Stephanie Brandenburg Studios

2012-01-18T06:38:00.000-08:00

I feel like a dormant seedling right now. Just working about under this snow cover. This winter has been full of reconnecting with family and trudging forward. The moment we have waited for arrives with the Early Spring Edition of Country Gardens Magazine. Check out the fun project to put together for your garden this year. Grab a cup of tea and dream of Spring with me.
Don't forget about the winter garden of fabric at Fern Hill. I have been working on some new fun displays bringing some of the fabric downstairs. So now you can get all of your wheels turning. Wishing you a peaceful January.

2011-12-06T06:36:00.001-08:00

What an amazing photo layout from Quilt Trends Magazine!

The quilt is perfect there... we're moving in!

A BIG Thank you to the gang at Quilt Trends (the magazine formerly known as Fabric Trends)! This is such a great look! Like Mad Men meets color! Go out and get the magazine today- as usual it is filled with innovation! Peace.

2011-11-27T11:29:00.000-08:00

This was left over marketing foam core. The actual book is wonderful :-)

An old picture frame

Measure twice, cut once

A little Mod Podge Shimmer for the Holidays

Mix with water

Apply your fabric to the recycled foam core and voila!

This is a fun easy project to throw together in about 30 minutes. Keep watching for more exciting projects from Stephanie Brandenburg Studios!

2011-11-18T14:38:00.001-08:00

Please make a point to stop into Henry's Market in Homestead, IA. We are putting the final touches on a beautiful gazebo style garden shed. But we are having some negative feedback and would appreciate your support. This is a temporary structure so it won't be there for long. Just enough to promote this beautiful area, natural Iowa food from local growers, and to elevate awareness of the historical area.
Thanks to everyone who have already supported this amazing project. ;-) May there be much love and slow food in your life
.

2011-11-09T12:56:00.000-08:00

I got home from Quilt Market/Festival in Houston, yesterday. Debuting Flower Bomb and Jardiniere at Market and then moving on to Festival! We were all so exhausted. It was so wonderful to have the support for Daydreams II, Earth Elements, Human Element, Wildwood and everything!!! I couldn't believe the energy! But when I got home I peered into the studio and started crying... Joey Glass (my constant angel)- and my husband Marc (my best friend) cleaned out my whole studio! It is like paradise- I can't wait to sew and paint... Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

f=ma

2011-10-11T05:26:00.000-07:00

Running in the dark this morning under an almost full moon-How glorious to finally get up and get going.
Exciting new designs are on their way jumping out of my head and landing everywhere. It seems I can't paint fast enough. I am also stewing on some original quilt designs that needed to be done yesterday. Yesterday...

I'll keep you posted more regularly on new designs. My daughter Paige MacKenzie helped me redo my blog. She is pretty gifted with the graphics. And I always love stealing flowers from Joe Glass ;-)
Have a wonderful day!

Nitty Gritty

2011-09-22T17:43:00.000-07:00

Liam added blue paint to my palette because he wanted to make it "look better"

AWESOME Rock Pillows designed by me and brought to reality by the so talented Megan Bracy!

The saga of the cool digs...

I am the Iron Goddess ;-)

She is looking good... all dressed up-

I want to put something out there that is real. It is not always pretty and wrapped up in brown paper packages. Life is stressful, but I know I am blessed. My children are all healthy. My work is exhausting, but worth it. Sometimes when I am in the middle of a painting I feel like a ghost. I do the tasks that need to be done like make chicken noodle soup, clean most of the house, try to get the bird's nest out of the fireplace vent thingy, pick up Leemie bop from school, deal with college financial needs- but I float through it while I am painting so of course then I feel guilty about that. Like I'm sorry that I am not all there, that I am just a hologram. ;-)
I finally get to a place where I want to be and the rug is pulled out from under me. Don't ever give up. Demand more especially now and if you are truly an artist then buy art fabric. Art is just a common expression, a translation of emotion- whatever that emotion may be. But I believe in that. I believe in the expression of true hand done art- in our schools, for our children as well as our own spirits we owe it to ourselves not to settle. Support the translation in whatever language it may be written. Peace.

Pre Autumn Schedules

2011-09-13T04:52:00.000-07:00

The goal is to remember what is important

What is essential

What is excting

What is worth taking the time

A very busy Autumn is on its way embrace each day

Galesburg, IL

2011-08-22T06:51:00.000-07:00

What a lovely crowd in Galesburg! Thanks so much for your interest in all of the Art Collections! We will keep creating no matter what. You all make the difference for me.

