Stash.

A long time ago I bought this lovely little ipod case on Etsy from mariforssell. It is very well made and adorable, and I have spent a while this evening browsing around her Etsy store. (Ordering a camera led to thinking about camera bags, although I think her small DSLR bag would be rather roomy for my forthcoming Sony NEX-C3...)

Ooh, little camera bag....

And, oh... this print....

Plaid, houndstooth, herringbone, vintage wool, snaps, and nice craftsmanship. You should absolutely check her work out.

Where Everything is Everything.

This vintage illustration available from TheFancyLamb via Etsy.

I really liked my horoscope this week from Free Will Astrology:

"You are usually conscientious about attending to the details. It's one of your specialties to take care of little necessities. You often know what to do in order to fix mistakes and messes caused by the imprecision of other people. For now, though, I encourage you to take a break from all that. In my opinion, you need to regenerate and replenish yourself, and a good way to accomplish that is to let your mind go blissfully blank. At least consider it, please. Give yourself permission to space out about the intricacies. Steep yourself in the primordial ooze where everything is everything."

I have had an anxious, exciting few days...in a boring sort of way. I started teaching, and am looking forward to a good, exhausting semester. I'll have early early mornings, (which feels great when I get used to it, and a sunrise improves the commute...) and I'm teaching three printmaking classes, back-to-back-to-back. The good news is they are of a good, better, reasonable size, and I have a lot of excited returning students. hoopla!

So, that's that. On my first day of the semester, after meeting all my students and talking a mile a minute for hours, I went out to my car feeling satisfied with my 'performance'....and my car battery was dead. very dead. I got a jump start from the University police, and headed straight over to pep boys, holding my breath the whole way. Got a new battery and an oil change, which took an astoundingly long time. So much for beating traffic.

Then I headed home, starving and sleepy. And of course there was an accident on the 5 freeway. Of course!

Finally made it home, ate dinner and went to sleep. Early. Ah....

My smoke alarm went off at 4:30 am. LOUDLY. I woke up, fell out of bed and waved my pillow at it, like you would if an alarm went off while cooking. But wait, I was sleeping, not cooking. And there was no smoke. Then it stopped.... Then it went off again. I heard my upstairs neighbors get up out of bed. I have very tall ceilings, so I had to move a damn dresser to stand on, to take the thing down. which made it go off again. And I took the battery out. And it went off again...

Egads. So it just needed a new battery, but is not the kind that 'chirps' subtly for a few days before. No, it just threw a damn tantrum.

I finally did go back to sleep, uneasily, on the couch. I dreamed my neighbors came down and yelled at me, then the ceiling broke open and flooded my studio. What? And bad dreams about Doctor Who monsters. et cetera.

I made an Etsy treasury the other day. Take a look:


In addition to teaching, I am working on a big new crop of books, printing a lot, and working on opportunity-hunting. hunting-and-gathering. Last night I was struck with an impulse to make some simple valentines out of scraps. Some of them may end up on Etsy in the next few days. And why not.

I walked down the sidewalk today kicking a pine-cone, arguably one of life's most satisfying pursuits. I believe it was fun for the pine-cone as well.

I've been busy and productive since returning to Los Angeles: visiting with family and a few friends, continuing organizing the universe, letting things go, watching Doctor Who while making books, (or making books while watching Doctor Who...) drawing pictures, taking note of deadlines, then forgetting about deadlines, enjoying consciously as well as sleeping soundly thorough 1960s Disney science shows like this, writing many letters (on the computer and in my head), working on a website, and planning plans.

Or at least daydreaming daydreams.

I suppose things are good in Los Angeles. I start teaching again at CSUN very soon.

I have been posting some things in my Etsy shop this evening, including some more little books. Please take a look!



Thank you for reading!

Anywhere: this is what's happening.

I'm visiting a brand new little redheaded person this week. I'm very fond of my little goddaughter. She's very neat.

Also neat is this funny girl, who I am rather more comfortable with then the newborn...


cold and rain.

and quiet.

and thinking.

and reading.

and the internet:

I've had a flickr account for some time, and it has been entirely neglected for two years. In an ongoing effort to pull myself together, I plan on getting back into the habit of posting pictures there. Check it out.

