Mixed Media Art by Susan Osborne

Sring Quilts

2012-01-15T18:28:00.000-08:00

Ever make a String Quilt? Well, me neither~ till I watched Quilty on QNNTV. In a matter of a few minutes, you'll get the hang of this fun block. Just take bits and pieces and create absolute magic! You have to iron each piece, so for me this combined Sewing and Exercise. My ironing board is across the room, so each time I'd have to get up and walk across the room to iron- it went sort of like this- cut, sew, walk, iron, cut, sew, walk, iron!!! Now, when I really get rollin' on this, I'll move the ironing board closer so I can just swing around on my chair. Truth be told- I was having WAY too much fun to stop and move things around. There is a green print with flip flops that is consistent as the center stripe on all four blocks. These are arranged two different ways- in a diamond and as an X. I'm going to make a kids size quilt. Oh, and thanks to my Mom for letting me "shop" for all the great fabric in her sewing stash!!!

Vintage Find

2012-01-14T19:03:00.000-08:00

I love old linens. My daughter found this at a yard sale and it was really inexpensive. It's a nice fabric with a bit of texture to the weave. I think it must be from the 40's. I washed and dried with no problem- did not even need to be ironed. The images are so cute- just love retro Christmas decor!

New Year and a New Quilt

2012-01-14T18:53:00.000-08:00

I found out about this pattern by listening to The GreenStitch Podcast and blog. It's a super easy block and great stash buster. The fabric is mostly from Andover- designed by Lonni Rossi. Just after New Year's I felt like starting a new project. Did not want to have to buy a pattern, new fabric, etc. So, this seemed to be just the project that I needed-easy, and everything at my fingertips. I'm not sure how I want to lay it out- but that is the fun part. The top picture is it laid out on a grid and the second picture shows it stacked vertically like bricks. The fun part about using a block like this, and making a scrappy quilt is that it's not a regimented design- I'm going to just figure it out as I go along.

My First Mug Rug

2011-10-27T04:54:00.000-07:00

Ta da! My first Mug Rug. Fun to make (except for the binding) I just rotary cut strips, sewed and quilted. I used some decorative stitching to quilt. (guess I should have taken a close up to show that off) maybe later. What a great excuse to use some of those stitches!!! Great way to use scraps, fun little project, and make great gifts. I am going to try one that is made pillowcase style so it requires no binding. If you have not tried these yet- I so give it a go! It's fun and looks cute. These are also great for wine glasses, under a vase and as gifts. Have fun sewing!

And these little animals are going to Houston Quilt Market

2011-10-26T06:00:00.000-07:00

These are my original designs made for Lonni Rossi who is a fabric designer for Andover. These are made out of her new fabric lines which will be shown at her Schoolhouse at the Houston Quilt Market. The Giraffe fabric was just perfect! He stands approx 8" tall. I had a lot of fun figuring out how to make the stomach gusset for the Cat and Elephant. The faces are hand embroidered with thick black floss. I love to make french knots! I've only made one stuffed animal before, and it was from a pattern about 18 years ago! So, this was a really fun challenge that I enjoyed. I have an etsy shop but have never really done anything with it,,,,,,,this may get me started on etsy!?

Just because I felt like it

2011-10-24T18:23:00.000-07:00

Why decorate tins? Well, why not! We've been keeping them around the house and have a pile in the basement. So, I got out some bits of fabric and poured out my white buttons and had fun decorating them. But, I need to hit AC Moore and get some fabric glue and mod podge- my stash was quite slim. The AC Moore near us was just redone and it looks like they have some nice new lines,,,yes I am just looking for a reason to go back!
I went to a local quilt show this weekend and they have a great White Elephant Sale- fill a zip lock bag for only $1.00. There were mountains of fabric to sort thru which was fun. Plus they had bags of notions, and UFO's. I found bags of old trim which I used on the tins. The 70's kind of look is the most fun to use! I spent about $ 12.00 and had bags and bags of good useful things. The fabric and trim are my new finds!

A treasure to me!

