A great model, isn’t she! Meet my lovely granddaughter Lauren who had lots of fun in my studio trying on and modeling some of my recent wearable creations.

She put together outfits with my altered jean jackets and vests, scarves, and purses…..and I snapped away taking photos!  Delightful!

I’ve been busy making my textile creations for an upcoming open studio sale with two other artists in June. More to come on that…but if you live near Spokane, circle June 23 on your calender and come check us out.

One of my favorite things to do is alter jean jackets……as you see on Lauren…and I’ve been experimenting with wet felting and making bags. I’ll post more photos of the details….but until then….here Lauren having fun with Grama’s Goodies!

Love that girl….and love to see her having fun with my textile art. Of course, it’s my dream that at least one of my three granddaughters might pursue a career in art someday……..All three of them are alreadywonderful artists!!

I know I’m really dating myself naming one of my collages after that ’60′s classic by Iron Butterfly…….but, I was invited to take part in a group exhibit with a theme of butterflies so this was my solution. I’m just not a butterfly-kind-of girl….so I needed to come up with an idea. Voila….the album cover of In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida became my inspiration.

I used a variety of fabrics….including one fabulous hand-dyed piece from which all of the oranges, purples, and pinks were cut. Perfect ’60′s colors, don’t you think. I also embellished it with a lot of gold and pink metal leafing….to add a focal point since the whole thing was pretty much an in-you-face-kind of thing. Without the metallic it was pretty blah…. The metallic thread helped but it still needed a little more pizazz.  I’m thinking it will probably go to my grandson’s room when it’s done hanging.

Funny thing….when researching Iron Butterfly, looking for the image of the album cover, I read that the song was the longest recorded at that time…..17 minutes. It brought back memories of my college days when In-A-Gadda-da-Vida seemed to be playing everywhere, all the time. In fact, I can remember it blaring at noon hour in my sorority house. We’d go upstairs for lunch and when we came back downstairs it was likely still playing……Just a little blast from the past!

I kind of like this collage because it’s a departure from my usual look. It’s a good idea to shake up the comfortable style  sometimes……

Doesn’t that look like a village you’d love to visit?  It’s nestled in the hills of the Abruzzo region of Italy where I’ll be teaching a textile art workshop in September….and I’m soooo excited!

It’s like the perfect adventure….combining two of my favorite things…travel and textiles!  I’d love to have you consider coming along!

I’ll be teaching at the Abruzzo School of Creative arts…and everything about the school, the location, and the itinerary are deliciously inviting. Check out the website at  www.abruzzoschoolofcreativeart.com.  My workshop will be September 5-12 and you can learn more details about my class by clicking on my name at the top of the page.

Now….you may be asking yourself….why would I want to go to the other side of the world to take a workshop when I can do that at home. Good question….and I have a good answer.  While we’re at this idealic location we’ll be immersed in its beauty and ancient culture which will feed our souls and allow our inspiration to blossom and grow. Nothing to do but enjoy and learn. How often do you get that opportunity in life? Not often.

As artists we need to recharge our batteries from time to time and nothing does that like a fabulous location, others around us who share our passion for textile art…..and  the opportunity to relax and grow artistically. I get this same rejuvenating effect as a teacher as you will as a student……and I can’t wait!!   And the opportunity to be hosted by natives of the region is priceless….our itinerary is relaxed with lots of time for side adventures like an Italian cooking class, wine class, market trips and more. I hope you’ll look at the fabulous details of the itinerary on the website.

So….what do you think?  Let me know if I can answer any questions…..I’m already dreaming of the hills of Italy…especially when I look out my studio window at the drab Washington Winter! It’s only six months away….sigh….

Back by popular demand……POPPIES!  The favorite fabric line I designed for Clothwork Textiles will be on the market again next summer….only with a few tweaks and updates. The main print that you see here will be the same as the original hugely popular version….and in three different colorways. Here’s a sneak peak at the other two….all favorites of mine, of course!

The line will be called SCARLET…. appropriate for red poppies, don’t you think. It’s been several years since the first line made its debut, but I still get emails asking if by chance I have any left. Although I don’t sell fabric through my website ( I leave that to the quilt shops)….I will share a little of my private stash if folks can’t find it anywhere else. I’ve hoarded the last yard or two….don’t ask me why….I guess I just like to look at it…so I’m thrilled there will be a new supply.

As you probably know….one of my mottos when it comes to fabric is Bigger is Better. The other is Go Big or Go Home.  It works for lots of things….including fabric! I love designing and working with big, bold, brave prints and I especially like them with black. If you want a little, or a lot, of drama….you can’t go wrong with red and black.

