Friday, December 30, 2011

In Loving Memory of Evelyn McMartin

Her energy was as brilliant as this beautiful flower. She will be missed by many. Love, Stephanie

Saturday, December 17, 2011

Snowflower and the Secret Fan

Just saw the movie. Beautiful...but, better read the book first. Two thirds of it was spoken in Chinese...although the emotions were universal. Make sure you're in an "up" mood and have high quality chocolate nearby. Snowflower and the Secret Fan by Lisa See.

The costumes were well done. The silks and embroideries were especially intriguing. Made me think about some brocade silks in my stash....hmmmm.

Saturday, November 19, 2011

Lou Cashon, Quilt Artist shows at the World Quilt - FL Show in West Palm Beach Florida


Lou Cashon, Juno Beach. Title:  "Tie That Tiger". The Tiger piece in the center came from a Kimono worn by a Japanese man about 50 years ago. The vintage fabric is a blend of silk and wool...all the more apropo to add his signature silk ties. His entry was in the "One Thousand Cranes" exhibit at the World Quilt - Florida International Show.
Mr. Cashon embraced sewing a few months ago while starting his first project of ties sewn together to create a pillow. A dear friend asked him to make a "memory pillow" from ties of her late husband. Since then he has created more pillows, a gored skirt for his wife Joan who is a professional ballroom dancer, and novelty gift items. He also paints and creates floral arrangements. So prolific with the arts....his past career was in education. His studio is in Tequesta, FL where his items are for sale. I will add the contact information soon.

Saturday, September 24, 2011

The Best Revenge...is living well
 :)

Thursday, September 1, 2011

12th Annual Downtown Stuart (Florida) Craft Fair


September 24th & 25th, 2011
Saturday & Sunday 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Free Admission
Osceola Street. in Downtown Stuart, Fl.


Stuart is located on the banks of the St. Lucie River and downtown Stuart brims with activity daily. With over 70 gift shops, restaurants and clothing stores, downtown Stuart is certainly the place to enjoy beautiful fine craft and the Annual Downtown Stuart Craft Festival is the perfect location! From photography, paintings, sculpture, jewelry and more showcased from over 100 fine crafters, your visit to downtown Stuart is promised to be a feast for the senses. See you there!
For more info click here! 
A Howard Alan Event




For the Love of Lilly (Pulitzer) Exhibit

On display and extended till November 30th at the Museum of Lifestyle & Fashion History - located in the Boynton Beach Mall (Florida). I haven't had a chance to see it but if you go....tell us about it! For more info:

website:  www.MLFHMUSEUM.org 
phone number:  561.243.2662 
location:  click here

Friday, August 12, 2011

KAZU Japanese Restaurant .... yummm

Authentic Japanese food at KAZU in Stuart, FL. I had lunch there today and it was awesome!

Hobby Lobby opens in Jensen Beach, FL on 8.8.11

Folks....we have arrived! We have our own brand new Hobby Lobby in Jensen Beach. Here is the link to the location. They had their first coupon in this past Sunday paper (in the Stuart News anyway). Well, I am off to go check it out. Just had time to read the Sunday paper today! Will post more when I get back.

Monday, June 27, 2011

"It's Sew Easy" new sewing show debuts June 30th, 2011


This is the first season (series 100) of It's Sew Easy, a long awaited sewing show. Check with PBS in your area for times and availability. If it's not available please ask for it. More information will be available on http://www.itsseweasytv.com/. You will be able to purchase the entire series.

I was fortunate to be invited to do a segment (#104), so I believe that means "week four". I'll have more info soon. The segments carry a myriad of projects for all sewing levels and interests.

The segment above is a promo and gives you an idea of what it is like. In the intro, there is a quick shot of me....thank goodness I had a good hair day! After all, I was in snowy Cleveland, Ohio and my hair is used to blasts of Florida humidity. On the other hand, the hotel had great complimentary cookies. When you see a shot with three dress garments dressed in wearable art Kimono....they're mine!

I'll add more info soon....

