Chelsea's Funky Needle

ART at Atomic Coffee

2008-07-03T11:03:00.000-07:00

Ashleigh and myself have a collaborative fiber art show at Atomic Coffee in Downtown Fargo & South 8th Street in Moorhead. The show is called ART + PLAY....playful fiber art creations. It is a fun, light-hearted show featuring works made this summer by both of us funky fiber artists.

Here are some pics of our works at the South 8th Street Atomic Coffee:

Our artwork is fun and playful, perfect for both children and adults. All pieces are earth-friendly, original designs, and are made with the environment in mind!

ART at Atomic

2008-07-03T10:52:00.000-07:00

Here are a few pictures of our work at Atomic Downtown:

My Etsy Shop

2008-05-31T14:47:00.000-07:00

Finished Mural!

2008-05-26T17:59:00.000-07:00

Our finished mural!!! The students in my after school art activity helped to create this beautiful mural using a mosaic method. We created color by gluing down pieces from magazines. There is sooo much texture and detail when you view the mural close up. The bird, eagle, stars, and flowers are the students original drawings. Everyone helped to complete the whole mural.

The title of our mural is "Imagine, Create....Make Art!" It is currently on display at Access of Red River Valley in the main office.

Memorial Weekend

2008-05-26T17:28:00.000-07:00

Here are some pictures from our Memorial weekend camping trip to Glendalough State Park, MN. Our camp site was right on Annie Battle Lake. This last photo shows Jamie's tarp rig up. It did save us from the rain a couple times. The canoe in sites were more open because the trees had been cut down due to disease. The lake has good fishing, hiking trails, and in summer season, would have great swimming.

Pebbles and Sand

2008-05-04T15:39:00.000-07:00

While checking through my list of blogs I came across this article about personal goals and priorities: Pebbles and Sand.

It makes me think about priorities in life and making time for the big picture.

I also found this beautiful piece of fiber art called Markings #10.

Fun with ART

2008-04-21T19:53:00.000-07:00

I feel like I have neglected my blog for so long...2 months since my last post!

For the past three weeks I have been meeting with kids to make art at Access of Red River Valley. They have a brand new activity center where we hold the activities. The kids seem to enjoy the art and being creative! Next week we are going to start a group mural...looking forward to it. These pictures are of the string art we did today. Last week we used oil pastel and repeating shapes.

Creative Creatures

2008-02-21T17:53:00.000-08:00

It is amazing what people can get done when they focus...the focus of last weekend was making fun 'softies' or stuffed creatures. Ashleigh and I spent 1 1/2 days sewing and we produced some great creatures! We even took a break to go snowshoeing...I really want a pair now. If only I lived in such a beautiful area!

These were our first creations...teeth! there is a pocket for the tooth fairy.

This is Ashliegh's beautiful home and the mess we made on her living room floor!

We are having a romantic dinner...with the sleeping cats :)

And finally the whole shabang...all of our creatures laid out for display. what a productive weekend! I love it all!

What Have you Been up to?

2008-02-01T20:42:00.000-08:00

Here are some projects of things I have been working on lately.

This quick and very cool doorstop was referred to me by Dandeelion Soup! The tutorial is available on the blog: All it took was just one stitch. Very quick and easy...made it in just 30 minutes!

Below: sewing 42 dots

Cutting and sewing blocks...ignore the mess.

Leads to this: a quilt that is very bright and colorful. It reminds me of confetti thrown up in the air. It reminds Jamie of a Lava Lamp ;) The pattern is called "Nuts & Bolts" from a Quilt Sampler magazine that I have been hording over for at least 2 years. So it feels good to finally get to it. Made from Kaffee Fasset fat quarters in my collection. As you can see it is not quite done...42 dots to applique first (they're just pinned on for now).

Team of workers

2008-02-01T20:36:00.000-08:00

Thought I'd share a photo of the ladybug team...minus 1. It is funny to think it was just 2 or three people for about 3 years at the store. Now the team consists of 7. (this was taken on inventory day so we're dressed really casual)

Quick Trip to Minneapolis

2008-01-08T18:26:00.000-08:00

Jamie and I are back from spending a few days in Minneapolis at Deb & Steve's. The driving force behind the visit was to see the Frida Kahlo Exhibit at the Walker, which we did today. But we also had fun spending some time with Deb, Steve, and the Thompson animals (all 4 of them!)
Another great part of our visit was driving up to see Grandma Sarah and Sonni whom we hadn't seen in awhile. They made wonderful food for us at the last minute and skipped their garden club meeting!

It is always difficult to take photos at the museum, but
here is a flyer from the Frida Kahlo exhibit. I have to say it was
amazing to experience her paintings in real life. The great
emotions and pain that is evoked in them was
better than expected. The exhibit contained both paintings and photographs of her life.
Learn more about Frida Kahlo.

On the way out of the cities I stopped at the
outlet mall and found some deals at Fossil :).

