My beloved Apple tree is in bloom outside of my studio. After a rather difficult winter, its blossoms tease me out of my doldrums. I thought I'd share with you a few of the projects I've been working on recently, and show you some peeks at what I will be teaching this summer! First, I am thrilled to be creating with textiles again. My studio floors are awash in a sea of colors, until I can rearrange my storage space.
I litterly have BOXES and BOXES of fabrics buried in the garage, from my wearable art and doll days back when. Its the old textured fabrics that I seem to gravitate to these days, silks, velvets, laces and damasks... Although the classes I am offering this Spring at the CASTLE are full, I will be doing lots more this summer, as well as here in my studio. Keep an eye on my side bar for upcoming classes!
I was inspired by one of my Chinese Baby Hats to create a delightful 'Chinoiserie Fish Brooch Class' to be offered this summer. (Date to come) These little guys are about 7 inches long, and look fabulous pinned onto a hat, blouse or pillow!
Working with the same technique I've been experimenting in creating Cicadas and Moths as well. I'm not as happy with these yet, but they bode well for a future project, down the road...
My Fabric Flower Necklace class filled so quickly at the Castle, I've created a new Fabric Flower class for the summer. We will be using a variety of poly linings to create colorful blooms that not only look wonderful as jewelry, but are light and airy enough to attach to clothing. (Date to come)
I am also working on some samples for a 'MAD HATTER' class, where we will create small decorative hats (also known as Fascinator's) that sit on top of ones head! Here are a couple of little hats to tempt you for this summer.
Although I have not been porcelain painting as much as I would like to, I have been working on a SELKIE head, with a sealife bust. It's been great fun to paint a fantasy underwater scene, with crabs, coral and fish. My goal is to paint her head, as if she is just coming out of her seal skin, leaving one world for another. There is something about the Selkie Myth that really resonates with me right now, perhaps it is their ability to live in two worlds, and yet they are eternally bound only to one.
Last but not least, I have been growing rare and coveted Oriental Indigo seeds in my windowsill! This may not seem like much, but truth be told, babying these little guys and watching them grow has been a highlight of the last few weeks! Soon they will venture out into the garden, and hopefully grow big and strong. If all goes as planned, then by Summers end, I will be able to make my own batch of Indigo Dye!
I recently took a Natural Dye Class from Rebecca Burgess and was so inspired by the results (see below) that I have been not only collecting pots and pans, but also Apple and Cherry tree cuttings, onion skins and avocado pits! I dream of being able to offer a variety of natural dyed fabrics in my classes, as I find the mellow colors so wonderful to work with!
I hope this post tempts you to stay tuned. I promise class dates and more studio creations soon!
Blessings,
Ulla
