Daydream Designs

Friday night

2010-03-19T13:25:00.000-07:00

Surprise!
I'm back....and so soon!

The weather is perfect! Lots of sun and warm temps (60+).
I spent some time at the lake today. It looks awesome! Much of the ice has melted, but there are still some large areas that remain.
It might be wishful thinking, hoping that the warm temps and sun stick around, but a teaser like this is enough to put a HUGE smile on my face! Soon, very soon....

I am contemplating the winter clean up, debating whether or not to start the raking of old leaves and the bundling of sticks and twigs. Or should I just sit back and soak up more of the sun and fresh air, drink a Friday night beer and say "The work will still be there tomorrow"?
Regardless, it's time to get back outside.

Till next time....

St. Patty's Day, 2010

2010-03-17T07:20:00.001-07:00

And a Happy St. Patty's Day to you!

My daughter is trying to convince me to head down to the parade, but I think I'd rather stay home and sew. I'm not too keen on dodging the heavy Irish drinkers....I mean, after all, EVERYONE is a little Irish today, and many folks like a good glass of ale to begin this fine day of parades and festivities! Personally, I will limit my consumption of ale to later in the day, when I may just sit down for a Great Lakes Conway's Irish Ale. Now THAT's a good beer!

I am a huge fan of Great Lakes Brewery (GLB, as we like to call it in Cleveland). Not only are their many varieties of beer awesome, but the food and atmosphere at the pub are terrific. They host frequent tours of the brewery and run a mean beer school (I've been twice and have sampled most beers brewed, save for a few that only come in four packs, meaning they will knock me on my butt, if I'm not careful.....I tend to stay FAR AWAY from those.....call me a lightweight, but that's the truth of the matter). GLB throws great parties, too! Christmas in July, Burning River Fest, St. Patty's day, Dog Days of Summer, etc. Check out their website for future shindigs and if you live in the area, or plan to visit Cleveland soon, make it a point to check out the brewery. Trust me, you won't be disappointed.

Wow, I think GLB should pay me for all this advertising! Seriously, have a Happy St. Patty's day, however you choose to celebrate, and I hope to greet you again with a new post soon!

Bye-bye....

2010-02-01T18:32:00.001-08:00

It was a bad day. I lost my job. Well, technically I was Laid Off, but it all means the same thing. No job, nowhere to go, no money coming in. I only had the job for three months and already it's a goner. Time to join the the ranks of the unemployed....again. Seems I just did this in the fall, when the window treatment business took a dive. I thought it was safe to take a job in the food industry, but, apparently that's a mistake as well.

What do you do when your college education does not get you anywhere? Stick with the arts. Looking at the bright side, because REALLY, where else can I possibly look without crying, there will be more time for creating. So, lucky me! Now there's some positive thinking!!

2010 and Blogs

2010-01-07T20:14:00.001-08:00

Happy 2010....

I recently watched the movie Julie and Julia and, in doing so, realized that the function of a blog might just be to express whatever is on your mind a little more frequently than I tend to do. Perhaps I'll make it a goal of this new year to post something on my blog once a week.

The movie was great, by the way. If you have yet to see it, do so. I'm not sure I liked the ending , though. Let me know what you think.....that is, if anyone is out there actually reading this blog.

I do love to cook and am almost tempted to try all the recipes in one single cookbook, just like Julie. What a creative idea! Of course, doing that would simply take too much time away from all my other interests, not to mention the chores and errands and sewing that I would miss out on. I guess I'll just work on getting my etsy shops filled and posting new items like a mad woman!

Till next time.....hopefully sometime next week.....Stay warm!

2009-11-02T04:31:00.000-08:00

Busy, busy!
Bring on the fall shows! I have five scheduled, possibly six, before Christmas! So busy, busy me, creating as much as I can as quickly as I can!

Fall has arrived. Most of the leaves are now down in our yard. Lots of raking and clean up. Did you ever notice that yard work is neverending? Even in the winter, when the snow flies and the wind kicks up, there's work to be done....shoveling, chipping ice, spreading salt on the pavement. Never ending, I tell you. It takes away from free time....sewing time and dreaming time.

