ULLABENULLA

A Few More Masks...

A few more masks that I've been creating.  Fanciful fish and a gruff old goat!

Dragon Familiar at Healdsburg Center For The Arts

I've been invited to participate in a group textile show at the Healdsburg Center for the Arts, June 29th thru August 1st, 2011.  Along with my textile masks and jewelry, I will also be showing this 'Dragon Familiar Wrap' at the show.  I've always loved the idea of having a pet dragon that one keeps wraps around ones neck.  This one has scales of flame bubbled polyester, and bright pink silk wings. His face is created from a multitude of textiles, fur, felt balls and sequins. Although ferocious looking, he is actually quite friendly!

Mask Class At The Castle...

Yesterday I taught my 'Fabric Mask Class' at the Castle!  This class is so satisfying, as everyone goes home with a finished mask (some with 2)  and its always a treat for me to see what students come up with, when using my patterns.  The mask above is my Krampus pattern, but oh how wonderful the transformation! Below are a couple of 'Firebirds, a horned 'Greenman', 'Jackfrost' taking a Carnival twist, and a new student designed and created 'Tiger'!  Bravo!!!

 

Mask Class Results!

Last weekend I had 10 women join me in creating masks at a shop in Healdsburg called Fabrications. What fun we had!  Wonderful variations on the theme, like turning my 'JackFrost Mask' into a true Mardi Gras confection above, a couple of different Roosters, a Kestrel, and even a green Rabbit!  Just look at these amazing masks!

Bremen Town Musicians Mask...

Here is my latest mask, of the Bremen Town Muscians.  You look through the donkey eyes and wear the rest on top of your head!

I also made this Rabbit mask holding a moon - very oriental in feel...

Masks Galore!

I've been making Masks like crazy these days.  Many of them are now at the CASTLE.  But some will also be featured as a window display at FABRICATIONS in HEALDSBURG over the holidays.  (116 Matheson Street, downtown Healdsburg)  Here are a few of my favorites for you to see.

When my daughter saw the long earred owl and mouse above - she screamed "Oh Mom, thats Scary!"  So I made the mouse detachable with velcro - just in case you feel the same...

The little House Mask below, is my favorite design so far...  Inspired by gnome houses and gingerbread dreams - I hope it brings smiles...

This friendly Dog Mask, was inspired by a pug, but seems to resemble a bulldog... oh well...  Thats a lost red velvet slipper in his mouth - attached with velcro again, perhaps you could hang your extra 'lost socks' there instead...

This lovely Moth Mask is quite large - a real statement mask!  The colors on this one remind me of Venetian Sunsets...

The Swan Mask below, just spoke to have feathers added.  Perfect for one who dreams in ballet...

And who better to partner a Swan, than Jack Frost?  His Icy cold spirals glistening in snow...

Brain Storms and Such...

 

Sometimes absences are due to too much activity...  It's been crazy busy here at Ullabenulla.  I've been creating new samples for Spring classes (YES - Spring 2011!)  where does time go???  (Image above by Charles Grogg)  I will be doing Valentines classes at the Castle, as well as a Mardi Gras 'Mask' class.  I had so much fun creating these 'Firebird' and 'Greenman' samples, I'm itching to make some more - especially with Halloween just around the corner!

I also designed and made a new Lizard pin to go with my Chinoiserie Fish pin...

I am working on re-doing my popular 'Backgrounds Class' in a new format. Using a large Moleskine Japanese Foldout journal we'll spend a day creating beautifully detailed and multi-layered pages for a really artful journal experience!

More class samples in the works - the Castle hopes to have a new schedule available by early to mid November.

Just for fun, I've been playing with the idea of creating a 'Haunted Necklace', inspired by the season.  Its still in progress, especially after Teenage Daughter said:  "Oh Mom, it looks so Marie Antoinette!"  Not quite the reaction I was hoping for, but I'll keep trying.  I used cotton spider webbing as the base, and made 'beads' from Antique silver ribbon.  I also added old torn lace, pearls, hand-stitched baby cap pieces and a wonderful wavy yarn.  Haunted it may not be yet - but at least its keeping me occupied...    

Another project got started when I pulled out a wonderful old Joan Vass navy knit skirt that I purchased in 1986 in New York, the year I met my husband!  (We are big-time into recycling here at Ullabenulla!) Discovering some nasty little moth holes I decided to do some creative patching - 'slow stitching' for those in the know...  First a bird, then a flock, and finally an oak branch. Now to find time to do some 'slow beading' as well...