2011-10-20T16:59:00.000-07:00

I love hunting for treasures and trinkets at yard sales, rummage sales and thrift stores. I found this at The Grange Attic Treasures sale shelf for $ 4.00. It's handmade- what's not to love about it being a little rustic! I think I need to change the paint color- right now it's just a cream. Wouldn't it look great in aqua or something fun and bright? And maybe make the inside a different color from the front to really make the scallop shape pop. On the shelf is some ribbon I found at a different sale, along with some free fabric that someone was giving away at a guild meeting. Thrify finds indeed!

Mimi is going to Houston

2011-09-24T07:03:00.000-07:00

Quilting Arts Magazine recently had a Readers Challenge called PET PEEVES. Once I saw that subject- I knew exactly how I would translate the theme into fabric. My cat, Mimi, loves to get right in the middle of whatever I am working on. She thinks it's totally acceptable to lay on my cutting mat, jump on a quilt that is getting sandwiched, or just taking a nap next to my sewing machine. She can even get downright territorial, too! That's not so nice, and I have to give her the boot when that happens. I tweaked her scanned image and made a fabric collage and added some buttons and ribbons. The finished size is 8 1/2" x 11"
The emailed images were reviewed and the results were announced on Pokey Boltons Blog, and they asked everyone to mail in their art quilt. They are going to put as many as in the Dec/Jan issue as they can. So, I'm anxiously awaiting to see if it's included in my FAVORITE magazine!
They are taking all of them (including Mimi) to decorate the booth at the Houston Quilt Show- Fall Market. Wish I was going with my quilt!

Art Quilt from a sketch book page

2011-09-17T06:29:00.000-07:00

Is it an art quilt? is it a drawing in fabric? Is it a doll that is flattened out and made 2D? Does it really need to have a "category"? It reminds me of making non functional tea pots- are they really tea pots or are they art? And for that matter is it art or craft? This could go on and on, and the point is, that I cannot worry about catagories. I'll just continue on this journey of making things and see where it all leads.

I like the very graphic quality and the contrasting colors. I'm still learning things like binding so this was a good "sampler" of learning/practicing some quilting basics. An odd sort of sampler isn't it? The size is about 18 x 24 or so. It's raw edge applique. Most of the fabric is from http://www.lonnirossi.com/.

New Doll

2011-09-17T06:15:00.000-07:00

In the spring there was a doll & teddy bear convention in Philadelphia. http://www.quinlanmuseum.com/ It was a great event with many talented artists and craftspeople. I had not made dolls for a while, but this show was inspiring. I went home and started working on this doll that afternoon! No pattern, just free formed the design. Later, I went to a thrift store, hoping to find a stool or chair to fit my doll. Viola- I found this bent wood bench for two dollars or so. Now I"m back to art quilting, but making this doll was a fun project. She has a dragon fly in her hands and she plans on spending the day in the Garden.

2011-04-05T17:39:00.000-07:00

Here is a drawing that I did, that was screen printed onto fabric by lonni rossi. Next step is to back with wonder under and cut out lot's of fabric. I'll cut out the leaves on either side, and back with a different color fabric to make a collage sort of effect. Then, hand stitch, embellish with beads, theads and all sorts of doo dads.

Moving in a new direction

2011-04-02T17:29:00.000-07:00

I'm having fun moving in a new direction. Where am I going? Quilting, Mixed Media, Paper and fabric together? I'm not sure but it feels good and right so I'm going to stay on this path. I've been learning about quilting- books, groups, magazines and even made a few quilts. Now, there is no way I'm going to make traditional quilts, but I think the elements of quilting really appeal to me. Fabric, thread, applique. Plus the quilting community if vast, varied, and fun to be a part of. I have been drawing and starting to journal. Diana Trout wrote a great book on journaling- http://www.dianatrout.blogspot.com/ So this is prompting me to put a shot of color in my sketches. Here are some pages from my sketchbook.