Sunday Sweet Sundays...

2011-08-14T14:55:00.000-07:00

Well, today I went for a run, a good run. It was a gorgeous day! Snuck on over to Barb's, a dangerous place and walked home with arms full of inspiration. We took Liam to the Sweet Corn Festival and now he is crashed. I wish we could all pass out when we need to.

Things that make you go hmmmmm.

2011-08-12T10:49:00.000-07:00

So I am organizing the studio today with an amazing set of gym lockers I got at Fern Hill. I have all my colors in their baskets. I reset my compass and look to the future with contemplation. Daydreams production yardage arrived and greets me right at the front door. My new line that I am painting is a really amazing way to look at flowers and the world as we know it. I can't wait to show you- stay tuned.

Fabric Trends Magazine Summer Issue

2011-06-28T08:43:00.000-07:00

Fabric Trends Magazine proved to be totally delightful! What a refreshing change to read about real issues from designers-

Enjoy!

Fabric Trends Magazine Summer Issue

2011-06-13T15:03:00.001-07:00

I am so proud to be in Fabric Trends Magazine Summer Issue. Daydreams II is still cookin but will be as amazing as the first collection when it is finished. This has been such a crazy time for me... with my daughter graduating and then my uncle passed away unexpectedly. When I work on the sets I help build for Camelot Cottons, or the Country Gardens projects I always think of him. He was an amazing craftsman. The people we love are what is important.

Take a breath before the week...

2011-04-19T06:51:00.000-07:00

So the weekend... You have to take a little time to dance. Liam and his cousin Brady are being silly as usual.

And this is a sneak peek at the original artwork for my Make Quilts design from Urban Art. It will be showing soon- pretty cool- more details later... But like the song says "I hope you dance"

2011-03-22T11:23:00.000-07:00

Spring is officially here! Go get your Country Gardens Magazine! The best magazine for innovative ideas for your garden! This project was so much fun to work on! You can make yours today! Thanks to Barb at Crosscreek for helping me with all of my crazy lamps!!!

Daydreams 2

2011-03-10T07:53:00.000-08:00

What a lovely evening present! My scans are back for the layout of Daydreams 2. This was worth waking up for at 3am! This is really a line special to my heart.

Meet Stephanie Brandenburg.mpg

2011-03-01T21:31:00.000-08:00

My Artist Interview

2011-03-01T21:25:00.000-08:00

Get to know me a little better and take a peek at the creative process for me.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pOZxp2AuRV8

Thanks so much for your interest and support!

Daydreams 2

2011-02-21T18:35:00.000-08:00

Well I keep adding to the collection. This is it I promise. Thanks to everyone who was at Fern Hill Sunday. We had so much fun! Your support is so critical for future lines. Thank you!

2011-01-15T13:44:00.000-08:00

It seems this is the month for Daydreaming. As soon as I get to work on something I start thinking about painting, quilt design and all that fun stuff.

I have developed Daydreams 2, cartes de couture (which are sewing cards) for the Camelot projects with the help of Home Ec in Iowa City, and printed a new pattern which will work for Daydreams 1 or 2. I really had some fun making a Wildwood quilt using metallic organza overlay and wools. So it has been a wonderful start to the new year.

Homecake

2011-01-02T10:32:00.000-08:00

This morning I woke up late. I mean late... I didn't want to get out of bed and greet this new year which will bring all of the chaos and creativity of the last year. I think about how exhausting it is and pull the covers over my head in my mind. The Holidays are such a whirlwind, Thanksgiving, Christmas, Liam's Birthday and New Year's Eve and Day- I mustered the courage, went downstairs, made my coffee and squeezed my Liam and he looked at me and asked "Mom Can we make a homecake?"

"A homecake? What's a homecake?" I asked. He said "You know Mom, a yummy cake with sprinkles and at home." He was referring to his birthday cake I made him last week. It wasn't fancy just a mix and some homemade frosting dyed blue with sprinkles all over it- But to him it was the best, the perfect cake. It was a lovely reminder that the simplest things we do make a difference. And we can face everything with love in our lives. Happy New Year everyone!

My fave...

2010-09-08T19:38:00.000-07:00

The start of my calla with the blessing of Edith Holden.

New Daydreams...

