beach art

we walked down to the beach today. it's been such a long time! a shame since we live so close. we brought painting supplies & ipods and enjoyed the weather!

♥ from carol

I got the sweetest little package in the mail yesterday from my friend, Carol, in Brasil. This is the second package I've recieved from her and just as fun! :D She made me a sweet girl & kitty pin, and mini ipod case. She also sent me a piece of her wonderfully fun paisley fabric along with a sweet note. Thank you so much, Carol! To see more of her fabulous creations go to her flickr album or blog. I can't understand what she writes in her blog but it's very nice to look at with it's bright colors, photographs, and wonderful illustrations. ♥

Here's what's in Carol's bag! :D What's in YOURS?

postcard procrastonation?

My postcards for this swap. These will travel around the world to their new owners! :D Made with kraft cardstock, marker, colored pencils, origami paper, and machine sewn stitches.
These have to go out by tomorrow! I have actually had them done for a while now but I wanted to photograph them for you before they leave for their new homes! :)

Daring

(click to enlarge)

Last week's Illustration Friday topic was "Daring". I wasn't able to scan earlier this week.

Daring
1. To have the courage required for;
2. To do something requiring boldness

Being a parent or caregiver is one of the most daring tasks I can think of.

what's in my bag?

What's in my bag?
♥ car keys
♥ cell phone
♥ cd: "electric" jason & nolan (violinists)
♥ one good bumblebee card holder
♥ beaded bracelet
♥ $0.77
♥ lush lip service
♥ i.d., ATM, & credit cards
♥ love, joleen business cards
♥ markers & pens

What's in YOUR bag?
♥ Keina's bag
♥ Carol's bag
♥Amy's bag

I haven't been home in a couple of days because of work so no scans of my latest just yet.

san fran album

i have started a mini album of our san fran trip. i've been planing this album since before our trip..haha! definitely my own style but inspired by sarah's collage albums. (click on photos to enlarge)

happy birthday to you!

Happy Birthday

to the world's best, stupendous, fabtabulous

husband EVER!

I love you, Alex!! :D

♥ ♥ ♥

♥'n trades!

Trades are so much fun! They make for such happy mail too! It sure brightened my day to open my mailbox yesterday! The package on the left came all the way from Portugal! I have been lucky to make quite a few friends there thanks to flickr. *Waves to Portuguese friends* Marta sent me such wonderful goodies including a handmade kitty, floral brooch, and heart. She also sent things like postcards and greetings cards, collages, ribbon, buttons, and fabric. She makes such wonderful things. You should check out her flickr album too! *Does the "Vanna" thing and turns to the right* The package on the right comes from the fabulous Jenn! I wandered on over to her other blog after she left me a comment. She had listed a bunch of wonderful and fun patterns that she wanted to trade on her blog. You can find her current goodies up for trade here. Imagine my glee when I openned up the package to find not only these fun patterns but cute felty flowers, a greeting card, pencil, candy, and a cute handmade fabric fortune cookie. THEN, I was surprised in another package with the cutest lil' plush car!!

Thank you so much! :D

sf

This is the last photo I am going to post from our San Francisco trip. I think it may be my favorite. We had such a great time! The last two days were spent at the Golden Gate Park and Bridge and the Cherry Blossom Festival in San Francisco's Japantown. It was so beautiful and the weather really held out for us. It was so nice to go on a trip just the two of us! I can't wait until our next trip. :D

golden gate park

a few of my favorites

japanese craft book

a totally cute japanese craft book i purchased in a bookshop in san francisco's japantown.

art in sf

We had a great day today! This morning we went to a cafe on the corner before walking to the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art. We spent a lot of the afternoon there. It was so wonderful to see art I've learned about in school books! In one of the pictures below it shows a print I purchased of my favorite painting- Ocean Park #54 by Richard Diebenkorn. I love art, especially paintings but have never had as strong of feelings as evoked by this painting. I suddenly was in the room alone and it just drew me in. I actually teared up. It was overwhelming. It was wonderful. Unfortunately, these prints do it absolutely no justice.