A new experiment

2011-03-10T04:57:00.000-08:00

I'm excited about this new experiment. Venturing into new territory with fabric. My sketches are screen printed onto the fabric. After trimming away certain spots, I tried sewing it on my machine to do raw edge applique. The machine would have NO part of it. It decided it would rather EAT the fabric. The ink is plastic based, and is somewhat course. So, it would not get under the feed dogs without getting stuck. So, I whippped out the needle and thead, and hand stitched. I also used Wonder Under to secure. Then, added beads and metallic gold thread as accents.

I'm unsure about the border. My idea is pinnned to one side and I just keep pondering it. This piece is about 8" high. I have other drawings on different fabric backgrounds and can't wait to get working on them.

Made a quilt

2011-02-01T06:45:00.000-08:00

Here is a picture of a quilt that I made as a gift. It's very homespun sort of thing- made pillowcase style and tied with embroidery floss. I wanted to make something bright and cheery and I'm pleased with the result. My cat seemed to like it too. As soon as I laid it out on the floor, she had to test it out!

Angel Ornaments

2010-10-18T17:39:00.000-07:00

Can you hear the flutter of their wings? These angels are flying to Houston TX for Quilt Market. I made them for Lonni Rossi. They are made with her new fabric line called Little Lonni's. Lot's of great patterns and colors. These were lot's of fun to make!

Doll Making Class

2010-09-19T16:58:00.001-07:00

Come and have some fun at my beginning doll making class!
www.lonnirossi.com

We are going to make a beautiful doll, that is simple, and fun to make. She is designed so that you can personalize her with your own artistic voice. We'll go over doll making basics, creating the face and ways to "dress" her using shortcut methods.

Pattern is included in the class. It's held at Lonni's studio/store~ come spend an afternoon surrounded by great fabric and be inspired!

Sketches

2009-10-03T07:12:00.001-07:00

Kind of like free motion embroidery- put the pen down and keep going. I draw in the negative space so it's different than sketching an object. They are clunky out of proportion and I love that. Now to figure out how to do them in fabric. Maybe this week I'll work on that. My sketch book is filled with good doodles. really bad ones. boring ones, kooky ones and I'm thinking of making a journal filled with the ones that I like and color some of them too.

New piece

2009-09-21T19:20:00.000-07:00

Here is a work in progress. Even though this is in fabric, I consider this a sketch. Parts are stitched down with straight stitches and free motion embroidery. I wonder how long till I need one of those machines with the longer arm? I envision making pieces that are about 5 feet big. This one is about 2' x 3' or so. She'll get some hair, but that will be one of the last parts. Also, want to add some sort of border. I love black and white fabric and use it in many pieces.

Art Dolls

2009-08-08T05:44:00.000-07:00

More pictures from show at Wayne Art Center. This is a wire sculpture that includes beads, keys, and other random objects. This piece sold at the show. She is suspended from the ceiling and is hopefully soaring happily in her new home.

nasa image of the day

2009-07-19T20:12:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I go on my blog to see the NASA image of the day. It's at the bottom of the page. Check out the one now,,,,I don't know her name, but every girl under the age of 17 should know who she is. Forget hannah montana, who is the lady in the space ship!????
Now that is talent! Fly baby fly!

elinor rocks

2009-07-19T20:10:00.000-07:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5BGlNytD550&feature=player_embedded

In life there is James Taylor, Mick Jagger, and elinor. They rock! Lesson is- be true to who you are. Don't worry about the crap in life- just enjoy the ride.

2009-06-28T18:44:00.000-07:00

I need a haircut and look exhausted (because I AM!!) but here I am with elinor. She is just the best! I loved spending time with her,,,what a wonderful gift she is to this world! And I'm so glad to know her. We are kindred spirits.

elinor and Chris Malone at the opening. This was tons of fun. Lot's of artists and doll makers. Also, family, friends, the photo from the paper, neices, and exhibiting artists. A wonderful opening!

2009-06-28T18:38:00.001-07:00

Pictures from the Wayne Art Center recent show.

Ahhhhh,,,,what fun!