2010-09-02T21:28:00.000-07:00

It took awhile for me to get my groove back but as I held each brush I felt this guilty pleasure- like I am having an affair with irises ;-) no one knows I'm here, pouring paint down the canvas, translating petals one by one- I went out and bought bouquets of star gazer lilies, irises, hydrangea, gerbera daisies, delphinium, and beautiful hybrid deep coral colored lilies all waiting to be painted, fragrant. Their heady scent fills my little corner of the world- paint us before we perish. I've noticed how as the flower fades it's truest colors are revealed and the blooms arch and loop into the shape they seem to have been born to be- and I wonder if we are all like those blooms. if we get to our truth.

2010-08-17T20:16:00.001-07:00

this little light of mine... I'm gonna let it shine...

2010-08-13T07:05:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow We'll Go To The Fair...

2010-08-13T07:00:00.001-07:00

Well we went to the fair! My brother and his son Gus, and the nerds Aubrey, Nichole, Liam and Noah. We went to see the beautiful blocks that people created with my Hollyhock Doll fabric.

It was really wonderful to see all of the creativity! Thanks so much to everyone for your support and creativity!

Seed Boxes

2010-08-10T09:24:00.000-07:00

Thanks Country Gardens Magazine for featuring our beautiful collection of seed boxes. We have enjoyed sharing.

R/Evolution of Writing

2010-06-03T15:12:00.000-07:00

This is the new pattern!

Fern Hill Vintage Originals

2010-05-11T18:30:00.000-07:00

This is a glimpse of what I've been working on assembling if you will... shhh I'll tell you more later promise.

Paducah!

2010-04-26T16:51:00.000-07:00

Thanks to everyone! You made Paducah and Chicago great shows for me and Fern Hill and Camelot Cottons! I cannot wait to create more wonderful paintings to see what you all do with them. Thanks to everyone from the bottom of my heart.

My girlie girl

2010-02-13T19:42:00.001-08:00

My little 14 year old Nichole was unusually quiet today while she waited until 7:00 for Erick and I to finish our merchandising in the upstairs level of the shop. She was quiet because she was creating this beautiful piece for me. Thanks Colie I love you and I am glad you know that you guys are priority one with me! This is so cool, I will also be exploiting your graphic skills now along with your other sisters. You've been holdin' out on me! ;-)

Early Spring Issue Country Gardens!

2010-01-12T06:20:00.000-08:00

Well it is that time of year again! The time when my first Country Gardens issue arrives like a snowdrop breaking through the crusty cold of winter! This issue features many wonderful things as well as their picks for hot garden products and our coldframe! Joe Rance worked on this and we collaborated on how to make the coolest coldframe you've ever seen. I think we did it! We can design and make anything for your gardening needs. Buy your Country Gardens at Fern Hill. Come on in, have a coffee and see what we are up to today!

The Nativity

2009-11-29T18:10:00.000-08:00

Well it has been quite a week! I was honored to set up the Nativity for the Tanenbaum Forest in Amana. Roxanne Pierce began the journey with me, getting the lights strung and getting the Nativity out. But it was not coming together in my brain! Erick Wolfmeyer helped me and our theme is finding the light in you. As you walk up to discover Baby Jesus you pass by a series of mirrors to remind us all that we are the change and the peace we seek. We are the light of Christ. Merry Christmas everyone and Peace to all of all faiths!

Please try to see the Nativity and all of the trees- the proceeds all go Make-a-Wish Foundation

Well it is official!

2009-10-14T22:06:00.000-07:00

We will be printing Daydreams and Urban Squares Thanks to everybody for your support and excitement for my work - it truly keeps me going!

Some photos from the booth as we have out preview until 10:00 p-

Out there in paper!

2009-09-24T20:39:00.000-07:00

This is my new work for fabric ... Urban Art full of angst ridden writers, rain on the streets, graffiti and hope that is the creativity of youth in sidewalk chalk... The champagne on the table is to celebrate the final shoot for Outdoor Rooms Magazine- I survived - I still can't believe that- it was a good stress though and will be worth it when the mag comes out Spring 2010! Fabric however out there now- Order it -please... and put something out there!

Peace- Steph

Family

2009-09-24T20:05:00.000-07:00

So just when you think you are going to relax... think again. You can see a small figure in the center of this video - that is my Liam dancing the night away to the Australian band The Rosie Burgess trio a free concert at Green Square Park in Cedar Rapids. This was a great night and a great show- My Paige and Marc went too and we all had fun!

No pain, no gain...

2009-08-26T13:53:00.000-07:00

Here are some photos of a very exciting project we are putting together at the store-

Come and see us in person!!

