some collage and fabric goodness

I'm trying to catch up on a few things that were set aside to finish the shop update. This is for Laura's Alphabetica journal. Her theme was Ladies: A to Z, and I chose Elgie who is my Grandmother. The photo is one of my favorites of her when she was just 13, less than a year before she met my Grandfather who she was married to for over 50 years. My Grandma has been one of the most influential people in my life and you may recognize her picture because her image is a recurring element in a lot of my artwork. Isn't she stunning? The letters each represent one of the Fruit of the Spirit which she exemplifies.

You can see that even on this paper piece I had to get some sewing in! Normally, hand stitching is extremely relaxing and almost meditative for me. But, for some reason, sewing on paper just makes me anxious. Maybe it is punching holes in the paper. I tend to get very impatient and just want the work to be done already. Maybe it is because working with glue and paint are so often immediately gratifying.

Speaking of gratifying experiences, I received a beautiful stack of fabrics from Hancock's of Paducah. They have a great discount fabric section and you can find wonderful fabrics for about half off. All of these were on sale for $3 or less for a half yard.

(Hmm, my picture of the fabrics is twice as big as my collage. What does that say??) These are my favorites:

My first Amy Butler fabric and some beautiful ones by Jane Sassaman. Thanks, Kathy, for introducing me to her designs. I love the vibrant colors.

Recently I also stumbled upon these at the other Hancocks. The red and green is another Jane Sassaman that I found on sale for $4 a yard--I got 2. The other $1 print is kind of a crazy tropical, safari, big truck/large animal kind of theme. I'm thinking it will look good cut up for patchworks.

This week we are getting ready for school. Maisey starts pre-school in less than two weeks (sniff, sniff) and Soren and I will start our homeschool lessons around then, too. The kids were playing with another little girl at the post office when she asked them what school they went to. Maisey waxed on eloquently for about 5 min. on "the little lamb school she will go to when she grows up" and Soren said loudly, " I go to school at homeschool!" I don't think he knows exactly what that means, but he is excited to do "lessons" again.

Ugh. I have a terrible headache, so I'm off to rest. John and the kids are seeing Over the Hedge for the third time so I get a quiet house for a while. Ahhh, quiet.

Comments

[Pilar]

What a beautiful tribute to your grandmother! I know working with images of my grandmother when she was a girl gives me a sense of connection and reminds me I am from a long line of strong women.

I, too, get very anxious when stitching on paper. I am always afraid I am going to rip through the paper and destroy the image.

I loved the bounty of fabric you received. I can not wait to see what you create. :-)

[molly]

emma always tells people she goes "to homeschool" too. i wonder if she'll be disappointed when she finds out there's no school bus involved!

beautiful, beautiful paper collage.
and gorgeous fabric!

[Laura]

Imagine my suprise and delight as I sat here at work on my lunch hour blog hopping, and all of a sudden I came across the page you did for my art journal!!!! It is so beautiful! and I just love that it is about your grandma!! Grandmas are so important! Thank you so much for posting this and thank you for the wonderful job you did!! I can't wait to see it! I love the stitching! I want to learn how to do that!!

[kristin]

i love your collage piece!! and yes, i agree, she is quite stunning!! sounds like an interesting project.
oh!! and great fabric finds!! :)

[Sandrine (alias Didine ♥ )]

I love love love your collage !! Great and beautiful job !

[Barbara Smith]

Beautiful Collage!!Love all the papers you mixed together and the lovely photo of your grandmother. FANTASTIC!!!

[kathy]

The embellishment on your journal is fabulous. I love the seed-type pattern all around your grandmother's picture. Whenever I order from Hancock's I always go troll through their sale fabrics, lots of finds. Have fun with all of your picks.

[Heather]

What a yummy page for Laura's book, lucky gal! I love all the sewing you did even if it is on paper. Fun new stash of fabric, can't wait to see how you put it to use.

[Angie]

great fabrics & I love your collage. Cute blog!
~cheers~
Angie