lovetheprimlook2

Ivanka Trump Hairstyle

2012-01-08T21:51:00.000-08:00

Ivanka Trump's super casual updo is as appropriate with jeans as it is for an elegant event And Beauty For Performance Every Time.

Suri Cruise

2012-01-01T15:37:00.000-08:00

Suri Cruise is not yet five years old -- but she is no stranger to high heels, Starbucks Lattes and bright red lipstick. Check out some of her best very non-toddler looks yet!

Celebrities Ring in the New Year

2012-01-01T15:10:00.000-08:00

Celebrities Ring in the New Year Wallpapers.

2011-12-31T21:51:00.000-08:00

I am so thrilled at how the doll that Q helped to design turned out!

I really have to give her props for prompting me into dreaming her up.

Even though, as my daughter keeps reminding me, she doesn't like dolls.

"Oh, mommy, I really love the doll that you made...for someone," she said this morning, tactfully reminding me with her phrasing that while she has enjoyed having a hand in the design, she is not about to back down from her anti-doll stance anytime soon!

Here is the doll before I clothed her. I stitched a heart with vintage silk thread under her dress, even though it is covered by her clothing in the finished product.

Isn't she sweet?

I love how drowsy and dreamy she is, the way she flops.

Her clothing was made with scraps of cotton homespun, satin ribbon, bits of vintage t-shirt, and repurposed parts from a ballet tutu.

I have to admit I never really understood rag dolls until now.

In fact, I was terrified by the raggedy anne that some family friend gave as a gift when I was very small, and which my mother propped (all unknowing) at the end of my bed until I was old enough to firmly object.

Maybe it was my fear of raggedy anne and andy that resulted in my inability to appreciate rag dolls all these years. Although, oddly enough, I have always admired (and often illustrated) redheads. In fact I would like to be one in my next life!

So let this mark the start of my new appreciation for rag dolls as an art form.

Good thing I just happened to have a yard or two of homespun left over in my project box!

And good thing that I have a daughter with a rampant imagination, ready to inspire with new ideas at every turn!

I hope to be trying my hand at some more rag dolls in the future, if I can find the time between jobs (or during movie nights, as I did with this one!).

I'll just have to order a few more yards of homespun, and break out the rest of my vintage thread collection (I love the wooden spools!) and the basket of vintage fabric scraps that my mother sent from Woodstock!

Q standing proud with the design she helped to create.

It's our first real collaboration...

but most likely not our last!

Welcome, 2012!!!!

2011-12-31T21:01:00.000-08:00

2011-12-30T10:05:00.000-08:00

For the new year...a new doll in progress, made at the request of my daughter!

...my daughter who does not like dolls.

She doesn't want to keep it, I think she just wanted to see me make it.

So this doll will be in the shop as soon as I decide how to dress her.

She is by far the largest doll I've ever made - about 24" tall.

She is made from 100% homespun cotton, and entirely stitched by hand (yes, every stitch!)

Her features are embroidered with thread from my vintage thread collection, and her hair is of mohair yarn. Q picked out the hair color, thread color and dimensions.

I am quite fond of her, and can't wait to find the time to make her clothes!

Win the Tiara and Save in Fiberluscious when you sign up for Stitched!

2011-12-26T11:51:00.000-08:00

When you sign up for my "Queen of Creativity" tiara on Stitched, you will receive 25% off in my Fiberluscious Shop on Etsy.

Win the "Queen of Creativity" Tiara!
To Win simply...
1. Register to take my Stitched Online Video Workshop,
2. Follow my blog, Sew Old Sew New
3. Like my Fiberluscious Shop on Etsy,
4. Like Alma Stoller's Blog
and
5. Like Stitched.

The drawing will take place after last day of registration, which is on May 21st.

Winners will be announced on Friday, May 25th! Good Luck!

Visit Dear Creative to win a Boxed set of my Cashmere Wool Snowmen! Hurry- this giveaway ends on Thursday, December 29th!

My work in Moda Magazine

2011-12-26T11:27:00.000-08:00

"The Buster" one of my favorite crowns is currently featured in Moda Kids Magazine!

The photographer for this picture was taken at KIDPICS Photography by the very talented Monica Alvarez.

"Moda Kids Magazine is geared towards kid's fashion and features child models from around the world. It has an added bonus of delivering a message to kids and parents about creating and living a healthy lifestyle by infusing education, health, culture, and society into their everyday lives. Moda Kids Magazine is a division of Moda Munchkin: Boutique modeling for children and adults. Moda Munchkin is in the credentialing process to become a fully-licensed model and talent agency. Moda Munchkin has over 250 active children listed, many of which can be found gracing the pages of Moda Kids Magazine."

In addition to my crown being featured, I was given a full-page in the magazine. Take a look. The model for my flower headband in none other than my adorable grand daughter, Brooke.

Visit Moda Magazine and take a look at the preview of their magazine. I can't say enough about how wonderful this magazine was to work with. One of their editors saw my crown in my Etsy Shop, Fiberluscious and asked if I would like to have it featured in a photo shoot in Moda. I sent the crown to KIDSPICS Photography, and it was returned right after their shoot. I had some help with my ad from one of my Doers into Dreamers friends, Tiffany Silverberg. She gave my ad a professional's once over. You can discover her services at her website. I just couldn't afford this kind of advertising on my budget. So I would have to say it was a thrilling and fun opportunity.
Crown- Page 31
Ad-Page 33

You just never know when something wonderful is about to happen. I think success is about being ready and open to everything. Be generous with your creative spirit. When you find yourself over your head, connect with others and be willing to share your spotlight. The best of what we accomplish is always a combination of preparation, exposure, luck, sharing, and of course, being willing to dive in even when you don't know exactly how deep the waters are.

