Long Beach Quilt Festival 2009 or "Rockin the Purple Carpet"

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(my dog tags)

I would like to say THANK YOU to Karey & her fabulous band of fantastic femme's who worked so tirelessly to make the Long Beach Festival such a HUGE success! You gals ROCKED!

I nearly fainted with joy when I walked through the big open doors to see my own work staring me (literally) right back in the face! My Cheetah quilt was about as front & center as you could get. It was part of the 'West Coast Wonders II' exhibit and was flanked by one stunning piece of art after another! I was truly verklempt! So much for the mascara! After composing myself; my friend Julie snapped this pic. What a momentous occasion for this virtually unknown quilter from Orange, CA.



My Journal Quilt was there as well representing the water element: "Flamingo Walk"


My Edges Piece 'Silence'


My buddy Julie and her Edges piece:

That's all cut work, velvet. She did all that by hand!

Do you Moo too??? Here's some 'moos' I collected, can you 'guess who's moo' by the art?




I had one for Jamie Fingal but now can't find it :(

I will tell you that went I went over to Make it University & Judy Coates Perez was sitting there in her darling groovy yellow apron, I immediately went right over & said "There SHE IS!!!" Where is that lovely flip thing with your art on it??" She was gracious enough to actually act like she knew who the heck I was & what in the heck I was talking about! (Ok, I posted on her blog when she first showed it off, but really, I didn't expect her to actually remember)LOL. That's a classy gal right there!

As I kept walking I hear a voice shout out "You WIN!" and I stood there because A.) I was wearing my Tiara and B.) I'm nosey & want to see who won and what it is! This adorable little gal sitting there calls me over & gives me an ATC she's made. She says it's because of my Tiara. I'm so thrilled I don't even realize who I'm talking to! It's MELANIE TESTA!!!! I'm standing there like a big doof and MELANIE TESTA is giving me one of her ATC's!!! Just when I thought I couldn't be anymore verklemt than I was all ready between the Cheetah, Ms. Perez & being filmed by Bonnie McCaffrey (ok, more on that later!) Here it is; I will treasure it always!!! Thank YOU!!! so much Melanie!


I pinned it on my dress & wore it proudly the rest of the day!!!

Speaking of running into folks! A gal I've been friends with online for awhile now was going to be at Festival & we exchanged cell numbers so we could 'meet in person'. I was so thrilled to see her & we hung out for a good while chatting & laughing & even walking the vendor isles a bit. SO much FUN!!! I was sad when I had to leave her but it was such a great highlight of my day!!! Here we are, me & my buddie Lynn Douglass

We're standing in front of my Detours piece "Noah's Raven".

Here's a shot of me & Cynthia Catlin; she's in charge of exhibitions for Quilts on the Wall: Fiber Artists. Many of you may not know, I'm currently President of this group (2 years) and Cynthia is the past president & now Exhibitions Chair. There are over seventy members in this group. She works incredibly hard on our exhibits for Quilts on the Wall! Thank you to Susan Willen for taking this picture of us!



Here's some shots of my 'Combat Tiara for the Dangerously Fabulous!" Though there was no official 'parade of Tiara's' this year, I made one anyway just in case.





What I shared at the QA/SAQA reception: Still a WIP but getting closer Sarah!



What we bought! Julie & Cindy & I had a blast at the 'Hand Dyed' shop as usual!

That brilliant Red is one piece that has browns on either side & that gorgeous red strip right down the middle. It's amazing!

These yummy pieces were from Anansi village.


Now about Bonnie!

When we first got to Festival; Julie & I were standing at the Detours exhibit. I noticed a gal standing in front of my 'Noah's Raven' with a video recorder. She asked me if I'd like to be on film & say a few words. Being up for anything and feelin so groovy from my Cheetah high I was all excited to do it... Till I realized, I had to stand there and SAY SOMETHING on CAMERA! She asked me to say some words about the raven & my tiara, I kid you not, I stood there said 'what?'. I was so nervous I couldn't figure out what to do considering I couldn't really look at either thing while I was trying to describe it! I thought about ripping the Tiara off my head but the fear of having all my hair standing upright and askew on camera would be worse. If there was any useful footage of my fumblings I'll be amazed! I felt so dumb & my voice had tremours from being nervous! I mean, here's me who could get up & sing in front of crowds (and has) but without a script? or something to focus on? I was totally lost!