After the museum we went to lunch on the corner at Chevy's Fresh Mex Restaurant and then took a bus to the Mission District. It was the first time either of us had been on a public city bus in the U.S., that we could remember. We both have in other countries. Let me tell you, this was not a pleasant experience. I was relived to be able to breathe in fresh air when we got off (nearly 6 blocks too early!). We went to 826 Valencia. It's an awesome little bookshop that's part of a writing center. It is set up like a pirate shop and it's super fun! I bought a fun little glass quill and ink set, that Alex and I have been having a ton of fun with! Another little zine and diy shop that was recommended to us was Needles and Pens and it was so cute!! I am totally smitten with it. We even found some of Sarah's goodies from the small object! In our ventures between the two zine shops we came across a thrift shop where I found a beautifully illustrated children's book and a box of great vintage photographs. There is something really interesting, wonderful, yet sometimes creepy about a box of old photos- when you don't know any of the subjects. :) I ♥ it! Oh! And there's this great vintage store we went to where you buy clothes by the pound! I found a great handmade apron, purse, dress, and a tshirt which I am going to send to lekkner to make me something like totally rad.

we're here in san francisco!

Most of you know, I brought Alex to San Francisco for his birthday this weekend! He was so excited as he's never been and this was only the second time since I was a young child. We flew in this morning and are staying in the Sir Francis Drake hotel. It is so fun and very art deco! :D

We came straight to the hotel and then spent the day in Union Square, walking around and shopping. I was so excited to come across ARTfibers Yarn! It was suggested to me by Jamie from The Sampler Community. The manequin is wearing a shrug which I just love. I actually really love that toggle clasp. It is made of handmade blown glass and it's beautiful. They didn't have their stock to purchase yet so I will call in a few weeks.

We also came across LUSH! They make the most awesome fresh handmade cosmetics. I thought of you, Aunt Kim! :D We went in and tried out and smelled EVERYTHING in the store! We pretty much bought everything too! Haha. :D

reinvent

This week's Illustration Friday theme is: Reinvent.

Please click photograph for full size image!

fashion design

Today's Oprah was to celebrate the 5th anniversary of her magazine: O. On the cover she's wearing a fabulous couture gown by fashion designer, Narciso Rodriguez. Here is one of his featured designs. I absolutely ♥ that blue jacket!

While we're on the note of fashion designers I just ♥ ♥ ♥ what Jennifer Lopez cranked out at the Fall '05 Fashion Week in NY in February! These are seriously just a few of my favorites! Here is everything.

*sigh* I don't usually talk about this "outloud" because I know I could later be held accountable for my comments. I dread the feelings of regret and often pressure (mostly from myself) in regards to school. It's always been such a tug of war within me. With the end of the school year drawing near, in the year that my peers are graduating without me I feel a twinge of regret and jealousy. I feel that I am in a good spot in my life right now. I have a supportive family, a great job, a new business with lots of potential. I get to craft and create and do things that I love. I can afford to do this! I make the time because I've realized over the years that I cannot do without art. My life feels devoid and empty without it. What would a degree help me to achieve? For one thing, and perhaps the most important, it would help create a better sense of self worth. I will be accomplished; educated. What would I major in? Would I go back to fidm and pursue a fashion design career? I am not sure that's where my craft is headed. I think I would be better suited with a merchandising degree. I still dream of owning and running my own free standing consignment boutique. I see love, joleen continuing to grow and expand. Do I really need that degree to be successful? Maybe it isn't so much a need but a strong desire. I do want to go to school. I would love to go. But, when?

♥♥♥

nara: the original paint chip wallet

such a simple idea; such a cute outcome! i am in ♥!

occ

me; maria; melissa; silvia

No, not Orange County Choppers but crafters! :D We don't officially have a name yet but our first "meeting" was yesterday. It was so great to meet other crafters with indie business' in Orange County! We all had so much in common and it was very encouraging and inspiring to spend time with them. It was nice to make friends too!! I can't wait until next month's get together!

continuing my knitting endeavors...

Tsunami Relief Chunky Book Update

( Janey K. ; Kara K. ; Priscilla S. ; Lori M. ; Kim F. )

These are the pages sent in so far. They are all absolutely BEAUTIFUL! In person, it is truly awe inspiring. Unfortunately, we do not have near enough to create the book. I went on an emailing spree and have contacted several wonderful artists and crafters for their help in this endeavor. If this is a sign of what's to come, I think this book will be highly successful in raising money! I am so excited to see where this is going. Thank you to those that have contributed to the project thus far.
I have extended the deadline to May 20, 2005 to give people a chance to participate. Please email me with any questions or to let me know you're participating at joleenieweenie at hotmail dot com. We would love for you to join us!