Check out my shows and those of my fellow Clevey buddies at clevelandhandmade.com.

Keep smiling!
Mary

2009-09-05T18:41:00.000-07:00

Labor Day weekend!

Today I participated in the new, first year out, indie art show in Cuyahoga Falls called Salty Not Sweet. Not much of a turn out, as far as foot traffic goes, and not a very good fair for some of the vendors. But my, what tremendous vendors there were! A great place to shop and chat and meet new people! My closest fellow artists were the team of psycho reindeer. Awesome, unique t-shirts, hand drawn and printed by the charming couple themselves. Look them up at psychoreindeer.com. Being that I am an avid t-shirt wearer (they make GREAT pajamas!) I just had to purchase a couple for my very own!

Enjoy the rest of your holiday weekend!
Goodbye summer! Hello fall fun!

JUNE!!

2009-06-12T03:29:00.000-07:00

Morning!
Summer is here....so they say. It's a bit chilly in Cleveland. My garden has had such trouble getting established. If it's not the weather, it's the local rabbit population. Finally had to replace all the fencing, just so the rabbits could not squeeze their little bodies through the old, rusty openings. Also put in a perimeter of marigolds. That always seems to do the trick.

My tomatoes are barely growing. They need some real heat. The tomatoes might be complaining about no heat, but you won't hear me doing that. We don't have air conditioning in this old house, but the cross breeze is great! This weather has been perfect for sleeping. Love to wake up with those little birdies chirping! That's what summer is all about!

Can't believe it's already the middle of JUNE! Geez! Where does the time go?
I am desperately trying to fill my free time with sewing and creating while balancing such mundane chores as weed pulling, replanting of perennials, etc. YIKES! There's never enough time.
I am setting up my fall shows. I'm SO excited about all the ideas in my head! Can't wait to see them come to life!

Here's hoping your summer is warmer than mine here in Cleveland!
Till next time.....
Mary

2009-04-26T18:37:00.000-07:00

Quick hello!
Had to take some pictures of my sewing room for a featured artist article on Cleveland Handmade. Thought I'd post one here for grins and giggles.
Enjoy!
Mary

Spring Greetings!

2009-04-09T04:20:00.000-07:00

It's starting to look a little like spring!!
Many things happening around the workroom these days. Had some time off of work so spent it wisely finishing some projects and starting others. Of course, there's always more to do.....

I have two shows coming up in the next month. Vanitylab Salon on Detroit in Westlake (April 30th, 7-9PM) and Oddmall at the Clarion Hotel in Hudson (May 9th, 10-5), both in Ohio. Looking forward to hanging out with the vendors and buyers! Always entertaining! Please come visit me there.
Also, if you are interested in seeing my bags and totes up close and personal, they are on display and ready for purchase at BAYarts gallery at Huntington Beach in Bay Village, OH. I appreciate your taking the time to look.

Happy spring to all of you!
Mary

2009-03-18T06:12:00.000-07:00

Happy St. Patty's day one day late!
Hope you had a heck of a celebration! I am writing in green to celebrate both St. Patty's day and the (hopeful) arrival of spring. Mother Nature has been teasing us here in Cleveland with a few days of sunshine and 60's. LOVE IT!! But, this IS Cleveland, so the good times won't last long. I'm sure there's another winter storm brewing out there somewhere, just waiting to clobber us on the heads again.

So....news....
I will be participating in the first annual ODDMALL spring fling at the Holiday Inn in Hudson, OH. Come see my latest creations up close and personal! I am having fun with fabric and fiberfill. Hopefully you will like what you see. I plan to bring along handbags and totes, dolls and brooches. Perhaps you can find a gift for MOM since Oddmall is scheduled for the day before Mother's Day, May 9th.
Come one, come all to the greatest and maybe the most unusual show of all! Not your average church function....more of a collection of eccentric artists whose talents border on the quirky.
Hope to see you there!

Cheers,
Mary

PS Visit Clevelandhandmade.com for a look at other fine artists in the Cleveland area and while you are there, vote on our spring challenge.