It was fun and when it's all over, she thanked me and was so nice & she left with Julie to talk about Julies piece in Edges. Then someone came up to me and asked 'So, did Bonnie McCaffrey interview you?' did I realize! OMG!!! THAT was BONNIE MCCAFFREY!!! SHUT UP!!! Well, it was a total geek out moment I can assure you! No idea, as I said, if any of the footage will wind up on the vidcasts of the show but ya; I'll be watchin! And later the next day; I looked up her site & watched nearly all her vidcasts & was blown away by not only the artists she's interviewed, but all the lovely quilts she's captured! Thank you Bonnie for showing those of us who can't go to Houston, or England those fantastic quilts!!!

So, that's my story... (not all of it; but there are somethings that have to stay under wraps just yet)

Still floatin' on cloud 10!

Paw It Forward Presents !

Ms. Stella O'Houligan says "I got presents?" Loco Coco say's "Heeeyyyy, datz for all of us!" (Loco she's not!) Stellie say's "I'M the LEADER, I'LL inspect this to make sure it's safe for you blondie!"


"HEY GUYS!! We have GRASS!!! Get the biped over here to make it!"



"Hummm; catnip ball should go to our newest 'tenant'; she could sure use extra love being parted from her family after 6 years"



Jenga says "Why Thank you Ms. O'Houligan, how positively civil of you!"



Jenga says, "And don't worry about the extra loves, the biped's got that covered!"



All this love & cuddlez from our friends at Furrydance. The card was even personalized with a secret braille message from them. Our hooman squealed at that... little does she know... The alliance is strong. Our hooman said she's making something extra special for the Furrycat dancers and Disco NoFurNo too! She can't disclose here but we've all tested them; & now we will get some too! Rock On~'Nip out!

Thankfulness

I have many blogs I read daily on my Google Reader. (if you don't use this feature, you should) I fell in love with this one as it combines two of my favorite things; beads and cats. Her post today made me smile a lot!!! I recently sent her a tiny gift 'just cuz' I love that Tortie Isabella & her sister Angel. Imagine my delight when she posted this today.

Many, many thanks Sharla. You totally made my day!

Long Beach Quilt Festival 2009

I am proud to be a part of two exceptional art quilt groups that will have special exhibits at this years Long Beach Quilt Festival.

The first is with my Cutloose group and our exhibit is titled 'Edges'. Here is my piece: I interpreted the theme to mean the 'edges of tranquility'.



The second group is Quilts on the Wall: Fiber Artists and our exhibit is titled 'Detours'. Here is the postcard for the show featuring my fellow Cutlooser Cindy Cooksey's fabulous quilt on the front! (visit her site here)!



My interpretation of Detours was found in 'Noah's Raven':


My Journal Quilt will be there as well: Flamingo Walk

And in West Coast Wonders; I'm totally stoked to announce my Cheetah quilt will be there honoring the work at the San Diego Wild Animal Park and Cheetah breeding program.

Come on down & check out all the great and wonderful Quilts!

Days are as follows:

Friday, July 24th, thru Sunday July 26th at the Long Beach Convention Center.
See you there!

Award!

I was awarded this by Nathalie



The associated rules are to name seven things you like
And to nominate seven other blogs for the award, thus spreading the love.

1. Laughter
2. Rain/Sunshine
3. Whispering
4. Backyard flowers
5. Animals
6. Birds
7. Chocolate Donuts


7 Blogs to give awards to! (I could only narrow to 9!)

here goes:

Creative Stitches by Lynn
ZQuilts
Cookseyville
A Fanciful Twist
Judy Coates-Perez
Susan Gets Native
PaMdora's Box
Beaded Tail
Jamie Fingal

Paw it Forward?~ Count us in!

My cat Stella (that's her in her second favorite box) had heard about this Paw it Forward thing going on in the Cat Blogosphere and after she visited Furrydance she decided we needed to be in on the fun too! BTW: Furrydance is where they have the most handsome Devon Rex Mancats (even when one is doing his impression of a Scottish fold)!

