Monday - Actually Made Something Arty!

I made a collage comprised of several layers of mixed media. I tried to capture the special relationship I have with my sister-in-law (sister of the heart), Kathy. Not only does our relationship inspire me, but so do Kathy's tips about textiles included in mixed media art. It didn't scan very well so I may try to photograph it in daylight. Kathy is the central figure and also the figure with a white second line parasol. Next to the dancing figure are the words "Sister of My Heart."

Monday - The Mall Can Be Really Scary

I went to the mall to see the optometrist and get new glasses. Unfortunately, my right eye is seven times worse than it was a couple of years ago. If that wasn't bad enough, It costs more to put lenses in my expensive, beautiful, still stylish frames that it does to buy the store's junky frames with the same lenses. This makes me crazy! I told the technician he should wear a bandit's mask.

Still in shock, I was staggering off to my car when I passed Old Navy. I was startled to see those creepy mannequins that are so bizarre in their TV ads. There is something about them that is frightening, almost as bad as clowns. I wonder if they walk around when the mall is closed and all the lights are off. They even have a scary dog!

Sunday - Knitting

I am convinced that knitting can induce the brain to enter an alpha wave state. All I need is a biofeedback machine. To induce this super relaxed state, I knit items that are very simple. These are exfoliating wash cloths knitted in cotton. They are perfect for the face, providing a gentle exfoliation without irritating gentle skin. Simple but so nice to use.

Saturday - The trouble with ironing

Sarah went to so much trouble to perfectly iron her cotton dress, but could not resist a nap that wrinkled it.

Friday - Waking Up Is Hard to Do

When my telephone alarm clock wakes me up, I find my spectacles, put them on and squint to see the 10 minute snooze choice. I do that several times. It's a terrible habit to get into. The cat tries to get me up and lately Pedro is sanding the outside of the building right on my bedroom wall. It sounds as though I'm having my tooth drilled. But I persist. Today, I took some phone pics of this silly process while even Lola the cat tried her best to rouse me. All of this and I still went back to sleep for another ten minutes. The object on the wall is a cast of Nicole C's abdomen 3 days before she gave birth. The breasts are dressed with silk rose petals.

Saturday - Partial Purse Collection

It is my belief that a woman cannot have too many accessories. Today I'm focused on purses. Some other day we'll look at all the jewelry (mostly costume) and scarves. I don't have a large shoe collection because I lost so many in Katrina, it's hard to enjoy buying them now. Also I now require comfortable shoes which aren't as exciting to acquire. My purses are purchased inexpensively at discount stores, thrift shops and occasionally a vintage store. Some are made by me and others have been made or purchased as gifts for me. I have no good storage solution, so I've started hanging them on the walls where they make there own art statements. Here are a few.

To see the purses clearly, just click on the photo. The first photo has a purse that I made by scanning an M.R.E. (Meals Ready to Eat) for military and distributed here after Katrina. I printed the MRE on special fabric that can be used in a computer printer and made it part of the bag. The inside has pockets made of photo images on cloth of the MRE contents. The second bag was made with lots of detail by my sister, Kathy, and is decorated with fabric yo yos. The third bag is a silk purse I bought for $1.00 at a thrift store. Last but not least is a lovely silk embroidered bag that I received as a gift.

The next column has a blue alligator stamped bag probably from WalMart and a shrimp colored crochet bag from W.M. Behind it is a red leather bag from a thrift store. Next is another amazing bag (notice the detail) made by Kathy. Fleur de Lis fabric and a fancy button help to make it look really snazzy. It has fancy handles and a zipper! The next little bag is a silk thrift store find. And last is a purple "alligator" bag with a chain handle from a jewelry show. (I don't know why some of the colors are not accurate.)

In the third column is a bag I made that features sushi cartoon fabric. The edge that goes around the bag looks like a peeled shrimp. Inside are pockets that are fabric photos of real shushi. The handle is bamboo, of course. Next, a black silk bag with beading found for $1.oo. Next to it a little brown bag, also $1.00. It has lots of compartments. The camera bag is hanging nesxt to it. Behind the camera bag is a small gold, quilted bag for glitzy nights, also a $1.00 find. Below it is a wool purse that I knitted then felted (by shrinking in hot water to create a tight weave). It's lined and trimmed with felted flowers. Last is a tan bag with a pink lower case "L". You remember those bags from a few years back. It's nice and roomy and comfy on the shoulder when it's full.

That's just a part of the collection. I hope it inspires you to make a purse or cruise a thrift shop!

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Lee