a sick day well spent *

Nothing makes you feel more gentile than sitting propped up in bed doing embroidery and nothing makes you feel less so than using toilet paper as Kleenex. Maybe it's the fact that I spent most of my sick day finishing up these ^, writing letters and listening to an audio book of "Pride and Prejudice" but I can't for the life of me stop thinking in a victorian accent.

oh baby *

Today, I went to a friend's baby shower so I guess I've got babies on the brain, other people's babies that is. Doesn't this movie look great?- an interesting peek into how different cultures raise their little ones, and stunning cinematography. If there happen to be any puppy and/or kitten cameos in this movie, I just might explode.

almost christmas *

working on some hand-made Christmas gifts, more to come...

story time/art show *

Recently, New York based artist, Dennis McNett of Howling Print Studios did an awesome collaborative project with the printmaking department. My old professor Curtis Jones shared with me a funny story told to him by McNett.

McNett's niece and nephew often request that he draw tattoos on them. On one such occasion, McNett told them to think of two four letter words for him to write on their knuckles. Knuckle tattoos are of course traditionally reserved for four letter words with well, a certain tough guy quality, words you might want someone to read just before your punch landed on their face. Think, "THUG. LIFE." or "HELL. BENT." Anyway, McNett said his 6 year old niece thought for second, then in a moment of illumination stated matter-of-factly, "BABY. DOGS."

ahhh, if only little girls ruled the world, right?

so, in honor of Dennis McNett's presumably adorable six year old niece, the printmakers will install an exhibition entitled "Baby Dogs" in the Lightwell over X-mas break. The show will be up from Dec. 14 through Jan. 8, stop by for a look. Here is the front of a postcard I designed for the show, with a photo taken by Curtis Jones.

guerilla knitting *

I love street art, but I just don't see myself spray painting or wheat pasting in a dark ally. More and more, urban artists are gaining recognition in the contemporary art community, I think it's important to recognize this uniquely feminine take on what is for the most part an aggressive and male dominated art form.

Even the stickliest stickler would probably melt into a pool of giggles if confronted by a lamp post wearing a sweater, I know I would.

Check out this, this and this.

papermation *

OK, so I love a good paper cut, not the kind that hurts, the kind that's pretty to look at. Artist Jen Stark, does amazingly fabulous paper sculpture, and last night I stumbled across her lovely papermation on the Constant Gatherer. I love that quirky music too, hypnotic isn't it?

wouldn't this be nice? *

I found this not too long ago- a clever idea and a sweet ride!

cheap thrills *

I've been experiencing a lot of jewelry lust and envy lately (that's two deadly sins you know). Instead of squandering my very limited coin, I've been gathering up things I already have around the house and working on these little pretties. The middle one is my favorite. It's made from washers sewn onto grosgrain ribbon with embroidery thread- so easy to make. I like it as a short or long necklace, a belt, or even as a headband. The key was a little gift from my friends Reese and Margaret. Most of the beads are from Reese's great shop, The Wild Hare Beadery.

falling for fall *

Well, I'm about to hit the road and get my busy weekend under way, I'll be visiting family and attending Kelly's wedding. Before I do, I wanted to share a few fall pics with you.

The top left picture is a centerpiece I made I made for Kelly's Christmas wedding shower in early November. I made the wreath last fall but didn't manage to take it down all year. The picture in the lower right is of my house and one of my favorite new traditions, an early Thanksgiving celebration with friends. The other two pics are from a lovely camping trip to Tyler State Park.

Bye for now, have a safe and happy Thanksgiving!

every bed needs a couple a' side kicks *

left - middle

left - middle - right

Through a combination of issuing threats of storage fees to our friends and a very productive "big trash day," we've finally cleared enough room to organize our small but relatively legitimate shop in the garage. D has been spending a lot of time in there, and is itching for a new project. He wants me to design a set of new bed side tables for him to build. I'll be using these little mid century beauties as inspiration.

photo love *

Sarah Warmker is a friend and a super talented photographer, check out these lovely pics from my wedding on her blog.

I love Sarah's work, she is great at making people feel comfortable, and her photos always look so lively and candid. Plus, she sets up a mean photobooth. If you live in Oklahoma... you pretty much need her to photograph your event.

P.S. Her delicious looking food pics are making me hungry! More tasty pics by Sarah can be found here.

i made these today *

After a couple of minor mishaps, and a great deal of distraction caused by D's and my super awesome new MIG welder, I've finally got a good jump on the programs I'm making for Kelly's wedding. Kelly's style is very elegant and contemporary, pretty different from mine, but I've really enjoyed designing these. I think they turned out real' pretty.

The creation of these programs was really simple. All four pages were designed to have about three inches of space at the top. After printing and cutting, they were just folded down and stapled. Then a piece of black card-stock was folded over the little booklet and stapled again. Finally a red velvet ribbon is glued around the top. This ribbon hides the staples.

With about 150 left to assemble, I might have to bribe some friends and family to help. So, for those of you who happen to be family or friend, beware unwarranted compliments or gifts.

project programs *

On this lovely Saturday morning, I have a project and goal. After a crazy weird day at work yesterday (involving a sewage leak, a fire alarm, and a dirt cloud of dust bowl proportions), I'm looking forward to spending some nice peaceful time in my studio. I'll be working on the programs for my friend Kelly's wedding. I'll post pics of the finished project later.

o.k. here goes... *

Well this is me a few years ago. I still love a good scottie dog appliqué but things are a little different now. I live in a yellow house in Oklahoma with two mutts andd my husband D. I've recently graduated from college with a degree in studio art. I think it's time for my very own blog, so here it is.

This is where I work. I enjoy cutting, glueing, printing, painting, welding, and making in general; also I like looking at stuff. I'm writing this blog as a way to organize my thoughts and influences and share my creative process. On "Hide the Good Scissors" I'll be sharing things that I like, things that I'm working on, and amusing details from my life. Feel free to share your opinions. I hope you like it here*