Shoes of Compassion

2008-01-01T14:24:00.000-08:00

Shyla and I decided to collaborate on artistic shoes for a group exhibition about compassion. The shoes were donated for the cause and then women artists in the area transformed them into works of art.
Our title is "With or Without" - a reflection on global compassion of children in the world.

Lily even managed to be a part of the project!

More Christmas Photos

2008-01-01T14:10:00.000-08:00

Little one opening shiny presents.

Jamie being a good uncle, reading the new book all about dogs.

Happy New Year

2008-01-01T14:03:00.000-08:00

Odden Family Christmas Photo

The Odden family gnome collection...they come out only at Christmas!

For Christmas my brother recieved a nintendo wii and we all took turns playing. It was a really fun time and everyone got a good workout playing the sports games!

Jamie against Jamie

Funny action shot...what is her arm doing???

To All...

2007-12-24T21:47:00.001-08:00

Wheeww....

2007-12-14T21:39:00.000-08:00

The last day of student teaching has approached and is now almost past. It is hard to believe that I am finished! Today is also extra special because it was James final project presentations. He had me be a part of the presentation - I had a few lines to say about my role in the project. The presentation went well...I was nervous and James was too! The large lecture hall is pretty intimidating. But we got through it and now it feels so good to be done!

Here a couple pics from tonight. This is just the hallway outside the presentation room.

Fiber Treats

2007-12-08T08:21:00.000-08:00

I was approached by the wonderful woman who does the artwork for Nichole's Fine Pastry to have some of my felted pieces in the store. Of course I said yes, can't turn down a chance to display some artwork, but struggled with putting up some pieces that I had already had on display at a different coffee shop. I guess that is part of promoting your artwork, the more exposure it gets the better. Even if it is some similar pieces.

The show is called, Fiber Treats: handmade felt and knit items by Sharon Jons, Chelsea Odden, and Betty Pezalla. Sharon makes new sweaters from recycled and machine felted used sweaters. Betty is a very talented knitter who also dyes and spins some of her own wool yarns.

Long time since free time...

2007-12-08T08:11:00.000-08:00

I just realized how long it has been since I logged onto my blog. Busy, busy, busy. Teaching, planning, sleeping, teaching. This is my repetitive pattern for the last 7 weeks since I started teaching at the elementary school. The children are fun to work with but sooo much work. It gets easier with time, hopefully. So a day off means some time for blogging and maybe felting a few new soaps.

I ran into a website for Alyson Fox an artist who works with paper, design, clothing design, and illustrations. Very interesting. Be sure to check out her fashion line made from eco-friendly sources. This is one of her drawings/paintings.

Twig

2007-11-17T08:15:00.000-08:00

This morning I have been clickin' around on some blogs, you know how it goes. You click on one new blog that leads you to another...and then next website you haven't seen before! Here is a cool little website/online shop that is really cute. Twig.

New Felted Soaps

2007-11-13T14:13:00.000-08:00

Here is a pic of six new felted soaps that are on their way to a fun vintage store downtown called Revolver. I like the name but at first all that came to mind was the gun. Then I realized it is like revolving or recycling of clothing and furniture. Good name. So you can go to Revolver to check out my soaps and the rest of her cool shop. I would provide a link to their site but they don't have one yet, they're pretty new. Here is a link to their location on Google maps: Revolver Map.

Color for Quilters

2007-11-04T13:02:00.000-08:00

Saturday I taught a class for quilters to learn the basics of color theory and experiment with using color in quilting. Among the activities we do is making a color wheel from fat quarters chosen from the store. This picture was after the class, I put together the wheel again and it is not perfect but you get the idea.

One of my fairly new sweatshirts had a grease stain that has been bothering me.
Today I finally got around to creating a solution.
A little Appliqué and machine stitching...and the stain is gone!

Spelled with Flickr

2007-10-28T08:56:00.000-07:00

!
Today is my mom's 50th Birthday!

Bras on Broadway 2007

2007-10-26T16:02:00.000-07:00

Last night Ashliegh & I attended the Bras on Broadway. We saw many artsy bras and creative solutions to the bra form. My favorite was Ashliegh's in the wearable category. Unfortunately hers did not get modeled due to my lack of wanting to model & the fact we wanted to sit together. We ended the night purchasing each other's artwork!

This was our favorite part: tons of bras hanging outside the HoDo!

Me & my Bra

Ashliegh & her Bra

Ashliegh's Bra - Needle felted wool, fabric lining.

This bra was clear glass! With little covering.

Bra 2007

2007-10-22T17:24:00.000-07:00

Sing a Song of Hope, mixed media.
Collage with machine stitched papers.

If I were a crayon...

2007-10-08T16:11:00.000-07:00

I would be a Blue one, I guess. I found this quiz on a site called Blogthings.

