who listened, who trusted, who provided something that I never really had and that was community in a job.  So many people in my day in day out life at work were why I made it through each and every day- while I was never truly fulfilled in my job duties, I was overflowing with friendship on a daily basis and for that I am so thankful. Last night a group of us gathered for one last hooray and as I looked around at all the friends I have, at how different each of them are and how each of them has brought something special to my life- my heart was full and it makes all the ups and downs of this crazy journey totally worth it!

I have to give a huge shout out to USD, to my lovely and wonderful friends, to eight years that were challenging, awkward and wonderful all at the same time- Thank YOU all so much! I can't wait to carry our friendship into this next chapter!!!

Big Change

Oh goodness I am exhausted...lots of work this weekend almost too much work.  I am preparing to move into the last 3 days of my job this week (Thursday is my last day) and presently I am just trying to keep it all together, keep my eyes looking forward, trying really hard not to get too hung up on this BIG change that will be happening in my life.  Last Friday my wonderful collegues at the University of San Diego threw me a party and WOW was I surprised and I actually went away feeling closure to the last 8 years of my "professional" life-something that I really needed. Now, as I head into the last few days of my job and then into the next chapter of my life, I know that I will be reflecting upon what comes next, there is so much going on in my head and as much as I try hard not to go there (only because it tends to freeze me in my tracks) I know that I will be doing soul searching, celebrating and seeking balance...sigh...bear with me.

Graffiti Clutch

I had to share these lovely photos that Lara (an Etsy customer and fabulous artist) took of the hope graffiti clutch that she purchased. These photos perfectly capture the vibe of my purses...LOVE THEM!!! Thank you Lara!!!!!!!!!

Updates

So my week did not quite start out the way I had planned. Yesterday we were dealing with my hubby's car getting broken into- see previous post. By the end of the day we finally got things fixed and taken care of but what a pain!! I am happy to say that life is back to normal (whatever that is) today. I am in full work mode, trying to get everything accomplished and ready for my day job coming to an end (8 days and counting!!) and my art life starting which will kick off with a trip to Oregon- half of the trip at the coast in my hometown hanging with the family and the other half teaching at ArtFiberFest in Portland!! There is so much to do not only for the trip but for the next chapter in my life... but this is the time that I work best in- crunch time!!

I have been working on my online teaching schedule and I am happy to announce a new 5 week class called Recycling Remix that starts July 13th (the first 10 people to register get a one of a kind messy journal-made by your truly) as well as another round of Graffiti Chic starting in August. (See the posts below this one)

I have continued to work on getting lots of new stuff ready for the Artists Marketplace at ArtFiberFest- just a reminder if you are in Portland or even nearby stop by for some WONDERFUL handmade wares:

Friday June 26th 

Reed College, Student Union Building

7-9pm

Parking and admission is FREE!

I have also been working on more handmade goodies for the Renagade Craft Fair in Los Angeles on July 11th and 12th I am creating all sorts of brand new purses and accessories so if you are in the area- drop by and visit me!!! (more info to come later!!)

Then it is off to the Long Beach Quilt Festival July 23-26th- more info on this to come!

Then I will be off to Arizona  to teach at Art Unraveled-  Larger than Life on August 10th and Trashy Clutch on August 11th. I am pretty sure there is still time to register so if you want to join me for some messy fun check out the Art Unraveled site for more info!

There will be lots more coming in the next few weeks so stay tuned in!

In not so exciting news...remember how I was growing my hair out a while back? Well, I gave in and chopped it-YIKES- for some reason I have the hardest time with my hair growing out and feel so much more like myself with my short crop. Oh well, perhaps I will start all over again this summer but for now I don't have the time to mess with fixing hair!

Graffiti Chic August!

GRAFFITI CHIC
STARTS AUGUST 4TH (RUNS 5 WEEKS!)
Learn the art of graffiti!!  This class will introduce you to the concept of graffiti and tons of techniques- layering, messy color, how to make handmade stencils, handwriting, different kinds of spray painting techniques, non toxic substitutes for spray paint, using household materials and tools, paint pens, free writing, and all sorts of other techniques and materials to create your very own graffiti compositions on paper, fabric and canvas that can be used in scrapbooks, journals, collage sewing and all sorts of mixed media projects.