Hattie Shorts, artist extraordinaire !

 
I attended a private art show in Juno Beach, FL for local artists. Every medium was represented well. My fascination was for a particular artist so gifted and prolific in her creations. Hattie Shorts quilts these "Stack and Whack" quilts (Author: Bethany Reynolds) in just a few days. There are three generationso of quilters/artists in her family. I recently met her daughter in law Suzanne and grandson Ryan. Ryan designed and made two quilts when ten years old. I'll be showing you more of their work soon.



Friday, June 10, 2011

You can find inspiration for art everywhere...even a marina....

perspective...


color...


monochromatic composition....


texture....



cool graphics....



a human touch....


Namaste








Tuesday, May 24, 2011

Quilt by 8th graders in Indiana to honor Nissei WWII Veterans

From the article:  

The 8th Grade students at Sunnyside and Tecumseh Middle Schools in Lafayette ,Indiana are undertaking an awesome and inspiring project, a 19 X 41 ft quilt honoring the Japanese American soldiers who fought in World War II. This project is under the tutorship of their teacher, Mrs Leila Meyerratken. In addition to memorabilia, including dog tags of Nisei veterans , and the two poems written by 8th Graders, there will be over 20,000 names of Nisei soldiers, from the 100th Battalion, the famed 442nd Infantry Regiment, the 522nd Artillery Battalion , 1399th Engineer Construction Battalion and MIS (Military Intelligence Service) . There will be 120,000 tassels representing the number of Japanese and Japanese Americans incarcerated in Relocation Camps . The quilt dimension of 19X41 feet was chosen to represent the year 1941, the year Pearl Harbor was bombed. Like the "Go For Broke"Memorial in Lost Angeles, this quilt will be a tribute to the Japanese Americans who volunteered to fight for their country to prove that they are loyal Americans despite the incarceration of their family members in Relocation Centers. They are hoping that this quilt will be seen by others in the United States to teach others how they rose above the indignities they suffered by making sacrifices in the field of battle . The students strongly feel that this WWII history of the Japanese Americans soldiers , which is not covered in history books, should be told. To read more......


Friday, May 6, 2011

Historical Mapping of the Middle East...

If only history class was this easy in the olden days of books....

http://www.mapsofwar.com/images/EMPIRE17.swf

Friday, April 22, 2011

Earth Day...Free coffee at Starbucks

Bring your own or a Starbucks travel mug and receive free coffee or tea today! Only at participating locations....and check what time it ends. For more info CLICK HERE.

Friday, April 15, 2011

Haute Handbags Spring 2011 ~ Mumm Pouch by Stephanie Kimura


Well....Stampington outdid themselves with this issue of Haute Handbags. I especially love the Spring issue because of all the brilliant colors and artful styles apropo for celebrating the coming of Spring and Summer. The issue is out on the stands now........if you live in an area where it is not available.......then buy it HERE.
I'll also have the metal frame used in the Mumm Pouch for sale in a few days....watch for it here.


Here's my "Mumm Pouch" on page 94 (above). Elegant morsels made with vintage Chirimen Kimono textiles. Use fabrics from a skirt your Grandmother wore....a great way to keep a connection to her (also a great gift to the bride in your family).

More instructions on page 95 and free pattern on page 96 (below).


LOTS of great Artists in this issue......here is a peek......




I am a sucker for RED!



Thursday, March 31, 2011

Tornado Watch today....here in Stuart, FL

Wow...I looked at the weather map and it's a BIG one. The wind is blowing like crazy.

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

A Letter From Sendai


A letter from a friends friend:

Hello My Lovely Family and Friends,


First I want to thank you so very much for your concern for me. I am very touched. I also wish to apologize for a generic message to you all. But it seems the best way at the moment to get my message to you.

Things here in Sendai have been rather surreal. But I am very blessed to have wonderful friends who are helping me a lot. Since my shack is even more worthy of that name, I am now staying at a friend's home. We share supplies like water, food and a kerosene heater. We sleep lined up in one room, eat by candlelight, share stories. It is warm, friendly, and beautiful.

