LizzyHouse

Step Away from the Tweet Deck.

I've been doing some thinking, and some Olympic watching. This thinking has lead to some decisions/ realizations.

I'll never be an Olympic Athlete. I've never been much of an Athlete.

I'm a long track singer, and a short track dancer. I can roller skate circles around people in any direction. I am a marathon sewer. I am a champion textile designer, and an elite printmaker. But an athlete in the Olympic sense, I am not. Nor will I ever be.

I'm ok with that. Here's what I am not ok with. Just because I am not an Olympic athlete does not mean that I shouldn't give the same kind of time, dedication, commitment and endurance to what I do. I am an artist, who wants to be a better artist. There is no competition I am working towards, world title, or gold medal. What I am working towards is a better me, a better product, a better satisfaction, even better recognition. 

So, how am I going to do this?

Well, for a start I'm media detoxing for the month of March. I'm cutting out TV, movies, Twitter, the INTERNET, if I used an ipod I'd be cutting that out too. I'm attached to too many shows, too many things that are actually keeping me from progressing... not that I don't enjoy an afternoon long conversation on twitter with my peeps. I do, you know I do. But I need a clear head, and all of these things have become distractions and mind fog. You know it, I know it.

But fear not. I am going to finish watching the Olympics before I unplug and set up some blog posts that will fire off through out the month so you won't forget about me. Also, I have some obligations that I have to tend to, so I will check my email 2-3 times a week. If you have problems downloading the book email me and we will get everything squared away. Also, you can even call me if you have questions about the book or pattern designs or whatever. I'd love to hear from you.

So for the month of March, I am kicking it old school. Acting like I've got dial up internet and one phone line. Not designing on my computer, but doing things by hand. That's why I became a printmaker in the first place. I'm keeping an actual journal throughout the month and I can't wait to see what I am able to get done, and what I will have to show you come the beginning of April.

What can you do to start becoming an Olympic you?

I love love love you all. 

Last of the Valentines.

While I was cracking myself up designing Valentine patterns last week, I took it way over the edge with these peeps. Meet the Cupid Crew.

That's right. A super hero like crew bringing Love to those in need. Do they all have names and jobs? Yes. Will I tell them to you now, so you can wish that the Cupid Crew existed in some form today other than being on your computer monitor? Yes. Yes I will.

First we have Louis. Louis is a cupid-like upper level management flying baby. He's the Boss keeping this team together. Making sure all match making and what have you is being taken care of in an orderly loving fashion. Although, and I think it's pretty obvious. Louis has a tendency to loose his temper.

Next up we have Jemaine. Jemaine, is a globe trotting bear like guy. He is responsible for match making. He intuitively circles the globe finding peeps ready for the Cupid Crew. He loves geography.

Jemaine works very Closely with Art. Art is trained in the fantastical ancient ways of the Cupid in Star Crossed Archery. It's actually only a six-week course at the CCC (cupid community college) where you receive a certificate, but enrollment is low and he was the top of his class. After Jemaine has located and points out potential CA's (cupid associates), Art goes to work shooting them with his "Arrows of Adoration" (patent still pending). 

Courtney is a charismatic girl that strong armed her way into the Cupid Crew. She was very vocal about the fact that "THERE ARE NOT PRESENTLY ANY WOMEN ON THE CUPID CREW". "I'M SURE ALL YOUR MATCHES ARE GOING TO WORK OUT GREAT..."

Death Stare.

Courtney is in charge of Dates, secret admirers, arts and crafts, party planning, and whatever other responsibility she feels like deeming her own. 

Then there is Waltz. He's kind of a Koala/Peep secretary with part time Cupid Crew responsibilities in charge of dance lessons. Don't worry, he's edging his way up the Cupid Crew ladder.

Not pictured above, but always present is Eversal. He's the Lawyer. Always wanting everyone to fill out forms, and insisting on being present at all Cupid Crew meetings. He started as an Intern before he passed the bar exam. He's lucky he got a pair of Cupid Crew shoes.

So to sum it up, the Cupid Crew is rag-tag group of loving do-gooders. They try their darndest to bring love to the citizens of the world in need of just that.

And for those of you wondering. The Cupid Crews shoes, are not available anywhere for purchase. Kind of like how we all wanted Team Zissou shoes, but that wasn't happening. 

so. I hope you can get a kick, out of me getting a kick out of a couple of hours goofing around. Wouldn't they make a great little comic book? Trading cards? What do you think? Who is your favorite?

kitsune-bi

I was just walking through the woods, minding my own business, and happened upon this trickster. Luckily he didn't know I was there, so his will o' the wisp had no effect on me. Good thing too. Who knows what would have happened?

Love you, dove you.

In my family, some one will say, "Love you," and the next person will say, "dove you". Or if you are saying goodbye to someone you would just say, "love you dove you." I don't really know how it started, or why, but we always say it. This new pattern is called just that. Love you, Dove you. It's based on George Braque's famous birds.

This second pattern is my personal favorite. It's called Return to Sender (just because of the Elvis song). I love getting and sending mail. I could see this one being applied to all sorts of things. Can't you?

I hope that you have all had a wonderful Valentines. Its been kind of a rough one here. My Mom is broken hearted because my brother, Luke, was deployed today. I am grateful for the work and service that he will be doing for our country, but it's just hard.

Valentines has got me thinking. For years of my life, and I think for a lot of people, Valentines has been rough. But I've realized something. I have been looking at it the wrong way. I realized, especially this year, that I have never been more grateful to be single on Valentines Day. Who knew it could be such a blessing.

So for everyone, I hope you are well, safe, happy, and loved.

Love you, dove you

Lizzy

i only have eyes for you.

Per usual, I am working on a bunch of stuff that I can't talk about. But I realized that I hadn't posted in over a week which is not cool, so I decided to design some hypothetical valentine textiles. It really just started as a joke. I was cracking myself up. Visual puns. But as usual, it has turned into something else. It always does. I'll still post them, because I did them for the ol' blog, but I'm thinking there might be some potential here. If not for textiles than at least my portfolio.

So enjoy the first of a few. I only have eyes for you.

 

I think this one would make better wrapping paper than fabric. I can't see too many quilts out of this one.

something new.

I just want to say how grateful I am for all of you who have purchased the book and for all of your sweet encouraging feedback. It means so much to me, and I hope that it is just the ticket you need to get on your way towards becoming a textile designer.

Because I am so grateful, I will show you a little tiny bit of the next thing I am working on. No hints though, just a hopping magpie for you to ponder. 

How to Enter the World of Textiles: for the Quilting Industry!

Well, It's finally up! After 5 different e-publishing sites, it's up.

You can find the book here! 

I hope that you love it, and that it will help enable you to get where you are going.

How to Enter the World of Textiles: for the Quilting Industry can be purchased for $25 USD, and accepts  paypal.

The book is 98 pages, full color, pdf.