I can't believe how time has passed and no entries

I have been working, believe it or not.  I've been way too silent.

I'm on my laptop in my studio. A rainy, stormy day - but I still enjoy gazing out to the sea, though it's a bit turbulent.  The beach sunflowers are blowing this way and that.  The bird feeders are swinging back and forth as well.  The prickly pear cacti are pillars of strength - they are blooming big beautiful yellow flowers.

Me, I'm grateful to be inside, cocooned in my studio.

I've been taking an online class from Jude Hill - Sun, Moon, Stars - I'm learning so much.  I had started some hand stitching on the ice dyed fabrics my sister and I dyed awhile back.  This began my journey back to hand work.  The peaceful in abnd out of the needle and thread pleases me.  It's a relaxing and meditative activity.  Here's an image on the last piece I created.  I had the best time working on this one.  I have a couple more ice dyed pieces but the images are on the regular computer.  Melted Fusion I and II are on display at my Island Art Association.   I'll post the images soon.

Circle Play 21x6"  $185

Back to Jude Hill's class - I love her quiet, gentle way of sharing her love of creating through stitch.  Another class is in the horizon!   The following piece is influenced by her work.   I wove the fabrics and stitched them down before I started Jude's online class.  I have since learned an easier way to hand stitch pieces down.  I don't want to say how as I don't want to take anything away from Jude's teaching. Check out her classes!  It's a work in progress.  I've been stitching daily - using Jude's ideas and some from my research on stitching on the Internet - moon jellies and the sea star.



WIP

The next two are pieces I started in planning for a hand embroidery intro for children at Jacksonville's MOMA - my FAN group is displaying, demonstrating, and sharing fiber art to folks - young and old . Next Saturday is a program highlighting a fiber artist, Memphis Woods - who spent part of her life in Jacksonville and was an early supporter of the museum.  The project I've planned is simple applique on felt, using hand stitching.  These two pieces were part of my playtime.  My class with Jude has lengthened the fun.  Check in later for the finished products.

WIP

WIP

I'll be doing some hand stitching of this just created dry felted piece.

These two wonders were my take on a children's art project at my local art gallery - Island Art Association- led by my artist friend Anne Howden.  The fabrics are part of my collection of fabrics/ties/shirts from my father and father-in-law.  I wanted to pass on my love anb fond memories of both these men, especially my dad!  How he would have enjoyed these grandchildren of mine.  Max and Brenna will received these dolls when they visit as the end of the month!


Max and Brenna's dolls

The two next images are products of my raw edged applique and machine quilting.  A fun, relaxing time of creating.  I really ought to title these.

10x10 $85

6x6" $40

The following quilts are hanging at the Island Art Association for the Nouveau Art Exhibit entitled Wildlife.  The heron was awarded Honorable Mention!  Yeah!!!!!!  I don't have the titles/sizes/prizes.  They were last minute creations..........

On display at Island Art, 12x9"

On display at Island Art

This took awhile.  Maybe if I write more frequently,.........  There's always hoping.

Til later, Peace and joy be with you, Diane

I'm published!

Was I ever thrilled to received "The Natural World" by Martha Seilman yesterday in the mail.  And on page 53 is my "Beach Combers."  The book is fabulous and I am honored to be a part of it.  Thank you, Martha!

Beach Combers, 21" x 27"" by Diane Hamburg

New Sea bird pieces

This is another pose of the Blue heron that visits the beach.

These are Royal Terns, very stately gulls, I believe.

Both these pieces are done using the same technique I did with the other gull and heron pieces.  I played in Photoshop Elements with my own images to come up with the pattern to applique.  Obviously, I'm enjoying myself.

New Work

"Silent Charlie", 24 x 12" on stretcher bars, was a last minute piece I've created for the latest Nouveau Art show at my local Island Art Association. The theme is "Art at the Movies." For some odd reason, Charlie Chaplin just got stuck in my mind, so I gave me and created this piece. Fun to do! "Amelia's Heron", 22 x 14" on stretcher bars, was created using my own image of the heron that visits the beach where I walk. He always brings a smile to my face. Ever so graceful in his search for his meal.

I have a sea gull in the making. The gull is fused, so all I have to do is create the watery background.

Holiday Activity

Along with everything else, I managed to work some in the studio. How I like that word. I feel like an artist!!!! Some thread doodling! Also designed two small seabird pieces - enjoying the drawing of birds, and even freehand cutting birds out of fabric! Never thought I could draw or cut freehand in the past. Practicing sure helps the process. I have a long way to go before calling myself a drawer or papercutter but I'm heading in the right direction!

Hapy Holidays!