Topazgypsy's Creations

2010-03-25T16:22:00.000-07:00

Well the quilt I am working on is coming together... I am now working on the rigging for the shrimp nets.... Then comes the big part of the quilt the 2 pelicans... This quilt has been alot of fun so far... Hopefully it will all work out.

Well I added the netting for the shrimp nets..... figured I'd add the post

2010-03-24T18:18:00.000-07:00

I am currently working on an art quilt. It started from eth painting that I had completed above. The tough part has been deciding on the fabric. I started, as you can see above, piecing the water.. with different colored fabrics. Then decided to go for whole cloth and dye some of the fabric, I sewed the fabric in gathers and then added ink and bleach... this technique did not give me the effect I was looking for, so then I used this same fabric, stippled it, and then added fabric paint to give the color variation that I wanted to achieve. Finally, I was feeling better about the process. Next step was the sky, this is fabric painted and stippled. The original painting does not include the sun, but I wanted a little more color into the quilt. So at this point I have the the basics done.... oh yea, and I started on the land and trees... sitting back now and deciding if I am going to work on the forground or the boat next....

2010-03-09T10:36:00.001-08:00

Well, I am working on organizing my stash... whoo got through my scrap bend today and finally color coded them.... I have collected so much stash over the years. If you are a crafter or artist you know, we do not like to throw any of our supplies away.... (we might find just the right use for this thing a ma gig). Yea, the long cold winter is almost over. Today it's not quite sunny, but the temperature is warmer.
I feel like a failure this semester, my health has been acting up, and I withdrew this semester, I knew that I would never catch up with my art/sculpture projects. That hasnt' stopped me from being constructive at home.... and messy. I have completed a few mini wall quilts, started back painting.
I had to laugh the other day one of the ladies was talking about how lil time she has to complete tasks.... she stated she had to let something go... and that was shaving her legs, she stated that she had found a use for her shaving cream in her art. I thought about her statement, had a great laugh, and wondered about how many things I let go, due to time...or is it pure procastination.
As my mounds of material build up around me and piles of left overs from this project and that. my desk is almost to full to type, and I'm finding it hard to find things... I guess unfortuantely its time for spring cleaning...but I have to go to the grocery store, fix dinner, do the dishes, and of course make time for american idol...
Guess, I'll be happy with my well sorted box of scrap fabric, and shoot for another goal tomorrow.... Have a wonderful day....

working on the last part of my triology

2010-01-18T12:14:00.000-08:00

During class this last semester, I started working on a new project of mixed media. The project became all about women. I had completed 2 panels, but thought this needed a 3rd. I have finally painted 3 more panels that fit into this work. I would love any feedback, or ideas from all of you... I am also including some of my recent polymer clay work... I have been working alot with tribal beads. These have been fun to create.

2009-12-28T14:01:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year!!!

I am currently still working on bags for the holidays and birthdays... I think I have made 16 bags lately... my next one I am going to try and incoperate a collage into... Johnny's daughter received my latest quilt for xmas she was excited. This bag is for his daughter Amy. The photo above are the only polymer clay items, I have been working with they are key chains and pins with a "Twilight" theme.... for my Twlight fans in Jacksonville. I can't believe my break from school is almost up... Hope everyone has a wonderful new year...

neglected post

2009-12-10T20:43:00.000-08:00

Hi there, wow have I neglected my blog... I have been working hard going to school full time... Today was my last day of classes for the semester.... I am enclosing some photos of my work this semester.... I will be posting some of the pottery I completed this semester also... I have had a blast creating these projects.

Pictures

2009-08-15T00:14:00.000-07:00

Trying to work on my pictures. I have terrible photos all seemed blurred. I downloaded Picasa on Google to see if this would help with the quality of my photos. Tomorrow, I am going to try and take out side photos to see if this helps. Are you gearing up for the holidays?

2009-08-04T08:46:00.001-07:00

Hi everyone, well I haven't been as good as I had intended on being with posting to the blogg. I was busy yesterday, pricing alot of my items. My friend Linda is coming by tomorrow to pick up some of my items to try and sell. She is setting up at a swap meet this weekend, and also has a lil shop that is selling some of her items. It was tough trying to price your own items. I need to sell some things to have some income, so I want to keep my items inexpensive so they will sell , but also make a profit on them, and not sell them so cheap that people will think I don't value my work. Does any one else have problems pricing their items? I have so much stuff around here that I have created, I tried to choose a sample of my products. I have finishing touches on some of my bags and cell phone cases(buttons, hand sewing) to finish before she comes over. I hope everyone has a wonderful week.

