Gray Mountain Purse-A-Nalities & Accessories

Cherry Street Art Fest - Watseka IL

2011-08-07T06:10:00.000-07:00

Here a few pictures of my booth at The Cherry Street Art Fest on Aug. 6 in Watseka IL. It was so very hot!! I felt melted by 7 am. And although it was very humid and hot, it was a successive day.

After purchasing two new tables, I made the table covers and pennants, painted the baker's rack black & added the curtain backdrop, made the pink front corner draperies, painted the canopy legs with rustoleum, recoated the canopy top with water repellant, made the sign for the front of the canopy (this got ruined in the heat) and lots more.

Here is a full view of my revamped booth with our lovely pickup truck in the back:

A wall full of purses, I have been busy!

A view into the left corner -

Lots of altered domino necklaces & my new floral necklaces -

Just a few of my Cigar Box Purses, these sell well -

The right corner with some more bags & my Scrabble Tile Charms display made from a vintage cigar display -

We came home totally exhausted and drained. But overall, it was a great day with a nice crowd.

Mannequin Metamorphosis - "Milly"

2011-07-03T11:08:00.000-07:00

Okay - I am frugal, cheap or whatever, so instead of spending loads of $$ on a fancy antique mannequin, I thought I would try to gussy up on of the two dressforms I had in my studio.

Currently I am working on revamping my craft fair booth display. My next show - The Cherry Street Art Fest in Watseka IL, is a fine art and crafts show, so I thought my booth really needed a redo.

Milly started out as one of those fabric over plastic, adjustable dressforms, I think from Dritz. This form did not have the large dials for adjustments but those horizontal toothed wheels. Making her as small as possible, the divisions between the body sections needed to be taped for more stability. Out came the very tacky USPS priority shipping tape. (Did I mention I am tape challenged!)

Then I cut numerous strips of newspaper and applied them with Mod Podge in a diagonal pattern. Don't know why I choose diagonal, but it looked interesting.

Wow, I went through numerous bottles of decoupage medium from different manufacturers. Luckily I had a good stash, mostly from garage sales. Here she is all decoupaged, just waiting for my next creative step.

For added strength, I reinforced the inside as best I could with duct tape. Then she was painted with white craft paint over which I painted a mix of pearl white paint, champagne pearl and extra pearl medium.

Light pink paint was dabbed and rubbed on in places, some mica flakes applied here and there and several butterfly and dragonfly stamps in muted beige and rose ink were added. With some Territorial Beige craft paint, I "antiqued" around the neck, arm sockets, and hemline. Then the whole mannequin got a final application of Mod Podge Hard Coat.

Once she was all painted the body sections were more noticeable. They are more so on the back then the front. Adding a organza sash and large flower helped disguise this problem.

Next what to do with the neck area which was white plastic with a pin cushion on top and the super ugly metal stand - I applied some torn pattern tissue paper with decoupage on top of the white plastic and when it was dry I painted it glossy black. The pincushion is unchanged and may be a great way to display some fancy hat pins.

After finally disassembling the metal stand, I was able to take off the hem gauge contraption on the bottom. Put it all back together with the adjustable height gizmo hidden under the body. With a bit of hot glue I wrapped the vertical section with black tulle.

Using scrapbook paper and a Xyron 900 sticker machine, I applied the paper to the three "feet", then coated them with Hard Coat for more durability. The space between the feet and horizontal bar needed a bit more drama, so I added loads of black organza petals and a couple of finished flowers. Although it doesn't show up really well in the photos, it is cute in person.

A bit of pretty ivory trim was glued around the neck area. I didn't want any thing too fancy because she will be used to display necklaces. Then two colors of organza were tied around her waist with a big flower added.

Voila - she's finished!

Now my husband is having issues with Milly's "nakedness" and says he will not be carrying her into any shows. I don't see a problem, but if she seems to be attracting too much of the wrong type of attention, Milly may need to acquire a coverup.

What do you think? Does she need cover or not?

My booth colors are white with black and pink accents and Milly should be a pretty addition.

