Green Dress

I didn't over dye this one because I liked the green wool felt's color. I did felt by hand the collar. The necklace was purchased a while ago from Silver Crow Creations which has lots and lots of  cool things. I avoid visiting too often because the temptations are great. Anyway, I love the necklace but found it too short to wear comfortably. I think it adds a nice surprise.

I do feel that I will be able to continue working everyday beyond the Art Every Day Month challenge. I can't believe that I did work all 30 days including Thanksgiving in my studio. I have lots of ideas that are waiting to happen. Back to the studio!

Red Dress

I can't seem to get away from exploring small clothing. For this one I didn't follow a pattern. It's about 14" wide by 18" long. I overdyed the wool felt with chestnut dye. The beads are made out of fimo and the yarn is recycled silk sari. I wove the fabric through cut slits in the wool. I love the organic feel which was the goal. I'm working on a green one and have plans for another which will be even larger. The ideas keep spinning in my head.

Snake Dress

This was the first dress that I started and the most difficult to figure out how to finish. I think I like layering more. I'd do it differently if I was doing it again but we all have to start somewhere. It's been a journey to let go of perfectionism and learn from experience.  I do want to make a few more dresses. I'm spending time thinking about what I want to do to the canvases I bought to mount them on.

I've been thinking a lot about intention, showing up and creating. I've noticed that committing to doing art/creating everyday has brought me an exquisite calm and clarity, a lightness of being. I'm excited about life. It feels good!

All Dressed Up for Play Part 2

I worked some more on the purple, bird dress. I added beads around the neck and lace on the bottom. I'm sticking a fork in it and calling it done! I'm happy. Now I have to start working on the canvas.

I also finished the gold dress. I really think it is my favorite. I loved using old earring pieces. Definitely relieves the guilt from having saved them since the 70"s when I wore long, dangling earrings.

My third dress is creating some problems as I don't feel that it is as complete and interesting as the other two. It was my first attempt. I think I need some sleep and fresh eyes. This really are quite addicting!

All Dressed Up for Play

I spent the day playing with my friend Barbara. We talked, ate good food, entertained her husky Drift and created. A perfect day. I was so inspired by bags  that Barbara had made that came home and worked until midnight on a cute bag for one of my great nieces. It has a tree on the outside of the bag with a stuffed owl that can be taken in and out. It felt so good to have a Christmas gift made! But I'm really getting away from what I wanted to share. Sorry it's just the thrill of getting a gift done that has gotten me distracted from my actual mission.

I spent the day working on a series of little dresses inspired by a Quilting Arts' article (holiday 2008-2009 issue) by Jamie Fingal. They are made with a wool felt base and are about 10" wide from sleeve to sleeve and about 10"  long. I have three in progress and sharing the one that is closest to being complete. I can't believe how much fun they are to  make. I plan to mount them on canvases so stay tuned for more.