We’re also bringing back the killer variegated solids…which I LOVE using. You get an added punch when you use a color in various shades and these are fabulous. It’s hard to tell from the photos as you’re seeing just a little slice, but trust me…you’ll love them!

I love designing fabric….or I wouldn’t have stayed with it for over ten years. It’s tough out there in the fabric design world and you really have to like the process and the product to hang in there. Obviously I do.  If you’re a fabric fan, you’ve probably discovered changes in the availability of fabric at your local quilt store. Reorders are pretty much a thing of the past…..It’s a “one and done” kind of game now.  Shops order it when it’s still in the paper artwork form and the orders are placed for the amount that’s pre-sold before the printing. That’s the way the games played with many, or even most, of the fabric companies today. Moral of the story is…..if you see it at the quilt shop and you like it…you’d better buy it then because it may not be there tomorrow. Period. That being said….I still love designing, touching, playing with, creating with, looking at, and studying…..FABRIC.

Here’s a look at a few more of the prints you’ll find in the line. Remember, quilt shops….summer, 2012. Don’t miss it!

I guess I’m Catching the Wave…..the Word of the Year seems to be the topic of conversation in a number of circles I travel in. So….I’m going to announce mine. PLAY!!

Here I  am “playing” with my two wonderful daughters…..as you can see, we’re playing in Paris.  Let’s face it…if you can’t play in Paris, you’re in pretty sad shape!

My focus for the year is to play regularly……maybe not EVERY day, but very often.Now that might not seem like a challenge for many of you….after all, playing is fun!! But for we neurotic, compulsive, workaholics, taking time to play can be something to work at.

I don’t want to get too philosophical here, but maybe I’m just realizing how fast time goes by…..and each day had better be a delight. Of course, I love working at my art so that makes it even more of a challenge to make time for simply enjoying day to day things like going for a walk, visiting friends, reading (rather than always being productive….) etc. etc.

One thing that has always come first is playing with my grandchildren…no problem there. They’ve always been at the top of my Playing Priority list. It’s the “going for a walk in the woods by myself”  kind of things I’m focusing on.

I’ll keep you posted on how it’s working. For now, I’d better get back to work. Late night is my best working time!!!

We’d love to have you along on the trip! I’m thrilled to be co-hosting a fabulous trip to Ireland in June 5-14, 2012, along with my friend and fellow traveler, Susan Nelsen. She and I have had some wonderful textile adventures, both as members of a tour and as tour hosts. This amazing trip to Ireland and the First International Quilt Festival of Ireland promises to be another of those never-to-be-forgotten journeys.

  Just to warm you up with a little Irish flavor…..No, this isn’t a couple of escapees from a Lucky Charms commercial…..it’s actually Pam and Susan in our “going-to-Ireland-presentation” outfits.   We’ve found at least this elf-like approach draws a lot of attention when we’re about to talk about the trip to groups. They’re undoubtedly wondering how we could possibly be seen in public in these outfits. Oh well……anything to promote the trip!

Now for the details……we’ll be one of a number of tours to visit this unique quilt show held on a college campus in Galway, Ireland. Unlike any of the convention center super-shows I’ve been to here in the US, this one will be held in a number of the charming and historic buildings that make up the campus. Exhibits, vendors, Irish food and drink, and lots of quilters from all over the world will make up the show. Sound inviting? We’re totally excited and know this will really be something unique.

For all the details on the trip, the cost, the itinerary etc. etc., visit www.IQFOI.com. Once you get there…..click on the tours that leave from Seattle…..then click on the trip hosted by Pamela Mostek and Susan Nelsen. After all, we want you in OUR group! We promise you a fun and friendly adventure. We’re experienced travelers and hosts, and we know how to make you feel comfortable and at home…..even on the other side of the world …..or if this is your first European trip.

One of the things I enjoy about this type of textile tour is the opportunity to meet and travel with people who enjoy and appreciate the same things I do…..like textiles! It’s really a unique experience……but it’s not just a girlfriend thing. There have been husbands or male partners along on other trips I’ve been on….and I’m sure there will be on this one as well. I think they’ve enjoyed not only the places we’ve visited but also the chance to be surrounded by delightful and fun-loving women!  Just sayin’……!

Oh yes….and after three days at the quilt show, we’ll travel around the country for six days, visiting such places as the Ring of Kerry, Blarney Castle (yes, you’ll have a chance to kiss the Blarney Stone!), woolen mills, Dublin and way more. Check all that out on the itinerary on the website. We’ll travel on a comfortable bus with our own driver and guide who know the area well and will give us the inside information on the places we visit, which make it even more memorable.

Can you tell I’m trying to entice you with the Ireland photos? I haven’t been to Ireland before so I can’t wait to immerse myself in the “Green Experience”….everyone tells me how beautifully green it is. Can’t wait to see that. After all, green is probably my favorite color to use in my artwork. I’m sure that means I will totally love Ireland!!

