Fabulous Funky Fabric Flowers!

My students will learn how to make these flowers, and more, in my sewing classes this month. I will also hold a Beginning Sewing Class in "the basics" and an Intermediate level class on how to make Aprons. Here's a copy of the flyer for more information.

Waves of Wonderment

This is my prettiest dryer-lint sheet to date! I pulled it this morning, after hearing my daughter declare “Mom, the dryer’s broke, my clothes are still wet!” My cue to check the lint trap, and  voilá! Fluffy puffs of variegated flotsam that will find their way into art of some kind...maybe another little purse?  (See my Dryer Lint Purse and Pattern at my Etsy shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop/BrightIdeasStudio)

The photo below shows the whole piece:

 No, dear, I haven't burned the house down...yet...

Oh, So Comfy!

We had fun in class today at Hancock Fabrics, making wild and wonderful pajama pants! 

More classes coming in April….SEW much fun!!!

Zippy Sewing Project!

We made these cute pouches in my sewing class at Hancock Fabrics last Saturday:

They are fully lined with a functional zipper closure. Perfect for pencils, makeup, or just gathering those loose items that often fill a handbag.

Coming soon: sewing classes for beginners, including Machine Basics, Fabric Flowers, and Awesome Aprons!

Totes Amazing!

We had SEW much fun making tote bags in my sewing class at Hancock Fabrics this past Saturday. The highlight for me is always watching my students get so excited when their project turns out…they are so proud of themselves! Here is a photo of the finished products.

On to zippered pouches next Saturday, then pajama pants after that!

Recycle! Reuse! Repurpose!

Our soft-sculptured doll club, the Space Coast Doll Artists, took a field trip to the Reusable Resources Adventure Center in Melbourne. Here’s a photo of the wonderful items I was able to “rescue” and plan to recycle, repurpose, and reuse:

There were so many things to choose from! Stacks of all kinds of papers and cardboard (look at those manila folders, just waiting to be made into little paper boxes!); chunks of foam that will become “rubber” stamps; tiny plastic bottles that will become storage for beads and trinkets; little foam circles that will be glued onto a base and become a texturing tool; a bag of shredded paper; a roll of twine; tin boxes; metal rulers (a closure for a purse?); pens; labels; laminate I will use as paint palettes….

I can’t wait to go back! Here’s the website in case you’d also like to visit:

http://www.reusecenterbrevard.org

...and our doll club website:

http://www.spacecoastdollartists.com

My Friend Ruth Funk

Ruth Funk’s book signing was today, at the Foosaner Museum in Eau Gallie. Her book entitled “Dolls Etcetera” showcases her private collection of dolls, which will also live permanently at the museum.

My “Ruth doll” evolved as many of my dolls do, with no preconceived notion of what will be. I began with the head, and as I was painting the face, it bore a remarkable resemblance to Ruth. That was all I needed to decide that this doll would be a tribute to Ruth Funk.

I added to the sculpted body many details that I knew to be Ruth. She often wears slacks and t-shirts, so velveteen pants and a cotton shirt were made from repurposed thrift store finds. Ruth is somewhat famous for her fabulous coats, so I used a piece of vintage kimono silk to create a small jacket, lined in soft peach fabric, and trimmed in green silk. Inside the jacket I hand embroidered “I’m a spontaneous artist” which is a quote from Ruth’s first book “Cloth and Culture”. Also, true to Ruth’s jacket design aesthetic, I added hand-made bead embellishment to the back of the jacket.

Ruth is accessorized with strung beads, tiny metallic bracelets, rings, earrings, and a watch. She stands permanently on a paper-covered wood block, with hands clasped, looking like the lady that she is.

I have been blessed to know Ruth for many years. We share a love of textiles, art, fiber and dolls. Ruth radiates peace and love, and a passion for her art. I’m so happy to have crossed paths with her, and was very happy to have God’s hand guide me as I created a doll just for her. I presented it to her at the book signing, and was so happy see her reaction: “That’s me! That’s me!” she exclaimed.

I think she likes it!