The Artist Grandmother, Part 2

Genevieve June Donner, my grandma

My own grandmother was very artistic. Even though I was still little when she died, I remember how she always encouraged my artistic efforts. And when she was finally able to have the time, she starting making art and craft pieces for the sheer enjoyment of it. She was the only grandparent I knew, and I absolutely adored her, even though I only saw her a few times a year.

Now that I am a grandmother three times over, I cherish the time I am able to spend with my grandchildren. I enjoy stepping away from my work to make special things for them, as well. In fact, with two granddaughters, the hardest part is not making everything for them! Designing for them lets me play, and make outs thast would be just too intricate and detailed for retail selling. 

Spring is again around the corner, and that calls for Easter outfits all across the world. This one has a cute spring jacket over a reversible dress. Yes, I said the dress is completely reversible!

Miss M showing one side of the reversible Easter Dress.
She told me she didn't like this one! Don't you love
the sheer honesty of children?



In a gallery display, the other side of the Easter Dress with
the matching Garden Coat.



The Artist Grandmother, Part 1

 Since becoming a grandmother, I was inspired to make baby clothes again. When my own children were babies and my husband was still in college, I had to make do with what we had. I recycled sweaters, coats and usable cottons to make all of their clothes before the concept of "upcycling" was in vogue. I started making quilts in earnest about the same time. The first Christmas we were married, I got my first sewing machine, a $99 Singer. I still have it. It's the machine I use now to stitch paper.

When I was still living at home, I learned to sew on my grandmother's converted treadle machine. Having come very close to getting kicked out of Home Ec. in Junior High for making a bikini instead of an apron, it should have already been clear to anyone who knew me that I was going to follow my own path.

When my first granddaughter was born, I was thrilled. Although I have sewn several things for my darling grandson, I admit that making fancy baby dresses for little girls is a lot more fun than a Thomas the Train pillowcase. I designed and made her this cute party dress just for fun. I now own more baby patterns than I ever had when my own children were small. Of course, I never follow the pattern instructions. I prefer to use them as a suggestion, and proceed as I do when making my artwork: do something, respond, do something else; collage and layers upon layers.



My Lena wearing my Frenchy Girl design



Busy Is As Busy Does

What have you been doing this week? I hope it involved some pleasurable activities, even if it involved working for money. I have been busy working for money, and with deadlines looming, I haven't had much play time lately.

The little outfit pictured here is part of my Little Frenchy line. I post new little dresses, skirts, overalls and jackets as I finish them in my Magic Baby shop on etsy. I am so partial to these patchwork creations, because they are the first designs I created for my Magic Baby line, and because they are FUN to make, like creating little collages. I am looking forward to making a whole batch of new ones for the coming Spring, so stay tuned. Oh, and thanks for stopping by my blog!