This and That

I launched my website on Monday. TonyaLittmann.com. It's my first web design. I already see things I would do different but it's a start. I'm planning a site for my husband so I don't forget how to do it.

I've been busy working for graphic design clients lately so the fiber art is taking a back seat. I did manage to finish a class sample from a workshop called Chiseled In Cloth. Margaret Buckalew taught this class at the Denton Quilt Guild in April. I wanted to try her method of using PhotoShop to separate the color layers and make a pattern. The kitten is her pattern called "Riley".

"Blue Kitty" 11x15"

I plan to donate this quilt to the Mini Quilt Auction at Dallas Quilt Celebration 2010. 

We were recently challenged to do a self-portrait in our Mixed Nuts bee so I though I'd create my self-portrait using Margaret's method. Here is the unquilted 12x12" top. I think the shading will improve with thread-painting.

I've decided that I really don't like to work from a pattern. The method I used for most of my previous quilts was to draw a line-drawing on a background and fill it in with slivers of fabric. I use the fabric like brush strokes instead of cutting pattern pieces. 

I did enjoy the class and learning a different method. It reminds me that I should take classes more often.

May Madness

My son performed with the high school men's choir and chambers choir on Monday night.

I loved their acapella version of the "Pink Panther".

Along with the typical end-of-school activities, I've been learning SiteGrinder. A software plug-in for Photoshop that allows you to build a website from within Photoshop. I've just about got it and hope to launch my site soon.

Last night Rusty (and I) graduated from beginning Dog Obedience Training.

Houston Art Car Parade

We attended the Art Car Parade in Houston this weekend. The Art Car Parade has been a Houston tradition for 22 years and is the highlight of a three-day celebration of the drive to create. There were 264 entries.

Some had items glued onto cars like this van that drove all the way from Florida and is covered with bottle tops.

Others had really pretty paint jobs.

This giant steel cockroach is on the chassis of an old Toyota Celica.

There were several cars with lots of parts attached.

This one is called the Sashimi Tabernacle Choir and is made of 250 singing and dancing fish and lobsters. The choir performs pop, rock and opera. Very cool!

Peep Jeep 3 is covered in marshmallow peeps and bunnies.

I stood on a chair to take photos. It was a really fun way to spend the weekend.

"Brace Yourself"

My husband makes dental appliances (partials and dentures) for a living. Last year he made "It Bites!" for the GDAC It's In The Bag auction and it sold for big bucks.

"It Bites!" by Jon 2008

This year, with the help of my son's orthodontist Clay Pickering, Jon made "Brace Yourself".

"Brace Yourself" by Jon 2009

The teeth are denture teeth and the lips and gums are denture acrylic.

The silent auction will benefit the Greater Denton Arts Council and will be at 5:30 on Thursday, May 14 at the Center for Visual Arts on Bell Street in Denton, Texas.

Tickets are $20 at the door and includes a wine and cheese party.

I hope to see you there.