The Last of 2010

It's almost a new year, so I guess I need to do one last post for 2010. It was a fabulous year, I think! I'll have to look back because it's been so busy and I swear the older I get, the more I forget! Here are some photos of the past couple of weeks of family, fun and projects:

This is a design element I have been exploring a bit. I call it the altered square. I've done about 10 of these so far in my sketch book. The process helps you to see positive vs. negative space. Where this is going, I'm not sure yet. I might have to incorporate it somehow with fabric or paint...

This is a project I am making for my sister. Shhh. Don't tell her because it's her Christmas present. I'm hoping she's been way too busy to check my blog and it will be a surprise when she gets here on New Year's Day!

I thought this was quite appropriate!

These are some yummy Christmas cookies I made. Carol (my sister in law) taught me how to "cheat". You buy the premade sugar cookie dough, bake them up, let them cool, then put icing on top and sprinkle with the little sparkly things. Voila! Christmas cookies that are to die for...Great for anyone who is NOT "Suzy Homemaker"

Zach and me out in the studio, waiting for the heater to kick on!

Joe and Zach - Family painting day on Christmas Eve

Mr. Z showing his creative painting side!

Joey all snuggled up...

Christmas morning:

The "Blizzard of 2010"

We had about 9 or 10 inches when it was all said and done...

One of my new paintings I just finished. I think it's a 30" x 40"

And lastly, these are some fabric pieces I've been working on most recently. It's a great way to use up your scraps. You take some Wonder Under and lay it down face up on your work surface, then just start randomly laying out your ironed fabric pieces. Once you get the surface covered, you iron it all down. Usually at this point I have to pin alot of the pieces down, then take it to my sewing machine and start stitching away. I sandwich a piece of batting between my scraps and a fat quarter.  I use straight stiches, zig zag, all kinds of different colors and just have fun. These are the two pieces I have done so far. Now I just have to figure out what to do with them!

That's about it for 2010! I still have a couple of days to figure out my goals for 2011. I'm sure it will be a nice long list. That seems to keep me out of the most trouble, when I have a list. Thanks to everyone who was a part of my 2010, good and bad! I learned some new things from the experiences and situations. Love you all for being a part of the mix! Peace to you and yours for a Happy New Year! When in doubt...go create something! It makes you feel good!