Getting Ready for Artswalk I

Beads and beads
Bugle beads, Gold
And a few purple seed beads
All on oilcloth, which you know I love.
Nylon thread that mucks up my machine is now used to bead bead bead. It takes a while to do this process, but it is amazing.
super thin needle, beads, sample, and scissors. i luv scissors. july

Birthday Cakes and Wishes

One thing I love to make more than anything is fake food. Past creations include a layered cake out of spray foam, cured hams from Sculpey and paint, bread, and mini tea cakes. This rather large cupcake is more fantasy-Pee-Wee's-Playhouse-like, made out of styrofoam, fabric, oilcloth, beads, thread and a lot of straight pins. I first told you about it in April. Many eyes saw it at the Tacoma Art Museum's 5th Birthday Party along with other amazing art cakes. Follow this link to see good pics on Flickr:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/tacomaartmuseum/tags/birthday/

It is a little terrifying to make something and then let it out in public. Thoughts creep in, insecurities...will people like it? Will they say sh*t about it? Will it make them smile? Honestly, I was surprised my small stack of cards disappeared and one nice person actually took the time to email me and told me to "keep going" with my art, which was very cool. ty

Make a wish and blow out the candle...I did...and do you know what I wished for? Is it bad luck to share your wish? I'll tell you later.

Ode to buyolympia...

bobbins and spools, circular blades and kenmore, time and lots of time where all my bags are loved...

Because of my affiliation with your wonderful website, i (dos chicas, rather) have received lots of attention and had money come my way which is always fun. millions saw my work. many fans and purchases kept rolling in. yet i stayed anonymous.

late nights and seinfeld, too much coffee, and 5 minute naps helped the production line keep going for deadlines. hundreds made by hand, one at a time. the quiet revolution no one saw coming...

I thank you pat and aaron for the initial risk you took with me. Our first meeting was positive and you were good with giving my bags a shot, even though none of us knew if they would even sell. How surprised we all were!

miles and miles of thread and football fields filled with oilcloth i've unrolled in my tiny studio...

Because of you i was flattered with attention from numerous magazines like SELF, ORGANIC STYLE, TU CIUDAD, SEATTLE MAGAZINE, and SOUTH SOUND WOMAN, and numerous blogs and websites like THIS NEXT, YUMSUGAR, WIST, POLYVORE, and APARTMENT THERAPY. all those people are very nice, too.

How can I thank you? The words just aren't enough. I am sooo sad you aren't in olympia anymore...I won't ride my bike downtown and drop off my inventory anymore...I won't see your smiles anymore... i hope portland treats you well and helps make your dreams come true.

an army of lorraines and tillys now grace the planet thanks to your little website. i hope people's smiles carry with them afterall, that is why i make the things i do.

all my best to you...xo

Once every three years...

One very important responsibility bestowed on me three years ago was organizing my mom's family reunion. It was a lot of work, but is there a better thing to spend your time on than family?

Usually we have 3-5 day gatherings, which is hardly enough time to do and see everything. Today is the last day and we had so much fun eating, visiting, and being outside in our glorious summer. I love getting reaquainted with everyone and catching up. I love the hugs, the laughs, the stories and being entertained by my crazy uncles.

I always get sad the last day because everyone heads off on their separate ways, but I feel so honored that these people traveled as far as they have to come up and see this part of the country. Thanks everyone for being the awesome people that you are. See you in Little Rock (oh-ten)! ha

picture credit to Uncle Florida

Well, hello July.

Once again I am here to briefly let you know what I have been up to in the way of art, besides working full-time. I started Metal Class again so I can get reaquainted with Oxy-acetylene welding and TIG. I have a show I need to get ready for in October and I am looking to put metal and oilcloth together. What? Yes, sounds crazy I know. Don't ask me what the heck these things are going to look like, because I have no idea yet.

Dos Chicas' Barbara was in L.A.'s Tu Ciudad Magazine, which was super cool. Unfortunately, that publication has ceased to exist...

My studio is a pig-sty. Neglect will do that to things. I am going to put my mom to the task with her gold medal organizing skills! I need more shelves or something. You've seen the pictures.

The job is going fine. This project is almost half done and crunch time has begun. Stress levels have increased, and I am refusing to subject myself to that garbage.

Have a wonderful summer. We are enjoying the hot weather and need to go dip our bodies into the Sound. Kisses...