During the day we help each other clean up the mess in our homes. People sit in their cars, looking at news on their navigation screens, or line up to get drinking water when a source is open. If someone has water running in their home, they put out sign so people can come to fill up their jugs and buckets.

Utterly amazingly where I am there has been no looting, no pushing in lines. People leave their front door open, as it is safer when an earthquake strikes. People keep saying, "Oh, this is how it used to be in the old days when everyone helped one another."

Quakes keep coming. Last night they struck about every 15 minutes. Sirens are constant and helicopters pass overhead often.

We got water for a few hours in our homes last night, and now it is for half a day. Electricity came on this afternoon. Gas has not yet come on.

But all of this is by area. Some people have these things, others do not. No one has washed for several days. We feel grubby, but there are so much more important concerns than that for us now. I love this peeling away of non-essentials. Living fully on the level of instinct, of intuition, of caring, of what is needed for survival, not just of me, but of the entire group.

There are strange parallel universes happening. Houses a mess in some places, yet then a house with futons or laundry out drying in the sun.

People lining up for water and food, and yet a few people out walking their dogs. All happening at the same time.

Other unexpected touches of beauty are first, the silence at night. No cars. No one out on the streets. And the heavens at night are scattered with stars. I usually can see about two, but now the whole sky is filled.

The mountains are Sendai are solid and with the crisp air we can see them silhouetted against the sky magnificently.

And the Japanese themselves are so wonderful. I come back to my shack to check on it each day, now to send this e-mail since the electricity is on, and I find food and water left in my entranceway. I have no idea from whom, but it is there. Old men in green hats go from door to door checking to see if everyone is OK. People talk to complete strangers asking if they need help. I see no signs of fear. Resignation, yes, but fear or panic, no.

They tell us we can expect aftershocks, and even other major quakes, for another month or more. And we are getting constant tremors, rolls, shaking, rumbling. I am blessed in that I live in a part of Sendai that is a bit elevated, a bit more solid than other parts. So, so far this area is better off than others. Last night my friend's husband came in from the country, bringing food and water. Blessed again.

Somehow at this time I realize from direct experience that there is indeed an enormous Cosmic evolutionary step that is occurring all over the world right at this moment. And somehow as I experience the events happening now in Japan, I can feel my heart opening very wide. My brother asked me if I felt so small because of all that is happening. I don't. Rather, I feel as part of something happening that much larger than myself. This wave of birthing (worldwide) is hard, and yet magnificent.

Thank you again for your care and Love of me,

With Love in return, to you all,

Thursday, March 17, 2011

Heather Forman demos for the Art Associates of Martin County

Heather Forman gave a great demo for the AAMC. This is one of her surface design textiles. It was held at the Women's Club building and the setup with the mirror above the artist was great.
Please join the AAMC...they have great events and they serve a delicious punch and cake!

These ladies (below) are all fabulous artists and members of the AAMC. Lois Looby and her friends.

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

Hier Katze, Katze

My cousin is living in Germany and met a cat that lives in the neighborhood. She called out, "Here Kitty, Kitty" and the cat ignored her. So she spoke to the cat in German, "Hier Katze, Katze" and the cat came right over.

Saturday, March 12, 2011

Wishing the people of Japan hope, love, and strength....

Sakura (Cherry Blossom)

In the Japanese culture, the cherry blossom represents the cycle of life and how our lives blossom and fall. The blossoms represent the beautiful but transient nature of life.