So now it’s our turn to have fun pawing it forward to the next animal lover blogger. We’ll send something fun to the first one who posts a comment here saying that they wanna participate in Paw It Forward. In turn, to keep the spirit of Paw it Forward going, you must then post about this on your blog, link to us, and then send something to the first one who signs up to play along with you!

Them's da rules. There’re no cost restraints, BUT don’t go crazy! The little something you send can be something you made, bought, were given or found. Maybe something unique from where you live? And, remember that kindness doesn’t have to involve money; there’re a lot of ways to help others every single day, everywhere you go. Keep the fun going and let us know if you wanna Paw It Forward!!!

I have some Art coming.. but first

Meet our new foster. Aspen found his forever home last Wednesday. Here is our new girl Jinga. She's 8 years old; soft as can be & is the sweetest, lovingest little thing!

International Box Day June 19th!

My Favorite; in a box

As We Speak

Mr. Aspen is being whisked away to his new desert paradise. I shall miss him
g r e a t l y! I did offer to cat sit should his new owner ever need and it
seems that may be a not-too-distant possibility.
Until then; I leave you with these!


*sniff*

Aspen

Here's our boy; all loved up. He's meeting someone very important tomorrow. If all goes well & they like each other; he will be re-homed. I'll keep you posted.

Getting Ready

For a calligraphy workshop I'm teaching this Saturday. I think I'll use this piece as what NOT to do. There are elements I like; but it all blends together too much for my taste. I really like the quote by the late Danny Kaye. Wish me luck!

New Commissioned Work

Recently completed commission. This is a wedding gift for a couple to be married in Ireland. The saying is written in Irish and means: "Love is patient and kind". It measures 15" W x 24" L.

Hand calligraphy in Liquitex acrylics. Love knot is couched fancy yarns and metallic threads. Machine pieced and quilted. The Celtic braid is made of silk hand made bias (orange) and batik blue/green bias.

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This is little piece is for the person who commissioned the above work. It is her gift. The saying is "every turn of events has it's meaning/purpose" (all that in 5 Irish words)

It is 6 1/2 " W x 12" L. Hand calligraphy; Machine quilted in metallic threads and the organza is held in place by the fused green section.

Happy Memorial Day

In remembrance of my grandfathers.

Canvas Book & Backyard Visitor

My daughter's camera has such hi-res that it takes me forever to resize the photos to post. Here's the Canvas book that was done a few weeks ago.

Front & Back cover: The Peacock 'eye' is captured with a piece of clear cellophane from a page divider. I stitched it down. The 'Bead' was made using sculphy that I rubber stamped & painted. (same as mosaic ATC's)


Same pages with organza dragonfly in between:
The lime green page has newsprint from an Asian newspaper cut into leaf shapes and stiffened with good ol'elmers. The Marsh Wren is hand stamped & watercolored.





My Calligraphy mixed with bird stamps that were water colored.



Page pre-photo shop:

trying to be fancy in photoshop. LOVE! the way the new image draws the eye to different elements than the pre-photo shop image. must play with this more when I have more hours in the day.


Another Organza page that I stamped the hand writing on; it covers 'raw paper' that has leaves in it. The Butterfly (Zebra Swallow Tail) was a picture my daughter took when we were in Big Sur, I printed it out & put it on fusible.


Last two are more 'whimsical'. The bird tag is from K&Company (luv their stuff!).


As promised; Back Yard Visitor to the fruit tree; Wild Parrots. Here's one doing what Parrots do best! Aren't they beautiful!



Ms. Stella O'Houligan makin' a wish!


Fortnight Lily's

Mother Earth gets a trim

OR; How I became a pain the arse of the tree hackers today.

You see, it all started with this phone call from the landlord:
"We're trimming all the trees because some idiot in another city all together, lit one of those trees on fire causing damage to that home."

Me, slightly dumbfounded "Uh... ok? So you realize it's early spring? Birds are in fact nesting in our trees as we speak?"

Her: "the birds haven't started laying eggs yet... I'm a great afficianado of baby birds."

I continue: "Can I have the number for the tree people so I can tell them about the hummingbird in the back yard who's worked her tiny tail off this last week building her tiny cup nest that has one egg in it."