You Are a Blue Crayon

Your world is colored in calm, understated, deep colors.
You are a loyal person, and the truest friend anyone could hope to find.
On the inside, you tend to be emotional and even a bit moody.
However, you know that people depend on you. So you put on a strong front.

Your color wheel opposite is orange. Orange people may be opinionated, but you feel they lack the depth to truly understand what they're saying.

What Color Crayon Are You?

I apparently found a couple minutes to actually sit down and write a blog. Even though I should be working on my lesson plan for Wednesday. One of my classes is going to do weavings - something I hope that the kids get into, I know I'm excited about it.
Bra progress is going...although it looks like it is not going to be wearable:( Sad but that is how it turned out...too much gel medium takes away the stretch in the bra and it doesn't fit.

Bra progress

2007-09-30T16:11:00.000-07:00

This post is about my progress on my wearable art bra for Bras on Broadway 2007. Until today I have been looking at a plain bra. Maybe it was the quilt show that inspired me to start or the fact that the deadline is creeping up really fast. Either way, it is a start. It looks shiny and weird because of the gel medium that is not dry yet. It will dry clear with a little gloss. My first attempt at stitching through the bra itself did not work so I am stitching through various papers and then collaging them onto the bra. I have about 15 days to do the rest....

Indian Summer Quilt Show

2007-09-30T15:59:00.000-07:00

Every year I look forward to the Quilt Show where one can see some wonderful quilts and creative designs. It is always good inspiration seeing all the quilts. It is also fun to see some of the customers from work who have their quilts on display. I usually try to go with my mom and this year Shyla and Raliegh came too.

My mom admiring a quilt.

Quilt designed after a photograph by art quilter, Val Halvorson.

Amazing quilting on the 'Best of Show'

This quilt shows off Kaffe Fasset prints and a little Amy Butler- two of my favorites.

My Weekend

2007-09-04T15:56:00.000-07:00

My weekend was spent with Jamie and his family in Minneapolis. We ate a ton of good food and had fun hanging out together with a little one and plenty of animals to keep all entertained. We went to the Walker Art Center to see the Picasso and American Artists exhibit...very interesting and inspiring.

View of the Thompson House

Erika in a cool IKEA bib...doing a Raleigh impression:)

Walker Art Center

View of downtown from the Walker

Bras on Broadway Again!

2007-08-30T20:38:00.000-07:00

I have just recently been contacted by the Hotel Donaldson offering me the opportunity to design a bra for 'Bras on Broadway 2007'. The event is held with the goal of raising funds to be donated to breast cancer awareness and organizations. Local artists design and make thier own versions of a bra, model them, and then the bras get auctioned off and sold to the highest bidder. It is great fun and gets the artist's name out there in the process!
Now the brainstorming and sketching for my bra begins.....

These are some photos of my bra from last year.

Interesting Artist

2007-08-23T12:44:00.000-07:00

This image is from Art MoCo and is the artwork of the artist Damon Soule. When I saw the geometric patterns he uses in the background I immediately thought of patchwork in a quilt. Soule uses these geometric backgrounds and then incorporates robotic characters. This series is of two paintings arranged in a day-to-night and then night-to-day scene. Very interesting. How they relate to one another. Damon Soule's website.

Spent All Night

Lazy Blogger

2007-08-22T17:00:00.000-07:00

I think I have become a lazy blogger lately. It may be because this summer I have been keeping busy with work and I have not been motivated to do much art. Except the occasional handmade card with stitching I have not made much. This is a big contrast to last summer when I painted almost everyday for a whole month studying in Italy. It is amazing how much more motivated you feel in a fresh new setting.

Well, student teaching is sneaking up soon so I am trying to get into a 'teacher' mind set. It will be fun I am sure to have a change from the regular working routine.

Also Fall is coming soon and that means the annual Indian Summer Quilt Show. I always look forward to the show and getting some inspiration from the usual beautiful quilt display.

Creative Quote

2007-08-22T16:57:00.000-07:00

"The world of reality has its limits, the world of imagination is boundless."
-Jean-Jacques Rousseau

Zipper Frustrations

2007-08-13T20:55:00.000-07:00

Sunday I was happily making progress on this halter top that I have been wanted to make all summer. It is an Amy Butler pattern. Got to the second to last step of putting the zipper in, and I foolishly zipped the thing up and the zip part came off. Since it is pretty much impossible to get back onto the zipper after it has come completely off, I tore it out and now have to go buy another.

The dotty fabric in the corner is the halter top. The fabric is also designed by Amy Butler, which I had to travel to find. It will be cute when it is done.

