New Exhibit

Please support this project. This is the first exhibit of this large piece. I am also included in a show at Rincon Valley Library March 30 through April 27. I will be exhibiting a small butterfly piece, as well a a larger piece, "Unbalanced". Both of these pieces are hand-dyed or painted by me. And I am currently working on several pieces for Liz Berg's Advanced Design class. I'm off!

Current Exhibits

This image is mine from the Black and White Challenge. It features elephants. These are huge yet mystical beings who seem to have a connection to each other and relate to each other even when death intervenes. Amazing creatures of whom I have the utmost respect. This is a detail image. Full shot of fiber art piece is below. This is a commercial fabric I purchased years ago because of my affinity with these mammals.

Trees and Birds is my second Textile art piece in the Black and White Exhibit now touring the country. It is currently showing at the MidAtlantic Quilt Festival.



My Vineyards exhibit just closed at Moshin Winery. Next on tap is Along The Russian River exhibit at Sebastopol Center for the Arts.

Submersed in Art

How about the newest picture of my niece? She is adorable (and will be greeting a sibling this summer). It just makes me smile and want to snuggle up with something. So I'm wrapped in a comfy shawl, warmed by a cozy fire and ruminating on the last weeks. I've been extremely lucky to live in the SF bay area where two creative regional meetings were held. SAQA (Studio Art Quilt Associates) regional held the yearly weekend meeting and Marion Coleman gave an inspiring and instructive lecture and trunk show of her public art projects. Show and tell was eye candy and inspirational. Today, I journeyed to SF for the SDA (Surface Design Association) regional meeting held at a member's loft in an artist's building. That was inspiration in itself. The encaustic textile artist Daniella Woolf gave a presentation of her work. I have been familiar with this medium for several years, as I have a friend (Lisa Schoutsen) who paints in encaustic and attended another demo in encaustic painting at AWS (Artist's Workshop of Sonoma County). I like the process, but, as Carol Larsen says, " I work in textiles because I love the feel they create." Me too. There were several Sonoma County artists present, some of whom shated gorgeous work). And last, but not least, I spent the last two weeks working in a small series for Liz Berg's Advanced Design class (See previous post). I'm not completely finished, but have a good start. I found it amazing what I learn about myself as I work on my pieces. And working like this led me to fashion my ideas about a very personal piece I've wanted to do for years, and have finally found the courage to begin.
My thanks to those who comment publicly or privately and provide the encouragement I need. And now my finger is tired, plus Paul Mc Cartney is on the Grammys. Till next time.

Advanced Design

I created four pieces as an assignment for Liz Berg's Advanced Design class. We were to create 4 or 5 small pieces in a series. I chose to continue my spirals. None of these pieces is finished yet, but one is actually hand-quilted. I didn't work too small. I can't seem to do that anymore. Is thst a good or bad thing? Three pieces use my hand-dyes. The black & white is commercial. It's a great class and I'm looking forward to our next assignment.

Freedom - SAQA Trunk Show

"Freedom" is the realization of a dream. A Democratic President willing to bring values back to the American people and the world. I sure hope it works. So I got my photo uploeded in time, but I misread the call and trimmed my piece to 8X8 inches. Oh no! That's the size of the opening and I needed aminimum of 9 inches square. I blame it on my stroke. I blame all my missteps on my stroke. Maybe I need to pay more attention or get someone to help me. I get confused so easily now. Oh well, I was hoping to get a place in SAQA history. Not thistime, but I'm sure proud of those who will make it. (congrats Carol, Jill and the others)

O's for Obama

I'm sure these circles are really O's, since today is inauguration eve and I am sending my best wishes to President Obama. I did this piece for Liz Berg's Advanced Design online class. Every media I see or hear is all about tomorrow's ceremonies, and rightfully so. I was in my teens for JFK's ceremony and subsequent tragedy. I wept for Bobby and Martin Luther King. To be alive to see this history is remarkable.
I watched the concert and was so proud of all the talented performers and of the huge crowds. I am hoping everything stays peaceful.
The piece is mt hand-dued cottons and is quilted with Superior Neon Orange.

Viva Vino

I posted this picture several weeks ago, but it needed work, so I redid parts of it. I got some excellent suggestions from Quiltart members. The finished piece is below. What do you think?

I even changed the name from Autumn Splendor to Viva Vino

This piece is being exhibited at Moshin Winery, Healdsburg, CA thru February. Stop by if you are in the area.

I jist finished watching the Barbara Walters special on Patrick Swayze and his wife Lisa. Boy, if anyone needs inspiration on how to deal with tragedy, this will help. The man is amazingly courageous and BW did a great interview.

A Great Old Broad

A Great Old Broad?
Bette Davis, a real original woman. Another collage piece, just for fun. Where on earth did that saying come from and why were women called "Broads?" I suppose I should look that up on the web someday. But for right now I'm just happy I posted two days in a row. I finished appliqueing my landscape piece today and added a bit more painted details. I'd take a photo, but I've got both dogs nestled at my feet, lying on a nice warm blanket I've got draped over my knees. I heard the sun shone somewhere in California today, but not here. It was another day shrouded in fog, cold and clammy. Now I'm off to work on the web site. Thanks for stopping by.