Thank you!
Hugs,
Joleen

PS- Details and information for this project can be found here. For future projects please check with my charity: Lending Talents. You can also join the flickr group here.

grass green knit

I am so proud of this project and happy with the way it turned out!This was my first purse other than a clutch (which is essentially a wide scarf folded and attached in three parts)! :) I used my own pattern and sort of made it up as I went. I drew it out and then wrote down how many rows I did in each part for future reference! :) 6.5" x 12"; Hand-knit; "Grass" Wool-Ease yarn: acrylic 80% wool 20%; Embellished with a crocheted flower- "Coral Gables" Homespun yarn: 98% acrylic 2% polyester; vintage sage green button; Closed with yarn loop and pearl-like button. This one is mine! :D I know you want one! ;)

Sew Frustrated!

I tried *so* hard on this pouch not to sew too close to the zipper. My efforts were of no avail. :( First of all, my sewing machine is being a pain tonight! It kept messing up and if you could see between the lining and top fabrics you would shudder. I. Am. Not. Kidding! Eeek!! I am so bummed because I personally think this is super cute!! Heck, I would buy it! :D Specifics: 5.25" x 9" clutch; made of recycled grey corduroy, wool & acrylic felt, printed felt, embroidery thread, orange tulle, ribbon; embellished with decorative stiches; lined with orange and red check pattern cotton fabric.

Looks kinda lumpy in that top pic... Here is the lining. It's a perfect match IMO!

This last picture illustrates the horrible mess I made of the zipper. Luckily this clutch DOES open and close.. the bummer is you have to hold down the lining in order for it not to get caught on the zipper. Ugh! This one will be mine and I will practice so I can hopefully put similar ones in my shop.

yummy yarn

I have been MIA from here for a couple of days but I have been quite busy making more yummy products for you! :D Be sure to click on the photos to see them in their full size! These will all soon be found at love,joleen. Let me know what you think!

postcard swap

This is such a great idea that Myra is hosting!

May's Sampler Contribution

(Click to Enlarge)

75 high quality prints of mixed media collage on glossy cardstock; unframed; signed on the front; titled + numbered on back; original art created with watercolor, colored pencils, specialty paper, mesh, ink, + vintage advertisement.

Created for May's Sampler.

alone

Alone

"From childhood's hour I have not
been
As others were; I have not seen
As others saw; I could not bring
My passions from a common spring.
From the same source I have not
taken
My sorrow; I could not awaken
My heart to joy at the same tone;
And all I loved, I loved alone.
Then- in my childhood, in the dawn
Of a most stormy life- was drawn
From every depth of good and ill
The mystery which binds me still:
From the torrent, or the fountain,
From the red cliff of the mountain,
From the sun that round me rolled
In its autumn tint of gold,
From the lightning in the sky
As it passed me flying by,
From the thunder and the storm,
And the cloud that took the form
(When the rest of Heaven was blue)"
Of a demon in my view.
-Edgar Allan Poe

This week's Illustration Friday theme: Alone.

5" x 7" mixed media collage created with watercolor, specialty paper, colored pencil, and ink on 140 lb. watercolor paper. Click photo to enlarge!

mail trades and other goodies

The postman (or woman?) has been so good to me lately and I thought it was about darn time I shared the goodness! From left to right:
1. My mother in law gave me these goodies when we visited last month! Some of it was her mother's and others were found at estate sales by her father.
2. Goodies from a trade with Sarah of The Small Object. She has such a fun style! She sent me stationary, greeting cards, a print, two 1" buttons, postcards, an ATC, and fortune telling fish. They're all so fun! You should check out her store and buy something! If not for you, then for me! Haha!
3. The fabulously colorful and funky hand dyed and spun yarn I bought from Heidi of My Paper Crane. She also sent me a screen print of a deer! I absolutely love this!! When I improve a bit with my sewing I will put it on a tote bag or purse.

4. Aren't these fun? Yara sent me a beautifully handmade brooch, paper crane, wallet made of cardboard, tape, and velcro (really neat!), and a wonderfully illustrated book from where she works! Thank you so much for the goodies, Yara! I love them!
5. These goodies are froma trade with Katey of One Good Bumblebee. She sent me lots of handmade goodies including: a felt pouch, business card holder with her cards in it, magnets, two 1" buttons, notecards (one set gocco printed!), stickers, a felt magnet and cute acorn, and necklace. They are so fabulous and you should check out her relatively new online shop!
6. A close-up of some fun buttons she sent me!