Paper Mess

2007-08-13T20:49:00.000-07:00

These pictures show the pile of scrap leftover paper that is the result of hard work. I am helping Jamie with his final project animation by making the scenes from paper. We are now done with the scenes and have to start with all the props and the main character(s). I was sick of this mound taking up half of my table space so I finally shoved it all in a ziploc bag. You never know what could be made from these pieces ;>)

Happy Birthday

2007-08-04T15:15:00.000-07:00

Today I am 25. I can't really believe it. I remember when I was a teenager and always complaining how there was nothing to do and how bored I was. My parents would always tell me that I was lucky to have so much time on my hands. Now that I am older I know what they mean. Time does really fly by when your life is full of things that make life busy.

I have been enjoying my day off by sleeping in, going out to get a free birthday meal, cleaning up my studio a bit and then going to play some mini golf with friends. Check out this nice mouse pad and cordless mouse that Jamie so thoughtfully got me for my b-day. They work awesome.

Wise Wednesday

2007-07-31T20:54:00.000-07:00

A quote for creative thinkers:

"An essential part of creativity is not being afraid to fail."
-Albert Einstein

Albert Einstein's brain

Einstein's brain was removed after his death in 1955 with permission from his son. The brain was photographed and dissected for purposes of scientific study. The studies found nothing unusual and that Einstein's brain was of average size.
For more info: http://www.answers.com/topic/albert-einstein-s-brain

New Card

2007-07-29T12:35:00.000-07:00

This card was a gift for a friend who is expecting for a Mommy's Day Shower. I am experimenting with different shapes and designs.

Stash n Dash Bag

2007-07-29T12:31:00.000-07:00

Newly made bag for a sample at work. This is the medium sized 'Stash and Dash' bag by Amy Butler. Super cute but not the easiest/friendliest way to construct. Zipper is a little bulky on the corners. I may do a few more but I'd really like to design a pattern of my own - a little simpler. Today would be a good day to try...

Breezy Point Vacation

2007-07-28T20:21:00.000-07:00

Here are the few photos from our Breezy Point VaCa that I snapped just before the battery ran out. This is our rented cabin/duplex, we were in the left half. As you can see we were lucky to get the nice sandy beach with the fire pit. The lake itself was pretty mucky and weedy in front of the cabin, but good for seeing wildlife and bass fishin'. The resort itself had a beach that was enjoyed by all as it was a hot few days. This is the territory of good friends, Ashliegh and Bryce, whom it was fun to see while we were there and to show me that kiting doesn't always mean hanging onto a little flimsy piece of plastic for a few minutes :)
Click on DandelionSoup's Blog to see some more photos and special dance video.

Web Pro Live Cards

2007-07-21T19:32:00.000-07:00

Jamie printed his first batch of business cards for Web Pro Live. Since they needed to be cut apart I had a cutting factory going for awhile tonight. Here is a pic of the cutting in progress and also a close up of one.

You should also visit the new and improved Web Pro Live website at www.webprolive.com

Have you 'felt' my soap?

2007-07-19T19:50:00.000-07:00

For the past few weeks I have been slowly working on felting up some handmade soaps from a shop downtown called Revolver. The owner's mother makes the soaps which are wonderful smelling and lather great. Today I achieved my goal of finishing 6 of the 12 soaps which I bundled up and brought into Revolver. So now they are out there ready for people to smell and touch them. Good luck soaps.

This is a picture of a Lily taco....made from cat and fabric.

Remembering Kramer

2007-07-14T19:52:00.000-07:00

Sadly I woke up this morning to find that our cockatiel, Kramer, had passed away. Our cat aparently was tormenting him last night and it seems that it was just too much for Kramer to take. Although he was pretty old for a cockatiel, about 15 or 16 years. We will miss our fine feathered friend, sniff...sniff.

Here is a pic of a beautiful sunset in memory of Kramer.

Thank you...

2007-07-08T21:20:00.000-07:00

These photos are of my thank you card going to the hosts of our fourth of July week. Jamie and I spent three fun days in the Minnesota lakes area spending time on the water, picking strawberries, by the fire, and just relaxing. We even got to eat some fresh walleye which was a yummy treat. It was a great way to enjoy the summer. I wish i had some pictures but here is a link to some pictures taken by Dandelion Soup of our week.

card front

card inside

New Desk

2007-06-28T09:32:00.000-07:00

Last weekend we set up my new desk from IKEA. It is working great and it is much messier now than in this picture, which was took right after I set it all up. I am a believer that a messy desk is a productive desk :)

This is a pic of a project in-progress. I am helping Jamie with his graphic design final project. It is going to be an animation/story. We both brainstorm scenes and then cut them from paper. The paper pieces get scanned onto the computer and he will animate them with effects and sound. This is the second scene but now we have 3 done. I am getting excieted to see how it will turn out.

Mutt Ink

2007-06-26T10:27:00.000-07:00

I was surfing on this site that features artists working in different mediums called Sugarfrostedgoodness.com. Anyone reading should really check it out. There are some amazing artist's work in mediums including graphic design. These images by Mutt ink are only some of their very interesting works. Mutt Ink is a collaborative graphic design company who seems to focus on print materials but also interactive graphic design. I think their work is amazing...go to thier website to check it out:
www.muttink.com.

