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.
by Great Joy Studio | 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 continue on the hop:
experience a little intimidation setting up, 
find the best (spot) home,
and begin to play. 
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. 
BTW – My thought to be size, in the 1930’s does not seem to coinside with my new friend!
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.