Fun Elvis Etsy Treasury by ThirtySixDesign

2011-06-26T05:27:00.000-07:00

Great collection of new creations and vintage items -

My Summer Oasis

2011-06-18T11:10:00.000-07:00

This bit of my yard looked so inviting this morning. And although it is not exceedlingly hot today, it did look cool and inviting -

We live in the country and have a large oval shaped gravel driveway. The middle section had 3 large trees at one time, but one died and another was struck by lightning. This Hackberry has filled in the center nicely with its large canopy.

My husband and I built this birdhouse bench about 12 years ago. It has seen numerous long, hot summers. We have had to repaint it and renail it after the wind has tipped it back against the tree too many times.

We have loads of rain this summer, so the hostas are beautiful, very tropical looking. A few years ago I had to dig out loads of gravel from this center and bring in dirt so I could plant the hostas. The hostas lining the path were planted 4 years ago. The others that fill in the center have been there 8 years or so. They originally came from the 3 plants by our front door, two of which are still there.

I spotted this welded metal fairy sculpture at a Christmas craft fair last year. I was also set up at the show and could see this cutie from across the way. I had to go and investigate. It was great and very reasonably priced (really), so I had to acquire it.

The creator is a tiny woman who had to learn welding for her full time job. She has beautiful designs and I might just have to buy another.

Now I may just have to get myself a cool, refreshing drink and set myself down under that tree!

Jen's Chapeaux - Michael Miller Disco Dot Hat

2011-05-01T05:28:00.000-07:00

JEN'S CHAPEAUX

New Hat Venture

I have been inspired to try my hand at hat making again from a lovely friend and great supporter of my bags (my best customer!) who was recently diagnosed with ALL - acute lymphocytic/lymphoblastic leukemia. Through chemo she has lost her beautiful blonde locks and is searching for cute hats to brighten her spirits. She has found that the chemo caps that are so popular are rather slippery and do not stay put very well.

Digging through my pile of patterns I found a couple of cute hats that I thought she would like. She picked out the McCall's 5119 that features a fun bucket style.

Jen is a "pink" kind of girl, so looking through my fabric stash I decided the Michael Miller's Disco Dot would be perfect. The challenge was getting the large dots to line up nicely in the design.

Needless to say, as the hat began to take form, I was overcome with a sense of purpose - to offer cute hats to women that have similar needs to Jen.

With my oldest son's help (he has a graphic design degree), we came up with a hat label and JEN'S CHAPEAUX was born.

I was able to hand deliver Jen's hat to her, she tried it on at once and it fit perfectly. Since she measured a small size I wasn't sure of the fit at all. And she loves it, yeah!

This fabric is so vibrant. It has been out for a few years but I still love it. The color combinations are great - so cheery.

I have used it for one of my most popular tote bags - always a attention getter at craft fairs.

So now onto other hats, probably another using this fabric. But I have quite a stash and who knows what my come next.

I Must Admit My Addiction...

2010-01-07T18:32:00.000-08:00

Well, okay I am admitting that I am a bibliophile - a lover of books...especially how-to books and cozy mysteries. I am addicted to books....did you think, maybe something else? No, never had an addiction to anything illegal or immoral. I am pretty straight-laced and many probably think I am really boring, but I love books and information, how-to make something, how-to do something.

I keep our small library, which is only 1/2 mile away from my house in the country, pretty busy with inter-library loans. And I must say, the librarians always comment on the cool books that I get. I would get loads more if they were available through the large number of libraries in our system. Many times after getting a book on loan, I'll actually then go buy it. My shelves are unable to hold any more books for fear of collapsing.

Currently my pile of library books include:
- Girligami by Cindy Ng (absolutely adorable book!!)
- Blogging for Bliss by Tara Frey (trying to beef up my blogging skills)
- Google Blogger for Dummies
- Make It Fast, Cook It Slow by Stepanie O'Dea (A Year of Crock Pot recipes)
- A Bit of Velvet & A Dash of Lace (the story behind Magnolia Pearl & Robin Brown)
- In This House by Angela Cartwright & Sarah Fishburn
- Stray Sock Sewing by Daniel (totally fabulous creatures from socks)
- Details by Brian D. Coleman (designing with architectural salvage)
- Altered Paper Jewelry by Jenn Mason
- Art Making by Lynne Perrella
- Creating Your Custom Kitchen by Tina Skinner
- Nourishing Traditions by Sally Fallon (cookbook challenging politically correct nutrition)
- 4 older issues of Somerset Studio
- Somerset Home

Okay, well that is my current pile of books which I could spend all day reading and not get anything else done. But fortunately, most of these books inspire me to get up and try something new or at least continue on with a current project, of which there are scads!!