Hotscotch

Pencil Sketch for television concept
Dandelionsoup - if you read this, I hope Raliegh doesn't become 'connected' to the tv like this :)

Sherwood album art

Felted Set

2007-06-23T16:23:00.000-07:00

This set was purchased from my display at Ristretos. I made the tea cup to match the vase and together they make a good couple.

Funky Vase & Tea Cup, wool felt

Space Cadets

2007-06-23T16:18:00.000-07:00

Space Cadets#1 and #2. They are two wool felt pieces that i had framed. My fibers professor purchased the first and the second was a gift for some good friends who recently good married.

Space Cadets #1

Space Cadets #2

Display at Ristretos

2007-06-23T16:03:00.000-07:00

I realized that I have not posted any pictures of my artwork display at Ristreto's coffee and tea. Try to overlook the bad pictures that I took. I have my wool felt pieces on one wall and paintings on the opposite. Overall I have been very happy with this exhibit and it has been very successful. The owner at Ristreto's has been very nice and helpful as well.

Infinity Vessels, wool felt

Mobile, wool felt

Deb and Raliegh

Textile Creatures by Donna Wilson

2007-06-13T10:20:00.000-07:00

Fun handmade dolls have become soooo popular among textile artists and crafters. They are everywhere on Flicker and in Craft magazines. This post is dedicated to one unique textile artist whom I discovered on the web.

"cannibdoll"

"Charlie"

"Oscar"

British artist Donna Wilson makes soft creatures from knitted lambswool. She has been involved in exhibitions touring England where her work seeks to promote a more innovative side to the simple knit one, purl two.

These are pictures of only some of her creatures. Cannibdoll is described as being "happy and selfish" and "dislikes eating vegetables".

Visit Donna Wilson's website at
+www.donnawilson.com/

Wedding Weekend

2007-06-11T17:14:00.000-07:00

This weekend Jamie and I went to the lakes area for our good friend's wedding, Ashliegh and Bryce. It was the most perfect outdoor wedding! Beautiful weather, great location (it was at their super cute house), good food, and fun people. The wedding was more casual and relaxed but well organized and beautiful. Jamie and I had a great time. Ashliegh's friends have an Irish band that played for the wedding and were very good. Everyone kicked up some dust dancing to the music.

We camped in the yard after a night beside the fire listening to musical friends playing. Jamie played a few songs and also played drums. My only regret is not getting the camera from the car to snap some photos:(

What a weekend!

Meri Page

2007-06-11T17:04:00.000-07:00

"Spring", mixed media

Talk about the most beautiful stained glass, and most unique, that I have seen. Meri Page is a stained glass artist who uses organic shapes and forms in her artwork. She inserts mouthblown glass, seashells, and minerals such as agates into her pieces as well. Using thin slices of nautilus shells creates unique forms when the light shine through the translucent layers.

View more of her wonderful pieces at the Meri Page Designs website:
+meripagedesign.com

Inspiring Artist

2007-06-04T20:35:00.000-07:00

Janaina Tschape is an a painter and photographer who uses latex, balloons and condoms in her work as well. The bulbulous forms created by the balloons filled with helium, water and the human form give her art a sense of mystery and fantasy. I love how the forms interact with the environment they are placed in. It seems almost like tumors growing from the body...a giant balloon cancer. I hope there are breathing holes for her in that thing...

I have become familiar with this artist's work through feltbug's blog and also other art sites as well. You can read more about her art and other contemporary artists at Art Moco.

New Living Space!

2007-05-30T20:58:00.000-07:00

This last weekend has been very busy. My lil sister graduated from high school and we had a big party at my parents on Sunday. I can't really believe that she is done with high school already and going off to college in the fall.

Other than getting ready for and having the graduation party, I have been working on moving. I now have a new place to live. It is exciting that I now have a larger space to live and make art in. I will have a whole room for my sewing and art things...a mini studio if you will. Tonight is my first night at my new place and of course that means it is my cats first night as well. She seems to be exploring and sniffing every inch of the place.

So hopefully when I get my sewing area set up i can start working on some of the new ideas and inspiration that I have been waiting to get to and start using my funky needle :)

Just In....

2007-05-17T18:37:00.000-07:00

Jamie has been working hard on my website for my artwork. He just finished it and I think it turned out great and I bet you will too! You can view it at www.funkyneedle.com.

What I have been up to lately...

2007-05-15T10:37:00.000-07:00

For mother's day i was planning on making a card but then decided to just make it large enough to fit in a frame. This is what it turned out like. I enjoyed working with paper and sewing into it. It is so different from sewing into fabric.

The last few days I have been working on painting my parents family room. This is how the first wall turned out. I started with base coat, let it dry, and then brushed on a medium and dark color that I mixed with a glaze medium. I guess I like it but it turned out a bit more splotchy than I visioned. The important thing is my parents like it...so i know my hard work is being productive. Only two more walls to go...