2009-01-27T04:29:00.000-08:00

Greetings from snowy Cleveland!
Just wanted to say hello and tell you all that I finally made my first Etsy/internet sale! YEAH! Yes, my paypal account really DOES work!
I sold a wonderfully colorful valentine doll to a lovely woman in NC. How exciting. Makes me believe that ANYTHING is possible. I am going to work hard in the sewing room, letting loose the friends in my head and working them into fiber art. So, keep an eye on my etsy store!

Stay warm!
Mary

2009-01-10T08:16:00.000-08:00

Warm winter greetings to all of you!!

As I write this update, it is snowing heavily in the Cleveland area. Lots to shovel! So far we have six or eight inches with the storm warning good till the wee hours of tomorrow morning and it's not even noon yet! Skiing anyone???

Check out my etsy shop....daydreamdesigns77.etsy.com. I've been posting new items (a slow process for me, but I am definitely getting a little faster each day!) and am excited about the creations in my head that are just waiting to materialize into the reality of cloth and trims! So much to do and so little time!

The window treatment business thrives, despite the poor economy. Someone out there still has money and is willing to spend it on fabulous,quality window treatments. Works for us because it keeps us in business and me in beautiful scraps! So, I will continue to update etsy and post my latest creations.

Happy New Year!
Mary

2008-12-05T04:18:00.000-08:00

December already....how times does fly.
This weekend I will participate in my last show for the year. I am looking forward to devoting more time to my etsy shop. Look for changes in January.
I'd like to extend my best wishes to anyone reading this for a happy holiday and a healthy new year. Maybe the economy improve and the war end.

2008-11-12T05:28:00.000-08:00

Greetings!
Busy, busy! The show in Columbus was somewhat disappointing, although the organizers and vendors at From Our Hands were super! Blame it on the economy or the 75+degree temps, but the shoppers were few and far between. Favorites of mine were Irene Gates, Laurie Messerol and Cheryl Kuhn. Wonderful creations!
Next stop for me is a show on the east side of Cleveland. Yes, I am stepping over the east/west border and visiting new places. Laurel School in Shaker Heights is holding their annual Artisan Bazaar on December 6 & 7. I will be there with my bags and wool work. Hope to see you!

From Our Hands Show

2008-09-13T05:49:00.000-07:00

I just returned from the Country Living Fair in Columbus, Ohio. What a great place to meet and greet folks! I met two of my favorite artists who make up the team of Kindred Spirits. Also met the Farm Chicks. What a nice feeling to be able to put names and faces together!

Many of the same artists will be at attending the From Our Hands show in Columbus on November 1st at the Aladdin Shrine Center. Look it up at www.fromourhands.com for directions and discount coupons. Tap into your love of folk art and come visit us at the show!

I will personally be bringing along my unique, one of a kind handbags and totes, clutches and gadget holders, as well as my collection of folk art dogs and cats, pumpkins and witches, pincushions and whatever else my imaganation allows me to create!

Until then, I'll be hanging out in the sewing studio. Hope to see you soon!

2008-07-02T04:18:00.000-07:00

My etsy shop is now open. Look for me at daydreamdesigns77.etsy.com. I have posted photos of several new handbags and will continue to do so as I create them.
I have moved my workroom to the second floor of my house, and am now using my daughter's vacated bedroom. No more bumping my head on the sloped attic ceiling!
After painting the walls a gray blue, I moved in my machines and am currently sorting through my fabric stash, grouping by colors and textures. What fun!!
Enjoy your July 4th. Happy Summer to all of you.
See you on etsy!!

Long time, no write....

2008-06-04T04:33:00.000-07:00

Well, it's been busy around here. Lots going on.
We put in our garden two weeks ago. About 12 tomato plants, two zucchini, two green peppers and two cucumbers. You can probably tell that my favorites are tomatoes, given the number now growing out back behind the garage! We've had a lot of rain, which is good, but the temps have been a bit chilly. Things are about to change. I hear the nineties are coming to stay for a while. Although the plants will love it, I will, most likely, just be crabby. It doesn't help that we live in an old, old house (first one on the street, actually) that does not have air conditioning. Fans are our only source of comfort and they really only blow around the hot air.
I have been busy in the work room, making new bags and dreaming of new projects. If only I had duel time each day where I could simultaneously work my job in draperyland and create the fascinating projects residing in my head, I'd be a happy camper. Until then, I'll try to do the best I can with the time I have.
Happy Spring!

