and,

an attempt to grab creativity amidst the chaos.

My paintings always like visitors at www3.telus.net/galen/art



Tuesday, March 30, 2010

Makin' Like Rabbits

You know what they say about rabbits.
Well, it's true. They are multiplying.
Luckily one was a commission.


The whole rabbit posse


They need a tougher street name.
At least when they meet for rumbles (you know very West Side Story) they won't have to wear colours.
Just ears.

Monday, March 29, 2010

I am the Eggs, Man

This will probably be the first Easter that Pu really remembers.
So, it's a time of setting tradition.
She's only 3 so I don't need to see her head explode after a frenzied choclate eating orgy.

So I made some fabric Easter eggs.
Thank you http://retro-mama.blogspot.com/


We can hunt for them until we find one chocolate one at the end.

(My heart is not entirely dark.
Maybe dark chocolate.
Besides Pu loves nothing more than little eggs, and these eggs jingle.)


Oh ya, and, this little guy too.

Although, Smalls looks a little worried about being crushed by eggs.


.
Phew. Biggie Reinforcements.



Sunday, March 28, 2010

Sassy Assy

Here's an action shot of the first pair of pants in play


And now for purple velour
 (complete with loose threads pre wash)

.

And some formal track pants for those dinners at the White House




Someone should talk to the pant model about wearing pants up to her waist.
Very Ralph Furley circa 1979



Then I made some more napkins.


I realize it's not a sign of the apocalypse if one's napkins don't match.
 Natch.
But I decided to try and make a bunch in a variety of black and white so they can live together indefinitely.
I can always make more and incorporate new patterns with old by adding a patch of some of the old material.

oooooooooh and sarcastic ahhhhhh

Saturday, March 27, 2010

Little Things & Why Fly & Nest

Who knew how important the little things would become?
At a time when my world is all about orbiting 2 excellent little people, there are lots of big things on hold.

Today I'm not going to Italy,
starting a business
 or splicing a gene...
(maybe that last one is a bit over enthusiastic with my arts background...)
But, since I've fallen so in love with these little people
 the little things become the grand, and vice-versa.

So, flying and nesting.

These are my two greatest wishes for my children and really, for all the people I love.
May they always be surrounded by people and places that support them in their ability to take flight.

 And may we all have a gentle and safe place to come home to when it's time to nest, be still, contemplate and reflect
 until we're off for our next great adventure.


A friend, mockingly, suggested I begin 'bedazzling' her wardrobe.
I think if there was a little felt bird 'bedazzler' I just might.
This one landed on an old ratty t-shirt for Pu

More flags, this time cloth



And our garden waiting expectantly for good things to blossom

they always do


Pants Pants !

I made my first article of clothing with no pattern!


Nu has a giant can because she wears HUGE cloth diapers, therefore regular pants...not so much


So I made these little cuties




Not as cheap as superstore, but lots more love.

Easter is approaching...

I made a little friend for Nu


And then of course the little friend needed a friend


And so did Pu.


My favorites are the little tails


Thanks for the tutorial Chubby Hobby http://www.chubbyhobby.com/ !

Sunday, March 21, 2010

Little Bird and Sweet Pea

Onesies for the new twins in our lives




wee.

Friday, March 19, 2010

My Etsy Shop Opens

It's wee, but it now exists. I'm starting small and every once in a while will add to the shop.
Tell one, tell all.


yikes and yipee

A very 1800 sort of moment

I'm pretty sure I was just possessed by an elegant lady from the 1800's.
 I am rarely accused of being elegant, or ladylike but I found myself doing the strangest thing.

Embroidering. In the light of day.


Nu was napping and Pu was all set up in the sunshine painting away.

She was deep in the throes of creative chaos and when I tried to participate she was clearly interrupted from her serious work. So, I decided to try embroidering on an old pillowcase beside her.
And here it was, 1800.

I hadn't yet showered so it probably smelled like the 1800's too.

Puzzled Pachyderm

I made this cute little lady from Heather Bailey's pattern.


But, I unwittingly dressed her like my mother.
It looks like a field of flowers threw up on her.
 
 

Baby's got back and a cute factor, so I think I'll try again with a little less fleur.



I think she's too good natured to survive in the wild, so I guess she'll live with us.
Now we'll really have an elephant in the room for all those awkward moments.

Part Deux, A Friend




Everyone needs someone who has your back.

Monday, March 15, 2010

Fancy That

I found another super cozy sweater at the thrift store and fancied it up a tad.


It was too short and no one needs coin slot exposure. 
 Especially in Momtown where I feel I reside at about two feet for most of the day.
So, I added some length and adorned with my new favourite covered buttons trick.  
I wouldn't get married in this frock, but it's an improvement.
And, safety first people.
"Covering one butt crack at a time"
That's my motto. 

Sunday, March 14, 2010

Magnum Opus?

This little felt ditty (still, and perhaps forever in progress/ process) was supposed to be a quick and dirty effort.

 I'm still a painter in my brain and a bit of a slap dash painter, if I do say so myself.
So, I sketched up a cartoon and thought I could fling it together only...
something strange is happening

I am becoming more and more crazy with each effort.
more and more detailed
I'm adding beads for Kripes sake!


I went all Art Therapist BatShite on this piece and suddenly instead of a cute little bird stack, it turned into a family portrait. Only, the 'canvas' isn't big enough to tell a good story, so it's a hybrid tale evolving on and on
...and on

Who knew how dangerous stitches could be?
 Ohhhhhh the poor details in the grip of the slap dasher!


Update. Finito.


Finishing touches



 


Friday, March 12, 2010

Playful Backup Plans


Our version of the King of Kensington is in an ongoing feud with one or maybe several of the folks who drive the garbage trucks down our alley.
 His wrath is somewhat legit. Not only has our Guerrilla Garden bed taken several death blows,

 

but they have taken out the corner of his garage...twice.


Here you can see our dog mulling over the sorrow.

That being said, I'm not sure what the odds of them ok-ing my banner plan are. I'm guessing bad. 
So this is the backup plan.


This will land on our telephone pole below the flicker house.

I'm practicing non attachment because 'our' telephone pole was labelled for extermination last summer. The King's wife had us on high alert when she noticed nearby poles hitting the concrete. In a flurry we tore down our laundry line and moved the Hotel deux Flicker, only to watch and wait expectantly all summer for nothing to happen.

If this faux leather purple party suit ends its days as the funeral shroud of our lowly telephone pole, then people, my work here is done.




Another Yarn Bomb

 
I yarn bombed our front yard last year. I think of it more as a balm than a bomb.


Wikipedia says: "Graffiti knitting, yarnbombing or yarn bombing or yarnstorming is a type of graffiti or street art that employs colorful displays of knitted or crocheted cloth rather than paint or chalk. While yarn installations may last for years, they are considered non permanent, and, unlike graffiti, can be easily removed if necessary.
While other forms of graffiti may be expressive, decorative, territorial, socio-political commentary, advertising or vandalism, yarn bombing is almost exclusively about reclaiming and personalizing sterile or cold public places".

And,
with the flowering currant showing off, the apple tree in the back yard needed a few accessories



Plants can be soooo competitive.

Case Study A


And B


Check out these showboats

La-de-dah ladies!