2011-12-23T12:18:00.000-08:00

...from Maia, Mike and Flynn Q !!!

Frosty the Snowman Coloring Page

2011-12-22T01:19:00.000-08:00

Frosty the Snowman Coloring Page

2011-12-21T14:13:00.000-08:00

I just got in some Japanese paper clay - a wonderful medium! And there is a new doll in the shop, Isabelle!

She is just 6" tall and light as a feather, jointed with wire. Her hair is hand-sewn from mohair, her dress from vintage lace (her polka dot leotard peeks out from underneath) and she wears an aged bronze necklace with a tiny, vintage bell from India.

OOPS...already SOLD!

Snowman Family Coloring Pages

2011-12-21T00:03:00.000-08:00

Snowman Family Coloring Pages

Blank Snowman Coloring Pages

2011-12-20T18:53:00.000-08:00

Blank Snowman Coloring Pages

Snowman Coloring Pages for Kids

2011-12-20T17:23:00.000-08:00

Snowman Coloring Pages for Kids

Ho Ho Ho! "Dear Creatives" & SOSN GIVEAWAY !

2011-12-19T20:56:00.000-08:00

Please stop on by to Therese's amazing blog Dear Creatives.

She is a wonderful mixed media artist and a terrific blog buddy.

I met her through Martha Stewart's, Dreamers into Doers Website. I promise to introduce her properly in the next few days. I'm over my head, loving this video workshop project. But, beginner's luck is not my friend. Me and my buddy Murphy are struggling to get the last of my video segments completed for my "Queen of Creativity" Tiara.
In the meantime, Please check out Theresa's lovely blog and website.

I am giving away a pair of my Cashmere Wool Snowmen Ornaments, in a lovely gift package. Sign up and I hope you win!

Note: I am still shipping ready-to-ship items from Fiberluscious with a 15% discount and $5 Priority Shipping! Santa and the USPS promise to speed you your gifts just in time for the Big Day!

2011-12-08T09:51:00.000-08:00

Dream Journal is live today! I'm delighted to be a contributor and cover artist for this issue. I also had the opportunity to do a little interview on the blog, so check it out!!

WEBSITE/BLOG: www.dreamerjournal.com

FACEBOOK: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Dreamer-A-Creative-Sketchbook/154138761351438

TWITTER: www.twitter.com/dreamerjournal

11 Rudolph Reindeer Coloring Pages

2011-12-06T01:49:00.000-08:00

11 Rudolph Reindeer Coloring Pages

13 Christmas Reindeer Coloring Pages

2011-12-05T00:39:00.000-08:00

Christmas Reindeer Coloring Pages

14 Picture of Coloring Pages Santa

2011-12-04T06:28:00.000-08:00

Christmas arrives, it is time the children learn to paint with their idol of santa claus. Now we present 14 picture of coloring page santa. Coloring according to preference and, use imagination and instinct, hopefully you like the coloring pictures we provide.

14 Picture of Coloring Pages Santa

2011-12-03T16:12:00.000-08:00

Marie, creator of the lovely blog Croix de Provence and designer of the Paris-based children's clothing line Le Carrousel (Q and I are big fans!) currently has a gift selection up on the French site kidZcorner, and she has been sweet enough to include my Audrey paper doll among her selections!

Check out her kidZcorner selection here!!!

And while you're at it, check out one of MY personal favorites from this holiday season, the Voute Céleste skirt from Le Carrousel. Yes, Q will be wearing it this holiday season!!

2011-12-02T09:47:00.000-08:00

There's a new mouse in the house...Innes, the smallest Christmas mouse!

Find Innes here.

Stitched- Online Video Workshop

2011-11-30T21:26:00.000-08:00

Become . . .
The Queen Of Creativity Tiara

Push past your creative comfort zone and celebrate the unique spirit inside the one and only, amazing you! We'll explore a number of innovative color applications, sewing techniques and fiber twists and turns to design and embellish your one-of-a-kind, fabric creations. Discover the creative queen inside of you!

Let me teach you how to transfer photos, coordinate fabrics with a 5 minute dye process . . .

I'll show you how to create fabric with yarn without knitting or crochet . . .

Would you like to learn some easy and fun embroidery stitches?

We'll explore the Art of Color and Composition-

Learn how to design 3 dimensional designs with a few simple materials-

And much more ! ! !

To find out how to create this tiara and the other projects in Stitched- order the Stitched Video Workshop!

Let me tell you a bit about the Stitched Video Workshops. This project is sponsored by the lovely Alma Stoller. She contacted me and 19 other talented artists. She asked us to create an original project and a video workshop.
All of our projects workshop videos will be available for purchase via the Stitched Video Workshop page. You can download all of the 20 projects available and watch the video tutorials as many times as you wish, any time you like!

These are not your average 3 minute U-Tube tutorials. Each instructor will walk you step-by-step through each project. Each workshop is a multi-dimensional learning process on a wide variety of fiber and fabric masterpieces! The instructors are experienced fiber artists with truly original ideas and techniques. I"m so honored to be among them!

