Holiday Bunting Workshop

{Crafted Project Example, "Noel", 2011}

{Crafted Project Example, "Merry", 2011}

{Crafted Project Example, "Winter Textures", 2011}

{Examples, 2011}

{Workshop Participants, 2011}

{Workshop Participants, 2011}

{Workshop Participants, 2011}

I was asked to create a workshop as part of the Des Moines Art Center's Annual Art Noir Holiday Studio. My holiday bunting project was one of several that included glass blowing, an ugly mitten decorating contest, gift tags, and origami ornaments. Its always a fun event and this was my second year doing a project to teach. I met a lot of fun people and everyone seemed really excited to make their own bunting decoration to cheer up their home! I created three examples to give people a little inspiration and an idea of how the project would look when completed. From there, people got really creative and had really awesome ideas! It is always wonderful to be around creative folk and this event was no exception!

Art Imitates Craft

{Mixed Media Handmade Card with Tatting, 2011}

{Collage and Ink in Sketchbook, 2011}

I've been taking a tatting class at the Des Moines Art Center for the past few weeks. I'm finding that I like the patterns that lace-making inspires. The above image was our first real project with finished examples of tatting. They are little floral rings that I glued to a card. I also added some subtle acrylic details in white. The second image was partially inspired by tatting, but also all of the Indian designs I have been looking at. My dear friend is getting married and since she is Indian, her wedding will also be. Its such a colorful culture and I love looking at all the intricacies in the patterns of fabric, jewelry, paper products and just about everywhere else! The truth is, I usually don't notice how things inspire me until they are done. Then, when I see them side by side, it becomes apparent! I'll be sure to share some more tatting projects if I manage to finish some larger ones.

Bridal Shower and Bachelorette Party Planning

{Sewn "Bride" Sash, 2011}

{Handmade Invitations, 2011}

My friend is getting married very soon and I am throwing her a Bridal Shower/Bachelorette Party. She is having a traditional Indian wedding so I wanted to bring that flair into some of the decor. I just completed this sash for her to wear during the festivities. I'm happy with how it turned out. I also created these invitations using different papers, a craft punch, brads, and a little Adobe Illustrator design. Can't wait to get the party going!

Pretty Paper Pinwheels

{Crepe Paper Pinwheel, 2011}

{Crepe Paper Pinwheel, 2011}

{Crepe Paper Pinwheels, 2011}

I made these paper crafts for a friend's baby shower and saved them after the festivities were done so I could decorate for Valentine's Day. I watched and read about a lot of tutorials on crepe paper crafts and flowers and I didn't find anything that I especially liked. After experimenting with a few ideas of my own, I came up with these little pinwheel shapes by creasing the crepe paper and forming circles. I used a craft punch to make the center shape of the pinwheel and taped them together. Paper crafting is one of my favorite activities and I had fun creating these.