Making the Reversible Margaret

THIS...is what I am talking about:

The Buddha Called.

A custom order flew in from the ethers when I sported my Sacred Heart Margaret last month. Here are some pics during the process this weekend. Thank God for 3 days off! There are four pieces to this purse; 8 total with inside lining. The matte board is for the bottom reinforcement.

Patterns made of cardboard. This is vintage paisley fabric from the 1970's.

Pieces cut. The white oilcloth is underneath.

My chicle pattern square. I came up with this a long time ago, just playing around with scrap oilcloth.

Buddha. He does have a happy smile on his face. I decided to add a lotus shape behind his head.

Buddha, pre-batting.

Looking good!

Signed and finished.

Next?!

See Artist Studios

Talented Olympia artist Pam Corwin, featured a few studio pics on her blog. I was fortunate enough to be included in this first edition of a "Virtual Studio Tour". I am inspired...

Check it out, it's pretty cool! Business of Crafts Blog

I'm showing at the Tacoma Art Museum!

(TAM) Tacoma Art Museum moved into their new building 5 years ago. They are having a public birthday party on May 3 and there will be an original Ay Artbag on display. If you are in western Washington, come on by!

Tacoma Art Museum's Birthday Bash

I'm my own Valentine

The last few weeks have been busy. Spending most of my days in my tiny studio, which is slowly getting too small. As the bags are born and new ideas hatch, I have less room and constantly have to move one unfinished project if I feel inspired to work on another. I had been feeling sorry for myself; crowded, I don't have big work spaces like some of my artist friends, I have a recessed (can) light bulb out that needs to be changed, and blah blah blah.

Today I got over myself. I looked at my messy space and fell in love. Piles of oilcloth sit ready for being created into something, my new daytimer is still waiting to be transitioned into with all the piles of notes, addresses from christmas card envelopes, two address books, and business cards, storage is sparce, my portfolio lies in pieces and piles waiting to be brought together into one book.

The gift I gave myself is that I noticed these manifestations of what's been in my brain now sprawled and spilled all over the four corners of this little place where I would rather be than anywhere else on Earth. And it is good...