Just in the last couple of days I have started a charm bracelet using several scrabble tile charms and loads of different bead combinations; a birthday present for my granddaughter which I decided will have to wait until another time (the directions are way too confusing); several new bag ideas floating around on the cutting table (really neat ideas!); plus figuring out how to improve my blogging style (with the help of two books on my list above).

And in between all that, I continue to slowly get new items listed in my three Etsy shops, tweet a bit, check out what's going on in our UWIB group and of course cook, eat, clean and sleep.

Well, so is the life of a how-to bibliophile. I didn't go into the cozy mysteries I enjoy. That's for another day.

Bye for now,
Kathleen

2009-12-27T11:19:00.000-08:00

New Found Technique - PRINTING ON TISSUE PAPER

I am always open to finding and trying new techniques for creating and while perusing an older issue of Somerset Studio I came across an ad for Tissue Collage Sheets from Blackberry Designs. Their collage sheets have many of the same fine art images that I have used in my designs, so I figured that there must be some way to achieve the same tissue sheets using my Epson printer - the only ink that doesn't run.

After a bit of searching, numerous tutorials revealed the secret to printing on tissue. The method that seemed the easiest was using both tissue paper and freezer paper.

Apply a sheet of tissue to the shiny side of the freezer paper with a warm iron. Then cut this sheet to fit your printer. I cut my sheets to 8 1/2 x 11.

Then print an image to the paper, I didn't use any special settings, just the default settings. The image printed nicely. I let the image dry a bit before attempting to cut away the excess paper. Using an Exacto knife didn't prove to be very successful, sort of chewed up the edge, even with a new blade. So I used scissors, which worked fine.

Once the image has been cut out, flip it over, find a corner to loosen and very slowly and carefully peel the freezer paper off the tissue.

I had a lightly painted canvas board just laying around, so I grabbed that, applied a layer of Mod Podge and carefully placed the tissue image on the canvas.

Another layer of Mod Podge was applied to thesurface of the tissue, again very carefully so it doesn't tear from the moisture. Then with water moistened fingertips I worked on removing wrinkles in the image. Remove any puddles of water from around the image with a paper towel.

Not all the wrinkles came out. In this particular picture I like how it makes it look rather antique.

I also tried applying Mod Podge to both the canvas and the back of the tissue before applying it. It worked okay for a smaller piece but while trying it on a larger image, the image rolled and curled on itself. I tried to save it, but the tissue started to disintegrate. It could not be saved!

This last picture shows the results of the second version of applying the tissue, by coating both the canvas & the paper. The tissue almost disappears into the rough surface of the canvas.

Now I plan to try this technique for collaging treasure boxes and purses. Should be interesting!

Beatles Cigar Box Purse/CD Holder

2009-10-27T09:00:00.000-07:00

One of my more successful creations is this fun Beatles Cigar Box Purse or CD Holder, made from a black Punch box. I collage photocopies of my vintage Beatles photos to the 4 sides of the box, polyurethane the outside, add a fun handle, felt and feet on the bottom, a sturdy hasp closure and voila - a great conversation piece, a fun purse to carry or a original treasure box.

I try to have a least one of these boxes made for each craft fair that I attend and they always sell. Sometimes the very first thing.

Fortunately I have several of the Punch boxes waiting to be transformed. Since I have a big show on Dec. 5, I had better get a couple started!

Staging New Bags

2009-09-10T16:12:00.000-07:00

We ventured over to Lockport IL today so I could shop at one of my favorite quilt shops - Thimbles. It's located on the main street in a very old building that still has its old charm.