If you have questions about the trip, don’t hesitate to email me at pamelamostek@gotsky.com or you can email from my website.  Susan and I couldn’t be more thrilled about this upcoming tour…..and we’re sure it will be one of those-adventures-of-a-lifetime. Thanks for thinking about joining us.

Check it out……Pantone has announced its color of the year……Tangerine Tango. A yummy, soft, orange/color color that I’m sure we’ll be seeing a lot of this year.

Here’s the link to see examples and shades of the new hot, color…

http://www.pantone.com/pages/pantone/category.aspx?ca=88

You know…..this color….soft tangerine….is part of the orange family, with which I definitely have a history. As an artist and designer there were two colors I simply DID NOT like or use for many years….probably 20 years. That would be brown and orange. Ironically, I use both of them know and even wear brown!! Can’t believe it. Neither can some of my friends….in fact, I remember teaching my darling first grandson (now 12) that I didn’t like brown. I did feel a little sheepish when he told me one day, “We don’t like brown, do we, Grama.”……nothing like passing on your prejudices!

But today I include them both in my pallette. Actually, it’s the shade (amount of dark) in a color, not the color itself that makes the difference for me. The shade of Tangerine Tango is very nice.

Moral or the story……keep an open mind. You never know how your taste will change. Be open to it!

One of my favorite things about the season….and there are many….is the excuse to pile on the glitz and glitter. I’m a sucker for anything that sparkles, shimmers, or shines…and if it’s gold, even better!

That’s my holiday home look…..here’s a couple of looks. It’s amazing how simple objects like gold balls and snowflakes can create an elegant glitzy look.Check out these amazing wire lights I discovered….just a little twinkle of light on a gold wire. No bulbs.

 One of my decorating tips…..I’m excessive in seletive spots….the rest I leave as is. In other words, I don’t try to cover every possible surface with holiday stuff…..just in a few places but in those places-total excess!

One thing about the glitz…..it seems to be a little addictive. More is always better…..

One of my latest additions to my Paintbox series…..meet Splash   aka Paintbox 17. The first piece in the series was inspired by an arial view I saw of dye pots in Africa. The rest is history. I’ve been working off and on in this style for about four  years. Of course, I do other styles  of fiber collage as well, but I really like working in this abstract style.

  Here’s a closer look. You can see I use all kinds of fabric from silk to mystery fabrics from the local Ben Franklin!  The fabric is the lower right corner in this photo was dyed in Africa….but I bought it in Scotland! Go figure. I’m always on the hunt for the unusual but I use plenty of typical quilt shop cottons as well. I love the mix….

Speaking of the mix….I did one all silk collage in this series…and the results were interesting. Since I loved to add the luster of silk, I reasoned, why not do one with all silk. Wouldn’t it be even better? Wrong….at least for me.  Without the contrast of other fabrics it just didn’t seem to pop. I added lots of hand stitching to save its life and that made it Ok….but I learned something. More is not always better….in silk as well as food. Unfortunately that’s not true for money…!

Here’s the all silk piece…..”Dancing on the Silk Road”…..the luster level is all the same which seems to make it look flatter and duller. Maybe it’s just me…but I’ll stick with mixing up the types of textiles that I use.

Keeping you up to date…..I will be selling my artwork at Spokane’s Inland Crafts, an annual sale and exhibition of fine, contemporary crafts. It’s really a lovely juried show with artists from around the Northwest……and I’m happy to be part of it all.

The photo above is of First Blush, a fiber collage that’s about 70″ x 60″. Definitely one of my largest pieces. That’s the good part…

The flip side is that I’m frantically creating art here in my studio, which at this point is kind of a Santa’s workshop kind of thing. I’ll have, of course, my hanging textile art, but I’ll also have some smaller pieces as well…….you know…Glitter Trees (which you can see on a previous posts) treasure boxes etc. etc. These are the things that take a waaayyy lot of time for what they seem to be. Good thing I like doing them.  After all….I know that everyone isn’t going to come in to my booth and pay hundreds of dollars for one of my fiber art pieces BUT they may spend $50 on a little treausre!

It’s all part of my goal of spending more time on my art…..less time on other parts of my work in the textile world. Wearing a lot of hats requires a lot of time. Translation: lots of late nights!!

So….if you’re near the Spokane WA  area on November 11-13, I hope you’ll visit me at Inland Crafts at the Spokane Convention Center. I’ll be the one with polka dot floor rug!

On another note….can you believe I’ve blogged two nights in a row!! Wow. I’m so impressed with myself. Don’t expect me to keep this up however……I need to get back to making Glitter Trees….