Her: "Oh, uh, sure..." gives me the number & hangs up.

I call the tree folks; they assure me if I tie ribbons near her nest (my idea) they will happily work around her. I'm not convinced... I realize I will need to be here after all which means taking time off work to come home & sit in the back yard(k so that's not sooo bad on a gorgeous day like today).

This shot is after the trim; prior to this; I could only see two rows of bricks and none of the house behind:


As they trample my flower beds & destroy my plants by letting the tree branches fall all over the property without so much as an 'oops'. (I whisper many curse words to myself at this time but I'm not budging...)they look at me sideways. I'm out there dressed for work in a dress & 4 inch heels peeling off branches they've let fall all over my rose bushes, hibiscus and clivia nearly destroying them all. But... I don't take my eyes off that tree... The trimmer smiles & nods as he fires up that chainsaw & starts carving away (I'm not convinced they even know how to properly trim a tree in the first place) while my tiny hummer buzzes around her yard nervously lighting only momentarily before firing off again. My heart breaks. I'm fearful she may not return to her nest at all after this madness.

They finally finish up and I'm so paranoid I don't want to leave for fear they will get evil grins & go finish off the tree when I'm not here to stop them. But I leave. I have to go back to work, I'm crest fallen.



I have my daughter call as soon as she gets home to go check to see if our girl is back on her nest and I am overjoyed to hear that she is!


When I arrive home later; I take the ladder out & remove the ribbons around her nest in spite of my wobbly knees for being up on the uppermost rung of the 6 foot ladder. This is critical or I might as well hang an "Eat Here" sign for the crows & scrub jays. I cannot however, overcome my heights issue enough take El's camera up there & grab a shot of inside the nest. Nor can I risk tipping it down enough to see in as I'm afraid the egg will roll out. El assured me it wouldn't; the hummer had taken the 'raw off-silk' I had put out there for her and secured the egg to the nest with it. I am rather puffed up at this news feeling like I helped.

Tonight; I took this picture of her back on her nest. She rests like a tiny boat in the storm of leaves on her teacup nest. I am so happy for her, and Earth day. On my walk the Universe thanks me with the finding of this tiny, shiny thing: and I can sleep tonight.

Long Beach Quilt Festival 2009

I'm pleased to report that this piece will debut this July at the Long Beach Quilt Festival 2009. It will be hanging with a special exhibit entitled 'Edges'. This piece focus' on the 'edges of tranquility'. The quote is from the Desiderata by Max Ehrmann. "Desiderata" is Latin 'desired things'. Quilt size is 36" x 48".

Mosaic ATC Swap

I'll be mailing these out Monday to the ATC coordinator.
They are 2 1/2 x 3 1/2 inches.
Mine are entitled 'Your secret's safe with me."



All the embellishments sit atop a gorgeous piece of hand made paper I found. That paper was fused to tyvek for support. Originally, I was going to put lots of things on top but I just didn't like any of what I had and was really drawn to just the simple red piece in the center. This first one is a gift for the coordinator, I like it because it has the rough edge of the paper still on it.



Though simple; there were a lot of techniques going on here. 1. The red 'tablet shard' was made from rolled out sculpy; I took a large rubber stamp that was all script and pressed it into the sculpy and then took a knife and cut it into rectangles. Once it was cured; I painted the surface with acrylic ink.



The 'tassel ends' are all from Bolo ties I collected from a friend. The dark green material was actually a silk carrier rod that I dyed with Calligraphy inks. I sewed them down with some hand dyed embroidery floss.



The Chinese emblems were cut from a bangle bracelet I got at a Claire's store in the mall a few years ago. I affixed them as well as the shards & tassels with glue prior to sewing them down for added security. Then I added the beads. These were really fun; but I hate sewing through ultimately was 2 layers of fabric, tyvek & thick hand made paper that made the substrate.

Bombus Humilis

Aren't they gorgeous? See what I mean by "patrols" his area? If you get too close; he will zoom right up to your face & hover, then bolt forward till he pushes you back. His buzz is quite loud and very intimidating. He (or she?) has been known to chase off any intruder including hummingbirds who can be quite naughty in their own right.