The girls there are so helpful and interested in your projects. I did take a "show & tell" today - the poppy bag shown below, since I purchased the fabric at their store. It got oohs & aahs. I asked for more of the fabric and they only had a bit left, so I took it all.

I did find some great new cottons to work with. One of my best craft fairs is in three weeks so I really need to get in gear. Now I start pulling out my containers of trims, ribbons, purse handles and my idea file to see what I can create.

This combination of a large floral, diamonds, mini pom-poms and cording should make into a great tote - at least that is the plan!

I did come home with nine fabrics for new bags - fall colors, bright pink geometrics, large black & white floral and more.

So little time....

POPPIES GALORE BAG with Organza Poppie Pin

2009-08-31T13:05:00.000-07:00

When I first saw this gorgeous poppy cotton print by Robert Kaufman I knew it would make a striking bag. The flowers are oversized, probably near life-size and so pretty.

This is a new shape purse that I have been working on, no pleating but still darts along the bottom for expansion, than it slowly tapers up to the top of the band.

It is nice and soft but still very sturdy with added cotton batting and interfacing throughout.

Once the bag was complete I had to try to create a similar poppy look with red organza. It did come out pretty nice. A small covered button imitates the center of a poppy and added golden yellow beads add more realism.

I have sewn a pinback to the flower so it can be removed and worn on your lapel is so desired.

Now I need to see what else can use some of these fun fabric flowers.

Photographing red items is a real challenge. It is so hard to get them right. Reds start getting pink or yellow. Hopefully I have captured the essence of this beautiful fabric.

The Making of Organza Roses

2009-08-18T05:41:00.000-07:00

I recently came across a terrific tutorial by Reese Dixon for making organza flowers. It was posted way back in March but I'm a bit slow in the uptake!

Flowers are used on some of my soft bags and I wanted an alternative to wire ribbon. These organza flowers are so easy, but look much more involved.

While at a recent trip to Joann Fabrics I picked up just a bit of polyester organza for experimentation. One piece only cost 50 cents. I have several flower making books on the shelf and I found a simple five petal pattern in 3 sizes and photocopied it. This I placed under a piece of clear glass.

Placing the single layer of organza on the top of the glass I used a bit of painters tape to hold it in place. Then with a HotMarks tool (really a fancy woodburning tool) I quickly cut along the petal shapes. This also helped to seal the edges against fraying. Personally I don't like the look of frayed flowers.

I cut out 9 petals in all - 3 of each size.

Using a tapered candle in a candleholder I carefully held each petal shape about 2" away from the flame. The heat starts to curl the organza into a more natural floral look. You need to be careful not to get too close to the flame as the organza can melt quickly. It helps to place your thumb in the center of each petal so the fabric curls correctly.

When the petals were all cured, they were stacked largest on bottom to smallest on top, sewn together with a needle and thread with a few seed beads in the center. To add some "fluffiness" I did do a couple of gathering stitches as the layers were sewn together.

The white organza has some AB flecks & surface decoration which makes the flower so pretty.

I haven't decided at this point how I will finish them - sort of leaning toward making some deep green leaves also out of organza and securing the whole flower to crinoline.

These will surely be showing up on some of my creations in the very near future!

ZOO ANIMAL Zippered Pouch...I Thought This Would Be Easy

2009-08-14T07:53:00.000-07:00

Well, being the pack rat that I am and never throwing away anything deemed useful, I have lots of fabric remnants from my bag making venture. Zippered pouches and wristlets are a great way to use up some of these scraps.

I have lots of purse pattern and idea books, but of course I had to get another one from the library - Sew What! BAGS by Lexie Barnes. Lexie has loads of cute easy-to-follow ideas and I thought I would try my hand a the zippered pouch design.

I have made a few other zippered pouches and haven't been really happy with the results. I'm always up for another way of approaching something. The design shouldn't have any handsewing involved (quicker to make), have good details and appeal to many.

I recently bought the cutest print by Michael Miller - Zoology - has loads of giraffes, hippos, trees, frogs, etc. on a deep chocolate brown background. I started with this fabric.

