Blog Hop Party!

I plan to participate in my first ever blog hop.  It sounds like a lot of fun!

Art Unraveled Classes - Dye Prints

Today is the summer solstice, the first day of summer, the longest day of the year here in the Northern Hemisphere.   Time seems to fly by so fast these days that I am hoping the "lazy days of summer" will slow things down.

In summer, the song sings itself.

~William Carlos Williams~

I've been working on Eco dye prints which I was introduced to from India Flint's book "Eco-Colour".  I dye printed some silk scarves, one a crepe chiffon scarf blank, the other two are silk noil fabrics I tore into scarf lengths and zig-zagged the edges that I will be hemming.  The chiffon scarf I used eucalyptus leaves and red rose petals.  The two silk noil ones are just eucalyptus leaves.  I am teaching two classes at Art Unraveled using this technique.  There are still openings for both my classes "Nature Spirit Wraps" and "Coffee, Tea, and Onion Skins".  I would be so happy if you would join me!

Here are some fabric sample pieces which are like those we will create in the "Nature Spirit Wraps" class before we print the final scarves.

marigolds on silk

eucalyptus leaves on silk

I also experimented with this technique on watercolor paper and was pleased with the results.  I made these little booklets and will probably journal in them with pen and ink.  Such lovely backgrounds or maybe I'll just leave them as they are?  I just want you to know this technique can be used on paper too.

Not Just Plain Buttons

I recently sold this shirt on Etsy and to my surprise my cousin Kim in New York was the buyer!  I'm so happy it went to her and it has special meaning since my sister Jan helped me work on this one.

I eco dye printed a length of silk noil using eucalyptus leaves I gathered in a flounce and added to the gently loved linen shirt.  Jan attached the vintage laces and doily then we mussed over what was needed for further embellishment and Joanne's buttons were just the ticket!  Joanne had recently visited me to work in the studio upcycling garments and she brought along a slew of polymer clay buttons she makes to give me.  I am so happy with them and know I'll be using them on future garments.

When Kim sent me an email message to notify me the shirt arrived she sent me this drawing.  Please visit her website here to see what a wonderful artist she is!

This Morning

The cool night air after a day of heat draws the fog into the valleys causing the hilltops to look like floating islands.  This is my view this fine, blue sky, June day.

The cats are enjoying this morning too!

I hope your day is spectacular!

Belle Armoire, Studio Addition, Etsy Sale, and more!

I have so much exciting news to share I'm not sure where to start.  Here goes .......

Firstly Belle Armoire has finished the summer edition where I was chosen to be featured in the "Designer Collection" segment.  I can not tell you how thrilled I am for this to come out on the stands!  Rice Freeman-Zachary did a fabulous write up!  You can pre-order a copy here Belle Armoire
I hope each and everyone of you will get a copy rather it be through the mail or on local news stands!  Look for it beginning July 1.

To commemorate this feature article I am offering a 20% discount on everything in both of my Etsy shops when you use the coupon code BELLEARMOIRE at checkout through the month of June!

http://www.etsy.com/shop/waywardthreads
http://www.etsy.com/shop/lasfibers

My sister Jan left yesterday.  We were busy all week working in the studio, visiting the Alameda Flea market (and getting a little sunburned, oops!), and reminiscing about our childhood.


Here are some of the garments we worked on and finished.  I will be listing them in Etsy tomorrow and I will have a few more garments to showcase and sell but need to get photos taken.

Lastly my husband and son Tony are working hard on adding an addition to my studio!  I am hoping to have more room so in the future I can hold small workshops in my studio.  I had such fun when Joanne and Fran visited and we worked in the studio I would like to host more workshops of this nature.  I can offer so much more individual help and have all the "tools" available for use. 


Beginning of construction.