Final Mosaic Without Grout

The mosaic is done! Here's a photo of the completed top:



Here's the bottom part in progress:



Here's the whole thing all done.



You may notice that the walls around the mosaic are now painted, so I just need to let that dry for another day, then I can grout. In my experience, it's amazing how much difference the grout makes. It just pulls the entire mosaic together. Stay tuned for final photos!

Mosaic in Progress

In addition to crating lots of art for trades and round robins, I've been working on redecorating my living room, dining area, and hallway. To create a focal point at the end of the hall, I'm creating a mosaic. Here's what I have so far:



And here's a distance view as I was just getting started. I'm going to paint the linen cabinet too, just have to decide on a color.

Cyber Fyber Postcard Sent!

Well, I'm not sure it's exhibit-worthy, but it's in the mail. I arranged a trade with Susan Lenz for a project she explains here.

The card I received from Susan is shown in this blog post. And here's the one I sent her:



Click on the photo to see more of the detail, like the stitching with metallic thread. Can't wait to hear from her once she receives it!

Calendar Round Robin

I joined a round robin with eight other artists in which we start altering a page-per-week calendar, then send it off and a different person works in it each month. My calendar is entitled "Around the World" and contains vintage photos of scenes from all over. Some are recognizable, like the Alps, and others show children in poverty, or tourists on a street.

I had a great time collaging the photos in a way that incorporated the main part of the photo. I started with a travel and postage theme, but some of the photos suggested other themes to me, such as an imaginary world created by the kids living in poverty.

Because we had two months to get the calendar ready to ship, I did lots of pages!

























Here are a couple of closer scans of my favorite pages:

Megan's Metallic Journal

My latest contribution to the True Colors round robin was a spread in Megan's metallic journal. I tried a new technique to make a paper mosaic. I call this the Mosaic Madonna.







The technique is pretty easy. Take a sheet of label paper, lay it non-sticky side down, and take off the backing. Stick the paper mosaic pieces all over, then sprinkle with embossing powder. Shake off excess, use a small paint brush to remove the powder from any of the pieces, then heat to melt the powder. Cool!

Jen's Fingerless Gloves

My first pair of gloves! Well, I only had to knit the thumb, as these are fingerless, but it's a start. These were knitted with two strands of wool, so they were very quick. Please ignore the incredibly ragged fingernails. I just can't seem to keep them nice, what with all the ink and paint and grout and glue around here.





Pretty cool, don't you think? I hope my sister likes them. I'd keep them myself, but it's been up to 90 degrees here lately. I think she needs them a bit more in Denver.

Cyber Fyber Postcard Exhibit and Exchange

Here's a cool idea: exchange fiber postcards with others around the world, then create an online exhibit AND a gallery exhibit from all the postcards received. This idea was hatched by Susan Lenz, who has created 163 postcards she is offering for exchange. Busy gal! You can arrange a trade with her through her web site here.

I just received this sumptuous card from Susan in the mail. It is encrusted with metallic paint, sewn in embroidery patterns with metallic threads, and features some handmade felt and a gorgeous button.



Be sure to click on the photo so you can see the fantastic detail.

Now I've got this incredibly high standard to meet. Off to the studio to start creating!

Carol Parks' Valentine Tea

I had the good fortune (thanks, Melissa!) to be invited to Carol Parks' Valentine tea last Saturday. It was a grand time, with amazing and beautiful food and company, not to mention loads of raffle prizes! The valentine exchange was the highlight of the afternoon. I've scanned some of the fun goodies I received. I haven't received this many Valentines since about 6th grade! And I've NEVER received Valentines like these.







Carol has started a non-profit organization to provide day care for the elderly and kids together, so all raffle proceeds went to that cause. For $5 she also composed poems for us based on a single word we chose. My word was "fantastic."





Carol hosts art workshops at her home and studio, and sells some fun art and kits on her web site. Be sure to visit her here.

Zig Zag Scarf

Just finished this scarf that I started in Denver. The lacy pattern required a bit more focus than I was able to give, so it's chock full of mistakes, but it's okay as long as you don't look to closely!

January Pink & Black Postcard

I am continuing with the colors postcard group this year, but we're only exchanging cards with one person each month. MUCH easier than making 10 cards a month, that's for sure. I loved this month's colors:

Lianne's Locks of Love

Wow, talk about a change! Lianne got her hair cut off and will donate the more than 10-inch ponytail to Locks of Love. Her new do is great, a real change for her!







I also have to share a couple of shots i took this weekend of Tinkerbell cuddling with the kids:





And of course Tiger Lily had to get in on the cuddling action:

Family and Pets in Denver

I've just returned from 10 days in Denver with family. Within the past year, my son moved there and so did my sister and her family, so now it's a place I visit, whereas I'd never been there before a year ago!

I'm just going to dump in a bunch of photos with a little commentary here.

First of all, my son Kyle is very camera shy, so I only got two good shots of him. In one of them he's squinting from the bright sun on the snow, and in the other, well, you see how he loves having his photo taken. We had a really good visit, and it was fantastic to see him after 14 months!





My sister's kids, on the other hand, are little hams when the camera is pointed at them. And their dogs and cat are pretty photogenic too!











We had one good snowfall while I was there, and this Cali girl had to get a few shots:







The day after the snowfall, we went out to the ranch where my sister keeps her horse. It was just gorgeous out there, but sunglasses were a must:











Jen's horse, Flint, is a bit of a ham for the camera as well.







Nephew Ryan has joined scouts, and I got a good shot of him before a meeting. I also made it to his first-ever basketball game, but I forgot my camera!



I had grand plans for all the knitting I was going to do while I was there, but this hat for my sister is the only item I finished (doesn't it look great with here eyes?). I started a glove but ripped it out because it was such a mess, and am halfway through a lacy scarf too.



That's it for my vacation photos. Enjoy!