Magpie Ponderings

Gallagher's news

2008-07-23T10:18:00.000-07:00

Ive just received word that Gallagher's kin folk will soon be arriving. They were making headway when they got stuck in a box! Yikes!!

Procion dyes

2008-05-16T18:34:00.000-07:00

So Alec Smart is inquiring about Procion dyes (see Medusa posting). I think he must be related to the infamous Maxwell. Imagine his wanting to eat them fresh!

OR, is he referencing Joe Fresh? I wonder if Joe's Tee's are Procion dyed. No, probably vegetable dyed. Rock on!

Etsy's on the horizon!

2008-05-16T08:10:00.000-07:00

Keep your eye on the horizon, Etsy's on it! Watch for a great boutique of art dolls, jesters and quilts! We'll keep you posted!

Medusa's hair

2008-05-11T21:22:00.000-07:00

so Tinka's curious about Medusa's hair? Has she ventured over to my website? The answer is.... it is thick cotton piping wrapped in fabric, ribbon and wire and soaked in procion dyes and bla bla blah! You too can view............ http://www.magpieartworks.com/

doll furniture

2008-05-05T07:03:00.000-07:00

Well, not quite what I had in mind. Maybe a cushion? Yes, for sure a cushion. Maybe salvage the beaded head and start over? hmmmmm

stump doll

2008-05-05T06:56:00.000-07:00

I haven't made a stump doll in awhile, so thought I'd give it a go. Whadya think, Tink?

Floating Circle Quilt

2008-05-04T17:09:00.000-07:00

So here's the beginning of a new journey. It's up on the wall and has yet to be sewn. A w.i.p., of course! I'll have to do something with the lighting as it reads black but it's really shades of taupe. Aren't those moving circles just the coolest? Maybe a class at Sew-Sisters Quilt Shop. Tink'll post it if it materializes. wow, but that's a mouthful not to mention a somewhat mediocre pun. Rock on!

Sew-Sisters Quilt Shop, Toronto

2008-05-04T09:31:00.000-07:00

Alas our shop owner is wearing a new nom-de-plume! Tinkabella! And she is multa bella! And that's Tink for short!

Tourmaline quilt w.i.p.

2008-04-21T06:52:00.000-07:00

So Judy talked me into taking a class with Irene Dewar up at Judy's shop (Sew-Sisters, Toronto). I don't usually take quilting classes, but have to admit it was fun! Irene's pattern is called Tourmaline. She did hers in batiks and it looks fab, but I did mine in black and white. Yikes, it's busy! I have a few blocks using different fabrics that I forgot up at the shop, so I'm hoping it will calm things down a bit when I insert them. This class is ongoing, so check it out at http://www.sew-sisters.com/

Painting Cloth Doll Faces

2008-04-17T05:32:00.000-07:00

Speaking of cloth doll faces, last night Heather G. did beautiful demos on the art of face painting on cotton (Southern Belle!!) She is such a talent and helped many members master their fears of face painting. Thanks, Heather!

Southern Belle Cotton

2008-04-17T05:24:00.000-07:00

This has to be one of the all time best cottons for cloth doll faces. It's a very tight weave and picks up the colour beautifully. Southern Belle is, or will be soon, available at Sew-Sisters Quilt Shop in (North York) Toronto. Judy will also be glad to mail it out if you can't make it in. (416) 633-8800 www.sew-sisters.com

Art doll classes in B.C.

2008-04-16T05:54:00.000-07:00

We're off to Beautiful British Columbia this August with classes for any of you art doll aficionados. Check it out.......... www.gibsonslandingfibrearts.com

More art doll classes - Toronto

2008-04-14T06:48:00.000-07:00

Everyone is on her way to finishing an art doll masterpiece. Incredible work and thanks to all the ladies who attended. I hope to start receiving digitals soon so all of you out there can share the beautiful work. The class was based on my Ginger pattern and here's some of my creations sprouting from it. And many thanks to Judy for hosting our classes at Sew-Sisters Quilt Shop in Toronto. Speaking of Sew-Sisters, keep tuned in to my blog or to Judy's website as there will be a repeat class in the fall as well as a follow-up to the beginner class.

ONE BLOCK WONDER Class

2008-04-14T06:36:00.000-07:00

Well, we're half way through our ONE BLOCK WONDER class up at Judy's shop, Sew-Sisters Quilt Shop. (www.sew-sisters.com) Everyone's work is amazing and there's an incredible reconfiguration of flora, fauna and things mystical. Of course you'll have to wait 'til May when we finish up and the Magpie remembers to bring her camera!

ONE BLOCK WONDER

2008-02-04T11:44:00.000-08:00

ONE BLOCK WONDER or......... it's a wonder it's done!

So, at last it's done. Actually done for awhile now, but finally took a pic..............

fun and frolic

2008-01-09T06:38:00.001-08:00

Well, would you look at our little Miss Ruby. Isn't she having a grand ol' time in Miss Jane's window. Sometimes she has no sense of decorum. A cranky flutter-by hinted that she was engaging in off colour jokes! Imagine!! Little does that old crow know that according to Miss Ruby, if it isn't red, it's off colour!

She's galavanting again!

2008-01-06T10:13:00.000-08:00

Our little Miss Lilian is delighted to be on temporary assignment! She is now up front and centre in the window of Jane Hall's shop in the beaches.She's much too young to travel alone of course, so she's in the company of Ruby and Rosie. What fun! Of course if you are in the beaches, you must really stop by Jane's shop. It is a visual masterpiece. Luscious colours, yummy designs and fabrics to awaken the tactile senses. She's closed Mondays! That's 2156 Queen St E., just a tad west of Vic. Park in Toronto (416 691-8080).

New wip

2008-01-06T09:59:00.000-08:00

So here's another w.i.p......... (Work in progress for those who don't know) I regret adding the light colours, but it is made with scaps after all, so that's that. I am now starting to accumulate tops; you'd think I was a quilter! Now if I could just find a long armer :O)

2008

2008-01-01T08:16:00.000-08:00

So here is my current project. Yup, it's a One-Block-Wonder! LOTS of sewing!

Happy New Year

2007-12-31T18:35:00.001-08:00

Happy New Year to all and to all a good night...............

eurika!

2007-12-31T18:32:00.001-08:00

Or however you spell it! I found my marbles, put them together and voila, I am back! See what happens when you have too many errant email accounts!

My fine feathered friend, you must have flown south for the season?

Friend and fellow fibre artist's work will be on QA tv! go Donna!!

2007-11-08T06:26:00.000-08:00

My password must have left the building with my creativity, but alas I have just located both of them! Side by side! or as some of our eastern neighbours may say, "side by each!" I see that babybird is keeping watch over the nest. This is a good thing

creativity

2007-07-25T08:17:00.000-07:00

Have you ever wondered where your creativity goes when it's not working for you? Has it "left the building, so to speak?" Has it moved on to someone else? Could it be that fickle? Is it on vacation? Where DOES it go? Or does it? Maybe it's playing hide and seek....................

2007-07-25T06:51:00.000-07:00

It's Wednesday and this is my first post. I'm building the conversation nest, so to speak. Things that shine and glisten are of particular interest. Baubles and beads would greatly enhance it. Some thread, perhaps? Rayon has a particularly fine sheen and while not as strong as poly, it sure is pretty. And of course what magpie would not welcome some fine silks. My, my! such glorious colours! Oh! and let's not forget the techniques to get this party started. So, come sit on the perch for a bit ...............