Melanie Testa's Blog, page 6
October 15, 2011
Silent in Switzerland 6
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October 14, 2011
Sort of Silent in Switzerland 5
I don't think I have mixed dye in a prettier place.
The accomplished Gabi Tisch. I feel honored to have her in my class.
Beautiful Sabine.
In the first two days we learn monoprinting with stamping.
Everything is going well and I am soaking up the love and beauty here. If ever you are able to come to Switzerland on vacation or take a class, Tex Art Academy is the place to come! This is an amazing experience.
October 12, 2011
Silent in Switzerland 4
Marlis Egger of Tex Art Academy. I begin teaching tomorrow!
Put your heel in erm...the...and turn, three times.
October 9, 2011
Silent in Switzerland 3
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October 5, 2011
October 4, 2011
October 2, 2011
Destination Creativity is where it's at!
Destination Creativity: The Life-Altering Journey of the Art Retreat
is an amazing book on so many levels. I am enthused about it because I met up with Ricë and The EGE several times last year and at several retreats. I watched as Earl took photographs and we all got to know one another over time and several retreats.
I watched Ricë stitching on clothing and we talked about the array of bracelets and memories she wore in her jewelry (check out page 42), we ate barfood together while talking about hotel rooms and well, if you know Ricë, you will know there is a story around every curve. The other teachers would sit down, somehow nosh would appear and soon we be laughing and talking over one another.
I met Michael McMillen and talked at length about Utilikilts (there is a photo of him on page 17). You know I came home and showed them to my Man. I would love to get men, any man into a skirt-they are just so comfy!
This is the atmosphere of Ricë's newest book, Destination Creativity and I think it is aptly named. To read this book is to sink into the relaxed, energized and creative retreat experience. It is a place to get more how-to drawing lessons by the ever silly Carla Sonheim, get to know Jesse Reno and take some mini classes too.
I wrote some on Quilt Festival and some photos from a class I gave are on page 128. So, like I said, I got to see this book unfold and was able to get mentioned in it too.
If you would like the chance to WIN a copy of this book, leave a comment on this post telling me about your retreat experience or mentioning the retreat you would like to go to most.
And also check out this list of A-list bloggers for more chances to win.
Tuesday, October 4th: Seth Apter
Wednesday, October 5th: Mary Beth Shaw
Thursday, October 6th: Carla Sonheim
Friday, October 7th: Lisa Mayers Bulmash
Saturday, October 8th: Melissa Manley
Sunday, October 9th: Deryn Mentock
Monday, October 10th: Jen Cushman
Tuesday, October 11th: Jill Berry
And of course, Ricë's blog, Notes From The Voodoo Cafe
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P.S. I am going to Switzerland and will be away for 2 weeks, David and I will explore and then I will teach. I will be posting silently, when I am able. Good luck winning a copy of Ricë's book!
October 1, 2011
Some of this and a Blog Hop announced!
There is a new blog hop going on and w are going to be giving away 10 copies of Ricë Freeman Zachery's new book, Destination Creativity: The Life-Altering Journey of the Art Retreat. So stay tuned! I start the circle off on October 3.
Monday, October 3rd: Melanie Testa
Tuesday, October 4th: Seth Apter
Wednesday, October 5th: Mary Beth Shaw
Thursday, October 6th: Carla Sonheim
Friday, October 7th: Lisa Mayers Bulmash
Saturday, October 8th: Melissa Manley
Sunday, October 9th: Deryn Mentock
Monday, October 10th: Jen Cushman
Tuesday, October 11th: Jill Berry
September 26, 2011
Hankie Happiness.
On Friday I dyed the three soy wax resisted hankies I spoke about in this post.
This has been such a fun project.
I have four hankies soda soaked and ready for printing, I am thinking they will be freezer paper resisted with intricate little corners-trees, birds, peaks of buildings and cityscapes. I see myself wanting to work on this project for a little longer and wanting to purchase more hankie blanks.
In kismet like similarity, a woman name Sophie Herxheimer has a Call Out for hankies (with an extended deadline) through The London Printworks Trust. I am going to send at least one of these hankies, if not more. You?
September 21, 2011
Hankies, before and
I have been working on Hankies, slow and steady, I like this project a bunch. The above hankie's edge was painted with Pebeo Setacolor 
, then stamped with a multicolor stamp. The Hankie itself is a tiny little square of hemmed silk habotai (bought from Dharma Trading). These feel more like pocket squares than hankies, but fun and pretty just the same.
Here I am showing you a 'before' photograph and ask that you return in a few days to see the 'after'.
My Man and I are preparing for our Switzerland trip and for whatever reason, he came up with the idea that we needed denim jackets. This made us go to the Levi's store in Times Square. Hemmed squares, hankies and bandanas have taken my creative attention, so when I got to the cash register and saw this bandana for $12.50 I thought, 'Soy Wax!', save the money and make your own! Haha!
Stay tuned.