WORKSHOP FACTS:
Class starts on August 4th and runs for 5 weeks (until September 6th) you will be able to access the site 2 weeks after the last class until Sept. 20th
Class costs $50 (thats only $10 a week!!)
Class will be held on a private blog that only registered students are able to access.
Basic computer skills are needed (be able to login, access a blog, etc)

There will be :
TONS of photos
step by step visuals
OVER 20 Video Lessons (of yours truly teaching and demoing in my studio but not in my pj's)
pdf handouts
Lessons
tips and lots and lots of inspiration to download.

A high speed connection if definitely recommended (because of the above!)  
New lessons will be posted each Monday and throughout the week there will be additional posts full of inspiration, you will have the opportunity to work on projects at your own pace.
Supplies needed are very simple, inexpensive craft items- (I strongly believe creating art should not cost a lot of money!!)  
Each week will also include live and private chats AND as much email support and contacts needed.

REGISTRATION:
Payment is accepted via PayPal (if you need an exception to this please email me and let me know).  
Feel free to register anytime before the last day of class which is September 6th
Refunds will be made until the first day of class August 4th.  After August 4th refunds will not be given.
Once you register and pay, you will receive an email confirmation with a supply list and details and login information about the site where the the class is held.

NEW July Online Class!!

Recycling Remix
Starts July 13th runs for 5 weeks!

The first 10 people to register will get a  free messy journal (made by your truly of course!)

This class will completely change the way you think about everyday materials! It is jam packed with techniques, projects, ideas to incorporate a green approach and all kinds of ways to make art on a budget. For those who know me, will know that I am OBSESSED with finding new ways to redefine and use everyday materials- I strongly believe that learning to recycle and create on on a budget is a way to show respect in the art that we make.

This class will introduce you to all kinds of creative and nontraditional (and I mean nontraditional!) ways to use everyday materials, how to transform trash and things that normally get tossed (junk mail, cereal boxes, used envelopes, paper, old clothes and so much more), you will learn how to spend little to no money on supplies, inspiration in art history and lots more Everything that you learn can be applied to mixed media, fabric, paper, scrapbooking projects- regardless of the medium you work in you will be INSPIRED!

WORKSHOP FACTS:
Class starts on July 13th and runs for 5 weeks (until August 16th) you will be able to access the site 2 weeks after the last class until August 30th
Class costs $50 (thats only $10 a week!!)
Class will be held on a private blog that only registered students are able to access.
Basic computer skills are needed (be able to login, access a blog, etc)

There will be :
TONS of photos
step by step visuals
OVER 20 Video Lessons (of yours truly teaching and demoing in my studio but not in my pj's)
pdf downlaods
Lessons
tips and lots and lots of inspiration to download.

A high speed connection if definitely recommended (because of the above!)
New lessons will be posted each Monday and throughout the week there will be additional posts full of inspiration, you will have the opportunity to work on projects at your own pace.
Supplies needed are very simple, inexpensive craft items- (I strongly believe creating art should not cost a lot of money!!)
Each week will also include live and private chats AND as much email support and contacts needed.

REGISTRATION:
Payment is accepted via PayPal (if you need an exception to this please email me and let me know).
Feel free to register anytime before the last day of class which is August 16th
Refunds will be made until the first day of class July 13th. After July 13th refunds will not be given.
Once you register and pay, you will receive an email confirmation with a supply list and details and login information about the site where the the class is held.

Bad Start to the Week!!

So far my Monday did not start as planned...I have a week and 1/2 left of my day job and lots to do before I transition into my new life! I told myself this morning that today begins a productive week! Well, that changed when my I got a call from my husband this morning as I was getting ready for work. He went surfing bright and early and when he returned to his car he found his window smashed and everything stolen (wallet, iphone, keys, all his clothes!!!) poor guy had to drive into his work with his trunks on and try and find some clothes in his office to put on so he could file a police report and cancel all plastic!! I have been stuck at home waiting to have to locks changed and then the car fixed. So much for a productive start to the week!! Maybe by the end of the day I will have something better to report!!!

Crunch Time!

Its crunch time for me...

More Shop Updates!

Bright and early this morning I added more fun stuff to my shop- lots of zippered pouches!! Check it all out here

It's Already Sunday Night?!?!

My day did not pan out the way that I had planned!!! I have been working on filming new classes all weekend, sewing things for my shop, working on class info for summer teaching, shipping, working on custom orders, learning how to use my new Bernina (more on that later!) and then not only did the internet crash but so did our video editing program.  All my hard work, everything completed and there is now very little I can do!!! I am finally back on online but still waiting for the hubby to fix and edit all of my new online class videos! Oh well, such is life- now it is time to be patient and go with the flow, something I am NOT good at!! So for now I will settle for sharing updates!