2008-05-05T04:42:00.000-07:00

It's been busy around here. Lots going on. We moved a daughter out of the house and into her new apartment and will head out this week to retrieve a second daughter from college. She will be home for the summer. It's been a hectic few weeks of moving and cleaning out and rearranging our lives. Now that there's an extra bedroom available, I will have my sewing room back. No more hitting my head on the sloped ceiling of the walk up attic! I plan to paint the room first...still deciding on the best color for creative inspiration. In the meantime, I will continue to sew in the attic. At least there's a stereo, tv, and a great view from up so high!
Enjoy the warmer temps.
Till next time...

2008-04-15T04:05:00.000-07:00

Only two weeks till I send out my box of goodies to FAAF for the Art in the Park event. I am working on a few more purses and also some stuffed friends for fun. I've been too busy sewing to get any photos taken. Soon, real soon.
I made an orange cat, vaguely based on my own little guy, Tuli. This one has clothes, though, where my Tuli only wears his birthday fur. I think my orange cat needs a friend, so I will whip up a kitty buddy in the workroom today. I have a few more ideas to try out as well. My daughter thinks a purse shaped like a martini glass will appeal to the young crowd so I will sew one up in her honor. Who knows? She may be right!
The sun is shining and the temps are improving. I can feel spring coming!

Till next time.....

Art in the Park

2008-04-09T04:24:00.000-07:00

News flash!

Come visit the Folk Art and Friends artists at the Elmhurst Art Museum as we participate in Art in the Park! This will be the first time we all show our work as a group. Come and meet us there on May 3rd and 4th. That is Saturday and Sunday only from 10 - 5.
This is a high quality art show right on the grounds of the museum.

Internet link is at http://www.elmhurstartinthepark.org/
Our website is www.folkartandfriends.com. Check us out....

We look forward to seeing you there!

2008-04-06T04:56:00.001-07:00

Hello fellow bloggers!
We have a beautiful day on tap. Makes you think spring might actually come to stay.....eventually. Temps will reach the upper sixties and the sun will be visible all day long. None of the typical overcast skies that we're so famous for in Cleveland. A day to consider yard work and car cleaning and garage organizing, etc. But wait! It's also a good day for a long walk or a bike ride or just sitting outside and soaking up some much needed sun! I opt for the leisure!
Enjoy your Sunday! Enjoy your sunshine!

2008-04-01T12:54:00.000-07:00

A Model...I am NOT!
It was an interesting Sunday, trying to capture a true likeness of myself on camera for the Folk Art and Friends website. I suppose all the shots that were taken of me could be considered true likenesses, but most were so goofy looking that I didn't want them to be true!
After three separate photo shoots, twice with my hubby and once with my daughter, and none of them yielding a deserving photo, all three of us took off for Lake Erie, about two miles from home. Not a bad background for a photo. A little stark and gloomy this time of year, but better than the leafless trees in my backyard.
With two cameras shooting at once, I felt like I was on America's Next Top Model, although, of course, I look nothing like those fine ladies! If only.... We tried several locations at the park and on the shore and finally decided enough was enough. It was too late in the day and we were all hungry for dinner. So we headed back home, downloaded the photos and laughed until we cried! Some were so funny! I settled on four pictures that seemed tolerable and sent them off to FAAF, giving them the chance to pick their favorite.
Next weekend I will take my husband and daughter back to the beach. This time we'll pretend it's THEIR photo shoot and see how they do!
Till next time....

2008-03-27T16:05:00.000-07:00

Ah, the signs of spring! There is more grass showing than there is snow covering! Gotta LOVE that! It could be a bit warmer, though.....

Things are happening in my sewing workroom. I took some time on Tuesday night, while watching American Idol (my favorite is David Cook, by the way, although I like Dreadlock Boy, too...that would be Jason Castro... although he did a shabby job this week, I must admit...) to sit in a pile of fabric and look for favorable combinations for my bags. I think I found some winners. I like the combos. We'll see how the rest of you like them. I will take a group photo of the bags and post them here. You can decide....