Here is a list of the 20 Stitched Instructors, go to Alma Stoller's Blog for their projects and to learn a bit more about them.

Mollie Johanson
Annie Hutchings
Sara Lawson
Jennifer Ofenstein
Deborah Boschert
Karen Ruane
Kelli Nina Perkins
Vanessa Wilson
Joanna Martinez
Wendi Gratz
Penney Klaproth
Jackie Bowcutt
Ann Tucker
Tammy Gilley
Tracie Lampe
Paula Joerling
Nikki Wheeler
Cindy Caraway
Dale Anne Potter
Jill Verbick O'Leary

You will find a variety of beautiful quilted projects, art journals, pretty fabric and stitched paper flowers, an adorable bohemian bag, beaded projects, collages, fabric cuffs and oh my, so much more! I can't wait to sign up myself!

Look in the right hand column on this Blog page and Click on "Click Here to Visit Alma Stoller" to sign up! (in red)
The cost for 24/7 access to all Video 20 Workshops is $89.00. Its rally a bargain when you think of all you will learn.

You will be sent to Alma Stoller's Registration Page for your Stitched Video Workshop Registration.

2011-11-29T13:26:00.000-08:00

New in the shop today, "The Hatter", the first in a new series I've started depicting children playing at an Alice in Wonderland tea party.


This series was inspired by a family I grew up with in upstate New York, a family whose children staged the most wonderful and elaborately-costumed plays.

Many thanks to Barbara for providing the photos that help inspire my Tea Party series!

Coloring Pages Christmas Presents

2011-11-28T00:25:00.000-08:00

Coloring Pages Christmas Presents

Cyber Monday and all those lovely deals of the day.

2011-11-27T13:22:00.000-08:00

I am not one of those, rush to the malls, sleep in a parking lot, or shop till you drop kind of gift buyer. I'd rather take my time and contemplate on the whole gift giving thing. Finding something as unique as the person I'm buying for is a challenge I really enjoy.

I make many gifts for Christmas. Even when I give money, I create a special stocking or wrapping to put it in. I think its important to share a part of us that is uniquely human and personal. I hope you do too. So often we doubt our skills or abilities and defer to the perfection of a store bought product. What a shame. From our hands, we have the power to create something that oozes with love and affection. You can't get that at the mall!

If you can't create that special something, well, the next best thing is to support the handmade economy. There are so many wonderful places to choose from. I happen to love Etsy. I was a fan before I was a seller. I love the favorite feature. I use often when designing a custom order. At a glance I can see what colors they like, if they are traditional or modern, funky or fashionable. I also know that when I purchase from Etsy, I am supporting a small business. Sites like this even out the marketplace. Everyone gets an opportunity reach customers. An artist can support their family doing what they do best, while staying home to take care of their family. The profits your sale generates may buy a young mom more diapers or a retiree more craft supplies or even food for the dinner table. I love that. Its the gift that keeps giving.

My Etsy Shop Fiberluscious is all about gift giving. My tiaras and crowns are meant to be a big old "thank yous" for being exactly who you are. From a Garden Goddess, Countess of Comfort and Joy or a Man's Man Crown, these are the people we love in our life. They bring us something so beautifully unique.

My pincushions are frequently purchased as gifts. I think they are perfect for a new sewer, or for someone who sews every day. Everyone needs a pin cushion. Many shops make pincushions for every day. My cushions are deluxe! Not only do I spend hours embellishing them with hand embroidery and beads. I also create cushions that last. I enclose tiny packets of emery in many of them. I also like to use wool. Both Wool and Emery sharpen and clean your pins and needles. My pincushion rings have very strong tiny magnets in them. The magnet keeps the pins from sliding out as you were them. I create pincushions I would like to use. In fact, I test each and every design. If they have features that make my job more frustrating, its back to the drawing board for me. I want people to love what I make.

Flowers just make me happy, so I hope that joy comes through in the flower brooches in my shop. They are bright, big and bold. I use a variety of techniques. If you look into my September posts you'll find a tutorial on my fringed flowers. I usually dismantle, untangle, reshape, dye and combine silk flowers. I add organdy, tulle and other fibers to create multi-layered fantasy brooch blooms.

This year I told myself that I wasn't going to do Christmas items. I created a whole bunch last year and they didn't sell. I thought that people would love to purchase re-rappable gift wrap for CDs and DVDs. I made ornaments and even a few different tiaras. Well, a few weeks into this season, I started to sell what I had. So, I'm working on a few small, fun ornaments and other holiday gifts. If you want to see some really great ideas, check out my Pinterest Board called "Happy Cheer". These cool ideas are from Better Homes and Gardens, but there are so many more projects I want to make when I have time, hmmmmmmmmmmm

And easy but beautiful gift ideas~

So, get busy! You have your own holidays to create!
Don't forget to add a bit of you to all you do.

Coloring Pages Christmas Disney

2011-11-27T04:34:00.000-08:00

Coloring Pages Christmas Disney

Coloring Pages Merry Christmas

2011-11-27T02:14:00.000-08:00

Coloring Pages Merry Christmas

2011-11-25T11:40:00.000-08:00

BLACK FRIDAY!!

Today through Cyber Monday, use COUPON CODE ThankYou10 at checkout for 10% off your entire order from my Etsy shop. Free or discounted shipping continues throughout the shop on various items, so check the shipping costs for your location!

I'm thankful for.....