Music

2009-06-26T18:41:00.000-07:00

I am not musical. Can't sing, can't play any instruments. I've tried. Just never got the hang of it. But, I love to dance. Now my dancing is done in everyday places,,,my car, the kitchen.

I love music~ like art it transports me to "that place" So, on my blog, there are 2 places for music. Check out Michael Buble or my fav James Taylor. I had pandora at the bottom but just took off. (www.pandora.com free music website)
We are all getting older. maybe I'm too old to feel this way about music. Nah,,,, someday I hope to be an old lady, and still dancing in my kitchen.

Art Doll Exhibition

2009-06-13T11:11:00.000-07:00

Picture on the left:

Karen Louise Fay, Director of Special ProjectsChristopher Malone, Doll Artist, MDNancy Campbell, Executive Directorelinor peace bailey, Doll Artist, WASusan Osborne, Doll Artist and Exhibition Coordinator, HavertownMary Louisa Klawetter, Doll Artist, NJ

Picture on the right:

Chris Malone and elinor peace bailey

What an amazing weekend! It started with elinor arriving in town and having a lovely dinner with family at my moms house. Saturday we went to the Wayne Art Center so we could check out the teaching space and the show. We stopped at a few shops in Wayne and had lunch at my favorite baker- Great Harvest Bakery for some yummy lunch.

We stopped at Lonni Rossi's shop in Ardmore to check out the beautiful fabrics! Then off to 4th street to the small but fun fabric district. Sunday elinor taught a group of very interested doll makers. She is an awesome teacher and tons of fun. I'll write more about the class again. Been meaning to post this,,,,finally started today! More to come about the opening, show, more pictures etc.

elinor peace bailey comes to town

2009-05-12T14:37:00.000-07:00

elinor peace bailey is coming to town!!!! May 30th and May 31st for awesome dollmaking class. Email me for more info!
www.wayneartcenter.org
www.epbdolls.net

Love this singer-Micheal Buble

2009-03-17T06:44:00.000-07:00

Turn this up loud and enjoy. My FAVORITE songs by him are Feelin' Good and Everything. Turn them up loud and dance!
http://link.brightcove.com/services/link/bcpid5339838001/bctid663829101

Key to my heart

2009-03-17T05:35:00.000-07:00

This is something that is not quite done yet. I'm just trying something new for me. No legs,,,,a simple construction. I often do "flat" things. As I was thinking about this, I even did some "flat" ceramics- pieces that are 3-d, but have one specific viewing point and hang on the wall. I like dolls that hang on the wall- and I have no idea why.

The hair is not sewn on yet, and I'm not sure that is how it's going to look. I want to try some wire in there, too. I love big crazy hair on my dolls. They always seem to have the humid, crazy, wild hair day. I'll post another picture when she is done.

LOVE EVERYDAY

2009-02-27T18:44:00.000-08:00

Love everyday. Simple concept, yet not always so easy. Love the slow driver in front of you when you are late? Love the rude person in the store? Love the politicians and big CEO's? Love when you are angry?

Simple concept and so important. So simple and easy to do. Have a grateful heart. Be glad for all the love in our lives each day.

I went wild drawing with some new Sharpies. In fact, I love them.

Nothing is sewn down, so it will change. The face and hands are paper but will be fabric. I made 3 faces and was not happy with any of them. Thinking of keeping it a very simple line type of drawing. I took a class on how to make fairy cords. Will probably use that technique to make the lines of her face. Remember, love everyday. The fabric is from Cloth and Bobbin in Narberth. They have awesome fabric!

Don't let the boogie man get you

2009-02-15T16:17:00.000-08:00

This piece is finished. I added more thread/stitiching to her hair and the background. Added a small charm, and put on a backing. These pictures are not the best, and my computer is not cooperating,,,so this is the best for right now. I want to make these much larger than they are- adding some other elements in the background, and maybe some arms would be nice, too.

Scroll down and you'll see this one before she had more details.

2009-02-09T18:40:00.000-08:00

This doll was published in Art Doll Quarterly. Article featured my 3 dolls in the series.

This was made quite a while ago, using hi tec materials- popsicle sticks, cereal boxes, yard, ribbon, hot glue.

