I've always been intrigued by monoprinting. At one time I tried it, using a piece of glass, but it was messy and my results were not good. Because I had some credit at a local store, I decided to get the Gelli printing plate. I made some masks with ordinary paper, cutting out shapes that I wanted to use and gave it a try. I think, with practice, I can really get into this.

First try: keeping it simple.

Simplicity is the removal of the useless and the unnecessary--source unknown

It's Friday. No, really.

Simplicity is the removal of the useless and the unnecessary--source unknown

 You've heard about the devastating tornado in Oklahoma. A group of artists and artisans is having an auction on Monday, May 27 on Facebook to raise funds for the victims, some of them known to us.

There will be lots of lovely things to bid on, including a collage by me (a new one, never published). So do have a look and if you can help, bless you!

https://www.facebook.com/hopeforok

Simplicity is the removal of the useless and the unnecessary--source unknown

The doggie's parent returned on the Amtrak train from New York and picked her up this evening. And not a moment too soon. She somehow knew he was returning today and she gave me baleful looks all day as if to say, Where is he??

Now for the clean-up. Everything revolves around the doglet when she stays with me...

I've been painting a series of tiny canvasses, 4x5 inches, using a palette knife instead of a brush.

Simplicity is the removal of the useless and the unnecessary--source unknown

It's Victoria Day in Canada and we're enjoying the long weekend, with beautiful weather.
Having taken two walks with my guest-dog, I've spent the day puttering around in my studio corner.
The portrait is of Dante, the 13th-century Italian visionary poet. I studied his work at university. I can still recite lines from Inferno by heart, in the original. There was one passage that I learned by heart, just for the heck of it, and it was the one passage that came up for identification and analysis in our final examination... the Examination Angels were surely looking out for me.

Simplicity is the removal of the useless and the unnecessary--source unknown

 I'm blessed to be a regular contributor to Sew Somerset. The new issue, Summer 2013 (click on the link and check it out), will be out in a couple of weeks. My subject? Dresses stitched on brown paper... what else? At least for now.

Here's a sneak peek.

Colette Copeland for Sew Somerset

 
Simplicity is the removal of the useless and the unnecessary--source unknown

I was practising my embroidery and started in an awkward place, and ended up with a very odd plant. It reminds me of plants like the venus flytrap. I just hope this one is a vegetarian.

 It's a long weekend in Canada. So have a happy one!




Simplicity is the removal of the useless and the unnecessary--source unknown

 While de-cluttering in my slow way (it's taking forever), I found this cradled wood just begging to be used. I applied paint thickly with a palette knife, which also gives it a lovely texture, and brushed two coats of gel gloss medium to seal it.

And this is why my de-cluttering takes forever, because I come across something and go off on a tangent.

Simplicity is the removal of the useless and the unnecessary--source unknown

 C for colour, C for collage. And then, there are my initials...

 Have a happy day!


Simplicity is the removal of the useless and the unnecessary--source unknown

Some fabric scraps are too precious to discard. They can be used as part of a patchwork, but they can also be embroidered. I can see this attached to a mat board and framed and hung on a wall.

Available in my Etsy shop

Simplicity is the removal of the useless and the unnecessary--source unknown

 I met my current work deadline today and so it's back to my work table for some leisurely cutting, gluing and stamping. I'm looking forward to some time in the library and a long walk.

 Have a very pleasant day!




Simplicity is the removal of the useless and the unnecessary--source unknown

 My to-do list has been very long lately, but most of it is done, with just a few to go. And then, no doubt, it'll start all over again.....
         I've been writing most of the day and have no words left. Instead I'll leave you with my latest creation, done between bouts of writing. Actually I started this several weeks ago, stitching down the bodice and the lace for the skirt, but didn't know what to do next. So I did what I usually do in these cases and let it be. Eventually it would tell me how to proceed. It did so today!

Available in my Etsy shop  SOLD

 
Simplicity is the removal of the useless and the unnecessary--source unknown

 Happy Mother's Day to all mothers everywhere.

Mine died young, but not a day goes by that I don't think of her with love and pride.
 

My mother, Emma xoxo

Simplicity is the removal of the useless and the unnecessary--source unknown

 I'm settling back into my routine, sort of. It takes a few days to put things in order after I've been away. I still have work to do on a project, but I'm taking little breaks to relax, get groceries, dental check-up.... you know how it goes!

My idea of relaxation is playing with my new stamps, and my new washi tape, all from The Paper Crown.

