The tutu is made from white Walmart shopping bags, fused together and then fashioned into a skirt that ties in the back, so it’s very adjustable.

The top is from a green mesh “corn sack” that I received from a local farm (ie, the bag that was used to transport corn). I usually pair the green tube top with the larger hoop-skirt that I made from tan Kroger bags. The necklace is made from clear plastic drink bottles. The boots…well, I haven’t started making shoes yet—but we’ll see about that!

Also, I’ve got a few exhibits to announce for the coming months:
“Wearable Art” at The Living Arts and Science Center’s Gloria Singletary Gallery, Feb 15th – April 2nd … and my Solo Show at the Anne Wright Wilson Fine Arts Gallery, Georgetown College, February 25th – April 8th.

I’m also planning to apply for several other art events going on in the Lexington area, so keep yer fingers crossed for me!

Well, Jason and I have been photographing my new ArtDress (we’re talkin’ stunningly beautiful photos, people!)—and there are new bags in progress, coin purses, new paintings, jewelry, accessories…yipee yahoo!!

This particular bag is made from a corn sack, which was provided by Honest Farm in Midway, KY. I’ve been receiving so many wonderful supplies from all my friends and neighbors, so THANK YOU to everyone!

The aim is to get all of these projects finished in the next few weeks. And still keep my day job. I’ll update you as it happens, so cross your fingers for me!

First of all, I cannot believe all this talk about Christmas already. (We still have TWO holidays to go before Christmas, people! Stop and enjoy them!) But I suppose that’s just me, the master-procrastinator speaking…

Yes, I am starting to wonder what the heck I’ll be making people for presents, but our family also has several birthdays in these coming months, so it’s already jam-packed with gifts and occasions.

Speaking of gifts, I’ll be participating in Jennifer Zingg’s Gifty, Thrifty & Under $50 sale again this year, which will be held at her gallery on Dec. 5th and 5th. A great opportunity to buy affordable, one-of-a-kind, original art!

Oh yeah—This photo here is from my show opening! It was a super-fun night, and I received so much wonderful feedback from people, including intelligent conversation about art in general. I met some new people, and I got to catch up with friends I haven’t seen in ages… Thanks Jen for hosting such a great event and opportunity!

As a person who is getting over some sort of “issue” with using bright colors, I really can’t get enough of the intense colors that Jen uses in her gourd art. And these ain’t no birdfeeders, either. We’re talking SERIOUS sculpture, here…
Out of GOURDS.
Gourds and paint. (And a bit of clay.) That’s what you’re seeing in these photos, people.

You probably already know that I’m crazy about using odd materials to make art. But Jennifer takes this to the extreme with her chosen medium—she is awesome at it, she really knows her stuff, and she makes it look easy. If you ask me, she blows away the competition. Not only are these sculptures breath-taking and masterfully executed, Jen’s work is backed by an incredible passion for life and for her chosen subjects. Be it animals, people, or her new Mosaic series, her energy is always present in the final result.

The Courier-Journal newspaper (Louisville, KY) did an article featuring Jennifer’s work, and there’s even a short audio interview. Also read about the artwork that she’s donating to “Art for the Animals” and find out where/when to attend the event!

At her personal website, you can find information about the classes she’ll be teaching (including children’s workshops) and news about her studio in Frankfort. Plus–photos, photos, and more photos of her work!

Now the silly part… (C’mon, you didn’t think I would forget the SILLY part!)

Jennifer graciously brought me this palm tree “husk” that she found while visiting Florida, and I’m beginning to transform it into a wearable piece of art. The husk is in one piece and swoops up in back of my head. It’s very “She-Ra”-like, but is also not very easy to move around in. (Even tougher to dance while wearing it, but it’s doable.)

I plan on adding leather scraps and possibly some dangly-gourdy-bits here and there. While taking some photos, we felt it was necessary to incorporate lots of earthy, primitive props into the scenery…hence, the sorta “gourd-worship” look achieved here.

This photo shows the husk fairly well, but I will probably edit some others to add to the collection in my Imagekind gallery. (PS: Yes, Jason also did the make-up!)

I’ve got some wicked-awesome photos to share with you! Some of them feature art that I’ve created, and some of them are just plain wicked all by themselves. Once I figure out which ones I like the best, (and maybe tweak a few in Photoshop) I’ll be posting them now and then. This photo above has a tiny bit of Photoshopping done to it—essentially I’ve changed the hue and cropped it. Credit for the remaining “awesomeness” goes to the talent of the photographer (I’m speaking of Jason, of course).

According to the Free Dictionary: Definition of Avant-garde

What I’m doing is taking A LOT (a garbage bag full) of seeds and fluff from milkweed plants, and I’m sewing it between clear plastic to make a quilted material for this dress. I’m so anxious to get it finished, but should probably go get some cheap face-mask air filters from the hardware store—it’s quite messy, and using a handkerchief over my nose to keep me from breathing in all the fluff just isn’t working well enough.

(In other random news, I’ve discovered that fried potatoes with lovage, garlic and shrimp is goooood. It’s a strange combination, but I think it works together in a wonderful way. Give it a try if you’re feeling adventurous.)

“Now With New Shapes and Colors!”

(Seriously…that’s what the dogfood bag says.)
I honestly think I’m addicted to making these.

If you have pets (dog, cat, horse, birdfeeder, etc) that you buy feed for,
and will let me have the bags from the food,
Please let me know and I’ll pick ‘em up!

“The Whole Family Will Love It!”

This is another OBG (meaning Oldie But Goodie, not Open Bottom Girdle) from years gone by. Why, I remember as if it were yesterday…Sitting on the living room floor of my boyfriend’s apartment, sorting through piles of worn-out socks and underwear that he was planning on throwing out. Sometimes I get strange ideas and they turn out to be wonderful. This was one of those times.

Since the cotton from socks and underwear is very stretchy, especially when it’s worn, I had to use copious amounts of iron-on interfacing as a base. After cutting apart the undies to make them lay as flat as possible, I sort of “collaged” the pieces together on top of the interfacing, using the dress pattern pieces as a guide. Then I simply cut the pieces and sewed them together as I would when making a “normal” dress. I used some of the waistbands from the underwear as edging on the collar and sleeves. I also made a pocket with one of the, um, fabric pockets inside the mens underwear…which turned out very cute!

This piece is currently in the Address and Redress exhibit with two of my other works;
the Safe Release Hat
and the Dryer Sheet Dress.
This is the last week for exhibit, which is located at the Gloria Singletary Gallery in Lexington KY.