WELCOME 2009

A trip to the East Coast in the Fall. It's somewhere in Connecticut or Massachusetts, I'm not sure which, but it is gorgeous. Happy New Year everyone. I just rang in the New Year with Ryan and Carson, Fergie and Kelly. Sometimes television is the best thing. It was only 19 degrees in New York. I freeze here when it's forty!
Here's to a great year ahead. The past: I've got several projects on my design walls that I am determined to complete soon, The present: I've been working on creating my very own web site. The future: I've yet to put goals on paper, but I have a few specific ones in mind.But now that it's 2009, I need to get some sleep!

Collage Mania"Collage Mania"

These are samples of some of the images I've been playing with for "Collage Mania" for Fiberart for a Cause. I still have work to do, but they are coming along. Digital images, paint, Caran d'ache neocolors, some hand-dyed and commercial fabric are used. I think some stamping is in order; that might be next.

The holidays were great and then the dreaded birthday. I knew I shared it with Melody Johnson but found I also share it with Denzel Washington. Good company to be in.


I also did more painting on a piece for an upcoming show and then I was going to quilt some. But then I got terrible cramps in my good hand. I got cramps again tonite while I was cropping these photos. Does anyone else have this problem? Any solutions? It sure put a dent in my great plans to finish things. Oh, and Happy and Healthy New Year to all.

Holiday greetings

Merry Christmas to all! The picture is of a glass ornament on my all glass tree. (ornaments only) I've been collecting glass ornaments for many years with the goal of dressing a tree in only spun glass ornaments. Well, I reached my goal a few years ago and enjoy the family room tree. My living room tree is filled with ornaments collected from around the world, and many were gifts from friends. I always enjoyed unwrapping them and remembering the giftor. I ran out of time to get my Christmas postcards done and sent, but completed my presents, which included chenille scarves, painted and stamped tee shirts, a handbag and the wallhanging shown below. I have to get a better picture of it. The wallhanging was received with tears of gratitude, so I think she really liked it! And of course, I tried my best to help outthe economy, but was careful in my spending. I host a large gathering on Christmas eve, so I'm pretty tired after cooking all day. I hope everyone enjoys their special holidays. And some of us have birthdays coming up this week. Some even share a birthday! Happy Birthday Melody! And have a creative New Year.

Oh Deer

Remember the cute pair of twins that were born on my property? Well, I have been enjoying them. Yesterday I noticed the circling vultures and later found that they were feeding on a dead fawn. Today there seemed to be many more buzzards (vultures) flying around and they were driving my dogs nuts. When I finally finished my seven hour marathon of sewing, I looked out my kitchen window and saw several of the buzzards under a tree and many more waiting on tree branches. It was like a horror movie. The worst part is that they were feeding on the other fawn. I don't know how or why they died. They had lost their spots and grown by leaps and bounds. They had plenty of food and water. In spite of my sadness at their deaths, it was interesting to see the circle of life in action. I had never seen this side of life. It is rather haunting.



So here is the fiber art piece I finished. It will be given at Christmas and now I have to finish the rest of the gifts. Happy holidays!

Tag, You're it.

Ghinko tree in full autumn splendor. I've been watching the change with wonder and joy. This ghinko was recently planted in an old pinot noir wine barrel in my front yard as the last three I planted in the ground were ravaged by gophers. I know they deserve to live, but when they take my prize roses and expensive trees, I'm all for capital punishment of the little critters.

I've been tagged by Carol Larson and I have duties to perform. The five bloggers I must tag will follow, but I must say that I would tag Rayna Gillman, except Carol beat me to it. Her blogs are instructive and informative, and her book is excellent.

Here's what I must do:

1. The winner may put the logo on her blog.

2. Put a link to the person you got the award from in your blog.

3. Nominate 5 blogs.

4. Put links to the blogs.

5. Leave a message for your nominees.



Here are my choices:

Liz Berg just blows me away with the amount of work she produces, and she willingly shares it on her blog and with readers of her various articles in quilting publications.

Jane Davila is another blogger who is fun to read. Her "Chary Sprouts" blogis filled with information and amusements. In her book, "Art Quilts At Play", she and Elin Waterson set out a course of instruction that is great for the novice art quilter and a good reminder for the rest of us.

Gloria Hansen shares her wealth of knowledge of digital media in her blog and in her newly-published book "Digital Essentials." She design beautiful quilts on the computer.

Jamie Fingal frequently delights on her Twisted Sister blog. She comes up with great ideas for gifts and I get a kick out of her use of embellishments.

Kay Sorenson has kept my interest with her Quilts Plus Color blog. She is not afraid to try new things and even shares her mistakes.

So all you bloggers out there, check out those great sites if you haven't found them already.

Last nite I went to the opening reception by the Petaluma Arts Council where I have a piece hung in this exhibit. There were onlt two other fiber pieces. It was so crowded I couldn't take pictures

Autumn colors

Autumn vineyards is my latest work. It is not completed yet and I am actively requesting critiques. Also, check out this site: http://dianedidit.com/stayathome.html. It chronicles the pieces made for the Ami Simms Alzheimer's challenge by those of us who didn't get to Houston. And if I don't get back to my blog, Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

Yes, we can and we did!