My Bernina arrived yesterday evening- I tracked it all day long online and was SO anxious for it to show up!  Finally at 5:30pm the fedex truck pulled up and I was jumping up and down with excitement- it is not everyday that I get a new toy. My husband loves new toys-expensive toys- (surfboards, computers, guitars, etc) But I am not really into toys so getting to participate as a Bernina artisan and having the opportunity to work on a brand new Aurora 440 is so freaking FABULOUS!!! Once I get it all figured out and have a little more time I will be sharing all kinds of cool stuff!

I must share a couple of custom purses that I finally finished and shipped off

 

I added more messy journals to my shop


Hopefully my computer will be back to working order tomorrow- this week I PROMISE to be a better blogger!!!

Crazy and Creative!

I am running around in a crazy creative frenzy lately- trying to get everything done, finish up my last two weeks of the day job.  I'm not gonna lie...I'm kinda freaking out with the amount of work I have to do!!!! Since I have been absent from my blog all week I will be posting quite a few updates and new work throughout the day!!! 

The first is  preview of new little graffiti pouches that I have been making for my Esty shop and some art shows in the future.  They are SOOOOO cute!!

Esty SALE on Monday!

Tomorrow I will be having a Memorial Day sale on all simple clutch purses in my shop- the price will drop from $40.00 to $30.00 for the day- sale starts at 9am Pacific Standard time.

Etsy Sale!

I will be having a Memorial Day sale in my Etsy Shop on Monday, May 25th on all kinds of new purses!! Stay tuned for some sneak peaks throughout the weekend

Pardon Me...

All of you out there will have to pardon me- the theme of my posts these days will likely be about my transition into a full time artist- since I am now counting down to the last day of work at my job!! As I shared last week I decided to quit my job to FINALLY pursue working as a full time artist.  I think everyone in my life knows this decision has been a long time coming- for years I have been working and preparing for the day that I step out of the box and embrace who I am. For years I have been looking for a fit when it comes to a job, I have been bouncing around thinking that I could have it all- a great job and a great career as an artist.  But after so much time spent NOT being creative in a 9-5 I just cannot escape the inevitable- there is something so strong in my core, almost like an ache- to be myself, to live loud, to do what I know I was created to do and that is to make art ALL the time. I cannot believe the encouragement and wonderful responses I have received from so many people both in my life and out there in cyber space!  It truly speaks to how many of us want something more in our lives, to not just have work but to have work with purpose, to somehow be able to do what we love and feel proud to be defined by it.   So the next few weeks leading up to my last day of "traditional work" I will be celebrating my decision to be an artist and likely be writing about my excitement, inspiration and reflecting on how profound it is for me to be pursuing my dreams.

Shop Updates!

A few shop updates today- a handful of new purses





And the next art print in my new series that I have been working on-

Visit my shop for all the new work!

Feeling oh so BRAVE!

Beware this is a long one!

I have never considered myself to be very brave- when I was a little girl I was scared to get down off the kitchen chair because it seemed so high and I sat on it in fear for hours (a story I have never lived down). When I learned to swim I had to be bribed (with a set of sesame street books) to jump off the diving board because I was too afraid to jump into water.  My first day of first grade I was afraid to wear my new purple outfit to school and stood in the hallway as my mom talked me down from my fear of entering class...I have a million of these stories throughout my life- hillarious now but very telling about my character.  I am often cautious, I take my time and I have battled fear my whole life.  

Today as I press publish on this post I am heading to a meeting where my resignation of Assistant Director of Print and Brand Marketing at the University of San Diego will be announced.  Yep, I am quitting my job during a recession- as crazy as this sounds, I have never been so at peace and fearless about a decision.  Since I was 15 years old, I have been chasing a dream of being an artist, I studied art all through school, I took icky jobs just to be able to make art on the side and now at 34- after being afraid for a long time of what it means to be a full time artist- I have come to a place of accepting that I don't fit into working for someone else. (What else do I really expect.. my parents have been entrepenuers and artists my whole life!)  And I am done- finished- and over thinking that a "normal" job is going to click for me.  Thankfully my creative career has been moving REALLY FAST and it is getting hard for me to keep up with everything while working a day job. 

