It's here (almost here in some places). The new Sew Somerset (Winter 2014).

And, as usual, they've done a great job, and it's crammed with all kind of fabulous articles.

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

My big project sees the light.

 Somerset WORKSHOP is an annual publication and I'm thrilled to be a part of it. 

 

  

 
And, as the saying goes, much, much more!


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

It's been a few days since I blogged, and only because the days slipped by and I never got around to it. Or maybe I had nothing to share. I'm sensitive to the change of seasons, physically I get a little drained, and I tend to get quiet for a spell.

But this has energized me: My big summer project will see the light of day in less than a month. With the encouragement and help of editor Jennifer Jackson Taylor, and my friend Jocelyn who patiently took some of the step-out photos of my hands at work, I managed to complete what's been my biggest project to date.

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

Heads up!
It's only 2 months ahead, my biggest project to date, in Somerset Workhop, an annual publication by Stampington.

The Autumn 2013 issue of Somerset Workshop is filled with fabulous techniques by some of the hottest Somerset artists. Indulge in sweet and simple projects by Colette Copeland, colorful and whimsical mixed-media by Junelle Jacobsen, quirky and playful stitched artwork by Taryn Reece, and mixed-media metalwork with Jen Cushman. Each chapter is illustrated from start to finish with simple, stepped-out photographs and clear instructions to help you create exciting projects from the comfort of your own home.

Available October 1st

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

I contributed to the brand-new issue of Somerset Home. I have a soft spot for this magazine; once upon a time I was an associate editor and columnist on City & Country Home, a Canadian interior design magazine, now defunct. My job involved writing, editing, proofreading and interviewing people. HOME goes one further and lets me make things as well as write the article.

My contribution:

  Do check it out -- it's full of lovely ideas for the home.

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

Free-style, but by hand.

In the background is the new Sew Somerset magazine, packed with gorgeousness. I have an article in this one, featuring some of my art quilts.

 Enjoy the day!
 
Simplicity is the removal of the useless and the unnecessary--source unknown

Tooting my own horn today.

I am thrilled to be on the cover of the Winter 2013 Somerset Studio Gallery.Some stores have already received it, and it's also available at Stampington & Company and Stamp Diva
and my beloved Paper Crown.

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

My life has been disorderly these last few days. Not that I have much of a "schedule". I tend to do things backwards, that is, against the norm.

Last night, around 9 p.m., I found myself cleaning the bathroom. I think part of it was finding cleaning products that actually work by themselves. The tub is gleaming and I didn't have to be a contortionist to clean it. I used Scrubbing Bubbles mega cleaner.

Certain stubborn rust stains, thanks to copper pipes, are gone, gone, gone. I had tried everything, including CLR that claims to remove rust stains, but none of them worked (what a waste of money). The local handyman had managed to scrub some of it away with his own "high-powered" cleaner, but his "solution" was that I would have to clean the tank of accumulated rust, say, once a week.

What??!! No, said I. No way. And I stubbornly hoped that the answer would eventually come from a cleaning product. It did yesterday, when I came across a Lysol cleaner that made the same claim. Would Lysol lie to me, too? This was a last-ditch effort. I went for it. And all the rust stains vanished; no brushing, no scrubbing.

So, Happy Friday.

Watch for me in the upcoming Somerset Studio.

And in the upcoming  Holidays & Celebration

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

 I'm making my fishes for my sister's birthday next month. It's OK if she sees this because I asked her to choose something and, being fond of my fishes, she requested them. She already owns some of the fishes I made for Somerset Life. I scattered them around the Stampington offices and my friend Julie's kitchen, when I was in Santa Barbara a while back.

Speaking of which, that article, Catch of the Day, is being featured in Handcrafted which will be published July 1. It's one of my favourite articles that I've written for the magazines.

Be good to your friends -- Kevin Bacon.

The subject of angels came up yesterday while talking with one of the angels in my life; angels don't always have to be mystical and feathered. Today I pulled out my sketchbook.

I've been practising doodling. Does that sound sad? "practising"?? Yes, I've had to practise. I draw so when I try to doodle it gets too formal. It's like the straight line thing: I can draw a straight line; I had to practise drawing unstraight lines. I started by using my left hand.

I'm happy to announce that I've covered this subject of drawing in the new Somerset Studio which will be released May 1.

 

Be good to your friends -- Kevin Bacon.

With open heart

I've posted my little hearts here on my blog more than once. They are in the upcoming issue of Somerset Life (January 1), and I also got to write the story about these little hearts and how they came about. This article is for Joy, and Sylvie, and Mai, and Robyn, my good friends and brave breast cancer survivors, and for all those who carry emotional burdens in their hearts for whom I wish lightness and letting-go-ness and healing.

Love, Colette

Congratulations to Christen

Christen Olivarez is the new Director of Publications of Stampington and Company, the post left vacant by Jenny Doh, who has launched her "brilliant [new] career" with Crescendoh.com

I've worked with Christen, and have also had the pleasure of meeting her in person. She's wonderful to work with and I'm very happy for her!

Congratulations Christen!

My cup runneth over

Two more magazines arrived today: Belle Armoire Jewelry and....surprise! Somerset Studio Gallery.

The Belle Armoire piece was a collaboration between me and Diane Cook, who came to me with her idea to make jewelry folders for her beautiful jewelry. The result is this article: The Art of Presentation, by Christen Olivarez who did us both proud!

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When I saw This, I was puzzled. Moi? In Somerset Studio Gallery? What could be in there?? When I flipped through the pages, there was Santa. I'd forgotten all about him.