Yeah...End of Semester

2007-05-09T14:49:00.000-07:00

The end of the semester has finally come! Also beautiful weather to enjoy and relax in.

I wanted to share this awesome blog...FELTBUG...that I check daily. It is a blog for anyone interested in fiber art, felting, contemporary artists and art related info in general. As a person living in a smaller art community it is fun to read/see about artists from different places. I love it...thanks feltbug.

Wheeew...

2007-05-06T12:58:00.000-07:00

I took the geek test hoping that it would come out saying that i was not a geek. I am actually surprised at how high it is.

29% Geek Mingle2.com - Free Online Dating

A Push for a Better Education

2007-04-25T09:48:00.000-07:00

This topic was brought to my attention from a good friend's blog...Dandelion Soup...and after reading it I decided it was worthy to write about as well.

For the 2008 political campaign the issue of America's public education is being pushed to the forefront with "Ed in 08". It is a bi-partisian campaign that raises awareness of topics in public education such as more consistent curriculum standards nationwide, lengthening the school day and year, and improving the teacher quality through merit pay.
The fact that it is a bi-partisian campaign ensures that the topic can not be squelched by either party but will have to be aknowledged. The first of their ads poses the question: "What is your plan to fix our schools?" amied at the political candiates of 2008.

I believe that this is a great way to raise awareness on the issues of our education system's future and I hope it will gain both political and public support. As a future educator I am becomming more aware of these issues and whom ever is elected will impact my career.

This is the article which states "Ed in 08" information:
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/04/25/education/25schools.html?_r=1&oref=slogin

Girls Night

2007-04-24T09:00:00.000-07:00

Monday night I got together with some good friends from high school whom I haven't seen for awhile. We had a blast making some felted soaps that mystified some and all turned out beautiful. It was good practice for me teaching and I learned some new 'terms' I can use for my felting class.
Chris made this awesome veggie pizza, pictured below...isn't it pretty with all the veggie colors? I am definitely going to try making it myself. It turned out to be a fun night getting together...and I think we all agree we still look the same, which is a good thing.

Busy...Busy

2007-04-22T19:54:00.000-07:00

It is a busy time of the semester. Good news it is almost over..only 2 weeks left but I have sooo much to do. Including getting my artwork ready for May 1st. I feel better after spending a day getting some photos of some art, writing my artist statement, and working on some homework too. I also designed a new photo card for my invites to the Ristreto show...they are going to be fun. Here are some photos I took today. The group photo I think will go to the Fargo Forum because they do an article on the current artist..which is nice.

Outdoor Photo Shoot

2007-04-14T21:03:00.000-07:00

The weather seems to finally have adjusted to Spring. I just wanted to try some photos taken outside on an old picnic table in the backyard. It gives a rustic kinda feeling. I wish the grass were greener....it would make a good backdrop. Jamie and I have been busy looking for apartments...always a fustrating process. But we know there is the perfect one out there..just have to keep looking.

Barkie

Cup of Tea?

Ready to be Judged

2007-04-02T20:15:00.000-07:00

Today I entered these two pieces in the Student Juried Exhibit at MSUM. So my pieces are ready to be judged. I put these two new pieces in because it pushed me to finish them and get them ready for display. If I win something that would be great and if not then I have the experience. Good luck my wool friends.

Tubular Vessels

Wool Fossil

Wool Fossil - detail

My Gallery Work

2007-03-27T09:34:00.000-07:00

My section of wall.

Flock Together

Stitched Fruit

Bloom #1 and Bloom #2

Sunday

2007-03-25T19:12:00.000-07:00

What a beautiful Sunday, warm humid weather feels nice. To take a break from studying I finished this new bag. It is a nice purse size - just big enough for the things you need.

The opening gallery night went very well and it was fun to see everyone's work - it all looks so nice in the white-wall gallery atmosphere! I also was surprised with a photo in the Forum of my work and Ryan, who updates the Forum's website, included it there as well. Now I can focus on my artwork I am planning on having at Ristreto's in May or June.

Waiting

2007-03-22T11:51:00.000-07:00

I have spent almost all day in the bathroom trying to make myself pretty for my gallery opening tonight. And now I am just waiting to go pick Jamie up and go. That is why I don't like having the day off when I have something big like this. I just spend the whole day getting ready and it just makes me anxious. :) Although I am thankful that my mom is working for me, because I neglected to take the day off of work..opps. So that is why I am writing this blog...to take my mind off it for awhile.

Jamie has been updating his website as a portfolio for his web and 3d modeling designs. I think it looks really good, check it out at http://www.webprolive.com/

Windy Sunday

2007-03-18T15:02:00.000-07:00

Ahh...I just wrote this blog but some kinda error happened and I have to write it again.
Today I fought the wind, dangerously blowing sand and dirt, to Moorhead for a yoga class. It was at a cool martial arts studio and turned out to be a challenging experience. I learned some new moves, that will require practice, and also how to attempt hand and head stands. After class (1hr, 45 min) long I was very tired and my head hurt from trying headstand postures. I think i will be sticking to my regular yoga classess for awhile...more relaxing.