The writing has been on the wall for a LONG time...and after years of hard work, time spent trying to live fearless, it it time for me to jump, to hold my breath and leap into the arms of my true love- my passion- the one thing that has always defined me- the desire to be an artist- all the time!  (I've come A LONG way since being afraid of getting off a chair!!) So while you are reading this post (faithful readers and amazing supporters) know that I will be bursting on the inside with joy, laughing quietly and feeling oh so BRAVE as I sit through one of my last meetings in a "normal" job.  More to come...

ArtFiberFest = Around the Corner!

ArtFiberFest!

is right around the corner and if you are a crafter, a mixed media artist, a fiber artist or just looking for a unique creative experience, this retreat is for you!  I will be teaching two full day classes and there are MANY more really creative classes to choose from and in the evening on Friday, June 26 there will be an artists marketplace where many of us teachers and other talented artists will have their handmade wares for sale!

Top 10 reasons why you should come to Artfiberfest retreat this summer:

 

1.  The price is inclusive (all meals and lodging for 4 nights)...there will be no hidden expenses at the retreat.

2.  Everyone will get an added bonus of 3 mini workshops on thursday night in addition to their 3 BIG workshops.

3.  The dorms are amazing at Reed college.  They were just built a year ago and represent superb architecture and layout.

4.  Portland is a destination in itself, FULL of funky inspiration.  You'll get a double whammy!

5.  The food is superb at Reed.  Tons of choices!

6.  This will be a nice start to a creative and productive summer...Teachers will kick start you on some project ideas.

7. Teesha will give a mini lesson on how to make my quilted fabric journals for anyone who wants to learn.

8.  The women who come to this are absolutely the best.  Always happy and content....we think it has something to do with working with fabric. 

9.  You deserve this!  You've worked hard!

10.  Being creative is one of the best things you can do for yourself and the world around you.  And there isn't any place better to get energized with the creative bug than Artfiberfest.

 

All workshops still have space at this point....but won't for long.  The website will be updated every few days as workshops fill.  Find out all the information at www.teeshamoore.com

 

Artfiberfest is happening on June 24-28 at Reed College in Downtown Portland, Oregon.

 

For more information

Happy Birthday to my Guy!

I love this guy...not only is he super cool but he challenges me, supports me, loves me and keeps me balanced!  Today is my husband's birthday and also... 10 years ago today we met (via a blind date) on his birthday!! My life forever changed the day I met him and every one of his birthdays I celebrate having this wonderful man in my life!! Happy birthday my dear!

Classes, Classes and More Classes

Student's messy hands at ArtFiberFest

I have been working pretty hard on a number of projects lately- the first to share is that I will be offering more online classes!! And while the 5 week online classes that I offer have been going splendid, I've heard from many people that they can't register for the dates that are offered. So, after lots of thought, I decided to start a series of mini workshops that will be accessible for 6 months after you register.  To begin with I will be offering just the mini classes in this format and hopefully then offer some more extensive classes that are more like the 5 week format. Everything will go live on June 1st but right now the workshops are available for pre registration if you want to get a jump on it.

*******Graffiti Chic started on May 11th and runs for 5 weeks - you can register any time before the last day of class!  Click here for more information!********

The next 5 week online class will start in July and I have something really fun planned so stay tuned!

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The Mini Workshop

The mini work shop is a small version of the 5 week online classes that I teach.  It is one specific project or a technique based class that you can login and access for up to 6 months after registration. This means you have six months to download and access the information, there is no date to plan for or time to set aside on your calendar you have control over when you want to create.  The mini workshop is also more affordable option that I thought would be nice for those out there on a budget.  

The Mini Workshop Includes:

5-10 videos (depending on the subject)

Photos for inspiration

Step by step directions

Pdf to download

Depending on the class- patterns, designs, sketches to download and use in your projects

 

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CANVAS COLLAGE

Canvas Collage Mini Workshop $30.00
                                                                                          
This class will introduce you to everything you need to know about painter’s canvas.  You will learn a variety of ways to work with canvas using acrylic paint, image transfers, iron transfers, and more.  We will make use of raw, stretched, and primed canvas to build up layers that are glued and sewn together to create a unique piece of art ready to hang on the wall. 

To Register

All Mini Classes go live on June 1st!!