Another day in paradise

2009-07-30T18:30:00.000-07:00

Hi there not much new here, but did want to post to the blog. I am anxiously awaiting the new graffati beads that will be posted on Cindy Leitz's site tomorrow... Received some copper from a friend today and have been steadily hammering away. Yesterday, I worked on some local creatures, pelicans and turtles not sure if I will make the turtles into pins or magnets.

What do you think? The other items are things I have been working on this month...on my rotating pics, there should also be some of my quilted bags being posted soon.

Earrings and more earrings

2009-07-26T20:22:00.000-07:00

I have steadily been working on getting material together for the show in October. Today I mostly worked on piecing things together. Probably made about 25 sets of earrings. I also tried braiding some copper and came up with a necklace out of that.I think I will work on some rings out of the copper next. Tomorrow, I should be working on some of my quilting pieces. I try to switch it around so that I don't get bored. So far we have 8 artists coming to the show. I now need to work on flyers and publicity for this event. Have a great day.... Nancy

rough faux raku

2009-07-23T00:48:00.000-07:00

Well it is the wee hours of the morning, but I finished my rough faux raku pieces. I knew if I didn't get these done tonight, they would be put on the back burner. Working hard trying to get merchandise together for the arts and crafts show we are having on October 3rd.

Eggzactly what I needed

2009-07-22T10:03:00.000-07:00

I was cooking breakfast the other morning and used the last egg. When one of those ahhhhhha moments hit me. This egg carton would be a great dripping pan for my beads. So I washed it cut small pieces of wire, placed my beads on the wire, dipped them and let them dry. They say necessity is the mother of invention. I believe that and recycling. The other tray is a sausage tray that was left over.

The trays worked great, and very cheap. It was nice to be able to move all of the beads withouth disturbing them also.

The other photos were something I got distracted with instead of finishing my faux raku beads. I was thinking about how I wasn't sure what to do with the smooth technique. I had been wanting to try and inro for awhile now. So I applied the faux raku technique and the inro technique together. The inro is the smooth background with skinner blend roses and greenery. The other one pictured is a mokgume gane that I had made awhile back, I have not decided what embellishements I will use on this inro. I enjoyed using them.

I used a diabetic strip container for my base on these inro. I think I would like a flatter box next time. Hopefully, now that my distractions are done, I will be able to complete the cracked raku technique beads. Although I know me, and something else will come along. Maybe if I get them done before Friday and a new video comes out by Cindy Leitz. Her videos are the catalyst behind my most recent work.

On a personal note, not much going on this week. Just blessed to be alive and kickin and seeing the world everyday. Have a great day everyone, and don't forget to thank our maker for even the lil blessings everyday.

New Technique

2009-07-17T21:48:00.000-07:00

Well working on a new technique tonight faux raku, it seems to be a fun technique. I am really enjoying Cindy Lietz site. If you are a polymer clay fanatic do your self a favor and join her site. She is a wonderful tutor, and produces amazing tutorials each week. I ended up with 5 log beads, 1 puffy heart, 4 disc beads, 2 square beads, and several round beads, also 4 pendants and several flat beads for earrings. These still need to be finished and glossed. I will try and post the finished project out of these beads.

Beyond the clay project had a wonderful day, my friend Linda and her husband came over for a visit, she is a fellow bead jewlery artist from Crestview. We talked about our plans to have a local arts and craft show, with other local artist. It has given us both a boost to our creative juices trying to get prepared.

First Sale on Etsy

2009-07-12T08:46:00.000-07:00

Well I was very excited when I had my first sale on Etsy!!!!
I am presently working on a machine embroidery piece for a handbag that I am making. Yesterday I spent the day with Johnny's sisters, it was a nice day, we chatted and I worked on doing some mending for them. I'll tell you Jodee made some biscuits and they would put anyone else out of business.... delicious... Presently, I am working on several items, bangle braclets, handbags, and pendants, all in various stages. I will try and post some pics on my next blog. Hopw you have a great day....

First Day of the new Blog

2009-07-10T14:17:00.000-07:00

Welcome, I am establishing this blog to hopefully help others who are working or just beginning to work with polymer clay. Who knows where this will go...