Let's Go Out!

I adore linen - as impractical as it may be, so it was with much delight I saw my friend Kathy finally list her grey linen dress. Even better - she's a custom seamstress, so all the curvy bits would fit just right.

I want a place to need to wear this!

BagBook in the works

The pair of small buds on vines are the front cover, which will include a small silver filligree button. The fabric is a lovely white-on-white floral with tiny vines that does not photograph well at all.

As you have undoubtedly noticed, I try to create cover art that is inspired by the title or relates to the story. In this case, it was Elton John's song 'England's Rose' that led to this cover. While personally kind of sad that he took that song away from Marilyn Monroe, I am grateful in this case - drawing the tiara she wore for her wedding was a daunting thought!

New post in the shop - Last Light

This piece went with me to Hyattsville yesterday, and while it was touched and admired by many, apparently yellow is not one of the hot colours of the season, so it's now up for grabs in my Etsy shop.

Reminder: you can follow my daily works in progress, get my word of the day and the occasional recipe at twitter.com/imatarabu. And if you get on my case, I may get around to setting up that facebook fan page for me, too.

More new offerings

I am feeling a bit of pressure to produce more these days (it could have something to do with having 300k miles on a car with original struts) so here's a few new offerings for you to peruse and, hopefully, share with your friends!


A new bagbook - I adore this green. I had other intentions for this fabric, but it seems much happier in this purse:



and here's another lillian for your amusement:




for some reason, she makes me think of those chocolates shaped like oranges you get in your stocking at yule time!

Target Lock - new bagbook available

A hip bag created from a modern paper book - specifically, James Cobb's 'Target Lock'

The text block has been replaced with a fully functional purse, including two pockets, a button and loop closure and painted wooden handles. Side panels include elastic insets and the spine/bottom has been reinforced. Body measures approx 9.5" x 6.5" with 5" handle drop.

The cover has been sealed with an acylic sealer, however care should be taken to protect your art from rain, children, pets and other occasions of rough handling. Complimentary shipping with the purchase of this item.

Rebound Designs - One of A Kind Productions

The week before last at site selection for Artomatic, I finally met Caitlin of Rebound Designs. I first saw her work at Artomatic 2008, and while our paths have crossed at various shows and events, they hadn't previously intersected.

If you aren't familiar with her work, she also makes BagBook Purses, but instead of original art on modern books, she alters classic volumes, allowing the original cover art to speak for itself. She also offers more competitively priced wallets made from the reclaimed covers of modern paperbacks. I'm seriously considering asking for a custom wallet made from my first copy of Winter of our Discontent, which if you haven't read it is one of the quintessential classics of 20th Century US Literature and what are you waiting for?

A meager selection from her shop follows:




Caitlin is preparing a new line for display at Artomatic 2009, on display May 29 - July 5. Items presented at Artomatic will be available for delivery after July 7 (that goes for me, too!)

Mother's Day Suggestions

How good have you been to your mother lately?

Make it up to her with a hand made item from Jennyjen42! A unique line of handmade gifts that are fresh, practical and have a fun sense of spirit and nostalgia to them. Featuring narrative pillows and hand bags inspired by the bird parties that are frequently held around JennyJen’s bird feeder in her back yard in Baltimore.

Jennyjen products accessorize wardrobe and home in a fun range of campy to classic at affordable prices. A perfect gift for any mother. Jennyjen will be at the Squidfire DIY Art Mart this Saturday, May 9., in Mt Vernon Square from 11-6 PM..rain or shine! OR check out the latest items at jennyjen 42.etsy.com

Cotton Beach Wrap

This cotton beach wrap is also available in my Etsy shop:

Waist is adjustable up to 37", length is 13"

Finished a Work-In-Progress

In the midst of the stress of preparing for spring/summer shows, I have taken a stab at finishing some of my WIPs/UFOs. The current record for UnFinished Objects is seven years, but it's a huge (okay, twin-size) blanket being crocheted in half-double. The family record is a pieced quilt my great grandmother started long before she died (almost twenty-five years ago) that my mother has worked at quilting off and on for the last twenty years. It was recently agreed that at some point I will be the one to finish it - but who knows when.

In comparison, this piece that I started last fall seems like a mere babe. You would certainly feel like a babe wearing it, too!

It is currently available for sale in my Etsy shop, larger sizes available by custom order.

dari - Cool Things from Beautiful Fabrics

The title really says it all, doesn't it - they are all cool things and there is no disputing the beauty of the fabrics.




Find more of her work here.

ZombieDolls - haute couture for the very UNdead

If you're alive and know it - ZombieDolls has an outfit for you.

You may remember some time ago I was daydreaming about the outfit I would buy if I were going out this summer and the keystone of the evening was a red polka dot dress, made to order by ZombieDolls



Did I mention, they are all made-to-measure? Can you imagine, having something that actually fits right?

CubistLiterature - Tongue-in-Cheek Chic