Well...the first one was a disaster!! Iron-on peltex was not the interfacing to use, the fabric doesn't stay nice, looks all wrinkled. And the zipper didn't lay flat the way I wanted.

The zipper should fit the opening and not be longer, althought lots of patterns say it can be longer. But I find that the extra zipper tape makes for curved lumpy corners along the top. A flat top on the pouch is much more appealing (and looks like you know what you are doing!).

So I started to take that pouch apart, I had thoughts of reusing the zipper, but then realized that wasn't going to work out.

Starting fresh - new fabric, new zipper, new polka dot band for the front, and regular sew-in peltex I attempted this EASY design once again.

Yea, it finally came out like I had wanted - sturdy, smooth, great handy size (a checkbook fits) and really cute (I think so). This will be the style that I plan to used from now on - quick (although I'm not too quick yet!), easy, nice lines and a great way to use up expensive cotton remnants.

It did take me a while to figure out how to attached the strap handle to the hook so it looked decent and professional.

One detail that I would have added and will in future pouches, is top stitching along the zippered edge - looks nice and helps to keep the lining out
the way.

I used Michael Miller's Brown Kitschy Dot for the lining. In this simple pouch there is no pocket, since it is rather small and not really necessary.

The pouch can be considered a wristlet too because of the detachable strap.

Now to get it listed in my Etsy shop!

TIMELESS DRAGONFLY BAG on Etsy Storque Voter!!!

2009-08-04T15:15:00.000-07:00

I found out today that my Timeless Dragonfly Pleated Bag has been nominated for the Etsy Storque Voter for this week - Fabric Frenzy. What an honor!

Please come and vote. The winner gets loads of publicity and included in the Etsy Gift Guide.

http://www.etsy.com/voter_list.php?ref=voter&room_id=62

Thanks everyone!

Estate Sale Bonanza!!

2009-08-01T08:53:00.000-07:00

Went to a fabulous estate sale this morning of a great lady who had a bridal wear/gown business for most of her life. It did take a while to negotiate the streets to get to her house as a highway crew decided that the road in front of her house had to be paved this morning. But I was determined to get there and had to walk a 1/2 block.

Walking in the front door of her early 1900's house brought back memories from my days of trying on prom dresses in her front studio room. I still have the two dresses from my high school proms and I won't divulge how long ago that was, but suffice it to say, they are vintage now!

The upstairs rooms had racks and racks of gowns both bridal & dance, cocktail dresses, etc. All were vintage, most from the 1960's & 70's. One room had a table full of old hats, some authentic, some for costumes. I did pick up a beautiful creamy wool newsboy hat that looks like the Great Gatsby and a black bowler just like Laurel & Hardy. The Gatsby hat is too small for my husbands large head but the bowler looks pretty cute!

After loading up on a box of old patterns, from 1920s-70s, some old velvet, a genie's costume with hat, veil & all, and a samuri looking jacket, I headed downstairs to look around. I was almost ready to check out when someone mentioned the Jackie Kennedy Closet. Where was that, did I miss it?

Yep, it was in the front room and I had whizzed on by. I had to go check it out and promptly pulled out numerous dresses to add to my pile. I really didn't see that many that reminded me of Jackie, but I did find a pale pink 3 piece dress that looked so much like her. It doesn't fit me at this point, but someday...Also found in that closet a sofa slipcover made from vintage barkcloth.

Picked up several velvet dresses, bridesmaids gowns and more still with the tags attached. Most of these will probably get listed in my Etsy vintage shop when I figure out how I will display them. I don't think my dress form is small enough for these garments.

Outside was another rack of older clothes - found a black underskirt that looks like the late 1800's and a suffragette type 2-piece in brown with the long skirt and long jacket, really cool.

While checking out I was chatting with the girl in charge of the sale, and come to find out she had dated my older brother in the 90's, small world.

So home I trooped with my treasures. Can't say my husband was thrilled. "Where are you going to put those?"
Like I haven't heard that before.

But it is so fun to find a sale like that! I'm addicted.

