Last Thursday

For the past three years I've opened my studio doors to the public once a month. I welcome anyone who is interested in what I create. I absolutely love to discuss art techniques and the process of development. In the beginning, a lot of genuine individuals stopped by to talk or even buy my work. People were fantastic! I found it fun and challenging to show out of my own space. But now, something has happened. The low-key indie art community I used to be proud to be a part of feels lost. Strangers walk into my studio and look for free alcohol. When I'm not looking they take my things! The street is so crowded you get lost in the people, not the art, and at the end of the night trash litters the street.
I'm not ready to close my private door to the public just yet. There's still that very small percentage that makes it all worth it! I have to hold on to those positive experiences to keep going, but when someone has the audacity to take my things I just want to shut out the entire public.

On a positive note, here's a picture of one of my finished bags.

Here's a wall of my original textiles.

Bjork is my therapist

What in the world would I do without music? Lately, I'm not sure what I'd do without the lovely harmony of Bjork. Her entire Post Live album puts me in a trance and helps me create pretty things. I just want to live in that world where time is nonexistent and inspiration is pure beauty that lasts forever...oh life, why are you such a tease?
Fortunately, I've had the time to work on some new leather clutches. They are screened with new Jacquard inks that are water-based and totally rock! Check out my new work. I'm very excited about the zippers!




Here's a peek at some other things I've been working on under the dim yellow lights.


Oh Bjork, your Hyperballad saved my life today, thank you.

Busy Beeeee

So, it's been a while since my last post. I've taken beaucoup picts thinking i'd write about everything, but where does the time go? I recently traveled back to my old college town of Eugene to visit a dear friend and her new baby girl, Abhaya. It was a fantastic weekend with my girly friends. Abhaya is such a beautiful and happy baby, just like her mama! You rock, Amy!

I wish I had gotten a picture of us girls, but here is Talya making drinks and a family shot of Amy and Yacub with their fabulous children.


Farewell Eugene

Back in Portland I hosted the make-and-take table at the grand opening party for Collage. We made tiny collages inside bottle caps and turned them into magnets. The kids had a great time! I was so happy it was sunny and warm!


The class schedule for July and August is already out, so check out the DIY Lounge calendar for new classes!

Heatstroke

It's already Tuesday, and the pumped-up excitement of the Art Hop is over. I'm expressing sarcasm. It was sooo hot we all just melted, and so did the crowds since they were just nonexistent. We have to remember it was the first year they closed off the entire street. But, on a positive note, we had a blast! It's not that often we all get together to bond over the common link of creativity and community. I spent some time with other DIY teachers and enjoyed our conversations about witchcraft, potential and prosperity. Even though our world was literally melting, we still had our sunny day parade.


Look at this amazing bead work by Teresa Sullivan. I've never seen anything like it!


Here is a blurry close-up of one of my print necklaces. It's a piece of one of my monotypes in a pewter pendant.


Here's Jen Neitzel and I enjoying our Florida Rum delight...they went down so smooth on this 100 degree day!


We made a toast to future SUCCESSFUL events and to the growth of the DIY Lounge (and of course, Collage). I'm very proud to be part of this growing community of craft and individuality.

Come on Spring...don't let us down!

This Saturday is the Alberta Street Art Hop! Honestly, I've never been a big fan, but this year they're closing off the street! The DIY Lounge will be part of the crafty scene with fun make-and-takes for the entire family. Myself, along with three other fantastic teachers and crafters will be there to answer any of your questions about our workshops. Also, we will be showing off some of our priceless creations. This Saturday on 17th and Alberta, 11am to 6pm...see you there!

Tis the season for Spring cleaning.. I know there are a lot of you out there tackling your disorganized supplies. I know because you come into Collage and confess to me about how you have WAY too many papers and glues and glitter. Well, what better way to handle this dilemma? A collage class! Last Saturday I taught an exceptional workshop. I can say they are always wonderful because everyone in the class is always so excited and thrilled to learn something new. Check out these pictures from the last two collage classes:

Spring is here!

This little guy is my new Godson, Ian! Congratulations to my dear, dear friends Jess and Pat on their second boy! I'm truly honored to be chosen as his Godmother...poor guy has no idea what his parents have done....
What a beautiful day! There's nothing like holding a new baby. I continued my day with a walk up Mt. Tabor with my little monkey-dog, Chico. I love this look he gives me.

I'm so lucky this spot is only a five minute walk from my home.

Today was a marvelous day....new life, new air, fresh, new perspective. This poem from Mary Oliver is a must for this moment:

Wild Geese

You do not have to be good.
You do not have to walk on your knees
for a hundred miles through the desert, repenting.
You only have to let the soft animal of your body
love what it loves.
Tell me about despair, yours, and I will tell you mine.
Meanwhile the world goes on.
Meanwhile the sun and the clear pebbles of the rain
are moving across the landscapes,
over the prairies and the deep trees,
the mountains and the rivers.
Meanwhile the wild geese, high in the clean blue air,
are heading home again.
Whoever you are, no matter how lonely,
the world offers itself to your imagination,
calls to you like the wild geese, harsh and exciting-
in the family of things.

(thank you, Jessica)

Creative Forces

Here we go fellow artists, friends and family...my blog has arrived! This year has been full of amazing creative energy. New projects keep surfacing, and old projects are screaming to come out of the flat files. As of late, I've had a fabulous opportunity to work with designer, Julia Junkin on a new line of texiles. The designs I created, along with a few other local artists, will be turned into duvet covers, aprons and towels! Here is a peek at some of my creations:


My project this week is to finalize new designs for my leather bags. What makes these unique to Cipriano Designs is the use of my custom fabrics sewn as the lining or used as an aesthetic element in the overall design.