August 29, 2010

The 25th Annual Tallahassee International Opening Reception

On Friday, August 27, my husband and I drove up to Tallahassee, FL for the opening reception of The 25th Annual Tallahassee International art competition at Florida State University Museum of Fine Arts.  It was our first visit to our state's capitol.  I wish we had planned to stay longer.  Tallahassee is a fabulous city.  The city and university campus would be great places to explore.

"Escalator, Pompidou Centre" by Bruce McCombs from Holland, MI

The Tallahassee International is an annual, juried competition sponsored by the Florida State University of Fine Arts and juried by a panel of faculty from the College of Visual Arts, Theatre & Dance.  This year close to 400 artists entered the competition, submitting nearly 800 works for consideration.  Fifty-eight works by fifty artists were selected.

I am very happy to say that a piece of my work was juried in.  Here I'm standing with Jean D. Young, The 25th Tallahassee International Coordinator (on right).

"War Stories: Where Have All the Flowers Gone?" by Pat Kumicich 

Below are just a few of the art pieces in the exhibit.

"Under Pressure" by Robbie Barber from Waco, TX

"Flight Attendants" by Tirtzah Bassel from Boston, MA

"Urban Renewal" by Brad Birchett from Richmond, VA

"My Teeth" by Brett Eberhardt from Macomb, IL

"Repressive Existence" by Rae Goodwin from Lexington, KY

"Manhood (Comfort)" by Wesley Harris from Orlando, FL

"Echoes From the Past" by Monique-Janssen-Belitz from Albuquerque, NM

"The Woman Who Owns the Chickens" by Julia Millies from Howell, MI

The exhibit is open until September 26, 2010.  If you find yourself anywhere nearby, make a point to stop in and see it!

August 18, 2010

Scribbles on Fabric

Making small samples of quilting stitches can save a lot of time in the long run.  It's a good time to see if the machine tension is set correctly and to see if the idea in my head looks the same after it's stitched.  If I wait until it's stitched on the quilt top, I may be sorry - I hate ripping quilting stitches out!  I also find that just like an athlete, I need to warm up a little and practice before tackling the quilting of a new piece.

Here are just a few samples of what I've been playing around with.






August 7, 2010

Crowning Glory

I am fascinated with crowns.  I think every woman should have one (or two!)  Wearing one will make you feel regal, important and wise.  Many of the dolls I make wear tiaras.

This diadem was made to complete and compliment the "All the Bells and Whistles" bustier I made a few months back.
diadem is constructed of bubble gum wrappers, candy wrappers, gum wrappers, lollipops, buttons, sequins, rick rack trim

 addition of bells and whistles to the bustier; necklace made of balloons

I challenge you to make your own tiara.  It can be simple using construction paper, cereal boxes, book pages, greeting cards, etc. or ornate with luscious silks and velvet.  You will be amazed how easy it is to do - just give it a whirl!