Recent Craft Fair

2009-07-31T05:30:00.000-07:00

On the 4th of July I participated in the Les Artisans Craft Fair at Hidden Cove in Bradley IL. This new venue was huge, actually 4 basketball courts in one and although the whole space was not taken up with craft booths, it still had a nice turnout of fine wares.

Last year was the 1st time I had sold at this show and it was one of the best shows I had in all the years of selling. This year was not quite as profitable but I was very pleased. With the lousy economy and our area has been especially hit hard, I didn't know what to expect.

This is a rather blurry picture of one side of my booth, I do much better using a tripod. The picture from the other side is really blurry!

I did sell a wide variety of my goods - totes & romantic bags, cigar box purses, scrabble tile charms, domino necklaces, soldered glass necklaces, dragonfly & butterfly pins made from 2-liter pop bottle plastic. (sounds weird but they turn out beautiful) I do have one of these pins listed in my Etsy shop if you'd like to see one up close.

This is my jewelry display table. I sold most of the Scrabble tile charms - they were rather inexpensive and drew in a lot of buyers. The longer a buyer stays in your booth the better!

The Twilight purse and the 2 Captain Jack purses sold right away. It was the first Edward purse I made and I wanted to see how it was received. It sold so quickly that hardly anyone else got to see it. Guess I need to make more but finding the right box is not easy.

Pam Ash, the show's organizer/promoter does a super job - www.springcreekcraftshows.bravehost.com. I may or may not do her Christmas show this year, we could be out of town at the time.

There is a small show that I may do in September, the main reason I would do it is that it is located on property that my great-great grandfather owned and is named after him. I thought it would be nice for a relative to show up!

Then I have a terrific show the 1st weekend in October in Watseka IL, two days & I sell tons.

Always busy, busy, busy...

1st Attempt at Steampunk Jewelry

2009-07-29T16:57:00.000-07:00

Well I can't believe it has been this long since I have written anything on my blog!!

I have recently become intrigued by the Steampunk style in jewelry. A couple of days ago I tried my hand at creating a piece in this Victorian/Industrial/Jules Verne theme.

This piece that I call Time - a Convertible Brooch/Necklace went together rather quickly. Sure wish the glue would have dried faster so I could have continued uninterrupted.

Starting with a antiqued goldtone brooch base, I added silver & gold filigree pieces, a watch face that actually was once a buttoncover, some vintage gold chain with a charm & few other things.

Actually the first layer of the piece was a small image of some clock fabric that I printed on muted green paper. Then I went from there.

Now I have to decide if I want to keep my first attempt since I do love the way it turned out, or do I list it on Etsy? Maybe I should try to make a similar one and list it.

Experimenting with recycling denim

2009-05-14T17:52:00.000-07:00

I finally spent some time yesterday playing with some jeans denim and embellishments to create a unique bag. The original idea of this style came from Haute Handbags Vol. 2 - Denim Journal Duvets by Cher Lashley. I don't use journals but thought these duvets would make cute bags using part of the leg from a pair of jeans.

I pulled out all sorts of tubs & containers looking for coordinating embellishments for the Geisha print. First I painted some stitch witchery with thinned gold metallic paint, sandwiched some sage green crepe back satin between the stitch witchery and the graphic and ironed it all in place using a teflon sheet.

Then I added a a strip of oriental script, zigzag stitching, a fussie cut flower and some fun fringe. Tan printed brocade has been used as lining and the top band. I still need to finish the top and add a handle, maybe from denim.

I may change the top band as I am not really happy with the look, maybe I will shorten it and add some more trim of some kind. Guess I'll have to think on it a while.

Amazing Twitter

2009-05-05T05:21:00.000-07:00

I've recently joined Twitter and it has opened a whole new world. It's so interesting to see who and what is available out there. I've had contacts from folks that I would haven never met elsewhere - most centers around Etsy and creating.

Interest in my shop offerings has picked up and I think it is due to more exposure from Twitter.

Relisted a Romantic Bag yesterday afternoon on Etsy, it was soon appearing in a Romantic Treasury by erinkeys. Not long after it sold! Amazing turn around and so appreciate inclusion in a terrific treasury - http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list.php?room_id=56154

Today is our youngest's 24th birthday - hard to believe! He's soon to be married to a lovely girl that he met through her grandma - the matchmaker.