Tuesday, March 1, 2011

Leslie Peacock...3rd Place WINNER in the Mid Atlantic Quilt & Wearable Art Show 2011

This jacket is named the "Jacobean Garden" and created by Leslie Peacock in Arizona and her email is carousel01@earthlink.net if you have any questions or wish to buy her jacket pattern. This is a quote from her:

 “Jacobean Garden” began with the floral batik fabric and was the challenge fabric for the 2010 Innovations Quilt Show.  The floral fabric reminded me of some Jacobean designs I had purchased through Embroidery Library and soothe jacket design was born.   I love to embroider designs on my garments and I combined various designs and decorative stitches to create the designs on this garment. I used quilting techniques including Seminole piecing to complete the design.  Decorative stitching was used for the “quilting” and the batting is Hobbs Silk Batting. The pattern is from my “I’m Wearing My Quilt” Pattern Collection, #1007.  I used Hemingworth embroidery thread for the embroidery designs as well as the decorative stitching

Monday, February 28, 2011

Quilted Purse...Quick, Quilted & Cute...by Stephanie Kimura

This is one of my favorite bags to make. It's fast to finish and cute to boot. All these fabrics came out as a "collection" which always makes it even easier. There is a magnetic snap closure inside near the top and a zippered pocket for valuables. I always make a roomy pocket to fit my wallet...so that's a pretty big zipper! The shoulder strap can be shortened to fit on your shoulder if you like to wear your bag right under your arm. I never understood that (except if you live in NYC). I love shades of blue, green, and dark brown together. Use fabrics you love and make purses in all the colors you love! I'll have some tutorials soon! Spread the word....tell your friends to sign up on my Google Follow!

I will be having some contests but you must be signed up on my Google Follow!

Thursday, February 24, 2011

YouGoGirlJupiter.com Event.....Please support us....


I am selling tickets $10 or $15 for two tickets to the YouGoGirlJupiter women's charity event.  Email me to reserve a ticket....they'll be ready in a week or so.....I will mail them to you.....ASAP...Click here

Empowering women to create healthy, successful & balanced lives.

THE 4TH ANNUAL "YOU GO GIRL!" women's charity event will be held APRIL 7, 2011, 2:00 - 7:00 p.m. at Frenchman's Reserve in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. Once again, proceeds will benefit the treatment of women's reproductive cancer at the Ella Milbank Foshay Cancer Treatment Center at Jupiter Medical Center.

55 EXHIBITORS! I am an exhibitor
Wine Tasting * Mini-Massages * Light Refreshments
Ladies Tea * Happy Hour * Cooking Demos
Booksigning * Ballroom Dance Exhibitions * Silent Auction
Goody Bags distributed to first 250 attendees! Over 400 attendees last year!

 

Stephanie Kimura wins 1st place - Wearable Art Jacket @ Mid Atlantic Quilt Show XXII in Hampton Roads

Ok, bear with me....because I might announce this several times. I WON! The link to the announcement is HERE.

You can be the next big licensed fabric designer!

 Michael Miller Fabrics and Spoonflower.com are searching for the NEXT BIG Licensed Fabric Designer! Just design a Baby Boy fabric and upload it HERE.

ETSY...HolyCrapClothingShop

This photo came from a shop on Etsy called the holycrapclothingshop. They used a Patty Young pattern and they don't mention whose fabric but since Patty is associated with Michael Miller Fabrics.....

The photographer is Lindsey Mills and she has captured the most amazing moment in time with these darling girls in their beautiful dresses. Shops on Etsy have come a long way and rival the big names in fashion. Kudos to you all! This is how it should be done.

So, a fabric company, a pattern maker, a talented designer, a seamstress, a photographer, darling models, cool bamboo floor, and a shop owner are making money while they whistle. It's not always about sitting around waiting to be hired for a job! HA!

Tuesday, February 8, 2011

If you live in Florida....

and you have any issues with insurance of any kind....go to the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation:  http://www.floir.com/ContactUs.aspx .
File a consumer complaint. Have all the names of the companies ready. If you are filing a health insurance complaint, there will be many providers involved. Once it is in their hands...they will send an email to all the entities and all providers will have 24 hours to comply or explain what is happening. You can also give the name of your insurance compay and find out how many billions of dollars they have in Florida and how many complaints have been filed within 365 days.

If you want to give your insurance company a "heads up"....just ask for a senior supervisor because you're ready to file a complaint....and VOILA....suddenly you'll be in a three-way call and everyone is your BFF.