Work in progress

2009-02-07T13:15:00.000-08:00

This is a work that I'm trying to finish. I've had her half done for too long! The face features were sewn using free motion embroidery on my machine. I just put the petal to the metal and go for it. It's like jumping into a lake without testing the water. Just go for it and hope it turns out ok. I like her so far,,she will wear more makeup than I do, so eyeshadow and more will be the next step.

It was a beautiful snow

2009-02-07T13:08:00.000-08:00

Nothing like a beautiful snow to make the winter blahs go away. The snow looked like cottonballs on the trees. Pretty white clumps of snow on everything. It was only a 2 hr delay for school, and the roads were clear by mid morning. It was so beautiful, I decided to take some pictures.

2009-01-31T12:59:00.000-08:00

This is a bit of a work in progress. It's done using mostly free motion embroidery. The setting on the machine is changed, so that you can sew in every which way. Maybe it's called free motion because you are freed from the regular straight lines or standard stitches.

To add an element of suspense when I'm making it, I just go for it. No pencil lines to follow, no marking lines. The face features, all lettering, and other stitching is done with free motion.

It's so FREEING!

The hair is one piece of really strange polyester. Can you picture this as a dress back in the day? I LOVE making crazy hair. I suspect this is an outcome of having curly hair and sometimes just letting it curl and curl and curl.

Dolls made as a prop for a movie!

2009-01-31T12:56:00.000-08:00

Here is a picture of the finished doll with her boots. Here is a picture of the finished doll with her boots. I changed this slightly since taking this picture. Her legs are now straight, with no space in between. It was a thrill to make these dolls! The movie comes out in 2010! Hope they make the movie- I will get a total thrill out of that. Okay, now that these are done,,,,onto working on some art for myself. BTW the dolls are an Inuit style, and were often made by young girls.
For The Last Airbender directed by M. Knight Shyamalan.

Doll made as a prop for a movie

2009-01-25T18:42:00.000-08:00

Simple doll! She does not have any arms. I suppose they are tucked inside to keep her warm. In this pic her feet are not done- but I have finished them. I bought a pair of swanky suede pants for a whooping $ 3.00 from Jomar. It was great fabric to make boots out of and sewed great on my machine! I'll post a picture with her finished boots. I kept looking at UGGS to see how they are constructed which was a help.

Doll in progress

2009-01-25T18:38:00.000-08:00

Isn't she pretty! Well, in a way! Here hands are fun- have to keep warm in the Artic! I like her long braids. The white fabric is textured- not sure what it was originally for- but I loved it for this project. She now has boots- I'll add some pictures with them too. See below,,,,

It's not everyday

2009-01-25T18:32:00.000-08:00

Well, it's not everyday that I get to make dolls for a movie! It was lot's of fun. They had to be in the style of an Inuit doll, which was fun to make.
I went to Jomar and got most of the fabric there. They have lot's of upholstery fabric and some odd stuff. The faces are very simple on the dolls- many times there were made by young girls as their Moms taught them how to sew.

Rosie is back from EDAC

2008-08-06T16:29:00.000-07:00

Hello! Rosie is back safe and sound from her trip to EDAC. Enchanted Doll Artists Conference. She has great stories to tell about her big adventure and I'm looking forward to hearing all about them. I entered this doll in the Show and Tell section. It was judged and I received some good feedback. Now, onto making the next "Rosie"

Olivia by the Dinosaur Plant

2008-08-05T19:24:00.000-07:00

As you can see I am next to what our family calls the dinosaur plant. Oh hi I am Susans (mommys) little girl ,Olivia.

The cat that can read

2008-08-05T19:09:00.001-07:00

Can you believe such a thing? Mimi, our cat, is enrolled in the Summer Reading Program at the library. She really is such a good cat! She's busy working on her book report now! It's a book about Fairies. Since cats are low to the ground, I think they can see fairies easier than those of us that are a bit taller. Hope you enjoy the picture! Reading makes her sleepy, so she is taking a cat nap in this picture