Spring has Sprung!

 Yes, we are finally into Spring, and I've broken out the shorts and flip flops, although it's not quite warm enough to wear them all the time yet.  But we're getting there!

Meanwhile, I'm in full ice dye mode - set up a dye area in our Patio room so I can do more than one or two items at once, and have had such fun trying new patterns and color combos!

Here's one of my favorites so far:

This is 2 colors: Golden Brown and Brushed Steel.  My goal was to leave some white on the shirt and I found a video tutorial that taught me just how to do it.  I really love the negative space and all the jagged edges of the colors, very cool!  This method is called incline ice dye, where I actually place the dyed shirt on an angle to batch, and it lets the dye slowly migrate out as the ice melts.  This will definitely be a regular pattern for me!

On the bowl front, I got a brain storm that I am going to test at Arts Connection and Sedona Artist Market, but I'll share it here as well:

It occurred to me that when people see my bowls, they may not think of using them for a gift basket, so maybe this will plant the seed!  I'm also adding a list to the flier with upcoming Gift dates for them to think of, and decided to make an Easter themed basket that I was going to have on display at Arts connection, but a friend from CA saw a picture I posted on facebook and asked to buy it!

Although we thought all the regular artists would be breaking down at Arts Connection for the month while the Recycle Art Exhibit took over, we got very few entries so we made room for them at the front of the gallery and continue to have a full gallery display in the rest of the area.  No month off for me, but that's all good - more opportunities for me to share my work!

On another front, I have decided to start posting items for sale on my business facebook page Judy Sall Originals.  I'll also share to my personal page for any who are not following my business page.  It will be sporadic and when I have items available that are not in either of the galleries where I sell.  We'll see if it pans out - can't hurt to try, right? 😊

I know there was something else I wanted to share, but can't remember what it was!  Aah, the joys of growing older, lol!  So I'll get this posted and wish you all a happy Spring!

Masks, Bowls and Gallery

I've been busy since my last blog post in mid-May!  The burgeoning mask demand has kept my friend Joyce and me sewing long hours to try and keep up with the orders... we're trying to get out at least 100 a week, and they are snatched up from the truck stops and mini-marts where her sales rep is getting orders for them.  I actually managed to take pictures of a couple of batches of my side orders, to send to those who ordered them, but for the most part, I've been really focused on getting them done and out the door!  Here are a couple of recent batches:

  

These are for a friend who has a hair salon, to give to her clients who are children

A batch for a new customer who loves tie-dye.

Another new customer, for herself and her hubby.

On another front, my friend Jana has been keeping me busy making my coiled fabric bowls that she has been using in her lovely gift baskets, and has been having brisk sales, so that's keeping my sewing machine humming between mask orders!

Want to see more?  Here are some links to her website where she has them listed:

https://www.littlecabinsoaps.com/product-page/bright-colors-basket 

https://www.littlecabinsoaps.com/product-page/GiftBasket

And then there is Arts Connection, which has been shut down since mid March.  We finally re-opened June 19th with about 20 artists offering their work.  The last time I was there, I totally forgot to bring my camera, so photos will be added to a future post.  

I don't know about you, but this is not how I thought I would be spending my time this year, but events drive our lives, and I have learned the importance of being flexible and adaptable, and always optimistic!  I know to a lot of folks, that may sound Pollyanna-ish, but it's who I am.  I am of the mind that life is too short to be walking around with a dark cloud hanging over my head... I am much more inclined to find the beauty and hope in every situation, so if you find that odd or crazy, so be it!  I'm having fun, staying busy and avoiding all the negativity that seems to permeate so many areas these days!  

I will leave you with this meme, which made me belly-laugh when I saw it .  I hope it brings a smile to your face and a laugh from deep inside!

Happy Independence Day, and stay safe!