A little mini painting I did yesterday...measures 5x6" from frame edge to frame edge. I think I'm going to post this for sale in my Etsy shop and see what happens. I haven't updated that shop for ages - time for some new merchandise!

Artist Trading Card

And here's the ATC with some stitching and a bit of added dyed silk organza pieces. Still looking for an oil or acrylic artist to trade with. Anyone interested? If not, this piece will go into my Etsy shop.

Writing on the Wall

Lately my brain has been toying around with an idea for a new business venture. As I've shared in this blog my current day job is filled with stress and basically sucks out my life's blood (how's that for a graphic description of current conditions in the corporate world?). I'm envisioning a non-profit workshop/seminar center that would relate to the Hudson Valley's past, present and future in regards to the arts. These arts would encompass a wide range including home arts, garden & farming, music, acting, writing, woodworking, etc - you get the picture. The center would celebrate and continue a sense of community by educating and encouraging people to know their roots and help them to imagine their future in this beautiful and history filled part of the country. Programming would be offered for both adults and children, with many scholarships available. I know a bit of a sketchy outline, but what do you think?

And...the piece above (whose title is The Writing on the Wall)...painted, altered cloth with machine and hand stitching. It's available in my Etsy shop.

Gorgeous Colors

It was sunny and warm on Saturday so I dyed some cloth. I love the vibrancy of the colors in these four pieces. They look great folded and placed on top of one another. I'd like to inspire others to make use of this cloth too.....so....I posted some for sale in my Etsy shop.

Lovely Weekend

It was a lazy kind of weekend here in the Aumick home. Didn't really get much accomplished in regards to cleaning, organizing and getting-things-in-order but who cares?! It was a gorgeous day on Saturday and we went tooling around back roads, stopping for a picnic lunch and poking around in shops. Today it's much more overcast and just a quiet, mellow kind of day. I did get these 2 ATC's done - I do love sitting on the back porch, rocking away while hand sewing...doesn't get much better than that! Both of these are currently listed for sale in my Etsy store.

Spring Blossoms

Another ATC posted in my Etsy shop. Spring is arriving. I don't really mind winter (love to be cozy inside) but I do like hearing spring birds (red wing blackbirds are back!) and there's something about the sun in the mornings that is energizing.

Cookin' with Gas

Yet another ATC (posted for sale in my Etsy shop). These seem to be pretty popular. All of you who have contacted me about trades and with comments hold tight - please - as soon as I'm able to I'm going to catch up on my email backlog. Where does the time go?

I plan to do a 12x12'er for the SAQA NY trunk show and then donate it to the SAQA fundraising auction. Of course I need to have this larger piece ready by the end of the month so I better get cookin'!!

Artist's Block

The words at the top of this collage say "The Artist's Love". Well, I'm experiencing "The Artist's Hate". You know...that uninspired malaise that grips you with the anxiety that this is the New You? It is a rainy, dreary day here in New York...perfect for art-ing...but will I be doing that? Probably not. Inspiration has taken a hiatus and must be visting others this week (good for all of you who are blessed). I am going to post this collage on Etsy and then go up to my workspace and do some cleaning. I'm trying to turn the negative into a positive...this is a good thing...I know, I know...but I'm yearning for that adrenaline rush filled with so many ideas that it hurts my brain.

This collage is dedicated to Carla who has been in my thoughts quite a bit the past few days. It was inspired by a quote a fellow artist was kind enough to share ..."keep a green tree in your heart and a singing bird is sure to come." (Chinese Proverb). A singing bird visited me this week and let me know it was alright.

Intertwined Hearts

There is a smallish art & workshop gallery near me http://wallkillriverschool.com/Page_1.html that carries my work in the handmade gallery portion of their storefront. They have asked me if I'm interested in conducting a workshop. Of course I am but on what? Since I want to try to keep the word quilt out of it (you know, so people don't think this is a course in how to do Log Cabin blocks) I wonder if I should develop something that combines collage elements. Maybe how to use water soluable stabilizer to make 'fabric' and then how to embellish it? Such as the piece above.....

This piece is offered in my Etsy store.

Stars in Alignment

You know those days that are filled with all good vibes and karma? You know, the ones that make the Everything is Going Wrong days seem even worse than they probably are? Well, yesterday was a day filled with good tidings for me. Here’s a quick run down (and remind me of this day when I’m moaning and groaning when things aren’t feeling so great):

Went out to dinner with a forever friend who I’ve known since 8th grade.

Came home to these most wonderful, the greatest trades from Annica in Sweden. Annica, I bow to your skills! Anyone who makes art like this, lives in Sweden and knows who The Mammals are and has seen them perform is The Best in my book. Check out her blog for more info about her tasty work:http://fabthreads.blogspot.com/

Opened up my emails to discover that an art quilt had sold on Etsy.

Opened up ebay to check the art quilt I have listed and – whoa – that has a bid too!

Opened up another email from a publication asking me to submit my ‘press kit’ (uh huh, what the heck is this? and I’m pretty sure I don’t have one) for their consideration.

Have a great journey today and I wish all of you a #1 Rock Star Day!

Give Them What They Want

I finished this yesterday and listed it for sale in Etsy. What is it about this word - and other popular internet site names - that bugs me? Amazon, Ebay, My Space, even the word blog....they all sound like venues for gum smacking, never read a book individuals who are more interested in the doings of Paris Hilton then whether genocide is occurring any where in the world (no doubt they would think genocide is a new drug of some sort). Is this part of the dumbing of America? Don't get me wrong, I love the internet and still find it amazing how small the world has become as a result of its capabilities but it bothers me that so much of it is pop culture. I guess it is the our century's version of an old fashioned book store. There are the romance novels and then there are the Edith Wharton treasures tucked away in the back corners.