Atlanta Agenda

by | Jan 17, 2012 | Art News

Renew, Refresh & Reflect – My morning agenda, Monday following Atlanta’s International Gift Market.

A strawberry smoothie, muffin & souvenir jam while I absorb the weekend events.

And browse through complimentary catalogs collected from strategic meetings – Gain insight on products, trends, colors, etc.

Enjoy the free product prizes, signed by artist (friends) colleagues. The take courage journal offers a well timed theme.

And recall the artist meet up at the Westin. Very fun.

Last but not least – A highly recommended Printer

Since I had a little trouble uploading art to the new iPad prior to the show, I opted to bring hard color copies of my art for client viewing. I had several compliments from art directors and artists on the beautiful printing.

A big THANK YOU to Jason

at World Press Printing, Fenton, MO. His expertise and recommendations are impeccable!

Hi Resolution – A New Years Studio Meet & Greet

by | Jan 5, 2012 | Art News, Studio

As a prelude to the 2012 Atlanta (Winter) Gift Market and a creative new year, a group of artist friends and I invite you to A New Years Studio Meet & Greet blog hop. If creativity is your muse then you will enjoy seeing these unique artist‘s inspiring work and an introduction to their creative digs. Twelve artists in all will be sharing their work space, medium, inspiration and new collections of work.


Comfort & ‘Joy Studio’
J. Wecker Frisch


Growing up, I remember my mom was always busy ‘upstairs,’ taking care of the numerous tasks that make a home clean and run efficiently. Meanwhile, ‘downstairs,’ all the fun was happening, in my dad’s home art studio! Both of my parent’s talents and skills combined, made it seem as though, everything imaginable, was right there for the making. Somewhere, throughout the family home, one could find it all. All of the good stuff that is, which goes into… well.. making stuff!
It was a dream and one that I seem to have carried on in my own home studio. Whatever is required to construct or create any variety of arts or crafts, I always seem to have, or a similar item that would work as well. That fact no longer amazes my daughters and in fact, they often count on it. It is the first place they check to find a particular needful or unique item that would be perfect to complete their own project.


I’m sure that my ample supply system, although sometimes bulging at the seams, is not so very different than my artist friend colleagues. I believe we’re all quite content to be surrounded with just enough (lots) interesting yet inspiring, stuff. The more (stuff), the merrier although, I do not like admitting it as some might consider my studio to be stuffed with stuff!
Besides all that was acquired on my own through the years, I also surrounded myself with my dad’s tools of the trade, which happen to be, the heart of my studio. His small first drawing table for instance, (pictured above, complete with a 1950s pencil sharpener still firmly attached) is my favorite place to seriously sketch as I begin each new line. There is something poignantly personal to create not only using all that my dad taught me about art, but to be drawing, sculpting or painting while using the tools he also held as he skillfully created.


Then of course there’s the fabric! A large fabric wall provides the color source in my work space. The two holiday lines, “Creepers Peepers” and “Bakers Dozen” (pictured above) are new for 2012. Check back here for availability.

The joy of working with fabric design and quilters has also brought me home – to my sewing roots. The sewing skills in our family, was all mom. And the baking. And the home making. And the nurturing, etc. And the disciplined structure . . . which continues to elude me as a life style, somewhat. So, I remain an aspiring artist who is just on the cusp of organized. Maybe THIS year!


Currently I’m finishing up on a fabric collection that brings me full circle so to speak, and incidentally has come about (from a personal perspective) in God’s perfect time. It combines the art with the sewing and a sprinkling of Spiritual seeds seeking to take root, in your fabric stash perhaps.


So, with my new iPad portfolio in hand, wide eyed enthusiasm in it’s proper place, I’m heading out again, to share with the world, the Tidings of Great Joy.


Ahead for 2012 – Wishing you all of the comfort, and joy in the coming year that the Creator through creating, has brought to me.
To learn more about this license or to see additional studio shots visit us at – TidingsOfGreatJoy.com

To continue on the hop:

Hungry Animal Alphabet

by | Oct 22, 2011 | Art News, Quilting & Fabric

Quiltmaker Magazine Nov/Dec 2011

It’s true, the Hungry Animals are back! Quilting Treasures will be showing the line to quilt shop owners next week (booths 1056 – 1063) at the International Quilt Market in Houston. The classic collection of fabrics will deliver to shops in January. So, be sure to keep an eye out for this popular panel set in bright, bold reds and the other refreshed coordinates.

E-Animal Alphabet Games Collection

Coffee Break

by | Sep 7, 2011 | Art News, Quilting & Fabric

“Daily Grind” fabric is in! A few days ago, two boxes of my favorite beverage inspired, fabrics arrived from Quilting Treasures. It seems like a hundred years ago that I began work on this art. There were many delays in the creation stages, mostly personal, but the results are rewarding. The warm, neutral tones are perfect for the season and just in time for cool weather. The international impressions are available in independent quilt shops. QT’s Daily Grind project.

Perhaps some quilted mug rugs should be a, just for fun, fall project. The collection includes a (6″) patch panel that would be perfect for those, pot holders, patchwork, pockets, etc. Pretty cute, if I may say so! Any coffee lovers out there?

Looking back this morning at my inspiring ‘Morning Cup’ in this February, 2010 post. I can’t help but to associate what was going on in life, with the specifics surrounding the various art assignments. I suppose the creative thought process cannot be separated from experiences, emotions and events.

Oh, and speaking of a coffee break, I think it’s time for one. A long one at that.

W is for Window

by | Aug 11, 2011 | Art News, Quilting & Fabric

Wow! Windows are open this morning due to a nice break from the heat. Lo eighty’s for the high, all Week. August in Missouri, un-heard of! Hope it lasts.

W, for Wonderful Weather.

The featured W image is from my first fabric line, Hungry Animal Alphabet, Which Will be making another appearance soon. I’ll reveal the details later. Meanwhile, how many W’s in the image above do you count?