Chinoiserie Fabric Fish PDF Now Available on Etsy!

 

I have just listed my 'Chinoiserie Fabric Fish' brooch as a PDF on my Etsy.  This is the perfect project to use those tiny little bits of precious fabrics you have been saving for something special!  Inspired by a Chinese Baby Hat in my collection, Fish are symbolic for 'Abundance', 'Plenty' and 'Surplus' in China.  Wear one of these pins, or place it in your home, and you will surely attract thse traits!

To buy, use Etsy side bar to the right on this blog or Go Here!

Chinoiserie Fabric Carp Class On Saturday August 21st!

There are still a couple of spots left in this class if you are tempted!  I'd love to see you!!!

This fanciful fish of layered and embellished brocade was inspired by the traditional Chinese baby hats that Ulla collects, which were worn to ward off evil spirits. Ulla will bring in her extensive collection of beautiful fabrics for you to use. She’ll show you techniques for stiffening the fabrics and for shaping them into a three-dimensional piece. She’ll also teach you some simple yet effective ways of embellishing your auspicious carp in the style of ancient China. Your finished creation can be worn as a brooch or used to adorn a hat, purse, or a pillow.

Fee: $115; includes materials, but feel free to bring your own favorite fabrics, trims, and buttons to use. Please bring a pair of fabric scissors.

Limit: 8 students.

Saturday, August 21, 10:30am–4:30pm 

Please call Castle In The Air, at (510) 204-9801 to reserve your spot!

Textile Butterfly and Dragonfly Brooches...

While playing around with my Fabric Flower techniques I developed these insect brooches.  The possibilities are endless and the results enchanting.  I hope to do a PDF with these and the fabric flowers soon...

  

Summer Blooms At The Castle!

Last weeks 'Summer Blooms Class' at the Castle was a huge success!  Eight wonderful women joined me in creating a garden full of lovely accessories!  Necklaces, hairbands, hat ornaments and brooches all took shape in this day of 'Blooming' creativity.  BRAVO!!!  

          

A Few Things I've Been Working On, And A Few Things To Come!

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

Poetic Dolls From Russia

 

There is something very poetic in the expressions of the dolls by Russian artist  Yanovskaya Anastasia. Perhaps it is there full smooth cheeks that attract me, or their doe-like eyes and cupid smiles. The artist also has a gift of draping textiles to form costumes that look awash in a pool of wonder!

Glorious...  

   

Inspiring Me Today...

I love that this is called a 'Make Do' purse!  Now I want to get all my little bits and pieces out and 'Make Do A Purse'!

Link

 

 

Birds Of A Feather...

This amazing work is by Penny Leaver Green!  Her discovery of an old fan with birds on it, tattered and torn, has now become a delightful work of art!  Be sure and look deeper into her websight for more wonderful creations!!!  She also has an Etsy Shop - well worth exploring!

Via Kickcan & Conkers!

  

 

Swedish Folklore Textile Designs

My Husbands Grandparents came from Dalarna when they were young.  We have a large collection of wooden Dalarna Horses to prove it!  I have always been fond of Scandinavian folk art, and recently discovered the site for Jobs Handtryck.  These fabrics have been entirely printed by hand since 1944. Patterns created years ago are as modern today as they were yesterday!  Hand-printed means expensive, at around $140.00 a yard, but its hard to resist these patterns!  You can also buy their fabric made up into handbags, pillows and shoes among other goodies.  I just love the pumpkin print above, wouldn't it make a wonderful Autumn tablecloth? Or how about the beautiful chestnut print below, perfect for a woodland party!

Available statewide through Magdalena York Collection  

 

Beetle Wing Tea Cozy...

Truthfully I would rather wear this as a Hat then put it over my teapot - but thats just me...

Via Hampshire Museum.

Friends...

“I believe that friends are quiet angels who sit on our shoulders and lift our wings when we forget how to fly.”

—Unknown

Delightful WISPIES created by Shena Meadowcroft

Relic's Contained...

Isn't this French 17th century Reliquary Box wonderful?  I love how the embroidery so perfectly frames each relic, and how the softness of the flowers invites us in for a closer look.  Was this kept on a shelf or perhaps carried around when most in need?  A truly stunning treasure!!!  

Found via Le Curieux Petit Lieu. 

Swedish Lace and Simplicity...

Simple and stunning textile work by Pia Aaseby  a Swede living in Provence, above.  

And by Anna Fleberg, another Swedish artist - below.  Via the beautiful blog Hannas Form.