Another purging and organizing day

Yesterday was another day to purge and it sure felt good. I began by sorting through all the ribbon. As I picked up each spool, I decided if it was craft (paper fabric), or real fabric, lace, or something I would actually use in my art. I organized as I went, placing each spool in the correct container. I may have mentioned this before, but I can't emphasize it enough. My philosophy is HANDLE ONCE.

All of this paper-fabric craft ribbon, purchased in the 80s, will be going to a new home soon. I plan to donate it to our neighborhood thrift store. You can see Bleubeard contributed by giving me one of his empty litter containers. It was the perfect size and it has a sturdy handle for easy carrying.


Of the three overflowing and disorganized boxes of ribbon I had on Monday, this is all that is left. I'm so very happy that I was able to sort out the ribbon I'll never use and keep the ribbon I will use. I still don't have a permanent home for this ribbon, since I'm still determined to buy pant hangers for hanging these. But for the time being, just knowing that the mess I had yesterday is gone, does my heart good. Sometimes just straightening your supplies is enough to free up space.


Before I pitched the ribbon into the litter box (could not help myself), I kept two spools to see if I could find a use for the wide ribbon. I have 9 yards of the ribbon above, so was hoping I could use it for a background. However, I could never match the edges, so I'll have to figure out some way to use this one piece I made. I think a lot of gesso and various inks will help. I backed the ribbon with card stock.


I see real potential for this (can you think why?), but I used all but about 5" of it on this one piece of card stock. It was a dream to work with, too, because it lined up so nicely. You can't even tell where the edges line up. Sadly, this is the only piece I'll get from the roll. The small piece at the top looked like it would go perfectly with it, so I auditioned it for the trim. Guess I had Christmas on the brain when I was making these two pieces.

Today's blog was one I stumbled on last night. It showcases the very talented Jim Garner at Sketches and Stuff. His art is colorful and his sketches are so "everyday." He has captured American life in pen and ink. I also enjoy the narratives that go along with his sketches. So here is another male artist whose blog you will more than likely enjoy.