2011-11-22T16:26:00.000-08:00

I have an amazing life. Some would call it rather simple. One of the reason I feel on top of the world is that I kind of do, in a small way. My husband and I live in a small apartment. We are in the top unit on the top of a hill on an even bigger hill. When I look at the skyline from my balcony I can see for miles and miles. We don't have much, but I don't remember a time when I felt more happy and fulfilled.

One reason I love my days so much is that I create for a living. I seem to work 24/7. If I'm not at the sewing machine, I'm dying fabric, sitting on the couch embroidering my little lovelies, or I'm sketching out new ideas in my many notebooks. I am very busy these days getting my shop on Etsy filled with fiber goodies. So busy that I haven't had time to create stuff to share with you for Thanksgiving. So, I'm sharing a few ideas I liked. Please visit the websites and blogs shown. The projects I am showing have great tutorials!

Here are some of my favorites-
Gorgeous Printable Garland from Silver Box Creative Studio She has offered this free printable with plenty of space to customize! Use it for garland, napkin rings and more!

I love this idea from www.BirchandBird.com. Wouldn't it be wonderful to bring this out year after year? Everyone could write their most thankful thoughts and maybe add photos. I would be a scrapbook on branches!

-------------------

Well, if you just have to go completely overboard, which is something I usually do, but thank goodness I'm not hosting this year - the prize would have to go to LotusHaus and their fall tornado decor. Hmmmm....where do you put the food?

--------------------
Look at this yummy idea from Bakerella! I think this will be my desert contribution for the family meal this year.

p.s. I made them with apples and they were such a hit! I used sugar in the raw to coat the outside of the crust. The crunch was nice and it made the extra crust to pie filling ratio sweeter. A bit tedious, but well worth the effort!
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Well, since I have nearly forgotten that this is a sewing blog, let me add some cute sewing project from some really wonderful blogs and handmade websites.
These adorable oven mitts are from Rachel Myers.

Here are some adorable place mats from Lil Fish.

And last, but not least- What self-respecting cook does not have an apron for the big meal?

Here are a few of mine from my Etsy Shop...

I hope your Thanksgiving is filled with unlimited blessings. I am very grateful that you stopped by to see what's up on my blog. It so much fun to bring these creative projects, thoughts and images to you.
As we move into the Christmas Season, I wish you much love and unlimited inspiration!

Happy Thanksgiving!

2011-11-20T10:17:00.000-08:00

New items and holiday specials all over The Voyagers Etsy Shop this week!

Happy Thanksgiving!!

Free shipping in the USA on all 8.5" x 11" art prints AND on all original illustrations! Also look for discounted shipping outside the US, and discounted shipping on all art dolls, artist bears, clothing, and limited edition prints!

2011-11-17T12:58:00.000-08:00

2011-11-14T15:47:00.000-08:00

Getting ready for the holidays around my studio!

10 Christmas Coloring Pages Picture for Kids

2011-11-12T03:13:00.000-08:00

10 Christmas Coloring Pages Picture for Kids

14 Disney Christmas Coloring Pages Picture

2011-11-12T00:41:00.000-08:00

Disney & Friends Christmas Coloring Pages

15 Christmas Tree Coloring Pages for Kids

2011-11-11T03:07:00.000-08:00

Christmas Tree Coloring Pages for Kids

Santa Claus Face of Christmas Coloring Pages

2011-11-11T00:17:00.000-08:00

Santa Claus Face of Christmas Coloring Pages

7 Picture of Spongebob Christmas Coloring Pages

2011-11-10T09:27:00.000-08:00

7 Picture of Spongebob Christmas Coloring Pages

Free Christmas Coloring Pages for Kids

2011-11-10T05:09:00.000-08:00

Free Christmas Coloring Pages for Kids

2011-11-09T19:58:00.000-08:00

I'm in the process of launching a new series in my shop this holiday season.

They are downloadable paper ornaments, a quick, inexpensive and creative way to make party favors, gift cards or table decor for the Holidays!

All you need is a printer, some good-quality cardstock (available at any office supply), and a small pair of paper scissors. No tape, no glue, no shipping costs, and virtually no wait! I email your jpeg files within 24 hours of payment.

Not only that, but each jpeg image comes with a customizable message. Just let me know at checkout what message you would like printed above your image, or I will leave it blank. Print out the page on letter-sized cardstock, slip it into a large envelope, and it makes an excellent card/gift/paperdoll to cut out and play with.

Each jpeg file comes with easy (very easy) instructions for printing, cutting and assembling. Paper "tabs" form a circular base with no taping or gluing or brads required. No extra parts.

Having a holiday party? Print a guest's name on the base of each ornament, and they make perfect place-savers/party favors that guests will be delighted to take home with them. You can print out your jpeg file as many times as you like, so no extra costs for multiple guests!

(Files are for private use only. Not for resale or transfer. Copyright to each image remains with the artist and is not transferred with purchase.)

Free Fall Coloring Pages for Kids

2011-11-08T01:27:00.000-08:00

Free Fall Coloring Pages for Kids

Free Coloring Pages Turkey

2011-11-07T18:29:00.000-08:00

Free Coloring Pages Turkey

MimiLove- Featured Artist of the Month

2011-11-07T15:24:00.000-08:00

I’d like to introduce you to my first featured artist piece. Forgive my going on and on about these talented individuals. If you ask someone who is good at their work, why and how they are good at their work, their answers are much too humble. The best usually are the least able to say just how amazing they really are. So, as I introduce you to some of my favorite contemporary fiber artists, I’m going to tell you why I think they are so amazing.