I'm smiling along with a lot of the world and now hope we all will work together to make this a better place. We need each other to move forward.

Alzheimer's Quilts Plus

I had to start with this photo. This is my grand niece, Addison. There is a photo of her baby quilt in a previous post. She is one of the prettiest babies I've ever seen, si I thought I'd share her with you all.

This has been an interesting and productive week. At Tuesday's Pointless Sisters meeting, we played with stamping fabric. I brought dyed, discharged and overdyed fabric to play with. I also brought my own handmade stamps. This piece includes fabric stamped previously. New pictures at another time. This is one of my Alzheimer's Quilts for AAQI. It is hand-dyed, stamped and painted fabric fused and soft-edged applique. I called it Sailing thru Life. If only we could.

IThis is another one of my Alzheimer's Quilts for AAQI. Paradise is Not Lost. It is hand-dyed and painted fabric fused and soft-edged applique. A message of hope.

Another AAQI quilt. Circle of Life. Hand-dyed and commercial fabric, fused and soft edged applique. With a gorgeous piece of rusted fabric from Lois Jarvis, donated specifically for AAQI.She also is dinating $5.00 per quilt using her Rust-Tex fabric and registered before 11/5. I made the cut-off date.

On Thursday I attended a Community Service "retreat" with guild members. I quilted 2 baby quilts and 6 doll quilts, all of which will be donated to needy families and children. Our group is very active and has donated 1050 quilts so far this year. Some go to Wounded Warriors, others to YMCA shelters and hospitals. If you ever need to purge your stash, our group would welcome the donation. Everything is put to good use.
On Friday, I attended a wonderful lecture and demonstration by Claudio Jiminez Quispe, a Peruvian artist who specializes in creating Retablos. The pieces he created for this exhibit focused on Day of the Dead scenarios and some Frida Kahlo works. He will be exhibiting and teaching next at Shasta College in California. Check their website for info. He does amazing work with few tools (small toothpick, large toothpick and small knife). There were also beautiful alters done by various artists included in the exhibit. I learned a lot about the creation of the Retablos and the tradition of the Dead ceremonies.

Bath Time

Bath time for Bichons.The actual bath only takes about 20 minutes each. But it takes hours to comb outthese fluff balls. This is a chore I used to love doing. Now I can only help. My daughter Vickie was a champ and did most of the work. Her daughter Sierra added her own two cents to the way we were doing it. These two Bichons are mother, Sylvie, top photo and daughter Allie (short for Allez vous mademoiselle, which means "You go girl.". I will make a fiber art piece about them one day.

EPU II Cultures in Cloth

EPU II challenge and artist statement.

ABILITY WITH DISABILITY
My photo-transfer collage features a Sonoma County sunrise, my love of horses, the strength of my Italian grandmother, the wisdom of my Irish/English mother. I actively participate in my world . I’m now “Unbalanced” ( my quilt title in the collage) but my art is still my passion in spite of my disablity.

Look at this cool rusted fabric from Rustex by Lois Jarvis. It will be used for the Alzheimer's auction after I use it in my piece. Lois is donting $5.00 to the cause for every piece registered. Hooray, Lois. I have a couple of pieces finished and an idea for this one.

Header Edit

"Unbalanced" came home from the Pacific International Quilt Show with really good comments from the judges. I knew I wouldn't get a ribbon because my techniques are under par now (damn stroke). I was so stoked to see my quilt hung on a space all bt itself. Usually, they've been hung with other pieces. This time I had my own space and it just popped! I was told that means they liked it. Cool. I put new batteries in my camera the nite before and then left the camera on my kitchen counter. (damn stroke or old age?)

"Trees and Birds" was created for a Black and White online challenge. It will also be exhibited in two International shows next year. I don't have the dates yet.

The trees and large birds are made from original stencils and painted with Shiva Oil sticks on cotton. silk and organza. It also has tulle and window screen overlay.

"Asian Elephants" is the second piece in the above challenge. These pieces will also be exhibited in a few galleries. Dates and places to come.

I've finished a piece for "Cultures in Cloth" today. It is a five-layer reverse applique. I need to photograph it and send it off. I also finished a piece for Ami Sims Alzheimer's project and have another started. They will be auctioned for research funds. These are small pieces and fun to do. I need to finish my butterflies quilt, butI think I am making a change on it.


I tried to edit my Blogger header with this gorgeous sunrise, but it came out too big. I've tried to fix it to no avail. Any suggestions?

I'm still painting and am working on a piece but haven't gotten it right yet.

Well, it's after 1 am and I'm finally sleepy. Good Night!

Stolen photos

No pictures tonite. I'm trying to unravel the mystery of who is stealing others' pictures for their own gain. Mine wasn't the only piece ripped off. I recognized paintings of Melody Johnson and Elin Pendleton and Lots of others works that didn't belong to the person who posted. Unfortunately, I don't have much to go on as I deleted the email when it locked up my laptop. My time wasted!