The past few days I have been picking over these blog posts, via Etsy.

Speaking of Etsy, lately I have had time to browse and explore, which has resulted in a lot of good discoveries. i made a treasury, which I haven't done in I-don't-know-how-long.



These happened, and more in progress...

Furthermore.

Yeah, okay, I just liked the way my previous post looked. It amused and delighted me. My blog.

I have posted a few new-to-the-world pieces in my store. More to follow.

Update on Snails and Art.

So, there's finally work to look at in my Etsy shop, and I have my work on good ol' Papernstitch this month as well.

This coming Saturday I will be teaching a little bookbinding workshop in Bakersfield at Surface Gallery. I love my Bakersfield people, so I'm looking forward to running up there for a minute.

Here's a painting by my pal Vikki.

A Sleeping Ferriswheel.

Okay.

This semester is nearing the end. And it has been a tough one. Very tough.

I have been drawing and sewing a lot more this past month, and these works-in-progress are happily moving around in my studio. (I don't mean on their own...that would be creepy.) My Etsy sabbatical will continue a while longer; not because of laziness or busy-ness or lack of work...I just need to make work for myself for a while, without sharing it with the universe immediately. Does this make sense to anyone?

Also thinking about summertime, far-away-friends, adopting a cat, race-horses, sugar-lift, LOST, getting my hair cut, organizing my closets, and saving money.

March First.

There's been a flurry of activity in my Etsy shop, as I had a piece featured in an article in the Storque the other day. Hooray! I've been too occupied with teaching (and driving) to post new work in my shop lately, so unfortunately a whole lot of people have been looking at my almost-empty shop...ah, well.

Thank you all for checking me out, and for the encouraging words.

Today is one of my furlough days, so I'm catching up on life stuff like laundry, dish-washing, mail, and rest. This was quite a busy weekend, so I timed my furlough day right.

I am happy it is March First. Its one of my favorite days in the whole year.

Sigh.

"I just want to hang out in here."

This is what one patron of Unique LA shared with me, and it confirmed that I was doing something right in my set-up for the event.










As I've mentioned, Unique LA came just at the end of my nasty cold, and prior to the event I felt very pessimistic about how it would go. This was not only because I was coughing like crazy and feeling entirely drained of energy, but also because I had to leave a sad pile of unfinished books at home. I just didn't have as much work ready as I had hoped, and many of my plans had to be put aside. (from maybe-piles to probably-not piles...)

I also handled most of the event alone, which was not impossible...but sort of a bummer. (thanks again to Erynn for helping on Saturday!) Having to stay in the neighborhood of my own stuff, I took zero photos of the non-Michelle parts of the event. Unfortunate, but this thing was ENORMOUS, and very crowded (which is good-don't get me wrong!) so when I did venture away from good ol' booth 4015, I felt lost and overwhelmed, and a lot less healthy. So I agreed with the anonymous patron mentioned above: I was happy to remain in my own pretty space.

Wow, I just reread this, and it sounds so negative! Unique LA was GREAT, and I had a successful, profitable weekend...I just know it could have been better, and maybe if I do it again it will be!

I sold a lot of work, and I had a few really good conversations.

I like to think I made thousands of people happy, or at least several hundred.

I sold almost all of the books pictured below, plus more, and found it encouraging that the ones which were MY favorites were indeed the first to sell. (and contrariwise, the ones I'm if-y about are still cluttering up my home...)



I delighted (and was delighted BY!) people who appreciate stacks of paper and tiny, subtle things.

I fell in love with strangers who love books.

I saw a few familiar faces amongst the thousands of unfamiliar ones, and was glad when people told me "I know your work from Etsy," or "I bought a book from you at the LA Printer's Fair."

Another comment I overheard and wrote down was, "See? That's where I got my art circles!"



According to the Unique Blog, over 6000 shoppers came on Saturday alone...and here you can see a few of them...behind the books...



The funniest thing someone said, (and I'm paraphrasing) was, "You make me feel like the most uncreative person!" I apologised.