Conquering Resin

2009-03-17T06:17:00.000-07:00

Conquering Resin

I finally tried my hand at pouring resin to add a durable coating to my altered dominoes.

This altered domino necklace, Romeo & Juliet is one of my first attempts and it is now listed in my Etsy shop - http://www.gmPurseanalities.etsy.com.

It really wasn't difficult working with the resin at all. You just have to make sure you have everything ready before you start mixing the two components. There is only so much working time with the mixed resin.

I set up the dominoes to coat on some glazed tiles that fit inside a large cookie tin. The dominoes were elevated about 1" on the tiles with tiny bits of wood.

Once I started pouring the resin I used an old paintbrush to dab resin on the edges where it hadn't flowed. This wasn't hard, just a bit time consuming.

When the gas bubbles appeared on the surface I just gently exhaled on them and they magically vanished.

The hard part is waiting the 72 hours for the resin to cure. I did peak a number of times inside the tins to see how things were progessing.

I am pleased with the results, the surface is certainly more durable than any other product I have tried. All others seemed to scuff or scratch way to easily. Resin is the way to go.

Now I have loads more to coat!

Daughter's B-day & Recent Bag Creation

2008-04-02T06:31:00.000-07:00

Well today our daughter is 25! Hard to believe it has been that long ago. She has matured into a fine lady and we're so proud of her accomplishments. Wish she wasn't nearly half way across the country so we could spend the day together. (She's the one in the colored pencil portrait).

I also finished the most beautiful bag and got it listed on eBay last evening. If it doesn't sell there it will go over to Etsy to sell. If you haven't been to Etsy, you must see all the amazing creations from loads of talented sellers.

This purse was so enjoyable to make. The fringes are handmade using vintage rayon binding and "hairy" fiber yarn. The flowers on the flap have been accented with AB crystals. I also made a removable pin using organza flower petals, green velvet leaves and a larger AB crytal in the center.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=310037550367&ssPageName=STRK:MESE:IT&ih=021

The purse is soft and oh so romantic!

Kathleen

Colored Pencil Portrait

2008-03-29T06:11:00.001-07:00

Here is the colored pencil portrait of our daughter that I drew for a college assignment. I hadn't used colored pencils since drawing maps in elementary school.

I have love the look of botanicals, so it seemed a plausible idea to combined actual photos and a beautiful rose in a portrait.

It was quite an undertaking but I'm pleased with the results.

Kathleen

Just a little history

2008-03-29T05:56:00.000-07:00

I credit my parents for my creativity. My dad built our house and my mom was a super seamstress. She started oil painting classes in her mid 50's then branched out to decorative painting. She passed the painting tips on to me and we eventually did the craft show circuit in our area in the late 80's & early 90's, painting on wood. We did quite well and won a few 1st place ribbons for our painting.

In 2000 I decided it was time that I take my first drawing class. So off I went to our community college and enrolled in a black & white drawing course which lead to the next semester of color drawing.

At least I wasn't the oldest student in the class! There were a handful of ladies about the same age and we had a blast. I like courses where you don't have to write papers or take tests.

The first semester I had a pen & ink drawing selected for the cover of the college's annual literary & art book collaboration. I actually dreamt of rock walls for several days, seeing the different angles and surfaces.

The second semester one of our assignments was to use several real photos in a colored pencil drawing. I hadn't used colored pencils since drawing maps in elementary school.Since our daughter was a senior in high school at the time, I drew a portrait of her at 3 different ages in a rose botanical theme. I took the finished work into my part-time job and immediately got my first commission. I was in shock!

My first official portrait was a similar botanical for an engaged couple using both of the couple's pictures, as babies and adults. And the girl had just graduated with an art degree. Talk about pressure!

Now I am concentrating on sewing beautiful handbags and totes along with altered jewelry, like domino pendants. I have some of my creations on Etsy as well as eBay. Please feel free to check them out under graymountaingoods.Thanks so much for stopping by!

Kathleen