This piece is a combination of her Website, her Blog, her Etsy Shop, her Flicker Photostream, and questions she answered for me and a bit of my personal feelings about their inspirations and abilities. So lets go! Enjoy!

Mimi Love Embroidery Artist Extraordinaire

The first time I saw the work of Mimi Love, I was stunned by her originality, her colors, her meandering use of the canvas and her inventive imagery. While her work sparkles with whimsy it also reflects her innovative and intuitive sense of design and mastery of color.

Mimi Love is from Staffs, Birmingham, England, United Kingdom. You really must visit her blog just to see the evolution of her work from fine art to fine craft. Her background in fine art is equally fresh and skillful as her embroidery. Her portraits seem to capture her subject’s spirit. Her drawings are loose and playful. Her pop art series has been celebrated in UK galleries. She uses her skills to connect, assist through charity work, and inspire through her joyful nature.

Let’s transition into Mimi’s Embroidery work, a transformation that simply inspires me to “lighten up and celebrate craft, color and life. She just makes me want to smile.

I asked her a few questions about her artistic life and inspirations. Here is what she had to say.

You have a very unique and original style? How did you develop your technique?

ML “There were all sorts of factors and inspirational folks that led to it really; years of painting on canvas (large scale acrylics), a love of embroidery but never actually doing it, the yen to explore watercolors again and a complete inability to stick with something for more than ten minutes without being distracted and moving onto the next thing.
To be honest it was the materials I had to hand at the time that kick started it.”

I set out with the intention of exploring embroidery and after a bit of internet action came across the work of Aimee Ray and Tilleke Schwarz. Their work really opened my eyes, I had embroidery in my head as being all satin stitch shading, complicated stitches and totally unapproachable without taking lessons etc.
I then had a chance meeting with British artist Jake Sutton http://www.jakesutton.co.uk/ who very generously gave me a copy of his book The Importance of Drawing from Life, along with some very wise words and a huge amount of inspiration, all of which kick started the painting again.
From the painting/art side of things some of my favourite artists are Vincent Van Gogh, Klimt, Jenny Saville and Jake Sutton and stitchy folks Aimee Ray and Tilleke Schwarz, Joetta Maue, Arlee Barr, Penny Nickels and Adam from Monsterosity/Yukihiro but there's hundreds of names I could list!"

"I do owe Aimee a massive debt of gratitude as she was one of the folks who inspired me to take up stitching in the first place. If you haven't ventured into the stitching world yet but always fancied a go then I really can't recommend her first book Doodle Stitching enough. It was the catalyst to all the stuff you've seen me knock up on here...so you've got Aimee to partly blame! x;0)”

SOSN What sets Mimi Love apart from any and all of her inspirations and mentors is her ability to bravely unravel convention. She uses watercolors on canvas and stitches on top of that. Who does such a thing? You would think that the holes from the needle will be too big. It would be too hard to push the needle through a primed canvas. I was taught to use paper with watercolor, and so on. The little negative voices in my head would have nixed her ideas from the get go. This is why I never went where the beautiful and fearless Mimi Love goes. Her ability to ignore that little voice is a priceless gift.

It’s so much more than her materials that set her apart, it’s the mark she leaves behind. Her stitches, which are exactly the same as the stitches I use, look nothing like mine, or most every stitcher I know. She create longs, lovely, unbroken, freedom loving lines in brilliant color. Bright beads, sequins and fibers kind of float over unconstrained spaces. They feel as if they move and dance on top of color and space. It’s a delight to take the time to simply enjoy each and every inch of each canvas.

Don’t get me started on the narrations she uses. Who needs lines? Not Mimi Love. Words are upside down and sideways. She uses her lovely wit, her favorite music, quotes and cockney rhymes along side of her beautiful artwork. Her words are like brushstrokes. If brushstrokes could giggle that is.

How would you describe your work to another fabric artist?

ML “Over the past 2 years I have moved away from the large scale "pop art" acrylics and have combined my new found love of embroidery with painting producing mixed media works including a range of Cockney Sparrows and Budgie Stufferies and a unique pet portrait service which can be found around the globe from Alaska to Australia!
I paint animal/bird portraits and then embellish them with freehand embroidery, beads and so forth, so fluffy with a lump of mixed media would probably sum it up! :)
I've been painting pet portraits for as long as I can remember so it (adding embroidery to the canvas) has been a natural continuation of that really...I do people and other stuff too...I just think I've got a better understanding/more of an affinity with animals!
I felt my stitching (on fabric, without paint) was lacking something. I initially collaged some of my watercolor efforts onto the canvas and stitched them, which I kind of liked but it just wasn't quite "there"... it just seemed the next logical step to try the watercolors direct on to the canvas and Bob's y' uncle! It's just grown from there really! :)"

Here are some progressive photo's from her Blog resulting from a chance meeting of Mr. Humphries channeling Sonic the Hedgehog.

I hope you have enjoyed learning more about this very talented fiber and fine artist. She had certainly influenced me. After looking close at her imaginative stitch techniques, her utter disregard for convention and her happy spirit, I am inspired to be courageous in my work. I feel like perhaps I can let go of the need to “do it the right way”. She shows us that following our instinct and embracing our experience makes anyway the right way. As long as we allow ourselves to create an extension of who we are inside.