I want to thank everybody who has helped with this! My dear friend Dawn from Peck's, Sandy at Von Essen Gallery, Jeannie at Dry Creek Hostas, Barb at Crosscreek Antiques, Marcus at Okoboji Wines, my Paige and everyone at Fern Hill of course including Cheryl and Brian, Dale, Joe and Marc!

Enjoy-

Website issue-

2009-07-27T11:35:00.001-07:00

I just want everyone to be who reads this to know that I thank you for your patience while I rework my website. My hosting came due to renew and I decided not to renew it with Shanna from Sitesquared. She did not answer one question I had for the last 6 months and I felt like I was ultimately not getting the attention that I need since I do not know all there is to know regarding website issues.
So I hired a new web/graphics designer to help me develop a new site. So as I sift through the drama of change please be patient and thank you for your continued support. I know this new designer will wow us all.
Thanks so much,
Stephanie Brandenburg

AQS Knoxville, TN

2009-07-22T19:31:00.000-07:00

Here we are y'all! We are in Knoxville Tennessee! We are showing off our latest collection Urban Squares... we have two original quilt patterns ready as well as what I like to call... Fern Hill pattern conversions! We have Hollyhocks! So plant your garden in fabric at our booth 427 -429!

We are here until Saturday so come see us. I have to mention that I stopped at one of my all time favorite stores Scarlett Scales in Franklin I'll show you my great finds asap.

I'll post more pics as soon as I can!

Urban Squares is at Fern Hill

2009-06-23T20:42:00.000-07:00

Come in and touch and feel my latest line! Urban Squares is very impressive with deep color and layered shapes you will have fun building your project!

It is done Jane!

2009-06-16T15:27:00.000-07:00

This is the long awaited seed germintator painted for ever so patient Jane-

I really like this piece- I love how it is the seeds of creativity and real seeds at the same time!

Thank you!

2009-06-12T19:33:00.000-07:00

I just want to thank Jamie for sharing her blue ribbon prize winning quilt! This is what the circle of creating is all about! Thanks for taking the time to share this with me Jamie! Good Job! To see another pic go to www.fernhillgiftsandquilts.blogspot.com

Peaceful Resignation...

2009-05-20T07:13:00.000-07:00

I am thrilled to feature a new piece of art. My City Waterworks painting has been a journey in the making. This is acrylic and pastel on masonite. The City Waterworks is beveled glass from an old door from an actual waterworks facility. I asked Joe Rance to make a frame for me and he did, about three years ago, and about three years ago they cut down rows of trees on 1st Avenue in Cedar Rapids where I lived at the time and where I painted. I was finishing a custom order when I heard the hacking and buzzing of saws. These beautiful healthy trees stood there with these great white X s slashed across their trunks, waiting. It has haunted me to this day. So this is an environmental piece. When you see this painting think of the trees, think of the ribbons tied around them by their guardians begging the powers that be, not to do this. But also the resounding resignation that we are all trees with white Xs. Peace.

WOW!

2009-04-28T20:25:00.000-07:00

I want to say Thank You! To all who supported my work and our Fern Hill/ Stephanie Brandenburg Studios booth in Chicago and then in Paducah. I was truly inspired by everyone and so thankful to have your encouragement and support. My bookshelf pattern is flying off its shelves!

This excitement is contagious and I promise I will continue to produce the best work I can for all of you- So you can be as excited about your projects as I am! Fern Hill's Hollyhock Dolls and Garden Garments is reprinting... and ...

my new collection Urban Squares is printing as we speak!! It is a different line for me but very cool.

What is coming for May Quilt Market?

2009-03-05T12:10:00.002-08:00

These are some of the new designs I have put together for the International Quilt Market in May for Camelot Cottons!

I am very excited about a new look with Urban Squares. I'll give you a sneak peek!

Also Irish lace will accompany our Hollyhock Collection so enjoy!

I will be introducing my first official quilt pattern- Winter Garden-the bookshelf quilt.

The weather is warm today! Spring is around the corner!

Winter is tough!

2009-01-12T19:20:00.000-08:00

In this age where we are supposed to be inventing, staying positive and dreaming of the future- I feel like I am stuck under a cloche- without the benefit of warmth!

But I will say I am very excited to unveil our little contribution to Country Gardens Magazine Early Spring 2009!

When the Country Gardens Early Spring Edition comes out it is like a breath of fresh air. It is a little nudge toward Spring letting you know everything is really going to get warm again. You will not be in this tundra forever. Spring will come, plants and flowers will grow... you won't be able to leave work because of a blizzard and go take a nap with your two year old because why not? we are stuck in tundra anyway...

