Boston Terrier Painted Plush

{Mixed Media, 2010}

{Detail of Face, 2o10}

{Mixed Media, 2010}

{Mixed Media, 2010}

{Mixed Media, 2010}

As promised in my previous post, this is the other sewing project that I had been working on. The sewing for this piece took one session. Painting, however, took several subsequent sessions! It turned out quirky looking, which was my hope. My parents have always had Boston Terriers and it is such a funny, sweet, silly, little breed. This dog and the fairy princess doll are both off to the Iowa State Fairgrounds today... each toy is hoping for a pretty ribbon!

Fairy Princess Doll

{Face Detail, 2010}

{Fabric with Mixed Media, 2010}

{Fabric with Mixed Media, 2010}

{Back, 2010}

I put the finishing touches on this doll that I have been working on between projects all summer. It is hard to get an accurate photo of the proportions because it is such a long doll. My favorite parts of the project are the fabric combinations, mixing paint with sewing and the tiny little sequin details. I showed some preview shots of this doll a few posts back. Tomorrow I will post the finished dog plush that I was working on in the same post.

Illustration Friday - Double

{Graphite in Sketchbook with Digital Color, 2010}

A double dip ice cream cone! It looks like this mouse is about to eat more than her body weight in ice cream. With all the heat and humidity around here, that doesn't sound like such a bad idea.

Heartfelt Thanks

{Black Prisma and Watercolor, 2010}

As I promised in my previous post, this is the final watercolored illustration. I created it for someone who has been helping me out all week. I also want to take the opportunity to thank all of my fellow bloggers and friends who follow this blog. Its so encouraging to know that people want to know what I'm up to in the studio! Thank you from the bottom of my heart!

Thank You Sketch

{Black Prisma, 2010}

This is a little illustration I did as a thank you to someone who has been helping me out all week at the Des Moines Art Center. (I teach there)I'll post the watercolor version tomorrow!

Illustration Friday - Breakfast

{Graphite in Sketchbook, 2010}

Just a yummy ode to "the most important meal of the day"! I wish I could say that I eat breakfast every day, but some days I don't get around to eating until after noon. (Breakfast is something I need to get better at disciplining myself to partake in.) What about you? Do you eat breakfast every day?

Sewing Projects Sneak Peek

{Partially Painted Doll Face, 2010}

{Doll Parts, 2010}

{Beginning Painting Stages of Plush, 2010}

I thought I would share some of the craftier projects I have been working on in my studio lately. I'm between projects right now (but have some promising things in the works) so whenever I am in this position I always try to do something that is still creative, but a little different. Combining sewing with painting has been fun and working 3-D is a welcome challenge. I promise to show my doll and plush toy once I have finished them.

Sketchbook Figure Drawing

{Sketchbook, 2010}

I start teaching a figure class for teens next week at the Des Moines Art Center. After looking through my books for ideas for my class I got the urge to draw. I decided to draw from some of the reference photos in the back of my books. The class I am teaching is a clothed model figure drawing class, but it is still a great introduction to drawing from life. (especially since most high school students have never drawn from life at all.) Figure drawing is one of my absolute favorite things to do and hopefully next week I can relay some of that love to the students in my class.

Happy Independence Day! 2010

{Watercolor with Gesso, 2010}

I hope everyone has a wonderful and safe holiday! I'm looking forward to a parade, fireworks, friends and some really good food!