Calamity Kim

Alice Inspired

This is a page from a book I am putting together using watercolor paper for pages with fabrics sewn over them and then collaged. "Alice" is made using Catherine Moore Stamps for her head and torso- the legs are from Alpha Stamps, if I remember correctly.
Ever since I purchased the book Nature Inspired by Tracie Huskamp I have been wanting to make a book like she describes with fabric hinges.
 The covers are from old books that have been removed, sanded and stenciled.
Here's the cover from an old Through the Looking Glass without anything done to it. I will use a stencil and some Colorbox chalks to add some design and possible color around the edges with some Ranger Distress Ink pads. The cover is used as a template to make pages from watercolor paper that are slightly smaller.
The end papers inside are gorgeous and colorful.
It is a nice way to use all those tiny bits of treasured laces and burnout velvets in my scrap basket.
I do have rubber stamps with Alice images but these are printed with the ink jet (HP 8250) printer on to commercially prepared Organza sheets and sewn on to the watercolor pages.
Sometimes you can find these at your local art store but definitely online.

The printer ready sheets are mounted on paper that is removed after they print (with a short drying time). They are a delicate yet fine image that allows you to see through to the background. I often sandwich buttons or sequin confetti between the organza and base for a novelty effect.
Using one of Martha Stewart's large punches I made a spider using black paper and mounted him under a leaf skeleton.
This photo shows metal tape (from the hardware store) applied to linen fabric and then run through the Cuttlebug embossing machine to create an
embossed fabric effect.
With a gentle swipe of Distress Ink the embossed fabric becomes 3 dimensional as the raised design is highlighted.
One of the women in our Surface Design Guild had this great idea last Sunday when we were at play day making name tags. I had shown how to emboss the metal tape on paper using the Cuttlebug and she took it one step further by applying the metal tape to fabric.
 The teacher always learns from her students, right?
What a nice background for organza Alice and some old embroidered bits.
Sewing on the watercolor paper layered with fabric wasn't difficult at all but next I am going to embroider some on the paper and then sew it or glue it down. Yes! brand glue is my favorite for this but gel medium works well also.
I am still working on this page. She will become the Red Queen I think. Again the Catherine Moore Stamps work wonderfully.
Theses pages are hinged by adding 3"wide fabric strips to the bottom left of each page and then connected together when both sides are finished by sewing the fabric hinge to the right side. It sounds confusing so I will show photos once I am finished. It will be a paper/fabric journal all about Alice.
Is it time for tea?
Actually its a bit cooler out this morning so I think I'm headed out for a walk on the beach.
Tea can wait and so can Alice.
At least until I get back.
Have a happy day out there in Blogville and thanks for stopping by.
Love,
All we need is Love,
calamity Kim

spider web dancing in the breeze

spider web dancing in the breeze
Originally uploaded by calamity kim

I noticed this outside the window as I was on the phone talking to my sister and decided to film it because they are so beautiful and fragile.

Liberated Inspiration

I am learning all the time.  The tombstone will be my diploma.  ~Eartha Kitt

I must admit I do judge books by their covers and sometimes just the mention of Gee's Bend Quilts in a book review will prompt me to add it to my basket and cross my fingers and hope for the best. Yesterday a few books were delivered from Amazon and I was relieved to see that I had made a few good choices.

Jean Wells  has written quite a few books (and I have most of them) but this one is different from the rest. It has a freedom from rulers and requires a leap of faith and follow-your-heart use of intuition that can only be described as liberating.

I wanted to get up from the couch and go sew something. In fact, I have been stockpiling Kona Cotton solids to create some quilts with a different look from my usual fabric collage techniques. If I could stop spinning and obsessing about wool long enough I might get to that.

This book is not filled with projects for us to try to recreate but it is more of a how to learn to let go and allow your eye to see what color needs to be next to another for each piece to sing. Looking around your environment and seeing patterns and shapes to convey in fabric and then quilting patterns, texture and even adding 3-D elements is touched on in several chapters. I especially enjoyed the Unconventional Finishing Methods and her off-the-wall quilts that are mounted over box like frames to hang on the wall.

