STITCHING RETREAT PLANNING

 

The stitching retreat planning is continuing....but we're coming close!  We have found a wonderful location here in the San Francisco bay area and took a tour of the inn yesterday....we're just waiting for a call back to confirm a few things, including the dates for this fall.  And, we have two fun projects to share with the attendees.  Since this is our first retreat to plan.... much different than attending one.....there is a lot of information to gather. We have talked about the "little things'  we have particularly liked in retreats and seminars we have attended and hope to make this retreat a cozy and memorable experience.  

I will be setting up a new Retreat section on my website in the next or two, with pictures of the projects, inn, etc.  But, thought everyone would like a sneak peak of the nearby area.  I found this picture, taken in late August, of the downtown shopping area a block or two from the inn.   Isn't it pretty?! 

Don't forget to comment between now and February 23rd to be entered in the FREE DRAWING.

FREE DRAWING

Am I the only person who feels like they are always behind?  I keep my planner up to date and check things off, but still there are always these other interesting things that get me distracted.......like FiberArts/MixedMedia I just joined.  Its is such a great site with so many inspiring photos of other fiber and mixed media artists works.  I spent several hours on it and barely made a dent.  

Since last week I have also begun working on something that has interested me for sometime.....stitch magnets that are cute AND hold my laying tool, needles, and possibly scissors.  These shown below are constructed of various combinations of chipboard buttons, sequins and buttons. They all will have those really strong earth magnets on the back.  These were not designed to hold scissors but the larger ones will definitely hold a laying tool.  I just received an order for some paper clay to experiment with for fun magnets to hold the scissors.  Will post photos when I have something worth showing.  

Yesterday I taught the first day of a pilot class for Stripes Galore and that was fun.  It always takes many hours for me to get ready for a pilot though.  For those of you who might not be familiar with pilot classes, they are basically a "practice class".  The students give feedback on the the written instructions, the diagrams, the length of time allowed for each section of the design, the amount of materials included in the kit and other less tangible things.....all of which greatly help to make future classes successful. 

So, to get back to where I began....I accomplished a fair amount but still have a lot of "un-done" items on my planner pages with NO CHECK MARKS BY THEM. 

But...to the important part.....FREE DRAWING: 

On February 23rd (my birthday) I will have a drawing for an INSTRUCTION BOOK AND CANVAS KIT....the winner's choice of any design listed under DESIGNS, ETC ONLINE CATALOG.  I will draw one or more names, depending on how many comments I get.   All you need to do is leave a comment on this post with your kit preference between now and midnight on February 22nd and I'll draw a name(s) on February 23rd.   

MAGIC BOX

I have to admit I haven't stitched any since the last time I wrote.  Good intentions....did do some graphing and planning though on how to turn the corners of Funky Rose.  Making corners work usually takes a bit of work.  Maybe I can get back to stitching by mid week.  My personal deadline for this piece is mid Feb.15th. 

So, instead of tending to business I decided to go play with paper and took two paper    crafting classes this morning at the Scrapbook Nook.  They were taught by Leah Killian and both classes were a lot of fun!  Here are pictures of the Magic Box Class.  When signing up I couldn't imagine how we could possibly complete the project in 1 hour 15 minutes...but we did.  We got to choose our own colors and papers.  Mine is ok for my first box and I definitely plan to make a few more. 

It's good to get out of our usual medium and try new things.  I have recently been reading Sherrill Kahn's book Creative Embellishments for Paper, Jewelry, Fabric and More and have gotten lots of ideas I would love to try and incorporate into my needlepoint pieces.  First item on the list is Angelina impressesed with rubber stamp images.  And I love the Shrink Plastic designs, and the rolled fabric buttons, etc.  You get the idea.  But before I can get to that I have a project which is ahead of those: I want to try out making some stitching magnets.  Just like with my new needlepont designs I have been collecting all kinds of "stuff":  buttons, sequins, chipboard buttons, rubber stamps and laquer paints.  Who knows how they will end up. 

Must get ready for a big night of tv.  I only watch about four shows regularly and two of them are having their season premieres tonight!  What fun!