I have been busy sending in info and photos for my debut on the Folk Art and Friends website. Visit me there in April at www.folkartandfriends.com. There are some fabulous artists on the site already! Very exciting!

Until my next post.....THINK SPRING and warmer temps!

MyFriend From the Woods....

2008-03-16T05:21:00.000-07:00

Because someday someone other than my immediate family may want to read my blog, I thought I should explain about the photo of my friend from the woods. About a year ago, while walking my dogs in the Cleveland Metroparks, I saw a herd of deer running through the woods. While it is not uncommon to see deer in the Cleveland area, it was odd to see a white deer. This animal, as you can see from the picture, is almost all white with a brown head. Very odd indeed. In fact the first time I saw it, I did not have my glasses with me and, because it was so far away, I thought it might be a goat! But, a goat running around with a herd of deer in the Cleveland suburbs???? Absurd!!
I saw my friend twice since then, both times while walking my dogs. Once it would not let me pass on the trail, instead pounding it's foot on the ground and making strange noises. I thought it best to turn around and retreat in the direction from which I had come. The last time I saw my friend, he stuck around long enough for me to run home and return with my digital camera, posing for several shots. So, enjoy the photo of my buddy. It's not often that you see such a bizarre looking beast!

Big Opportunity!!

2008-03-14T05:05:00.000-07:00

Hello!
I don't want to get too far ahead of myself, but I have an opportunity to display my creations on the Folk Art and Friends Website! Thanks to my sister, Valerie, for her tip and thanks to all you fine folks at FAAF for giving me a chance! I am aiming for the April site update, so look for me then.
I am SO EXCITED!!!

Here we go again.....

2008-03-08T04:08:00.000-08:00

Well, it's another snow storm... rather a blizzard. Not fun. I am getting tired of shoveling and shoveling and shoveling. It is rather beautiful, I must admit, but belongs in the third week of December, right before Christmas, and not in March. March is for the sound of thawing and rushing creeks.
I have many ideas in my head and on paper that are waiting to come to life in my sewing. Hopefully this will be MY WEEK to begin.....
Until later.....

2008-02-26T04:28:00.000-08:00

We have snow.....lots of it!
I will have to skip my dog walk just to keep up with the shoveling. Expected totals in this winter storm warning range from 4-8 to 8-12. It's going to be a long, long day.
Think spring....

Welcome to my blog!

2008-02-20T05:03:00.001-08:00

Greetings!

Welcome to my blog! This is my first time out, so hopefully I will get the hang of it.
About me...
I live in a family of twos...Two parents (my husband and me), two kids (both of them daughters), two dogs (huskies) and two cats (strays). I guess I could say two fish as well, but there really are more than that swimming around in our fish tank!
I love to sew, have sewn most of my life, and have a huge collection of fabrics and trims that my husband keeps threatening to "clean out". Although I did graduate from college with a teaching degree in physical education (I couldn't STAND the thought of sitting behind a desk for the rest of my life in the accounting field!), much of my work experience has been in the fabric/sewing industry. During the last twenty years or so I have worked for various fabric stores including So-Fro Fabrics, Minnesota Fabrics and Hoops N Hollers quilt shop. You can imagine all the fabric that I have been able to stock pile! My current job with Interior Enhancements (we make window treatments for the rich and famous in the Cleveland area) allows me the opportunity to bring home scraps of the most beautiful tapestries and silks and wovens and trims in the industry. My stash is growing daily!
I am a constant sewer. I love to create purses and bags and totes of many colors and textures, especially with my home dec collection of goodies. I make pincushions and needles holders and pails and pillows and just about everything. Sewing is a passion and an art.
Once my girls grew up and no longer wanted me to make their clothes (although I did throw in a dress for the HS dances now and then), I took to quilting instead and recently completed my sixteenth. This has made a huge impact on the way I look at design and projects. Quilting is like puzzle making and math. Good for the brain!
Anyway, enough about me. I am going to post this now and see if anyone out there in the land of blogging finds me....
I may pass the site on to a sister or two. I do come from a large family of seven, and only one male in the sibling line up!
Until next time.....