I also liked it when one woman said, (nicely, supportive, in a positive way...) "I hope your Mom knows you're selling trash." This was in reference to the hanging stacks of paper, which are mostly made of my own scraps and pieces of old work and ephemera. I'll add that I believe my mom is delighted that I am selling "trash." I think my dad is too. They are big fans of "the bundles" (which is what I used to call these before I decided they were not bundles at all. Plus I like "the Stacks" as a library reference...) About three years ago when I was visiting my parents in Texas, I decorated their whole dining room with these hanging pieces at Christmastime.

My favorite comment was some gentleman who told me, "I like the way you see the world." Thank you: so do I. He and I also talked about my interest in making non-blank books, or "artist books" (a term I don't love) or "picture books" (a term I do love.)

In the works.

Temporary.

Anyone remember these?



About two years ago I was making lots of these pieces. I sold them on and off of Etsy. I visualized beautiful roomfuls of them. I liked them then, and you know what? I think I like them again. But for a long time I couldn't stand the sight of 'em.

For the benefit of the newcomers, these are 1"-2" circles of mulberry paper with watercolor, tea, and beeswax, delicately attached to each-other with tiny safety pins. I call them temporary bouquets.

There are a number of reasons why I put aside this body of work. One reason was that I had to explain a few too many times what they were. ("um, art.") Also, I was never happy with the way they looked online. The safety pins would reflect on my scanner and cause strange things to happen. Also they are not totally flat, so the scanner thing just wasn't working out.

The main reason why they were put aside was: I GOT SICK OF THEM. All those damn little circles with their bright colors...particularly in my former apartment, which was stiflingly small. And admittedly I got lazy. I have SO many of these little dots still, (tucked away, out of sight) because back then I wasn't thinking enough about what I was doing; it was just EASY to sit and sew these doo-dads for hours and hours.

Ugh. It makes me ill.

I started making these when I came out in California not sure if I'd be staying a month or a year or forever. I was living with boys, "temporarily" and it was not pretty, so making these colorful arrangements made things better. Everything was temporary and uncertain and awful, so I tried to make it pretty at the very least, without thinking too much.

So why are they back, you may be wondering? Well. Time has passed, and I think I like to look at them again. I'd still love to see an installation with 'roomfuls' of them, but I have yet to find rooms that want them.

Also, an Etsy user contacted me and asked about them, which was very nice to hear. The two newest ones hint at the directions these may take if I continue with this work. This first one is not a "bouquet" but an "arrangement." A more logical arrangement:



And this larger arrangement is closer to what I initially wanted these to be...larger, more layered, more complex, more connections:



Dorothy-in-Paris likes them:



Anyway, these are new in my shop. More may follow. We shall see. I'd love to hear what you think.

Better than Fine.

Every post needs a picture.....


Today is my two-year Californiversary. I am proud of myself for being capable of maneuvering around this metropolis, and I can drive in traffic without freaking out.

I can do all kinds of things without freaking out, folks.

I also know the bits and pieces of Los Angeles (and California) that I love, and am continuing to make discoveries.

I love my apartment, and am looking forward to "settling in" in the coming months. Its good to be home. I am pleased to report that my plants miraculously survived their recent neglect.

Everyone wins!

Today has been good: It was surprisingly cool and grey for August, and I even saw a few (a very few) raindrops. I walked to the grocery store, and the post office, and the bank. Then I drove out to CSUN to turn in some paperwork and get my parking tag, and other start-of-the-semester business. Now I need to get to work on the actual planning for my classes.....

Say, I reopened my Etsy store, although I have yet to post any new work. Soon, dear friends, soon.

And now I shall see about a cup of tea.

next right now.

I put together another Etsy treasury this weekend. Check it out here before it goes away!



This has been a good weekend. I'm working on packing, and getting rid of a lot of stuff. I move in two weeks! So excited about my new place. I've needed this change.

I've finished a few little pieces this weekend, and if my scanner is cooperative, I may post some things tonight in my store.

Today was hot as blazes in LA. My solution is frozen grapes. And a lot of sparkling water.

