RedBarn Studios

Okay, I’m going out on a limb here. Cloth, Paper Scissors Studios magazine is doing an online virtual studio tour. I’ll be giving all and sundry a small tour of my lovely studio this weekend, October 3.

There have been a few studios (moving house to house) that have come before like the one where I felt like I was in a dungeon um…the basement. It really wasn’t as bad as that but it was sometimes so cold and damp I had to gear up to go down there.

Or there was the time before that my “stuff” kinda outgrew the small dining room in our 1st house and hubby came home one day to find I had taken over the larger living room next door!

Anyway, I love the studio I’m in now and look forward to showing you MY space. Please hop on over to QA/CPS site this weekend to see other great artist spaces. This should be so much fun!

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See ya next time “In the Hayloft”,

Tags: community, organization, road trip by k grace howes
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I don’t know about you but I love to actually see how other artists work. Watching as they lose themselves in their work is absolutely fascinating and intriguing. I frankly can’t remember how I happened upon this video but it had me enthralled the whole way through.

Kseniya Simonova is a Ukrainian artist who’s main tool is one we quilters actually use in our work…a lightbox. She “writes” stories with sand as her medium, and quite effectively too.

In this video Kseniya gives a moving portrayal of Germany’s invasion and occupation of Ukraine during WWII. It’s amazing to watch as she weaves the story by pouring, moving and drawing in the sand.

“If we take it that art’s purpose is to illuminate the world in a new way, provoke a reaction, somehow alter the consciousness of the viewer then her work is a huge success.” writes journalist James Donaghy (www.guardian,co.uk).

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vOhf3OvRXKg]

Oh and another thing, she just happened to have won Ukraine’s version of “America’s Got Talent.”But don’t let that stop you from recognizing her talent.

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See ya next time “In the Hayloft”,

Tags: Art, community by k grace howes
7 Comments »

I’ve been struggling these past few weeks to really get my head around my art. I keep starting on different pieces but nothing much happens to inspire me to continue. Yes, I am definitely in a rut.

I have ideas and sketch but I when it comes to implementing it, I stall. I refuse to push it though cause I know I won’t like what I produce. So instead I wait….

Struggling with fiber art I am but I have been making more journals and have experimented with something new.

Most people use bookcloth for the spine but because I like the luxurious feel of it I use ultra suede (if I can find a matching colour).

Here’s my latest filled to the brim with 5 signatures of wrting paper.

The cover is, as usual, quilted and I’ve sewn small beads on the spine.

The closure for this one is a button I found a few months ago.

I had to do a little bartering with my daughter to to be able to use the metal charm I sewed on the front cover. It says…

The words are apropos for my situation right now don’t ya think?

I have also been experimenting with boxes. This is my first attempt. The top is covered in a beautiful chinese themed fabric and the edges and sides in a red bookcloth.

What I’ve found out is that making the inner compartments is a bit tricky but I really like how it turned out. An elastic that hops over a buton keeps it closed tight.

I will be adding the journal to my Etsy Shop this week. The box I wanna keep for a little while longer.

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See ya next time “In the Hayloft”,

Tags: journals, mixed media, monday posts, paper art by k grace howes
6 Comments »

Get yourself ready! SAQA’s 2009 Benefit Auction starts this week.

Here’s chance to own a piece of art from your favorite fiber artist and also benefit the organization. Place your winning bid and come away with wonderful, inspiring art.

Each 12 x 12 piece is generously donated by members of SAQA.

The first part of the bidding begins Thursday, September 10th at 2:00pm (eastern). Remember this is a reverse auction with bids beginning high on day one and decreasing each subsequent day.

Part 2 of the Benefit Auction begins September 17th, with part 3 starting September 24th. Remember to bookmark the address so you’ll be first in line to own your own little piece of fiber art heaven.

Click here to be taken to the SAQA website for a preview of all the pieces in the auction and how the bidding process works. Be sure to scoll down to access the links to all six pages of artwork. I already know which ones I’m going for although any one of them would be a prize to own.

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See ya next time “In the Hayloft”,

Tags: Art, community by k grace howes
No Comments »