Who is this wonderfully talented artists? In her own words, ….

“ MimiLove: one woman, a needle, a paintbrush, a disturbing music back catalogue in her brain and too much time on her hands.”

OPEN

2011-11-05T14:09:00.000-07:00

Open
There is a vitality, a life force, an energy, a quickening that is translated through you into action, and because there is only one of you in all of time, this expression is unique. And if you block it, it will never exist through any other medium and it will be lost. The world will never have it. It is not your business to determine how good it is nor how valuable nor how it compares with the other expressions. It is your business to keep it yours clearly and directly, to keep the channel open. You do not even have to believe in yourself or your work. You have to keep yourself open and aware to the urges that motivate you.

Keep the channel open...

Quote by Martha Graham

(born May 11, 1894, Allegheny county, Pa., U.S.—died April 1, 1991, New York, N.Y.) influential American dancer, teacher, and choreographer of modern dance, whose ballets and other works were intended to “reveal the inner man.” Over more than 50 years she created more than 180 works, from solos to large-scale works, in most of which she herself danced. She gave modern dance new depth as a vehicle for the intense and forceful expression of primal emotions.
From Martha Graham biography at www.Biography.Com

2011-11-04T12:39:00.000-07:00

The continuing evolution of my jointed doll Flavia...

who is now available in my shop!

Still hard at work in the studio, but I wanted to encourage everyone to CHECK OUT THE HOLIDAY ISSUE OF BABIEKINS MAGAZINE!!!

It's absolutely enchanting, every page. Grab a cup of cocoa, sit down, and feast your eyes!

And while you're at it, check out my I Spy illustration on p. 15, the Stag tee that I illustrated for the fabulous children's clothing line Anais & I on p. 26 (and the Anais & I interview on pp. 57-60), my printable dot-to-dot on p. 71/72, and my daughter Q's "My Closet" interview on p. 249!!

Transformers Coloring Pages Bumblebee

2011-11-04T00:18:00.000-07:00

Transformers Coloring Pages Bumblebee

My Forays into Facebook

2011-11-03T17:41:00.000-07:00

I have been fighting the whole Facebook thing for years. I finally started my own page so I could keep up with my boys and my family. It took me some time to get used to the onslaught of emails, sometimes about the shoe of the day, the daily rant, who's status has changed, etc, etc. Not so bad, at least I feel connected. Thats a good thing.

So I think, well, perhaps it's time to start a wedding, blog and business page.

Aaaaaaaaaaargh!

I just have a funny feeling asking people to

I know its not the same kind of, "I hope you like me" question you ask in your daily relationships. Its a status thing. Its a Facebook requirement. Its the rules. Actually for me, right now, I just want a Facebook address without a lot of numbers after it.

I'm nearly that 25 Like milestone which will make all my dreams come true. In fact, since I"m asking, I'm thinking that maybe I should start a page for my Etsy Shop- Fiberluscious while I"m at it. I don't think I could go through another "Like Me" process.

As for real life Likes and Unlikes, well, I think I am pretty well blessed with an abundance of likeable people in my life who I hope like me back.
In the mean time, until I can figure out how to get that thumb on my pages,
could you Like me at
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Sew-Old-Sew-New/169251319824797
and

Give me your page and I promise to Like you back- with all of my Facebook heart.

Now as for that cute little blue bird......

I don't think so.......

All Facebook icons are the property of Facebook. The Twitter bird image is the property of Twitter.
My use is to promote their use, perhaps not as enthusiastically as they would like me to) and not for my personal financial gain.

2011-11-03T14:45:00.000-07:00

A new jointed doll in the studio...

She needs a name, and some clothing...how shall I dress her, do you think?

This doll is hand-carved from baked clay, hand-sanded, and hand-painted. She is my first doll with jointed knees in addition to hips and elbows, and I'm so happy with the way she turned out! Her russet hair is made from mohair yarn, and she is 11" tall from head to toes.

Off to work on her outfit!

Transformers Coloring Pages Optimus Prime

2011-11-03T08:12:00.000-07:00

Transformers Coloring Pages Optimus Prime

2011-11-02T21:25:00.000-07:00

Hannah is now in the shop, complete with her hand-stitched party dress!

She is hand-stitched from head to toe from unbleached broadcloth, then painted in several layers, from her flowered playsuit to her red buttoned shoes.

Her dress and hair bow are handmade from scraps of vintage lace and broadcloth.

She can be giftwrapped upon request.

She is most definitely ready for holiday parties.

Backside.

Hannah, my first 100% upcycled OOAK fabric doll, in the shop for the Holidays.

2011-11-02T13:32:00.000-07:00

Exciting news!!

In the works in my studio right now, one-of-a-kind handmade soft dolls.

This one will be dressed and in the shop in time for the holidays!

I'll keep you posted.

2011-10-31T15:00:00.000-07:00

More new bears...and more new bears...and more new bears in the shop every day!

And especially for the holidays, each of my animals comes with a choice of a winter-white crown, a red gnome hat, or a tophat, all hand-sculpted! Just indicate your preference at checkout.

Oh, and if you have a yen for a special, custom-made animal just for you, convo me through my Etsy shop, and if I have time left open in my work schedule, I will certainly make one for you!
First come, first serve.