While I was making some binding for a quilt, I saw this neat photo opportunity. Its like waves of fabric....or something.

This is another tote bag...my third one...I love how easy they are.

Senior Exhibit!

2007-03-10T21:06:00.000-08:00

I am excited that it is finally my turn to take part in the senior BA/BS art exhibit at MSUM. I will have several (5) pieces in the show.

The dates: March 19 - 31
Where: Roland Dille Center for the Arts, MSUM
Opening Night: March 22...4-6pm

Gallery Hours: Mon, Tue, Thurs 9am-6pm
Fri 9am-4pm

I almost feel like a real artist!

A Few Fun Pics

2007-03-10T20:54:00.000-08:00

We're off for spring break! And with wonderful weather to boot. A trip to Minneapolis for visiting and getting a fill of the big city will cure some mid-semester blues. I am also looking forward to visiting the Walker or MIA while we're there...maybe some new inspiration?! Here are some random photos.

New tote bag, this was a quilting class I just taught at work.

Lily is still wondering when she will be able to get that spool of thread as a midnight snack.

Even my cool posable artist figure (new from IKEA) is doing a little yogic meditation...Ohmmm....She can make up for the yoga I will be missing while I'm in the cities.

I just 'felt' like it!

2007-03-10T20:49:00.000-08:00

These are some new felt vessles. I am experimenting with different lighting - there is a big difference.

Recent Felt Vessels

2007-02-25T20:26:00.000-08:00

I am currently 'building' my wool artwork for a show at a local coffee shop in May. I am discovering new forms and also trying some stitiching into the felt. The more I explore the medium, the more I realize its great potential.

Recent Paintings

2007-02-25T20:13:00.000-08:00

These are photos of 2 paintings I actualy finished last semester. I am putting them into my senior exhibition along with some other fiber things. When I look at them it makes me want to do more with watercolor on fabric...just have to find the time.

New Project

2007-01-14T14:51:00.000-08:00

I recently discovered a new use for that pet screen that has been used for thousands of screen bags. I found it functions beautifully as a jewlery organizer. I also note that Lily, my faithful sewing partner, is always there to express how much she loves thread and fabric too.

Happy New Year 2007!

2007-01-14T14:40:00.000-08:00

Wow, can't believe it is 2007! Last year was filled with many great experiences including a new baby in the Thompson family, Raliegh. I am looking forward to the new year and hope it will be filled with just as many great times!

Bras On Broadway 2006

2007-01-14T14:27:00.000-08:00

The first Bras on Broadway was October 26, 2006. I donated my 'Perky in Pink' bra for the silent auction. Ashliegh Buck & I had a great time at the event. Ashleigh was brave enough to model her own bra! The event raised $13,700 in support of Breast Cancer Research! It felt great to be a part of such a successful event.

Autumn 2006

2007-01-14T14:20:00.000-08:00

It has been so long since my last blog that i have to start with photos from the fall. Jamie & i took a walk down the Red River & found some neat photo opportunities.

North Shore

2006-08-20T19:49:00.000-07:00

These are some photos of our trip to the North Shore. i went with Jamie's family including grandma sarah and aunt soni. We had a great time enjoying the outdoors. The temp was a little cooler than i had been used to in italy:) We all had a fun time discovering the wild raspberries, hiking the trails, going for a morning canoe ride, and riding the gondola up the mountain. It was a very relaxing 4 days!

Home from Italy!

2006-08-20T18:56:00.000-07:00

I am now back home after a wonderful month in Italy. It feels good to be back but at the same time I miss the streets and art of Italy. Looking back on my month, I feel that I acomplished a lot and saw as much as I could in Florence. It is still hard to believe I was there for a month, time went by so fast. It was an experience of a lifetime and now I can plan my next trip to Europe. I am thinking London and Paris will be at the top of my list. It has been a lot of fun giving everyone thier gifts i brought back.
...My work, the Quilted Ladybug, had expanded when I was gone and the store seems so large and open. It just feels like a big quilt shop now. I am already back in the groove of cutting fabric and of course making kits.

Ponte Vecchio

2006-08-20T18:53:00.000-07:00

These are some pics of the Ponte Vecchio, the largest and oldest bridge in Florence. It used to have food markets and stores but now it is the best place to find gold and silver jewlery in Florence. It was beautiful at night as well as in the day.