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HAND CARVED STAMPS

Hand Carved Stamps- Mini Workshop $30.00

Why purchase stamps when you can make your own?!? I only make my own stamps and with a background in printmaking I have discovered unique ways to create pattern with hand carved stamps and assembled materials This is a technique mini workshop where you will learn a variety of unique ways to create stamps. With a combination of videos, photos, blog and pattern downloads you will become a pro at making your own simple stamps! This is a beginner level class- if you have experience in making stamps, this may be a repeat to you. Please contact me with any questions you may have.

To Register

All Mini Classes go live on June 1st!!

Get Away!

Sometimes you just have to get away from it all and that is just what my husband and I did this last weekend!! I took him on a last minute get away to San Francisco for his birthday and it couldn't have come at a better time. We have A LOT going on in our lives and stepping away to escape and regroup was needed!! So we loaded our packs on our backs- walked and ate our way through San Fran!

My Quilting Arts Workshop DVD!

Thrilled to announce that my Quilting Arts Workshop DVD- Expression Session is available for purchase!! It is full of all kinds of easy (and messy) techniques for creating your very own hand painted fabric.   Visit Interweave for more information!!

Bad Back..AGAIN!!

Unfortunately I haven't had the best couple of days- my back is thrown out AGAIN.  And while I have changed my work habits since earlier this year I  still have lots of work to do finding balance i my life and better care for my body.  A bad back means very little work for me and of course it lands at a time when I have lots of stuff to do!  Thankfully I have been able to paint even with a bad back and have another little preview of work that will soon be made into prints for my shop!

Give Away!

This pretty little purse will be included in a give away on Emily Falconbridge's blog tomorrow (Friday)! Please stop by her blog to enter to win!

New Work

I have been really busy working on number of projects as well as some goals and wonderful changes that I will share very soon! One of my projects has actually been a series of paintings that I am turning into petite prints mounted on wood blocks, ready to hang on the wall. I spend A LOT of time painting canvas to sew with and have actually kind of missed doing what I have spent so many years doing...painting pictures for the wall- go figure! The first two in the series are now in my Esty Shop!

Sunset

sunset on the living room wall

Another Shop Update

Another shop update tonight!

Where Women Create

My advance copy of Where Women Create arrived in the mail! And I was so excited to see eight pages of me and my studio!! I am a little shy and uncomfortable with attention and often have a hard time reading and looking at the articles I write or contribute to but I am making myself soak in the lovely photos of my CRAZY studio!! Having a space like I do (though it is humble compared to others) was really a dream realized when we purchased out first home (one year ago last week). The first time I created in my new space I cried because I was so happy to finally have a large studio where I could be messy and free!  Getting to be a part of such a lovely publication is an honor.  Please support this wonderful publication by purchasing a copy of your own!!!

Etsy Updates

It is HOT here in San Diego and there is nothing worse than being sick when it is hot outside!! I am still fighting this stupid cold and thankfully feeling better. Since it was so nice I decided to get a little sun by the pool hoping a little vitamin D would be make feel a little better- at least I am not as pale as I was last week!  

I am also finally getting around to updating my Etsy Shop with lots of new messy and colorful goodies!!  I have a number of clutches, the most popular being the Simple Clutch- these were a HUGE HIT at my recent trunk show! 





...and a new clutch that I am calling the Skinny Clutch. I actually carry one of my own because it is the perfect size for a cell phone, lipstick and a handful of junk that we all carry in our purses!! And if you don't carry a clutch they are perfect for a pencil and pen case!!

Sticky Back Canvas Earrings

Have you heard of Claudine Hellmuth's new Studio product line? Well, it is FABULOUS and since I kinda specialize in canvas projects, for the next month I will be sharing all kinds of fun projects to make with Sticky Back Canvas. 

The first project is simple canvas earrings- inspired by the earring project in my book Canvas Remix, I decided to put a twist on the project and use sticky back canvas!

Start by printing out a page full photos, sketches or even words.  (I filled the page with a combination of my scanned sketches and my favorite words in fun fonts).  Print your images out on a sheet of Sticky Back Canvas.

Next, cover the canvas with messy paint and let dry.

Peel the backing off the canvas.

Fold the sheet in half.

Draw the shape of your earrings onto the surface of the canvas. 

Notice I used one of the bottles of Claudine's Studio paint as a template :)

Cut out your shapes.

Paint the edges with black paint or your choice of color and let dry.

Cover the surface of both sides of canvas with a glossy medium or even a glossy polyurethane. Let dry.

Use an awl to make a hole in the canvas.

Attach jump rings through the holes.

Attach hook earwires to the jump rings.

And VOILA...a pair of super fun, messy and colorful earrings!!