Simplicity is the removal of the useless and the unnecessary--source unknown

Paper Crown, Part II

I love giving these workshops. I just provide the basics and the guidance, and I'm always gratified by how each puts her own stamp on the project and turns out a beautiful piece of art, in this case, textile art in the form of little dresses. These ladies have style and talent, and it's a pleasure to work with them.

The Paper Crown has a large room set up with tables for workshops which take place regularly, and judging by the atmosphere, it's a popular place not only for work but also for the camaraderie and lots of laughs. And -- I dare you to leave without filling a shopping basket with goodies to take home. I've been to many such stores both here and in the U.S., and I honestly haven't seen any stores that are as beautifully stocked as this one (see also my previous post).

A picnic basket serves as a display prop.

Some of everything...

Marsha and Nan

Franc, Nancy, Beth

Nancy and Beth

Cindy, the photographer, among her myriad roles

Beautiful! Nan had left by the time I took this photo.

Franc's lovely layout.

I couldn't resist this: Nancy is a star (the star is actually hanging from the ceiling). And Beth, who once told me she couldn't sew, made a stunning piece.

Nan's sweet and soulful trio of little dresses.

Marsha's romantic designs.

Simplicity is the removal of the useless and the unnecessary--source unknown

Paper Crown Part I

I'm back from Oklahoma City, tired but happy, from four days I would not miss for the world.
A really fun and enjoyable workshop and Glitter Market a day or two later, in care of Cindy Winter, the best person in the world, and her magical shop, The Paper Crown, OKC's best-kept secret. The store is crammed with the best and the latest of art and craft supplies, some of which I've never seen. My photos don't do justice to it, but here's a sampling. [Next post, my workshop]

Cindy (left) preparing to take a photo.

Some of the Paper Crown workshop creations.

Catherine Moore-land! The whole line is here.

 

I fed my washi tape addiction

 

My contribution to the store's decor!

Simplicity is the removal of the useless and the unnecessary--source unknown

 Today I pack and take care of a few things before I leave for Oklahoma City tomorrow. I'm really looking forward to it.

Meanwhile, a homage to Jasper Johns, with French words (remember LaFayette).

Gone to France, its new home.

Simplicity is the removal of the useless and the unnecessary--source unknown

 I started making this line especially for Glitter Market, with Mother's Day in mind, and somehow it kept growing. Each one is different, and as I look at them now, I think they are a nice anytime-gift -- just insert a card, and maybe a chocolate bar....

Simplicity is the removal of the useless and the unnecessary--source unknown

A friend said to me a few months ago, "before you know it, it will be May." And sure enough, it will be May next week. While wrapping up a few projects, I've started putting together templates and supplies for my class in Oklahoma City next Thursday evening, and gathering together my goods for Glitter Market on the following Saturday [my Etsy shop will be closed May 2 to May 6, as many of the goods will be travelling with me].

My class will be making little dresses. Contact the Paper Crown to sign up.

A big one on a hanger

 

OR

Three little ones

Simplicity is the removal of the useless and the unnecessary--source unknown

Still working as deadlines grow nearer. Rummaging through my supplies to find things I need I came across these Nostalgiques tags that I had bought years ago, along with other Nostalgiques products. They were designed by Rebecca Sower, so it's no surprise that I loved them so much, and still do.

 I created collages on them.

Simplicity is the removal of the useless and the unnecessary--source unknown

For those who missed it, here's the flyer again. I will post it again before I leave. See you there!

Simplicity is the removal of the useless and the unnecessary--source unknown

The side-effects of being busy is that I get tired, and something has to fall by the wayside. Right now it's blogging. I have little to show and less to say as my mind is more of a to-do list these days. Things will pick up  in the second week of next month and I'll get back to regular blogging.

Meanwhile, I created these tags for Paperbag Studios with their new line of stamps, due out May 1.

Have a peaceful day.

Simplicity is the removal of the useless and the unnecessary--source unknown

 It's been grey the last few days, putting a halt on my step-by-step photography (which is being done in natural light), but I've filled in the time adding to my goods for Spring Glitter Market in Oklahoma City. I've made a new line of pouches and a hanging bag or two out of antique and vintage linens and fabric.

      I will also be teaching a class while I'm there, a couple of days before market. If you'd like to join me, just click here for details. I would love to see you!

Simplicity is the removal of the useless and the unnecessary--source unknown

 My work table, with the samples for Paperbag Studios' new line of rubber stamps: Mixed Media Essentials. When I'm working, I cover my table with a big piece of white wrapping paper so that I can test the stamps; the paper also catches paint dribbles and smudges, and is handy for jotting down notes to myself.

Simplicity is the removal of the useless and the unnecessary--source unknown