Working today for tomorrow

Some of you out there may think that I am a little scattered: jewelry-making, cooking, crocheting, felting, embroidery, plays, fitness, work, and now art. It may be true, but not in a bad way. For as long as I can remember, I have liked to stay busy. As a child, I had a vast imagination and could spend hours playing with Barbies or reading books. Summer reading challenges were no big deal for nerdy lil me.

As I reached adulthood, I have tried to maintain my imagination and creative spirit.I enjoy branching out and learning new things. I have always been fascinated with fonts, layout, and text (hence my metalwork) and my new online classes are fueling that fire. I think that they will really help me with my eventual goal of publishing my own embroidery patterns.

I realized, as I carted art supplies through the house that I have dedicated spaces for sewing and jewelry-making, but not "standard" art. Enter the new art space:

I want to make a line of patterns inspired by the Dowager Countess on Downton Abbey. Some possibilities above.

My first Downton pattern! I will stitch it up soon, refine the pattern, and post it here soon!

Art Class for Grown-Ups!

If you are a regular reader or my friend in the real world, you know that: A. I love learning new things, especially even art/craft-related things, B. I am a huge nerd and actually enjoy talking classes, C. I adore new supplies. D. I would like to design my own embroidery shop and design my own patterns. True story.

Last week, when the favorite guy and I were on our weekly library date, I found this gem:

52 drawing labs! I am so excited. I rushed out to stock up on more supplies and jumped right in.

I have spent a little while everyday working on a lab or two. It is challenging yet rewarding. 

Some samples from Lab 1: Drawing Cats in Bed

Breaking New Ground

I know that it may seem cliche and a little overplayed to be focused on new things at the start of the year. So be it. I have decided that even though I may not be able t actually open my own embroidery shop/tea bar this year, there is no harm in going through some of the processes and perhaps even start an online store by the end of the year.

Besides taking some business planning and financial courses, I definitely need to brush up on my drawing skills in order to design patterns. A great friend who has an illustration background will be giving me lessons and this summer, I plan on taking a class. 

In  the meantime, the internet and various wikis are my friend.

This is first completed sketch that could be converted to a pattern. 

A little rough, but ya have to start somewhere.

Simple yet identifiable.

Also, still plugging way on my blue squares. I am looking forward to having this lovely piece on our bed but also can't wait to start making multi-colored fun squares.

Side note: a great brunch of focaccia, goat cheese, and grape chutney =awesome. Add a mystery novel, and you have bliss.

Lastly, but most importantly, I would not be able to do any of this today without my new glasses. I waited for the optician to call like most girls wait for their crush. Some adjusting will be necessary, but I am back in the making game!