I believe that cutting fabric up into pieces and then putting them back together to create abstract quilts is so spontaneous and liberating that it seems like it wouldn't be taken seriously by those traditional quilters who work from a perspective of perfection. I am attracted to the wonky, colorful, riot of shapes and as my eye wanders from page to page in this book I really am inspired to do this form of quilting. I am under Jean's spell and I truly do think I can make something like this. That in itself is worth the cover price.

Sometimes I read quilt books and feel like I could never make the wonderful quilts depicted and then I feel depressed and begin to doubt my whole reason for doing what I do. It is a welcome feeling then,  not to have that outcome after reading another new book by Nancy Crow titled Crossroads.

This catalog of her solo exhibition at the Snyderman Gallery in Philedelphia (Oct 5-Nov 17 2007) is a glimpse of Nancy's studio, journaling process and a rare opportunity to go behind the scenes and see the artist at work. I love the piles of fabric in her workshop literally everywhere the eye can see. As I go deeper into the photographs I see the Indian baskets she has collected and the masks and images that inspire her on display to reinforce the patterns and textures she uses in her work.

Again, there is a small voice whispering encouragement and I want to go to my sewing room and create. Nancy has a well developed language of color and her pieces are physically demanding as she climbs a ladder to reach her design wall and coax each fabric to be in harmony or bring out the best in it's neighbor. I am impressed with her vast stash of hand dyed fabrics and the gelatin mono printed fabrics make me want to try that again. This is another quilter who has grown saturated with traditional quilting and taken a journey into modern art through the use of pattern, color and stitches. It made me go back to Amazon and order her most recent book titled Nancy Crow.

My local Barnes & Noble only had one copy and when I went back to get it, of course it was gone. Maybe I can get some sewing done in the time it takes to be delivered. Well, maybe after I look through this last new book, one more time.

Quilting Art by Spike Gillespie is a beautifully executed book with inspiration provided by 20 contemporary quilters who when seen side by side offers a delightful escape from the average how to quilt book. It was like a trip to a gallery where each room is filled with quilts as diverse and imaginative as possible. I reluctantly turn each page, sometimes going back to look again at something my mind was trying to decipher.
 Wait, was that painted? Discharged? Quilted, then painted? How did Margot Lovinger create her stunning quilted portraits of women by layering organza, tulle and chiffon?
 Now I am feeling intimidated by artistry that seems more like paintings than quilting. I turn back a few pages to Loretta Bennett whose Gees Bend style quilts make me feel simple and comforted again. Turning ahead I savor quilts by Malka Dubrawsky, one of my own personal heroes who says not to worry about colors "going together" and be liberated and it shouldn't be something I have to worry about. OK, why not?
 All these women speak of how they got to where they are and I can't help but consider all those other women out there quietly dancing in their own sewing rooms (or kitchens, living rooms or make shift creative spaces) as they put colors together without rulers or patterns.
 Allowing the freedom to fill them with possibility.
 Having the courage to make mistakes and leave them in, knowing that it will add interest and not detract from the simple beauty of their design abandonment.
How will I grow and change as I soak up this new input?
Will I be a better quilter because of it?
I have a sense of the years spreading out before me, where I spend countless hours cutting, stitching, embellishing and working out the message that I have in fabric.
It isn't something that can be accomplished overnight, no matter how you chose to create your quilts. It all takes time and they are all beautiful, even the most humble quilt, because of the labor of love that is required to create them.
The next time you find yourself sitting crossed legged on the floor beneath the quilt books at your local bookstore, think of me and know that if I were with you, I'd share in the delight of seeing fresh modern quilts and I'd say "try it, you might enjoy it."
After all, you can always go back to the way you have always done it.
What's to lose?
You might Grow.
I think I'll go get my stitch on.
have a happy friday,
xo, calamity kim

Upcycle an umbrella into a duffle bag with Threadbanger!

