Organizing my Worktable- Once the bins and closets have been cleaned out, I bring in some fresh greens and flowers and organize my worktable for action. I make FABRIC POTS to  put my current projects, tools and materials in. As you can see, they can be any size and can do a variety of tasks depending upon what you want them to hold. I have an article with directions and illustrations for making these fabric pots in the Magazine section of our local newspaper: The Tidings. Here is the link: http://www.mailtribune.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20100429/HOMELIFE/4290330/-1/HOMELIFE03 They are such a quick and easy construction-I like to make them out of canvas or upholstery samples. Taste of Ashland Event at the Art Center- We had a good time last weekend at a local event that involved a Quick Draw:           at the opening gala for the weekend, 15 local artists took up the challenge of producing a piece in one our that would go up for auction with $ going for scholarships at the local schools. Sounded like fun to me…so I made a linen apron(ahead of time) that I could use as a canvas.It was was a wild hour…but some wonderful work happened. Here is my apron. I used Jacquard Fabric paints with stencils and their Tee Juice Pens (which now come with in 3 sizes of tips). All heat set with an iron and washable. I find a stencil is the quickest,cleanest way to get a crisp image down and control the amount of paint.  I have a DVD available on my website with Jacquard on how to get great effects with paint on fabric. So give it a go, it is so much fun! I know I make this look easy…it really can be. Here are some tips to help you build your confidence if drawing isn’t a skill you have under your belt yet. 1. Draw/trace an image you want to  put on fabric on tracing paper- tape it to a window then put your fabric over it and trace the design with dressmakers chalk onto the fabric. this gives you a guide. 2. Stencil some images first, then use the fabric pens to highlight with some outlining. 3.  Work with music on and play….this can help you loosen up. 4. Cut some simple shapes to use when stenciling…in addition to  using the stencils in my collection( on my website), I cut basic curves and angles from  cardstock or manilla folders to combine with the more detailed shapes. If you are new to this and  want to give fabric paints a try: I carry the 9 bottle paintsets on my website. see more ideas and local sources for fabric paints and Tee Juice pens on the  Jacquard site: www.jacquardpaintproducts.com A Peony for Spring-This is one of my favorite garments I created for the Peony Patter #107-   I use the lengthen /shorten lines on a pattern to change the design. So my ‘new’ Peony top is a shortened version  of the original pattern. I combined natural color linen with cream color shirtings with black accents and fabulous ribbon from Renaissance Ribbons. the wrap skirt is looks like petals unfolding with  pressed folded edges and pink piping and lining. ……So what is your spring frock going to look like?  Happy Mothers Day & studio play…time to get outside in  the garden! Diane