The Triumph and the Struggle

Continuing with Bricolage... weather has been an extreme challenge this year for most everyone. It helps us to adapt and gives us something to talk about. LOL! Enjoy this view of the Oregon Coast in a rather stylized manner.

 

Hat Tricks

Hat Tricks is an online class taught by Lucy Farmer at Jeanne Oliver's site.  https://jeanneoliver.com/courses/hat-tricks/  It is a totally freeing, anything goes, use what you have type of class. You can buy a kit or scour your house for fun ribbons and baubles. My favorite was the addition of a focal point. I used a pearl to go with the polka dot ribbon that was on a holiday gift. Leather cording and beads anchor the ribbons. I love wearing this otherwise ordinary hat.

Try it. All the classes at Jeanne Oliver on half off for the next three days.

 

 

Waiting for the Warmth

The first golden light of spring which awakens all the flowers is celebrated in this fascinating piece of fiber art. Hand painted canvas with collaged flowers added into the mix. Machine stitching creates a depth to this work of art. 

See it in my Etsy shop:   https://www.etsy.com/shop/ElaineMillarFiberArt

Linking to Off the Wall Friday

Hello Sun in My Face

This just feels like sunshine to me! And who doesn't like the warmth of the sun! 

My April personal bricolage challenge

 

What's Black and White and Brown All Over

These works were done with paper. Hey, that's fiber too! In a class called Collage Joy by Catherine Rains, our first assignment was to make  4 x 4 collages only sing neutrals. I love this palette and so enjoyed this. They are unified through size, color and circles. Keep watching because there is more to come.  

 

Catch a Glimpse

MIX is at it again. This time one of our inspirations is from a napkin , no less. Use the structure, use the colors, you decide just how you will be inspired.

Here is my work. I call it Catch a Glimpse...of the colors that is. I love the framing and have done a few other pieces in this way. It is a standout!

To Encourage One

A word of the year generally seems to be about self improvement. And perhaps this is that too! But I think what a gift, to encourage others, to be grateful for them and to let them know. That is a gift to me as well.

 

Words about New Years Resolutions

Are they made to be broken? Do they last more than a week or two? This quote from Brain Andreas suggests that one way, is to end what is not working. The two go hand in hand. Pay heed to both.

 

Maya Angelou

I love the poetry of Maya Angelou. so much wisdom for all but especially women. She speaks to me. It is a shame that she is no longer with us but she lives on through her poetry in all of us who care.

 

The Humor of Exposed

The quote contained the word "exposed". I know it was a serious and reflexive quote but at my age it is difficult to take myself seriously. So add the golfer story. Sorry one and all but ya glotta love it.

 

Always a bird...

And in this case a flock. I especially loved the quote here because I find it so true. As a fiber artist, I often find I run out of a planned fabric. Then I have to really think of things from a different place and I find the result is always better. But what a huge take on life as well. I often find a new idea presents itself and thus a new challenge.

Sometimes, it is time to move away from an old way ("Let go of the things in life you honestly don't want") wich opens time for a whole new possibility. Isn't life good!

 

September Color

Yesterday, my first grandchild was born. She is a beauty named Thea, after her great-gramma Dorothy, who passed away in April. So September color will always and evermore be special to me. I was thinking of her beginnings when I created this layout. The quote seemed so perfect for her.

 

That Vase is Glorious

A most unusual set of elements to work with this month. I was thinking of all the flowers in bloom and how lovely it is to bring them into the house. Creating the layers in the vase was very fun and of course, the bird.

And It's Better That Way

I love this quote. It is almost always true. Somehow the right thing shows up when needed most. Or, the best laid plan is better when you leave it to serendipity. My take in my art, my cooking, my golfing, my everything... Enjoy! Still has a bird on it.

 

And blue and red on repeat...YES! Do you see the bird?

 

The May Bricolage: A Harmonious Story

These colors make my heart zing. Always a shade of blue and another of red.

 

Oops

and so here is the April Bricolage challenge. You gotta love these spring colors and the rain drops and of course, putting the bird on it. Smile!

What's Up

Seeing: We've had pelican visitors. Usually we only see them flying in formation with their black tipped wings. But with windier than usual conditions here, they are laying low. I think they like the fishing too

Watching: The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. Oh my how that makes me laugh.

Reading: The Tenth Circle by Jodi Picoult. It's one of her older books but she seems to capture the human character so well. This is no exception.

Listening: The Lincoln Highway by Amor Towles.  It doesn't compare to A Gentleman in Moscow but is a very compelling story. He is a good storyteller.

Sewing: A real quilt. It's taupes and greys and creams and browns all set in triangles. I'm nearly finished and will have the reveal soon.

Crafting: Completing the Creative Jumpstart classes and Fodder School

Moving: about that is, and of course it's golf .

 

The Balance called Life - the March Bricolage

Isn't life really about balance! Knowing when to speak and when to listen.  Knowing when to stay the course and when to move on. Knowing when to hold on and when to let go. Finding that balance is a fine line.

 

Her Powerful Voice - the February Bricolage

Layer upon layer of digital goodness! Floral backgrounds juxtaposed with marks and elements. The elements provide a focal point for the quote itself. And of course, I put a bird on it....