Incredible Happenings

Lately, I have felt such a deep sense of gratitude, especially when the second of two incredible happenings appeared in my mailbox over the weekend.

I am so honored to have the opportunity to share a project that is very close to my heart these days with the readers of Cloth, Paper, Scissors Magazine.

I can not thank the staff of Quilting Arts enough for the incredible job they did in photographing several pages from my art fiber journal, designing the layout for my accompanying article, and working with me and my mother-in-law, Marylin, to gather information about the art workshops we teach.

My fiber journal began on January 1st of this year and has been an on-going occurrence every week throughout the last six months.

This challenge, to set aside time each week to explore, create, and dream with no purpose or obligation, has taken me on quite a journey. It is one that I will always cherish. I have learned so much about myself, and about the whole process of keeping a journal. To say this experience has changed my life forever would be an understatement.

I invite you to pick up a copy of the July/August issue of this publication and immerse yourself in the beautiful art of so many talented artists, and read about my year captured in fabric.

And for those that might be curious about where I am keeping each completed page until I have made a final decision on binding or displaying these pieces. I thought I might offer a glimpse of my wall of inspiration.
This is a photo I snapped several weeks ago in my studio where these little works of art are currently hanging.

Sincere Appreciation

Honestly, I am not sure where to begin... no words could come close to expressing my excitement, or my sincere appreciation and gratitude to the editors and designers of Somerset Studio for giving me the opportunity to be part of this publication, for placing my art on the cover, and for the outstanding way they presented my shadow box article.

I invite you to pick up a copy of the July/August issue to see so many beautiful artworks that were inspired by the wonders of nature.

Flowers of Friendship

For those of you that might not know, I am the moderator of the FiberArt Trading Cards Yahoo Group. This is a gathering of artists who share a love of trading cards, and a unique vision to make meaningful, creative, and of course fiber related art! Although we are using mostly fiber materials, our work may also incorporate the use of different mediums... collage, assemblage, and mixed media.

Not only do I have the fun of coordinating exciting swaps/exchanges and projects for this group, I also have the pleasure of working with some MEGA TALENTED fiber artists. Seeing their work, up close and personal, is a BIG BONUS as moderator!!!

Recently, our group has been working on a very special exchange called The Flowers of Friendship Mini Quilt. Artists were asked to create Fiber ATCs depicting their favorite flower. Each ATC was then bound into a 3x4 mini quilt or quiltlet.

The idea behind the swap was inspired by spring flowers blooming in the garden and this book on friendship quilts.

So, I thought I would share the finished artwork of my friends, near and far!

A Sky of Wonders

I have been burning the midnight oil these past days. After finishing my work late one evening, I sat down in the comfy oversize chair in my studio to unwind before bed.

I slowly began to notice there were no sounds coming from anywhere. The house was completely still and peaceful.

This artwork is from my on-going pastel journal. Tiny stars are scattered about the page adding a touch of sparkle to this evening sky...capturing the stillness... helping me remember these moments.


a quiet demeanor settles upon this vastness
a calm from the storm of day to day

in this abiding is where our dreams begin
holding our lives poised and balanced

it is here; all silent hopes are carefully plucked
by a bird feathering its nest of miracles

as the future crests over a sky of wonders
before the world begins anew.

This Day

A very dear friend recently sent me a beautiful piece of poetry, knowing I would appreciate the author’s elegant prose.

I was so touched by the words, and immediate felt as if this poet was describing a bright light that comes from within. I was completely amazed by the fact that this person, whom I do not know and will never meet, could articulate feelings I had about the essence of life.

Inspired once again by both nature and poetry, I had to share the verse along with another little blue jay fiber journal artwork.


Swifts turn in the heights of the air;
higher still turn the invisible stars.
When day withdraws to the ends of the earth
their fires shine on a dark expanse of sand.