Farewell Dinner

2006-08-20T18:47:00.000-07:00

CEA held a farewell dinner for us at a tattoria style restaurant. We had the best pear and cheese ravioli...yummmm. It was funny to see how the boys in the group were always nearby our italian hosts, eva & alessandra. I guess you can't compete with italian women:)

Bobli Gardens Again

2006-08-20T18:42:00.000-07:00

After we moved out of our apartment Erin and I had two days to spend in Florence before our flight. We stayed in a Bed & Breakfast in the historic center, where we were familar with and did some things we both had left to see. I went back to the Bobli Gardens one morning because I did not get to see it all the first time. It was a beautiful day.

Marvelous Mosaics

2006-08-20T18:36:00.000-07:00

Being a quilter, I was naturaly delighted to see the beautiful mosiac floors all over italy. The most diverse ones were in the church of San Marco in Venice. It amazes me to see all of these designs. I wonder if quilt patterns were inspired by these floors or if they were already used in textiles. Either was it was fun to see the designs that i have seen done used quilts many times.

Bar Ginori

2006-08-20T18:32:00.000-07:00

This is a pic of the caffee bar i went to every morning because it was conviently located right by our front door. We lived on Via di Ginori number 1. There were always men with acordians playing the same songs over and over. It was nice but it did get old.

Grafiti

2006-08-20T18:17:00.000-07:00

There was surprisingly a lot of graffiti around Florence. These were probably just stencils that were spray painted over but the designs are pretty cool.

Sistine Chapel

2006-08-20T18:05:00.000-07:00

In the Vatican Museum you have to walk forever just to see the Sistine Chapel. There were supposed to be no photos, but I did sneak a few, they are blurry. In the museum i saw some very famous works of art, it was incredible.

Colosseum

2006-08-20T17:50:00.000-07:00

When in Rome...I saw the colosseum. We got there just 5 min after they stopped letting people in. But we did get some good views from outside. The triumphal arch is outside the colosseum and also there are expansive ancient Roman ruins. The stone roads were unique.

Top of the Duomo

2006-08-20T17:12:00.000-07:00

Our whole art history class climbed up the largest dome in Florence. 463 steps in all. But so worth it. The dome is constructed so that you can climb between the inner part of the dome and the outer part. The climb actually went by fast because I was so excieted to get to the top. There were little openings as you went up. At the top it was open air and you could walk around the latern. The views from the top were worth the 463 steps.

New artwork

2006-08-02T07:46:00.000-07:00

These are some paintings I did in a side street by the Duomo. For my final project i am focusing on the colors and textures of Florence. These works are more abstract. Also i am stitching into some of the paintings.

Gondola Ride

2006-08-02T07:36:00.000-07:00

Cara, Sarah, Erin & I took a gondola ride the second day we were in Venice. Our gonolier's name was Matteo. He was very friendly, almost too friendly. It was a nice relaxing ride through the canals of Venice. For some of the bridges we went under, we had to duck our heads. There was a praying mantis having a snack in the garbage can in Venice.

Burano

2006-08-02T07:34:00.000-07:00

This is the island of Burano, another island off of Venice. Burano is known for it's Venictian lace work. It is beautifull. Also it is known for it's very colorful houses that line the canals.

Murano

2006-08-02T07:24:00.000-07:00

Murano is an island off of Venice. They are known for thier glass work. This is a photo of a glass blowing 'master'. It was really hot in front of the fire. He made a bowl and a fish.

Venice

2006-08-02T07:19:00.000-07:00

Venice only has water canals and walkways for pedestrians only. There are 400 bridges in Venice. Lots of colorful boats and houses.

Train ride to Venice

2006-08-02T07:10:00.000-07:00

Cara, Sarah, Erin, and I on a train to Venice.

St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City

2006-08-02T07:04:00.000-07:00

This is a view of st. peter's and inside looking up at the baldachino and the dome.

Buon Giorno

2006-07-21T09:42:00.000-07:00

This is an Italian capuchino, there is a coffee bar just outside of our apartment called Bar Ginori. I have been getting coffee almost every morning and the server has gotten to know me. Sometimes he writes words on the top of the coffee in chocolate. This one says good morning.

Siena & Sexy Pasta?

2006-07-19T07:44:00.000-07:00

Photo in the streets of Siena and a store with Sexy Pasta?!

Santa Reparata

2006-07-19T07:42:00.000-07:00

These are photos of my school in Florence. Library & Lounge.

San Gimignano

2006-07-19T07:39:00.000-07:00

Views from little town of San Gimignano, this is where I found my favorite art gallery so far. The art gallery is owned by a man who spins his own wool and does amazing weavings and clothing.

Opera Night

2006-07-19T07:38:00.000-07:00

Sarah, Erin, Cara and I at an italian opera

Fiesole

2006-07-19T07:36:00.000-07:00

Fiesole is a small city north of Florence with great views. We went for painting class and the opera was here as well.

Cinque Terre

2006-07-19T07:32:00.001-07:00

These are views along our hike between the 5 towns, we went swimming on the beach, and had lunch at a restaurant under umbrellas.