Treasury.

I just love this goofy moon print by wonderthunder. I'm thinking I may need it in my new apartment.

I included it in an etsy treasury, along with a lot of other good stuff by good people. It will only be active for a few more hours, so check it out here.



Who has the michelle moode seal of approval?

miniaturerhino
libellus
wonderthunder
pistachiopress
leemeszaros
fadefade
kelleystreetvintage
abeautifulparty
skinnylaminx
lizbitshandmade
corid
mimidoodles

One of my faithful readers, (my mom, to name names) asked me about the black and white image in my last post. It's an photo from the 1920's of my neighborhood, looking east at Los Feliz Blvd.

Have a good weekend, friends.

The Happy Ones.

So, I've been on spring break from CSUN this week, which has been a pretty successfully balanced time of rest and productivity. Okay, maybe a little more rest than productivity...

I've also had lots of good news this week.

The "calculations and waiting" in my last post refer directly to my apartment-hunt. I've lived in the Los Feliz neighborhood of Los Angeles for almost two years (well, come august), and I've been in my current apartment for over a year. I like where I am, and after a brief investigation into moving more drastically out of my neighborhood, I decided I'd rather stay put for now. I know these streets, I like walking to places around here, I like driving up to the observatory as needed, and I like having a familiarity with the check-out folks at my market.

But dang it, I need more space! My little studio apartment has been good to me, but in recent months I have felt more and more crazy because of the stiflingly small space. And street-parking. So I've been looking at apartments for a while now, and it really helped me clarify what I want in a place to live.

Geeze, this is wordy.

To sum up, I am moving May first into a place that I am very, very excited about. Besides having room for a couch AND a bed, it also has a petite dining room, hard-wood floors, a GARAGE, a telephone niche, and all sorts of 1930's detail that makes Michelle a bit giddy. It's the one-bedroom apartment that feels like a home, and it's the same price as one I looked at that was in a dark building with EIGHTY units. Bizarre.

Okay, so that's the big news. Let me tell you about my summer plans.

In July I'm planning on making a short trip up to Seattle, (never been there) to stay with my friend (from WVU) Myra. I'll be teaching a two-day bookbinding workshop at the Kirkland Arts Center, where Myra is the educational director.

In late July/early August, I will be at Penland (as I mentioned last post) for Arthur Hash's metals workshop. So excited to play with metal again. It's been a while!

Afterwards, I'll be hanging around P-land for a few more days to do my thing at the fancy-pants auction, and I hope I can persuade these girls to join me:



After THAT, I'll be making my way to Atlanta, Georgia (not sure I've ever been there, either...) for a residency at the Art House. I'll be making things and having a show. I'm excited.

I'm planning on posting more work for sale in my shop today. Not all of it is brand new....as I begin organizing/packing for the move, I've been finding pieces that I've forgotten about, (most have been in shows and have been resting in frames in a closet) and I'd like to find good homes for them. I do not make art to hoard it all in boxes and closets.

circular fragments, calculations, waiting.

After a brief hiatus, I am back in business in my shop, and will continue posting new work this week. I made two sales last night, so I'm feeling good already.

Also feeling good about being on spring break from CSUN. Not that this week will be all crazy-fun-time, (or any) because I have lots of work to do.

School work, art work, house work, work-work.

The Southern Graphics Council was a splendid time. I am currently cameraless, (or rather, my digital camera has ceased to function) so I am unable to share any of my adventures from Chicago. My pal Maranda was a sport, as we explored the city...I'd tell her, "ooh, take a picture of that!" So when I get her pictures, I'll have more to say.

I'm going to Penland this summer: it's official, and I'm excited. 5th session, Arthur Hash's Metal's class. And after that I'll be doing my thing again at the annual benefit auction.

Hurts so good!

Michelle's Michelle Things.

All that orange stuff is (are?) california poppies. This was on my way home from Bakersfield a few weeks ago...a very circuitous route.


I've been busy.
I've been working hard.
I've been thinking.
I've been looking at good things.
I've been listening to good music.
I've been walkin' around town.
I've been trying.