Caught a link to this over on Facebook and thought I'd share.
If you have a few umbrellas laying around that you don't need or if they have sprung from the metal framework this is a great (and fun) tutorial to repurpose them into something useful. Check it out.
Repurpose, Reuse and Recycle, baby! xo, calamity kim

Fiber Zombie

I have to tell you, dear Calamity Kim readers, I have been sick.
 sick as a dog.
too sick and tired to do much other than cough my way through each day wishing to get well.
 too sick to capitalize sentences or corwrect punctuation.
*sigh...
cough...
ack.
 I made it through the weekend at the Florida Fiber In show and stayed on the couch all day Sunday, reading The Strain by Guillermo del Toro and Chuck Hogan. That really didn't make me feel any better.
In fact, I have tried a lot of things over the last week to make myself feel better.
I tried wearing my kitty shoes.

They didn't help.
I tried talking to my sock monkey.
He didn't listen, he was too busy playing around.
I tried finishing some journal covers I had started but didn't have enough energy.
I did get some sweaters felted because the washing machine did all the work.
My sister sent me these salt and pepper shakers and they did make me feel better.
 I had to smile. Thank you sister.
The bunting flags I had been working on are still unfinished. They would make me feel better if I had them finished and hung up.
The mermaid bag is waiting patiently for me to get back to her.
Hopefully this week I will get some energy back.
I did get a little spinning done last night.
I used part of a Politically Incorrect batt that I bought at the Fiber In show.
The thinner the batts, the easier it is to spin a thin yarn, but I really love the batts my friend Kim Perkins makes called Batts in the Belfry.
She will be setting up an Etsy Shop soon. I will show some finished yarn as soon as it gets dry.
 I am just so in love with all the elements of making yarn.

I am planning to make some batts later this week with my Fancy Kitty Drum Carder.
I haven't named her yet- she's pretty tough and something like Brumhilda would be a good name.
I just don't have the usual amount of mojo to even write this and sound halfway entertaining.
*sorry
 So, thanks for being patient with me while I have been sick.
 I still need a few more days to regenerate some energy and then I'll be back with a few tutorials on making books and tote bags and pincushions.
My next show is going to be in Oct and I will need to get some stuff made and ready to sell.
 Thank you for all the kind emails wishing me well.
 I hope you all have a great day-
xo,
calamity kim

State beverage of Florida

State beverage of Florida, originally uploaded by State Library and Archives of Florida.

Nothing worse than a cold in Florida.
It's already so humid you can't breathe!
My lungs hurt and I'm coughing up yucky stuff...
Please bring chicken soup.
I have plenty of juice...
cough!
ack!
cough! cough! sneeze.....bless me...
I'm going back to bed...
*sigh....cough.....

Mutant Veggie People Strike Again! Or Art Shows Coming Soon! Beware The Fiber!!