Ok maybe that is just me- but really we can soak up these moments because when Spring does finally pull back the curtain of white cold we will be so pumped we will keep moving, running, traveling, searching and discovering-and it won't stop until the cold blizzard grips us again to force us to be still.

Listen to the stillness of the snow falling, the sounds of the cars and snowblowers muffled, the birds off in the distance like a little promise that they will be there for us soon.

And in this quiet go get the Country Gardens Early Spring Edition from Fern Hill of course. Have a cup of coffee or tea and dream of what will be this season. What plants will bloom? What is the look I want for my home and my garden? At Fern Hill we are tearing it up! We are gearing up for Spring and resetting the whole shop! Barb Connor of Crosscreek Antiques has been nice (crazy;-)enough to help me move furniture and offer her creative talents so come in and see what chaos is all about!

Brrrrrrr...

2009-01-04T12:10:00.000-08:00

Now is the time to thank everyone who helped us make it to 2009! We have had such a great year designing new patterns, new fabrics and doing shows. I personally want to thank everybody for your interest in my designs and the encouragement to press on, keep it different, vibrant and exciting!

I am giving you a sneak peek at some gorgeous additions to my Hollyhock Dolls and Garden Garments Collection!

Coming soon...my first original quilt pattern. My friend Sue Penn is starting her own fabric company her designers have been hard at work and she will release Bluebird Dishes - and Watermark- Both are exciting new looks.

I am working on a very different look for SB Studios a line called Urban Squares with Camelot Cottons which will premiere in May 2009. I can't wait to share it with you!

The Nativity

2008-12-05T18:27:00.000-08:00

I wanted to share some Christmas shots of the Nativity that Roxanne Pierce and I get to decorate each year. This is always a special event for us in the hubub of retail- to pause, take a moment and reflect on the season.

Check out the Amanas "Festival of Trees" The Tannenbaum Forest- in the village of Amana all proceeds go to Make A Wish! A wonderful dream come true for a little child.

This is a photo of last year but it is always amazing- Go over and check out what we did this year!

Merry Christmas. Happy Hanukkah. Happy Muharram. and Happy Kwanza...

Peace to all -

We need peace and understanding-the foundation, the real underpinning of all of these faiths.

God Bless.

Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love.

John 4:8

This quote best represents me...

The Truth is that we are always moving toward mystery and so we are far closer to what is real when we do not see our destination clearly- Rachel Remen

I never see my destination so I'm good - SB

Peace.

Our Christmas Open House

2008-11-24T17:40:00.000-08:00

Please enjoy the pictures of our Hollyhock Doll and Garden Garments Christmas Open House! It is always so magical for the Holiday Season. We are busy decorating the Festhalle Barn for the Nativity right now -it is like a live Christmas Card and all donations go to Make-A-Wish. Come in for Prelude to Christmas December 5-7. Experience the magic of Christmas at Fern Hill and please be a patron to your local stores that matter to you.

Open House

2008-11-11T19:35:00.001-08:00

Don't forget our Fern Hill Open House is this weekend! November 14 and 15. Please come in and have some cake...and wine! Check the latest and greatest with our Hollyhock Collection plus Fingerpaints Metallics and get a sneak peek of all of the wonderful things coming up for 2009. Irish Lace will release in Spring of '09 and a fun contemporary line called Urban Squares- I will also be putting patterns together to help people organize my 'unique' way of design! So come in and check out Christmas! Fern Hill's decked the halls just for you!

AQS Show

2008-11-07T07:48:00.001-08:00

We had such a great experience at the AQS Show in Des Moines last month. Thanks to everyone who made Fern Hill a success! I was so nervous because it was our first 'big' fabric show and our unveiling of the Fern Hill Hollyhock Doll and Garden Garment Collection. I always get nervous about my new lines I always hope people understand my quirky ways of creating. But the line was well received and our booth was really fun! We will be doing more shows next year to release our lines as well as featuring other lines that we enjoy having in our store! So bring it on for 2009! Please check our websites for more information... www.fernhill.net www.stephaniebrandenburg.com and www.camelotcottons.com

Create!

Fern Hill is also hosting an Open House to officially celebrate our Hollyhock line and the shop is decked for Christmas! So come in and check us out November 14 and 15 to have some cake, cider, and wine!

La di da, la di da 'tis autumn...