I haven't been blogging. I'm okay with that...I hope you are too.

I have also temporarily closed my etsy shop. Fear not: I'll be reopening soon. New work.

New. New. New.

This week I'm heading to Chicago, for Southern Graphics Council. So excited to see old friends and a whole lotta art.

Forthcoming.

More newish work in my Etsy shop.

These are other things:

I'm getting ready for the spring semester at CSUN.

I'm making work for my forthcoming solo exhibition at Surface Gallery in Bakersfield, California. Mark your calenders for the opening of "Very Long Lines": Friday, March 6 2009 5-9pm.

The Los Angeles Art Show is January 21-25. I'll have a piece in the Los Angeles Printmaking Society's booth. Its this one:



Last night I ordered 75 sheets of Rives BFK paper. (50 grey, 25 white) So that's pretty exciting.

The last couple of days I've had Penland on the brain, and I'm going to apply for a class this summer. Check out their summer catalog!

I'm also doing the math to see if I can participate in a class in South Dakota this summer. Check out Frogman's Print Workshops.

It's a pretty evening here in Los Angeles. I think I'm going to walk outside and enjoy it.

The newest new you ever knew.

I'm back from faraway, and unusually optimistic about the months ahead.

I'm still healing from the wisdom teeth episode, but it is a great relief knowing that they can't bother me anymore. And yeah, I kept them:



Besides the teeth, this caribbean blue le creuset cast iron pot is new:



My family and I watched all three seasons of "arrested development" over the holidays, while I spun lots of yarn:



oh, and this is new to me:



There are more new pictures on my flickr page, I listed new-ish pieces for sale in my etsy shop, and much more news to share in the coming days....stay tuned.

Eagle Rock Holiday Sale

On November 30 I participated in the Eagle Rock Center for the Arts annual holiday sale. This was the second year I participated in the sale, and it was a great day for everyone.



I bought some letterpress cards from Madeleine of Panarama Press, who I just discovered has an Etsy shop. Take a look.

I also bought myself an early Christmas present: a Random Nicole skirt. Nicole Stevenson makes some great things, and I want more of 'em in my closet. Nicole's recent endevour is the Craft Kitchen in Orange county. I haven't been down south for some time, but next time I do, I'll be paying a visit.

Its also been too too long since I've been to the Crab Cooker.....

Hmm. I'm hungry.

I've been very busy with end-of-the-semester to-do lists, and big piles of art projects to grade. The end is in sight, however. In the next few weeks I may even find some time to make some new work.

My strategy for end-of-the-semester stress? I bought a thousand-piece puzzle for the printshop at CSUN. I grade a few things, then work on the puzzle for a few minutes. Its a good way of keeping calm.

November.

I started this blog to write about my news, but the difficult thing is, when I have lots going on....I never have the time to write anything for my blog.

So that's annoying.

It's finally cooling off a bit in LA, but there's no knowing if it will stay as pretty as it is today. We had some rain on Saturday; I even heard thunder, which is pretty rare out here.



On Saturday I went to my friend Jennifer Anderson's opening at JK Gallery in Culver City. Jennifer's work is always beautiful, but I was amazed to discover that she also makes her own frames. New-found respect, for sure!

Take a look at the amazing amazingness on "stitch spectacular"......"on the poking edge of embroidery."

On Friday I'm driving to Bakersfield to go to an opening at Surface Gallery....why Bakersfield?

Why not!?

On November 30, I will be at the Eagle Rock Center for the Arts annual holiday sale thingy. I participated in this event last year, and it was a really good day. If you're in Los Angeles, come check it out! And if you do come, make sure you stop by That Yarn Store in Eagle Rock. It's my favorite yarn store, although unfortunately I haven't been there in some time...but really, I don't need any more yarn in my life right now.

Oh yes, an Etsy treasury called "cold november rain":



Links to these good people:

My amazing friend Abbey, of hownowdesign
selflesh
erinzam
seasprayblue
kimwestad
yoola
xfreshbatteryx
robindanely
larimeloom
lupin
StudioElan
cherylasmith

More good things to talk about soon. I can't tell all in a single post.