7. This is the necklace Katey made!
8. These were the goodies (I never posted! Shame, shame!)that Leslie sent me for our Operation Haremail chocolate bunny exchange! She sent me such great stuff! I got a pretty card, journal/notebook, big chocolate bunny, and a circular paper box with candies, a cute bunny pez dispenser, and coasters in it!
9. This is a close up of the coasters! Aren't they great!? So colorful! I love 'em. They're on my desk now as an inspiration. :)

Oiseaux (birds)

(Click to Enlarge!!)

High quality prints of mixed media collages on 90 lb. glossy cardstock; Limited Edition of 15(of each design); 4.75" x 6.75"; Original artwork created with watercolor, specialty paper, vintage advertisement, colored pencil, and ink; From left to right: "Une Oiseau", "Deux Oiseaux", "Trois Oiseaux"; $20 each or the edition of 3 prints for $50. Soon found at love, joleen. If interested beforehand please feel free to email me! :D I love how these turned out!

*note* (May 04,2005) I have decided to change the price (drastically, go you! :D ) to $8 each.

woodblock paintings

(click to enlarge)

These are three small woodblock paintings that I painted for love, joleen. They're approximately 3" x 5.5" in size. The lettering in that first one was made with rubber stamps. They are hand painted with acrylics and sealed and are each one of a kind.

Be sure to check out love, joleen with the new coming soon page up! Katey is doing such a great job! Be sure to check out her own fabulous shop: One Good Bumblebee!

projects

I actually made a third pouch after I posted last night. It was made of a green vinyl material. But guess what? The zipper got stuck on the lining fabric and it doesn't open!! Ugh. I guess I will run into sewing problems but this just totally stinks. Above is a yarn I bought from My Paper Crane yesterday. It matches The Bundle I bought last time so maybe I can make a larger project with it. We shall see. I also recieved my Xyron 510 yesterday. It's pretty basic but fun. :) It laminates, makes stickers, and magnets. In my "spare time" the next couple of days I will probably work on some more pouches/purses. Then, this weekend, I am going to try to get some painting done. :)

being sick stinks

I am sick again and it totally sucks! I don't know why I have been getting sick so often this year. Very odd, indeed. Today I was nothing short of miserable. After a bath and taking meds I was able to function. Here are two clutches I made today. The first is 5" x 8.75" cotton polka dot print fabric with floral cotton lining and another floral fabric tie. Fabric yo-yo's made of cotton prints and demin and adorned with buttons. Leaves and background of applique are made of wool felt and all handsewn. The second is 6" x 9" paisley print fabric with orange "plaid" cotton lining. Closed with a hot pink zipper. Adorned with florescent pom poms and fun printed ribbons.

Soon found at love, joleen

flew south

(Click to enlarge)

This week's Illustration Friday theme is: Travel. Keeping with the birds I decided to illustrate something that depicted them flying south for the Winter. :D

update

I've been busy making illustrations for my paper products these last few days. Also busy being a nanny. :) When I get home... tomorrow?... I will try to scan what I have been creating. Not home for any sewing these past couple of days but I did find a great pattern for some tote/purses I want to make. I have a knitting project I keep putting off that I need to start on, also.

In the meantime, here are some great shops of handmade goods:
♥morning craft - just re-opened with tons of great spring goodies!
♥copacetique - all about "cute"!
♥frauliebe- one of a kind items from vintage and preloved materials!
♥cut+paste - consigment shop; one of my favorites in design
♥day lab - consigment shop; more "artsy" IMO
♥shop heather joy - homemade lip balms and soaps!

first felt pouch

My first of (hopefully) many felt pouches! There are areas that can use improvement but I think I am on the right track. :) I am definitely impressed with my first attempts. I just got a bunch of fun fabric from Jo-Ann's and Fabric Attic for these projects and others. :) I also got a crafting table and chair today at Ikea! We picked it out about a month ago but just purchased it today. It is crowded now but these are not permanent fixtures of the table. The corkboard is going to be my "inspiration board". Also, I got the sewing machine from Target the other day with gift cards from my birthday. :)

apple of my eye

Grr... I hate it when I write lots o' stuff and then it gets deleted! Okay so these apples are an idea for a stationary header for love, joleen. Do you like 'em? I drew them with a marker and manipulated them on the computer. I really need a way to illustrate on the computer. I am looking into getting a Wacom Tablet. I also need to get Adobe Illustrator for my computer. Last night I sketched out some cute illos for stationary, greeting cards, postcards, magnets, and stickers. Besides the apples I really liked my "two peas in a pod" and "get well bandaids".