2008-10-02T05:24:00.001-07:00

It is actually getting chilly. This will be an exciting autumn! We just finished the Arts and Crafts Show in Dyersville. It was so much fun! I want to thank everyone who stopped by the booth to get a look at the Fern Hill Hollyhock Dolls and Garden Garments Collection. I am still sewing away on the project sheet. It is so awesome! I can't wait to share it with all of you! But I must say all of my dear friends have finished projects already! So come in and get a sneak peek at the line. We will be featuring the line at the AQS Show in Des Moines, October 8-11. I can't wait for all of you to see it and feel it in person. I will have original artwork as well to show you exactly what happens when I design!

My birthday went by. My daughter had senior pictures...'tis autumn.

thoughts

2008-09-21T20:43:00.000-07:00

This blog is personal-

As I listen to the domino effect of our economy and the staggering obstacles we face in a global sense, I think of all of the people in this world. When I was young I considered myself to be so important, meaningful- now I look at things and think I am one of many- just a part of this existence. I feel like I can do nothing and anything at the same time-

When I think of my life I think of paint. My first thoughts are colors- The colors I see are deep blues, violent reds -all brushed with a dark varnish to give them the serious discussion they deserve. I miss my brothers- I kiss my babies and I delight in the friendship of my husband.

I will paint through these times- I will see the beauty and work like hell to help others see it.

As my daughters used to say- Peace out...

Junk Bonanza

2008-09-15T07:22:00.000-07:00

Oh my gosh! I just returned from Junk Bonanza in Medina, MN. I was home at this show! Creativity everywhere! Here are some photos of our trip, booth set up, etc... Our friendly officer Mathew pulled us over for tire issues. Our new friend Steve helped us get the tires ready for the road! Barb Connor from Crosscreek Antiques and I went on the road to do this show together.

Here are some of the booth pictures. I met wonderful people. It was one of my favorite shows ever. But it was hard work. We load everything in ourselves and set it. When it is all done it is worth it. I am ready for the next one! Bring it on...;-)

My Birdie Sling!

2008-08-31T07:55:00.000-07:00

I worked all day yesterday to make the Birdie Sling with my Dandelion Blowing Seeds fabric and black solid. I did a workshop at a wonderful shop Home Ec in Iowa City. This is a great little store and what a sewing refuge! Thanks to Cody and Elise at Home Ec (I hope I spelled the names right). I feel so liberated, after years of hand sewing it was nice to conquer the machine.

Thank you Aledo!

2008-08-29T07:36:00.000-07:00

Good Morning-
I just got back from a wonderful quilt guild meeting in Aledo, Illinois. I want to thank Ruth Ann for inviting me and thank the guild for being so interested in my work and my chaotic creative process! It is always fun to see what quilters are creating out there and to meet new people. I will be finishing my last piece in the Irish Lace collection to submit for next Spring's line today so after I down the Starbuck's I think I'll be ready. Come in and see what everyone is talking about at Fern Hill!

Rochester!

2008-08-19T20:50:00.000-07:00

I have just returned from a successful show in Rochester, MN. With a little help from my husband and my little guy we made it happen. Here are some photos of the booth. Enjoy! Thanks to everyone who supported Fern Hill at the booth! Please come in and see the store!

Creative Chaos

2008-08-09T10:38:00.000-07:00

It is so exciting to share my experiences with everyone. I wanted to find a way to let people know that with creativity comes real chaos. I think to be open to creativity one has to be open to chaos, and that can be pretty daunting. My latest creative endeavors are the gorgeous cupola fountain, ornament and tool caddy on display at the Iowa State fair right now!
With the vision of Country Gardens Magazine I was able to complete a project I have had rolling around in my mind for over two years! This will be on display in the Discovery Gardens at the Fair until August 17th.
When the issue is released next year I will let you know about the chaos I got to experience in bringing the concept to reality.

In my personal life we are cleaning today and going school shopping. I would rather be painting!

The latest fabric line Hollyhock Dolls and Garden Garments is due out in about two weeks so I am very excited! It is always so great to see the line develop from my canvas to the fabric. The follow up line to that is Irish Lace. It will still incorporates Daylilies, Hollyhocks and throws some shamrocks in there and a flower surprise! never seen before in fabric!
I am so excited I can hardly wait for it to print- patience... something I don't have but sense I will need today as we shop!

Remember go to the Iowa State Fair!

Quiet Moments of Innovation

2008-08-07T10:37:00.001-07:00

Got any rivers they say are uncrossable?