cr8alteredart

I'm a world traveler who settled in Cleveland about 15 years ago. I have dabbled in all kinds of art and crafts since I was a child. My mother and grandmother taught me several crafts like crochet, sewing and embroidery. Later as my children came along I taught myself to knit from a german pattern book. My german was not so good, so I relied heavily on the illustrations. I made many items for my daughters and still do. It wasn't until a couple of years ago that I learn I was knitting "wrong". Story of my life! Now that my girls are out of the house, I am crafting and doing art all the time. I am always ready to start something new and learn a new technique. I am a fanatic about anything Halloween or creepy. Skulls, skeletons, vampires, witches Yeah!

I work with kids and families in juvenile court who are dealing with abuse and neglect. Some days can be very stressful and my art may reflect morbid tones. I usually keep those for myself. But most times, the repetitive nature of quilting or stitching or knitting etc. helps me meditate and forget the day. So does swapping!!

I completed my first swap July 2010 and got rave reviews... take a look. More swaps please!

Life is good...make more art.

Old school Rhythm and Blues, Nina Simone, Maxwell, Dolly Parton, Bluegrass, Latin. I really like any music that tells a story. I can lose myself in the images good music produces in my mind. I saw the musical FELA! this Spring and it was fantastic! The best show I have ever seen...I encourage everyone to go see it.

True Blood (Bill is looking better this year, but Erik is my vamp..too bad Lafayette is gay) Law and Order (but I hate the new prosecutor) Judge Judy (she is so good at being mean..she cuts right through the bull) Work of Art: Next Great Artist ( I don't like much reality TV, but this show is great! It allows you to see into the artist's process and then hear the critiques from the best Art world insiders)

Quilting and Textile Arts, Needlework, Altered Art, Collage Jewelry, Rubberstamping Knitting Crochet Rughooking. Ok I have done just about everything and all that stuff in my studio shows it. Boy I need to clean up!

I am not reading novels much. I read too much for work. When I do read, it is books about art, drawing or craft techniques. I am at the bookstore every week and while the ol' man is choosing really interesting novels, I am picking up Somerset Studio, knitting mags, and books on new altered art or collage collaborations. The last one I purchased was In This Garden: Explorations in Mixed-Media Visual Narratives. Long title for stand up handmade collage books of imaginary gardens. It is very cool.