BTW, I asked my insurance company why Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Florida is offering a colonoscopy (even though I really don't want one and they can run as high as $3,000) as part of their Wellness Program. She said it is required by law now. I asked if it was now part of my policy and she said no....because I am grandfathered in and they are only included in all of their NEW policies. I asked if I would have to cancel and then apply to get a new policy and she said no. They are no longer writing new policies for anyone in Florida. It's getting grim.

Thursday, February 3, 2011

Happy Chinese New Year!

Happy Chinese New Year ! Even though I am not Chinese...I like to celebrate everyone's NEW YEAR! Good Luck!

Sunday, January 23, 2011

Stephanie Kimura - Art Quilt Exhibit @ Molly's House

This is my art quilt and I am kneeling so that we can get my little heron (white bird at lower left) in the photo. This photo was taken by Leo Arbeznik, professional photographer for Molly's House.

 I just got back from an art quilt show in N. Ft. Myers created by Art Quilters Unlimited. It was a beautiful show, well organized, and the best vendors. I'll add posts about it in the next few days.

Saturday, January 15, 2011

Vintage Kimono Clutch...Kinou no Yume..Dreams of Yesterday

This clutch was made with fabric taken from a vintage Kimono. This fabric is over 70 years old and the colors are as vibrant as ever. In keeping with the very traditional floral images, I've embellished the fabric with hand sewn stitches using silken rayon thread while quilting through the layers of batting and underfabric. I lined it with yellow silk dupioni and machine quilted with two colors of rayon thread. Between the outside layer and the lining, I've included a strip of very stiff stabilizer and insulated it with more batting. This way the clutch can "sit up" on it's bottom surface. I just love this fabric and clutch.

Fellow Kimonophile, Cheryl Imperatore, is editing her book and getting ready for reprint "Kimono...Vanishing Tradition...Japanese Textiles of the 20th Century". I'll keep you posted about the book.

Do you Do DENIM...Artwear?


The reason to exist...Truth! Wear your message of creativity.
This denim noir jacket came together quickly.
It started with a silver foiled "Truth" on the back.
Black lace and meanderingstitching added drama
and it was finished with curls drawn with a permanent marker.
Add Swarovski crystals to put light on the message.
Sometimes an Artwear Journal focuses on a moment in time.
After watching all the politics of our Nation... we need to:
Say what you mean!
Mean what you say!
Put it in writing!
Wear it on your sleeve!





Truth...

Thursday, January 13, 2011

Vitriol & Rhetoric

vit·ri·ol 


[vi-tree-uhl]

noun, verb, -oled, -ol·ing or ( especially British ) -olled, -ol·ling.

–noun

1. Chemistry . any of certain metallic sulfates of glassy appearance, as copper sulfate or blue vitriol, iron sulfate or green vitriol, zinc sulfate or white vitriol, etc.

2. oil of vitriol; sulfuric acid.

3. something highly caustic or severe in effect, as criticism.

–verb (used with object)

4. to treat with or as with vitriol, esp. sulfuric acid.
 
rhet·o·ric 


[ret-er-ik]

–noun

1. (in writing or speech) the undue use of exaggeration or display; bombast.

2. the art or science of all specialized literary uses of language in prose or verse, including the figures of speech.

3. the study of the effective use of language.

4. the ability to use language effectively.

5. the art of prose in general as opposed to verse.

6. the art of making persuasive speeches; oratory.

7. (in classical oratory) the art of influencing the thought and conduct of an audience.

8. (in older use) a work on rhetoric.

refudiate

not a real word

Bwaahahahhhahahha.....

Tuesday, January 11, 2011

Barbour's Produce vegetable and fruit stand in Jensen Beach, Florida offers inspiration for ART

This is my favorite place to shop on Indian River Drive

Look at those wonderful colors...

and textures...

this is the first time I saw a brussel sprout on a stem....

Wickles are hot pickles...

I bought those radishes and pickled them...

 It would be awesome to reproduce the texture with fabric dye....

Roasted these....

Orchids are like the dessert of market stands....