by Great Joy Studio | Feb 21, 2013 | Studio
Just for fun and practice, Syd and I decided to try a little video this afternoon. Our first so, the quality is not the best and I was using a hard lead pencil so, the detail is difficult to see until the end. This was one of the many drawing exercises in the book titled, “Fun With A Pencil” by Andrew Loomis. One of my dad’s. It was one of the first tools that I remember my dad sharing as he mentored me.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fEdtb4Tw4Og
Now, can anyone explain how I can upload this here from You Tube?
by Great Joy Studio | Jan 28, 2013 | Studio
Whoa! Speaking of catching up, just before Christmas I made a major studio purchase that I hope will speed up production significantly. Although first, I needed to make room,
experience a little intimidation setting up, 
find the best (spot) home,
and begin to play. 
I was told it will be a little bit of a learning curve but then . . . smooth sailing? Hoping so.
Taking a block break during this process & finishing up on a new fun collection.
by Great Joy Studio | Aug 20, 2012 | Studio
Another subject research (for a new collection) turned up this wonderful 1930’s dress form on Ebay and was listed, ‘in mint condition.’ And in my size! And just so happened, to be located a mere 30 minutes away to boot. So, in my true to low sales resistance form, I thought . . . just because, this big sister would fit right in at the Joy Studio. Yep, I think so, right? Only thing missing, the finial on top. 
Typically I (try to) stay away from such tempting treasures however, the on line research tool usually gets me as did this, one previously owned, dress form. She may have to make herself useful around the place, although I’m not quite sure just how yet. Perhaps as the artist’s model? Hmmmn, wonder if she does ironing.
BTW – My thought to be size, in the 1930’s does not seem to coinside with my new friend!
Research is over, back to the drawing board. 😉
by Great Joy Studio | Jun 25, 2012 | Quilting & Fabric, Studio
Yes, STILL!
So much life seems to get in the way of a full on, clean sweep of the entire studio clutter (all at the same time) that is ever accumulating. I simply cannot keep up however, I remain hopeful. Our second annual ‘Mini Art’ campers arrive today so, last week I made another sincere effort to move/organize debris & supplies. Here are the office and fabric wall (accumulated in just 3 years) results. 
S – l – o – w – l – y, it is getting there!
The ‘Princess in the Pea’ bed (John’s retired junior) now holds the many quilts from some of our past collections.
See the (Oct. 2010 ‘Can Of Worms’ post) compare on Facebook!
The beautiful fabrics available at www.quiltingtreasures.com
by Great Joy Studio | Apr 9, 2012 | Studio
A re-claiming of seldom used space has been underway recently in the Joy (home) Studio. I took a week to transform a spare bedroom into yet another creating station. All paper crafting, photos and some sewing supplies, will now occupy the former retreat. A major purge (of collected stuff) has begun!
The room, cupboard, bins and totes were emptied, some what, to make room for the supplies, priceless photos and my mom’s 50’s/60’s Necchi esperia machine, just around an unseen corner. Still too messy to show, but soon perhaps. I think I’m making progress, although ever so s-l-o-w-l-y. Eeks, I am still hopeful that eventually, there will be an end to the organizing & re-organizing.
My daughters are the recipients of the bed, (flower & tea) pots, baskets, etc. It feels good to pass it on so, guessing . . . I should feel great by the time the job is completed, eh?
by Great Joy Studio | Jan 29, 2012 | Art News, Studio
Still too many irons in the fire it seems. That fact becomes especially apparent when finishing up a collection. There are always a number of loose ends to tie up and always a big mess (mine) to straighten up.
A new hutch made the job more fun.
A short deadline (on a new collection) offers the incentive.
So, for the last few days it was time to clear the decks . . . and get sketching.
Regain control, focus and look ahead to what is next.
And put to bed another line, one closer to my heart than most. You can look for “Sewing Seeds” fabric collection, in the Spring, mid May release.