This is one of my mutant veggie people.
 The story behind them is that a vagabond peddler sells me some seeds and after I plant them in the garden the veggies that grow from them are alive! And of course they escape the garden and run through the house, and grab bits of this and that to disguise themselves.
 Will they make it out the front door and find freedom?
I had seen some dolls done with plastic veggies in one of Art Doll Magazine's early issues and they morphed into my own thing and I even sold a few on eBay.
This is Kona.
 He was one of my favorites.
Born from a bag of Kona coffee with spoons for legs and feet and a Fl orange for a head. He had a sweet nature and seemed a bit frightened at times of the fast paced, caffeine fueled world around him.
Sewing Sadie used the whole sewing basket for her outfit and was successful in her attempt to flee the premises.
I wish I had the skill and know how to make an animated stop motion film with some of these dolls.
It would be a great little story.
Vegetables magically coming to life and sneaking into the house. Finding the sewing room and using scraps and bits of this and that to clothe themselves. Looking out for the humans (and cats and dogs) as they make a run for it.
Timothy Tangelo loved his shoes and refused to take them off. He also had an undying love for show tunes and feather boas but that's a story for another time.
I am doing an Art Show in October in St Pete with Deb of Picasso Moon and will have some new mutants there for sale. It will be on Sunday, Oct. 11 from Noon until 5. Here's the Dirt:
Join The St. Pete Craft Heroes, Historic Uptown Neighborhood Association, and St. Anthony’s Hospital for ART-OBERFEST on Sunday October 11, 2009 from Noon until 5:00 pm. You’ll find original creations from local artists and crafts people plus fun ...family activities. Come vote for your favorite artist! Held at St. Anthony’s Park — 1200 9th Avenue North in St. Petersburg. Free Admission and Free Parking! --- This event is a fundraiser for the Historic Uptown Neighborhood Association (HUNA) and a portion of vendor registration fees will be donated to HUNA in support of their crime watch program and other neighborhood initiatives. Awards will be presented for People's Choice so come out and vote!
Also prizes for HUNA's Choice, and Most Unique vendor categories.
I hope to see you there (if you are in the area) but will take pictures to share if you miss it. Our booth will be filled with lovely handspun yarns, unique knitted shawls, scarves, hats and gloves. We will have a spinning demo at all times and will have Batts and wool, bamboo, silk and dyed roving for spinning or felting available for purchase as well.
Of course there will be some mutants lurking about and the ones that aren't adopted will go in my cobweb filled ETSY shop. I love Halloween and haven't done a show in Oct in a few years so I might even have some
Spooky Fake Cupcake ornaments...
***
 I just finished my apron for Apronology consideration and mailed it yesterday. I have been spinning and will share pictures once the sun comes back out. It's too dark and gloomy to take any today.
Vinnie Vidalia is the first one I made and I just can't part with him. He seems so unusually optimistic and cheerful.
Next week we are doing a show called Fiber In at the Hilton on Friday, Sat & Sunday and Deb will have a booth in the merchant area overflowing with handspun, gorgeous one of a kind dyed yarns and unique knitted items. Click on the above link to see the schedule of free demos. So its a busy time for me and I will be taking pictures and sharing in the fiber fun so I hope you keep coming back to check for new (if infrequent) posts- I gotta get back to "work"!
Love ya and hope you have a creative day!
xo, calamity kim

Sarasota Surface Design Guild Meetings

This year I am the Vice President of our local Surface Design Guild.
This means that I am in charge of the programs for the 2009- 2010 season. I have been putting a great deal of thought and effort into some activities for our group to enjoy.
 Our first meeting of the year is tonight at the Waldemere St Fire station (across from SMH, behind Wendy's) upstairs in the meeting room at 6pm. We meet the second Tuesday of each month, Sept- June. We also get together the last Sunday of the month for a play day from 1-4pm to do workshops and activities from our monthly programs.
Surface Design is the complex embellishment and transformation of materials including fiber, paper, clay, glass and metal.
Our group participates in several local art shows and is a great way to network with other artists if you are new to the area.
We have some fun programs like Technique Pages (in Feb) and a Fashion Show in April. If you'd like to learn more then please visit our new website or just Google Sarasota Surface Design.
If you are local then why don't you come on over tonight and be inspired. If you live too far away then maybe if you ever come to Sunny Sarasota for vacation you will plan a visit with us. You never know how it could change your life...
It sure has changed mine! I suddenly have paperwork! ;)
Hope to see you there,
xo, calamity kim

The fabulous spinner was created by our member Kendra Drobnak and is for SDG purposes only.

eatin table

eatin table, originally uploaded by danny mansmith.

checking out some friends photos on flickr led me to Danny's dining room where I would love to "hang around" and watch the artful happenings and enchanting exchanges.
He surrounds himself with textures and colors all meant to whet the appetite for creativity and thoughtful self expression.

 

His latest creation, an offering bowl filled with color and rusty nails has me coming back for more views of this spiritual container that says "objects inside are precious and meant to be honored".

Danny inspires me with his artful life and work...check his etsy to get some for yourself.

Adding Content

con⋅tent

–noun

1.	Usually, contents. a. something that is contained: the contents of a box. b. the subjects or topics covered in a book or document. c. the chapters or other formal divisions of a book or document: a table of contents.

