Twisted Textiles

Fall is definitely my favorite season! But, as usual for this time of year, I’ve spent the past few weeks in an allergy-fighting, drug-induced haze… Benadryl and caffeine battling against each other to keep me alive.

Despite the fog in my brain, I managed to take a few decent close-up shots of these bags. When I’m able, I’ll take ‘em out in into nature for some action photos.

The birdseed bag (here on the left) has a magnetic snap closure, and a handle filled with actual birdseed. It also has that nice snakeskin texture which is difficult to achieve on these plastics. The dogfood bag on the right is a shoulder-style design, with a profile shape that reminds me of a canoe. It has a zippered top, and fits nicely against the body when slung over the shoulder.

I’ll be expanding upon these designs in the future. Until then, send me any extra Dr. Peppers you may have lying around. (The “Berries and Cream” flavor would be nice—did they quit making those altogether? I can’t find ‘em around here anymore!!) Oh, and be on the lookout for new quilted paintings in the near future

These last few weeks have absolutely flown by. I’m getting ready to submit artwork to the Art Fever auction to be held at the Lexington Art League. And of course I’ve been making more recycled art here and there…like these bracelets with milkweed, birdseed, and morning glory seeds. I’ll be listing them in my Etsy store when we get a good batch of photos!

And I can’t wait to show off my new birdseed purse. It’s adorable. Just wait ‘n see…

I’ve been meaning to write an entry here about my good friend Jennifer Zingg and her gourd art…and just today she sent me a link to a newspaper article which features her work! So I thought, what better time than NOW?

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 told you I wouldn’t get sick of making these bags!

I’ve posted more photos (including a view of the inside with the cellphone pocket) in the listing for the bag at my Etsy store. I’ve also made a tote bag out of Morton Salt 40lb bags, which turned out terrific and which I will photograph soon. Oh, and more birdseed bags to come as well.

Very soon, I’ll have news that *doesn’t* involve making bags out of bags, just in case this sort of thing isn’t your bag.

Actually, I’ve got a long way to go on this particular ArtDress, but I couldn’t resist sharing an “in-progress” photo of it!

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.)

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