Back in the Studio ---FINALLY!!

Since arriving in Seattle a couple months ago my life has been a whirlwind of travel and getting moved a second time and trying to settle down. This week I finally got into the studio to do some serious damage!!!

My first project was to get my daughter's Power Ranger costume sewn up. She bought a nice new heavy duty sewing machine and it is fabulous! It sews through anything. She made the helmet herself out of paper mache and clay and other things. I think it looks awesome.

My second project was a jean purse/bag. I want to use old jeans (purchased from Value Village and out of my own closet) to make bags of all kinds for upcoming bazaars in December. This is my first attempt. I think it turned out pretty cute, even if I do say so myself!!!

The pockets on the front are usable.

Then I picked up a piece of paper last night and this is what came out of it. The paper is a beigeish color. Is that even a word????

Tonight, after working all day, I decided to do something in blue, which is my favorite color. The paper is a blueish color which may not come through in the picture here. 

Hummm, do I detect change in my art work? I think so.....it's very interesting. Anyway, the next project is going to be either a snowman made out of a white boa or a wood wall hanging......and of course, more Tangles!!!!

I hope today was a great day for you and if you live where the roads are bad, please drive carefully!!

Huggs, Janie

A VIEW FROM A WINDOW

My body feels like it is time to get ready for -40 degrees and snow, snow, snow.....like last year, and like every year before it for the past 26 years.

Winter in Fairbanks, Alaska 2010

Winter in Fairbanks, Alaska 2010

Winter in Fairbanks, Alaska 2010

But when I look out my door this is what I see....

A view from my window, Seattle, WA 2011

A view from my window, Seattle, WA 2011

So I say to myself, "Self, this is not real....this is only an illusion." But then I go outside with no coat on and touch those beautiful red leaves and realize that this winter, THIS WINTER, I will not be battling the slick roads, sliding into ditches on sheets of ice roads as I did last year, that I won't worry about breaking down on the road and having it be a potential lethal situation because of the extreme temperatures if I'm not properly prepared. Unless you are in my shoes you cannot even imagine what those differences mean. The people here in Seattle keep saying, "Just wait until it rains sideways". Well, I'm here to tell you that it has rained sideways, and blown like a son-of-a-gun, and you know what I discovered? I'm not made out of sugar and I didn't melt, nor did I blow away. The next day the sun was out and I was back outside with only a light sweater. 

I have been fortunate enough to have been able to move into a new apartment that has absolutely no stairs. That is almost unheard of in Seattle as the whole city is built on hills of all shapes and sizes. I love my new home and though I still have a lot to do to make it my "home", it is comfortable. And, although I have never, ever liked Halloween, I am actually going to the apartment community Halloween party and will welcome Trick-or-Treaters on the 31st. I might even dress up to answer the door.....something in black I think!

Janie

Back In The Studio Finally!!!

As most of you know, I am an artist at heart and love to be creative. Since I have spent most of the summer either traveling or moving, no time has been spend doing what I love most: drawing or sewing. My tables for the studio arrived last week (in pieces, in boxes) and my daughter-in-law and my son came over and put them together for me. Then my daughter brought over her sewing machine (an older model Singer) so I would have something to use until my sewing machine arrives from Alaska. So I finally got things set up and started working in there over the past couple of days. 

My first project was back to the Zentangle stuff I love so much. I wanted to make a card for each apartment in my unit to thank them for coming to my aid when I fell down some steps here on the 15th of September. So Here are the cards:

 

My second larger project is making purses out of old jeans. I went to the Value Village store and bought huge men's jeans for $4.99 a pair minus a Senior Discount. (Don't you just LOVE being a Senior???). So the cost of the jeans for a purse is about $3.50 each. Then a trip to Joann's  - which about blew my mind. The store and selection of cotton fabrics is monumental!!!!! I was in that store for 3 hours just looking at and matching cotton fabrics!!! I came away with enough for about 8 purses. I plan on putting two purse patterns together to get the look I want. 

The bags will be this pattern and they will have the pocket styling with the buttons as is shown on the next pattern. I hope to make a bunch to put up on Artfire.com and maybe sell them at an outdoor market around here in the spring/summer.

This is the purse pattern.

This pattern has the cute pocket details on the front

Another project that is simmering in the back of my mind is to make these cute Steampunk dolls. They have a materials list a whole page long and items that are very difficult to find and make. However, I'm very motivated to these so if you see any of these strange materials laying around, let me know. 

I have come to realize that without a place to be creative I feel lost and anxious. Living here in Seattle means I have easy access to the right tables and equipment at a reduced cost. My art table even has a built-in light table! My sewing table is wide enough that I can cut out patterns on 45" wide fabric without a problem. I am very fortunate!!!

I hope your day is filled with the things that make you happy and fulfilled.

Janie