2.	something that is to be expressed through some medium, as speech, writing, or any of various arts: a poetic form adequate to a poetic content.

significance or profundity; meaning: a clever play that lacks content. con⋅tent –adjective 1. satisfied with what one is or has; not wanting more or anything else. 2. British. agreeing; assenting. 3. Archaic. willing. –verb (used with object) 4. to make content: These things content me. –noun the state or feeling of being contented;

When I think of adding content I am amazed that we so often have words with dual meaning. Why couldn't we think of a different word for that feeling of contentment-
You know the one you get when you are wrapped up in a cozy quilt or newly finished shawl? Or when you finally see someone you have missed so much and you look in their eyes and see that they are OK.
*sigh
That is content.
Apply the same word to a book or Blog and its all about what is there for me to read/learn/know/enjoy?
As I add new content to the Yarn Blog I started I can learn from past mistakes and get it set up right from the beginning. Like using images for links on the sidebar. You do know that everything on the sidebar is a link (at least on my Blogs it is) and that by clicking on it you can travel to that site and then use your back button to return here.
When I first started Blogging I just used the names and no images because it was difficult to find blogs that had linkable images. Now most Blogs provide them and I am soon going to have a few buttons so that if you want something to link with you can use them.
At least I will if I can stop spinning long enough, or stop sewing and sit still and work on my computer. What has happened to me? I am so BUSY!!! There are deadlines for magazine entries, Art Shows coming up and of course LIFE.
I have a life.
I am happy to say.
It's only taken me 8 years since moving back from NC to finally have friends and activities and stuff to keep me busy. I think the spinning thing has really pushed me into overdrive and I am treadling as fast as I can!
I need to take some pictures but I just don't know what to show you- my neglected laundry that needs folding? Maybe you'd like to see my half finished projects or the dishes in the sink.
Yesterday the dye I ordered from Dharma Trading Co arrived and I will be dying some wool roving, silk, chiffon fabric and silk ribbon tomorrow.
The long weekend will be a wonderful time to get some things wrapped up and I will try to get pictures. Some things are for publication and I just can't share them, and that is so difficult- you know I want you to share in the fun!
For now, just know that something crafty is afoot and I'll be back soon with some new content.
Have a happy Thursday and may you find contentment in something today.
Here's something fun for you to check out.

Or maybe you might like this crafty chick's blog...
Love and Joy!,
calamity kim

Celebrating Friendship and Crafty Cool Circus Girls Who Knit!

Good Morning and Happy Wednesday!
If you read my Blog very often then you might remember that every Wednesday I usually go to Picasso Moon for a little "Knit& Bitch" session. Actually,  I sit and spin and I used to sit and sew and I have even been known to crochet and cry!
Today is a special day for us because we have two members of our little group of friends returning from up North. There will be champagne and cupcakes and much laughter and stories of what everyone has done over the Summer vacation.

Florida is possibly the only state with a snowbird problem.
I don't know if California shares this breed or not but it can be difficult to adjust to having friends who only live near you part of the year.
It's like having a relationship with a circus.
 When they are in town, everything is colorful, exciting and fun, but after they leave there's nothing but the memories and the long wait till they return next season.
It's unbearably lonely at times, and when you finally call and say hello,  you know they are busy with their other friends, family and Northern lives and they seem even farther away. It's nice to know that like the swallows of Capistrano, they will return with the cool season of Autumn.

The only solution for missing your Northern friends would seem to be becoming a snowbird  yourself and then you'd both be gone and busy until you migrated back to good old Florida.
 It is hellishly hot here in the summer and even with the afternoon rains it's difficult to handle the heat. If I could afford it I would certainly go to North Carolina to avoid the discomfort every year. Alas, it is not in the budget and since we are not retired, its really out of the question, so I will just keep busy until all my crafty birds get back and things return to normal.
Speaking of keeping busy- did I tell you about this wonderful site by Sarah Fielke (of Material Obsession) called Sewn? You should sign up to get her delightfully informative newsletter and look forward to next month when she features Janet Bolton- my very favorite folk art quilter.
I hope you all have a wonderful and creative day...if you are stuck at work you can always make a little origami post it to keep that right brain happy till you get home.
love & stitches,
calamity kim