Paint to Fabric?

I created this art journal page for my friend Connie. It was part of an amazing round robin group project. (Both the group and the round robin are amazing. More on that another time.)

I really like the area with the script. I painted a coat of yellow, let it dry, then slopped on a thick coat of red, then took the end of a paint brush and dug through the red with random handwriting strokes. I first explored this technique in my workshop with Margie Woods Brown. And, of course, I wondered... how could I recreate this in fabric?!

Several months ago I purchased this "creative textile tool" on super markdown sale! I fused up a little sample strip of various sheer fabrics, felt and cottons and tried burning through the layers with lines, letters and shapes using the pointy tip of the tool.


I wrote "lorikeet" on that dark blue section. Hmmm.... generating ideas for the next 12x12 challenge. Can you see what I wrote on the far right? "Ventilation." Yes, I moved outside the next time I used the tool.

Here's a tiny sneak peek at what came next.

Progress

I am slowly unpacking my studio. I was at a stopping point when I realized I needed some new bookshelves. (Some of the shelves I had in TX were too flimsy to make the move.) I was so desperate to get organized that we actually ventured out to Ikea on a Saturday. It wasn't as much of a mad house as I anticipated and I got all the things I needed.

While unpacked, I was happy to find several pieces of vintage linens that Aunt Nancy gave me when were visiting St. Louis this summer. I realized several of them have potential for the "lorikeet" theme for the next 12x12 quilt. Brenda picked this exciting theme, which basically includes mostly green with accents of red, yellow and blue. Like this:

The reveal day is September 1! I've been telling myself not to feel too much pressure; there is plenty of time. I needed to focus on other priorities over the last couple of weeks. But... I do feel the pressure mounting. Luckily, Claire went back to school today and Benjamin will return tomorrow.

But, there is also that mess in the background that needs attention.

Outing

We took a break from unpacking and went into DC on Saturday. We decided to take the Metro!
It was great. A little complicated to figure out the various fare card options and not necessarily economical for a family of four compared to the cost of just driving and parking in DC, but it was an added adventure.

We visited the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum which was full of interesting exhibits, people and energy.

Isn't this an interesting plant?!
Honestly, all this unpacking and various getting-settled stuff is making me a bit prickly. But, we're making progress.

Short Thoughts

We're slowly settling into our home in Maryland.

The kitchen is completely unpacked.

We have a beautiful, lush, green backyard and a nice deck.
You know how mosquitoes usually come out at dusk? Here, they are out and biting all day long.

The master closet has a full Ikea storage system...
with very little hanging space. Other than pajamas and undies, I hang almost everything. Doesn't everyone? Apparently not. Oh, and that hanging bar on the right... I had to lower it about five inches. I guess the previous renters were tall.

They also had an aversion to changing burnt out light bulbs.

Benjamin is having a hard time with this move. He feels out of place. So, I'm spending the next day or so getting his room in order. And trying to gently redirect him to positive outlook.

I haven't begun to unpack my studio stuff. I suppose I'll get to it eventually.

We were not allowed to send any food with the movers and chose not to bring too much with us in the cars. I need to make a long and comprehensive grocery list. That is almost more daunting than another mountain of boxes.

An Aside Adventure

On Thursday we moved hundreds of boxes and all our of furniture into our new home in Crofton, Maryland. (With the help of an excellent crew of movers!) I was able to find enough sheets to make the beds and we had a great nights sleep. The mountains of boxes and packing paper in every room are a bit overwhelming, but I can see the potential and I think we're all excited to build a life in this new place.

On Friday the kids and I drove from Maryland to my parents' home in Olcott, NY. (Lincoln came too.) We enjoy visiting them every summer and this weekend seemed like a good time -- completely spontaneous, but fitting. The boxes will be there when we return. We'll make appointments to get registered for school late next week. Claire will begin soccer practice. Until then...

we needed a break from the moving saga.

So, we're eating all our favorite foods, wading in the lake, going out for ice cream, exploring in the attic and enjoying good Grma and Grpa time!