We live in a world of motion and distance.
The heart flies from tree to bird,
from bird to distant star,
from star to love; and love grows
in the quiet house, turning and working,
servant of thought, a lamp held in one hand.

~ Philippe Jaccottet ~

(Selected Poems, translated by Derek Mahon)

Inspired Moments

Nature inspiring Art inspiring Poetry... a chain reaction rooted deep inside me nowadays, with the tiniest spark fueling the flames of creativity.

I promised to share the fiber journal artwork from my last post, once it was finished.

a rough pencil sketch on fabric with an easy stress-free technique I hope to share in a future workshop,

then applying acrylic paint to the drawing



carefully cutting away the background until all that is left is my precious bluejay.

layering lace upon ribbons upon fabric... blending each unique element together to build a story, create a history

inspired by a love of using real botanicals from the garden or even from a fresh bouquet... such beauty, instantly preserved with a technique developed by Marylin and myself.

This delicate stem of bleeding hearts is a perfect touch and such a significant part of the design.

Next, I add a punch of color to play against the varied textures of fiber, paint, and floral.

Finally, I am finished playing... experimenting, and I stand back to see the end result.




standing upon the far edge
of a pale light that dances
against misty hues

the moon is still high
atop the world
leaving a trail of stardust
like bread crumbs

as a comet's tail
filled with a hundred souls,
streaks across the imagination

until all that remains
is you and me, telling secrets
as the wind wraps itself
around our words to carry them away.

Come With Me...

A cool and slightly breezy morning tempted me out of doors. I decided to play in and among the flowers. Then I wondered if you too, might like to come with me to visit the garden.




Inspired by this beauty and eager to create, I began a new fiber journal artwork. I painted this lovely bluejay with acrylic paints on fabric and carefully cut him out. I am still working on the page, but can hardly wait to share the finished piece with you.

Thursday... ALREADY

This week has been a blur of activity. I returned home last night from a short business trip to Charlotte, North Carolina.

For Poetry Thursday this week, I decided to wait and write my verse during the trip. I was not sure what might result, but I am happy with the outcome.

In my quest to find inspiration, I happened to notice a small object in the parking lot of the hotel. It was gleaming in the sunlight as I pulled into a space near the entrance. This shiny object was small and insignificant, but reminded me of an exercise from my Susan Wooldridge poetry workshop. She had asked us to collect items from outside that would fit into an empty matchbox then write about them.

I hope you enjoy!

tiny shard...
you look like stained glass
etched with a divine prayer
these brittle remains,
this shell from another life
happy to be free,
sad to be so new and cold

A Grand Gallery

On June 1st, I was thrilled and delighted to find in my mailbox a copy of the new Somerset Studio Gallery - Summer Issue. This is a lovely book filled with page after page of heart, soul, beauty, and inspiration.

I am so honored to find my work included in this special publication among so many other talented artists!


My Parisian Panel artwork is truly a feast of vibrant colors, created from photographs discovered at a local flea market.


These images were some of the most incredible candid snapshots I had ever seen. They chronicled a young girls trip to a romantic city, and inspired me to make this unique travel journal.

I invite you to pick up your copy to see the additional pages of this Paris journey, and to revel in the rest of this grand gallery of art.

In My Element

This is one of my favorite fiber journal artworks. It is a personal remembrance of my week during ArtFest.

Just like a little bird singing beautiful melodies high atop a lofty branch, I felt happy and quite in my element while teaching, vending, and spending time with friends. My heart filled to the brim with gladness, and inspired by all of the creative souls that surrounded me.

I am looking forward to being in that creative zone again when Marylin and I visit Phoenix for the first time in August. We will be hosting an INCREDIBLE workshop at Art Unraveled.

Words just cannot express how very excited we are to be a part of this event!

If you enjoy fun, frolic, and creative journaling, plus making THE CUTEST Little House You Have EVER SEEN, then come spend the day with us.

We would love to have you!



Oh... be sure to stop by and visit Marylin's spiffy new blog.