Tools and Organizers

I keep having this problem of hunting for my tools.  I keep them in one place and then they disappear.  I have spent hours looking for them.  I guess I need a bigger studio.  Maybe one by the lake.  I tried organizers but they are always in the way or I (confess) am too lazy to get up and look in one.  I think someone needs to invent a sewing machine table/desk/drawer that is only for tools that sits right next to my little monster.

Who would think staring at the great Masters would make you see things different.  Who would think I al

most started crying when I couldn't find my popsicle stick and blue tape.  Oh my can't live w/out anymore.  Great Masters from Dallas Museum:

tools and skills. skills an tools.

I've never been one for tools and technology but the times (and me are a changing).  I started a formal painting class back in January and it has been kicking my butt.  However the pieces have all started to come together.  I can't wait until I take the drawing class.  I will be able to draw my own photos on fabric, paint it an then quilt it.  I will no longer be limited to what the manufacturers deem best size and price.  For my sewing machine I have about 45 (yikes!) different feet.  8 pairs of scissors (Yikes!) that are different weights, sizes and uses.  I am embarrassed to say I have about 20 different rulers:  all sizes and shapes that I use with my rotary cutter. (yikes!).  And I use them all.  All the time.  I also use my computer, Little Monster (new sewing machines / lots of features and mother board.)  I now use laminate and a projector when I draw.  Can't live w/out these tools.  Can't create w/out the technology.  It's amazing how all these tools have come together to drive a market of artists.

 Water Color Practice for painting on fabric.

A study in pink.  Almost done

Painting

Taking this painting class to help me with my art quilts.  There is so much technique.   My teacher never criticizes the "art" the style"  She is just wonderful at increasing our self-esteem.  But she sure can find the smudges, not straight, dirty spots etc.   I am learning so much.  Here are my first two water colors w/ a copy of a picasso and matisse I photographed in San Antonio.

                                                    ummmm  wonder if i can earn 4.2 mil for my paintings

Scrap Quilts

I now have a baggie of 5 1/2 inch squares and 2 1/2 inch strips of scraps.  Now to figure out what to do with them.  Tried to do a block a day but life gets in the way.  Need to organize Time to make for scrapping.  It's bizarre having no deadlines.  But, I'm all over the place.  Cutting scraps, painting, quilting bear quilt, teaching quilt class and then there is the freakin' dishes and walking the dog.  So,  I guess I need to get better organized and see if I can start using up them scraps.  Check back Monday.  Photos to follow

Scrap quilts are not scraps

Made 2 scrap quilts.  Kind of yucky but will do.  Dogs will love.  So?  Mistake was pulling out a bag of scraps:  putting hand in bag.  Pulling out scrap and piecing.  Ummmm.  So, a scrap quilt has to have some symmetry, some color balance and enough fabric to be eye pleasing.  So??  scrap quilts are s--crap.  Thank goodness I have a baby go cutter.  Makes it easy.  I am going to create my own charm packs.  Yup!  they have gone up to $12.  Then one hour a day I will cut:  2 1/2 " strips and 1 3/4" strips and if large enough 8 1/2 inch blocks.  Then I will work on different sizes until my bags and bags of scraps have been used up.  It seams scrap quilts only look right when the sizes are the same.  Geez!!!!

Jan is so cold.

Making a valentine quilt for my class.  Can't decide if I should use only hearts or a "Kaffe" dressed bear,  Guess I'll have to try both ways.  Started a sampler scrap quilt.  Started in Greens and shifted to reds.  Oh Dear!  it looks awful.  Scrap it? or make 2 quilts one red.  one green?  Just don't know what a quilter should do.

 We are our own worse critics.  It doesn;t really look that bad. change 2nd top block and I will have it.

 thank goodness for cameras:  don't need to make 2 quilts.

 these would make marvelous quilts.

                                                             ummm:  how do I get home?