Transformer Coloring Pages for Kids

2011-10-31T00:26:00.000-07:00

Transformer Coloring Pages for Kids

Tangled Coloring Pages Free

2011-10-30T18:16:00.000-07:00

Tangled Coloring Pages Free

Baby Elephant Coloring Pages

2011-10-28T01:19:00.000-07:00

Baby Elephant Coloring Pages

Circus Elephant Coloring Pages

2011-10-27T00:05:00.000-07:00

Circus Elephant Coloring Pages

2011-10-26T16:02:00.000-07:00

Busy, busy....

...stocking the shop for the holiday season!

14 Elephant Coloring Pages for Kids

2011-10-26T01:59:00.000-07:00

14 Elephant Coloring Pages for Kids

Meet Petunia! Plush Tutorial

2011-10-24T12:55:00.000-07:00

Muriel Liwet Plush Angel

Here's how to create your own, amazing Plush!

Petunia- My Little Plush Tutorial

Sketch out a pattern.

Start with light pencil marks and allow your lines to be expressive and fun. Once you think you have what you want, use a black marker to define your final pattern lines. Try a few different ideas out.
Be sure to add enough width and height to allow for dimension. I usually add 1/2 to 1 inch around the perimeter. You can also add your seam allowances, but I prefer to add them when I cut my pattern out.
Use colored pencil to audition your fabric choices if you like.
This particular pattern fit on a 8 1/2" x 11" sheet of scrap paper. For larger patterns I do my sketching on news or kraft paper.
If this is your first pattern and you want to see how it will work, create a muslin body from your pattern to work out any design changes you may need to make. Its worth the extra time to create a good, workable shape. It took me a few awkward monsters before I learned what shapes work and what shapes don't.

Create pattern.
Once your pattern is complete, trace each individual piece onto another piece of paper. Add seam allowances to out edges. (See image above.)

Choose your fabrics.

Go through your stash and choose some interesting fabric combinations. The sky is the limit! Cottons with raw edges have a great organic feel.Knits can be soft and cuddly. I've used pleather, lame, decorator fabrics, silk, taffeta, etc... Each has it's own personality. Colors can also have a big impact on your final creation. Blues are soothing, red is passionate, pink is girly, black can be spooky...play! Most creatures take less than a fat quarter. The trims can come out of your scrap basket.

Cut your pattern pieces.
Once you have decided on your sketch and your fabric, its time to cut the pattern pieces from fabric. Cut the main piece first, then the face and other shapes. If you have one shape on top of another, you will need to create those in layers. Each layer needs it's own pattern piece.
Lay them onto your fabric, pin and cut.

Sew each piece onto the main body.
Place pieces onto fabric to audition. I often make changes at this point. I may add or subtract colors, add more layers or remove pieces that aren't working. Keep an open mind. Working with scraps allows you to be playful.
Pin pieces and sew all pieces to front and back. Be sure to choose the right side of the main fabric pieces. Sew each layer separately, then sew layers onto main pieces.
When sewing each piece on, I like to add a decorative effect. I simply sew around each shape at least 3 times. I use wavy and wobbly stitch lines. This step anchors each piece down completely. If you would like to turn edges under, that is up to you, but I like the frayed look of raw edges. You could also use fusable web to attach each piece before you sew them down. Its totally up to you.

Put it all together.
Pin front and back pieces together, right sides together. Sew. Be cure to leave a 2-3 inch opening to allow for turning right side out. When using fragile fabrics, I may stitch a second seam just inside the first seam.

Clip curves and trim.
Clip curves (especially inside curves on legs and then trim seams if desired. Take care not to clip into the seam. I like using a pinking shears to keep fraying down to a minimum.

Turn right side out and stuff.
Be sure to stuff small parts with little pieces of stuffing, and larger pieces with bigger pieces. This keeps your limbs and body firmly packed without lumps or gaps. If your limbs are small, use a long nose pliers, tweezers or hemistat to get enough stuffing into each part. I use polyester fiberfill, but you can use any type of stuffing you have on hand.
Squish each part to be sure you are not leaving any gaps. Take care to add enough stuffing, especially around the joints and the head.
Sometimes I may add some dried beans to the bottom parts to weigh them down. This is optional. Note: if you want your plush to be washable, only use washable filling.

Close opening.
Whip stitch opening closed with matching thread. Use tiny stitches. Catch just a few threads from one side. Cross to the other side and pick up a few threads and pull tightly closed.

Now for the fun part!
Choose buttons and for eyes. Try out other trims. Experiment with a few different looks out before you choose the idea combination. This is where a great stash of buttons and trim pay off. Once you have decided on a final design, stitch your buttons and trims on. If you are making plush for children, especially those under the age of 3, it is better to use safety eyes or to embroider the eyes and other decorative touches. That way they won't come off and become a choking hazard. Safety first!

Add a few final touches.
I added the trim using embroidery thread. I added some decorative stitches as well.

Give your plush a name and you are finished!

Check out my Etsy Shop Fiberluscious and see my other plush characters!

Football Player of Sports Coloring Pages

2011-10-24T00:17:00.000-07:00

Football Player of Sports Coloring Pages

2012 Calendar With Quotes and Sayings

2011-10-23T21:07:00.000-07:00

This tagline for this blog is "A Quote A Day Keeps The Blues Away". Now the best way you can do that is to have a Calendar with Quotes and Sayings on them.

I have compiled a list of 2012 Calendar with Quotes for your enjoyment on my Squidoo Lens. They include wall calendars and desk top day-to-day calendars to fill you with quotes for 365 days a year. This is a great way to keep yourself motivated.

On days when you are down and need a reminder to stay positive, you may just find the right quote staring at your from your quotes calendar. There are kid quotes, funny quotes and quotes for teachers, moms, office workers, football fans etc on these 2012 Calendar with Quotes.

Bob the Builder Coloring Pages for Kids

2011-10-23T10:32:00.000-07:00

Bob the Builder Coloring Pages for Kids

American Football Sports Coloring Pages

2011-10-23T07:14:00.000-07:00

American Football Sports Coloring Pages

Sport Coloring Page For Kids

2011-10-22T04:58:00.000-07:00

Sport Coloring Page For Kids

Baseball Ball Coloring Page For Kids

2011-10-22T00:53:00.000-07:00

Baseball Ball Coloring Page For Kids

Baseball Glove And Bat Coloring Pages

2011-10-21T11:50:00.000-07:00

Baseball Glove And Bat Coloring Pages

Baseball Bat And Ball Coloring Page

2011-10-21T08:49:00.000-07:00

Baseball Bat And Ball Coloring Page

Baseball Pitcher Sport Coloring Pages

2011-10-21T07:38:00.000-07:00

Baseball Pitcher Sport Coloring Pages

Jewelry With Quotes

2011-10-20T18:04:00.000-07:00

I've added a new category in my Quotes and Sayings Store today. The Category is for Jewelry with Quotes and Sayings inscribed on them. These Jewelry with Quotes are great conversation pieces. Besides, they are there to inspire you and others everyday.

Here are some of the Jewelry with Quotes.

"If You Can Imagine It, You Can Achieve It. If You Can Dream It, You Can Become It"

"I Will Travel Down the Path of My Dreams"

"Live, Love, Laugh"

Check out my store for more Jewelry with Quotes like these.

Cross Stitch with Kids Quotes

2011-10-19T18:37:00.000-07:00

I love these Cross Stitch with Kids Quotes. They're so simple to sew yet they are lovely to look at and make a nice decoration. I love Quotes and I love Cross Stitch. Put them together and it is marvelous. These cross stitch are simple enough for beginners as well as children. Most of all, I love the Kids Quotes on the Cross Stitch.

Here are some of the Kids Quotes sewn on Cross Stitch.

Sometimes you just need to take a nap and get over it.

Don't look back because you might fall over what is in front of you

A friend is a sweet person when your life isn't so sweet

Go here for more Cross Stitch with Kids Quotes.

Thanksgiving Coloring Pages for Kids

2011-10-19T00:13:00.000-07:00

Thanksgiving Coloring Pages for Kids

2011-10-18T11:41:00.000-07:00

New in my Etsy shop today, a never-before-released print of one of my plein air pen and ink illustrations done on site in Siena, Italy. You can find it here.

7 Picture for Thanksgiving Coloring Pages

2011-10-18T01:10:00.000-07:00

7 Picture for Thanksgiving Coloring Pages

Let Play Dress Up!

2011-10-17T15:50:00.000-07:00

Marvelous Mummy by Martha

Halloween is one of our favorite holidays. I love the whole dress up experience! My kids wore handmade, elaborate costumes until they begged me to stop.Now I have a grandchild to dress up. As an adult, my husband and I love to go out, incognito and have fun and cut loose under a new persona. I think you are never too old to play dress up. So go ahead. Let your imagination go.
I am amazed at how creative some people are. Its less than a week away and I"m still sewing. Here are some fun designs I've discovered and some tutorials on how to get it done

Day of the Dead - Video Tutorial

3 Eyed Monster Tutorial by Fiskars

Angry Bird Family Costume Tutorial

Recycled Monster and other handmade, recycled costume ideas

This Loch Ness Sea Monster tickles me to no end. Ready to purchase at Missnessamonster on Etsy. Mention you found it here and she will give you 10% off your purchase!

Are you more of a Super Hero type? How about a Power Ranger Costume? Check out this tutorial and a few others on E-How.

Game Boy~Girl

The last image is my adorable grand baby in her handmade Kitty costume. (Mc Calls MP444)

This pattern offers an elephant, skunk. lion and monkey. I wanted to make her a kitty so I simply simplified the lion costume. I didn't add the mane or the fringe on the tail. I used swirly pink fur, shabby white fur, scraps of velour and I added a big satin bow. Its a bit big, but it should accommodate warm clothes to be worn underneath. This is Wisconsin after all. Have to keep her toasty!

Now get sewing and be amazing!

Fiberluscious- New Etsy Shop Name

2011-10-17T13:04:00.000-07:00

Introducing- Fiberlusciuos. New Name- Same fun fabric items, same great service, same love of fiber.
I think it perfectly reflects my love of fiber, fabric, and all things sewn and embroidered. After getting married this summer, I've been itching to make the change. Finally it's here!
So, the next time you shop with me...you aren't lost.
Welcome to fiberluscious.

Don't forget to use your 20% discount for being a Sew Old So New blog visitor.
Next- change the name of my blog? hmmmm.

10 Halloween Witch Coloring Pictures

2011-10-17T01:09:00.000-07:00

Halloween Witch Coloring Pictures

8 Halloween Bat Coloring Pictures

2011-10-16T00:04:00.000-07:00

Halloween Bat Coloring Pictures