tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12882717643574798462012-03-07T17:36:34.754-08:00I'm a true believer that there can be order in chaos; when there's enough of it coming from all sides at once, it comes full circle and creates a new quietude. This blog is a journal of how I process -- along with the results --the creative aspects of the world around me.Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16690836446655745003noreply@blogger.comBlogger711100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1288271764357479846.post-40281526480477873152012-03-06T18:09:00.000-08:002012-03-06T18:09:01.931-08:00

The Paradise Cove collection has been released! The complete story, merchandised in three parts: Mermaids, Flamingos and Dolphins, is shown below and if you click in the link, it will take you to the Michael Miller Fabrics website page that shows the collection along with Hula Dolls. There you will be able to see how wonderfully these two collections mix-and-match and expand the possibilities of

Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16690836446655745003noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1288271764357479846.post-63397216017648554532012-03-04T15:02:00.000-08:002012-03-04T14:37:57.200-08:00

On Sunday I'll be the guest licensee blogger on Michael Miller Fabrics' Making It Fun blog. So check back here tomorrow for an early blog post of a recap of my week, and then go to the Making It Fun blog on Sunday where I'll discuss the topic: Where do I get my ideas from? along with examples of the results. Aloha! Mark If you want to make any comments regarding the post, please submit them

Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16690836446655745003noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1288271764357479846.post-66620333723256317342012-03-04T11:12:00.003-08:002012-03-04T11:13:14.620-08:00

Johnny Depp as the vampire Barnabas Collins from an upcoming issue of  Vanity Fair. 

Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16690836446655745003noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1288271764357479846.post-61079962433800413192012-03-03T09:09:00.000-08:002012-03-03T09:13:18.874-08:00

Here's an update on the pineapple... much growth in one week... beginning to look a lot more like a... pine cone? I also noted (if you look closely, on the bottom right) there is a small purple flower. Sauteed Free-Range Turkey Breast Cutlet  Homemade Guacamole; Sonoma Jack Cheese; Lite Sour Cream Roasted Sweet Yellow Pepper, Maui Onions and Hamakua Cherry Tomatoes Mashed Pinto

Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16690836446655745003noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1288271764357479846.post-23418235976420687572012-02-29T17:36:00.003-08:002012-02-29T17:36:24.018-08:00

...in order to go forward. So that's what I'm going to do with this post. Before I show my new collection PARADISE COVE, I want to do a flashback to the International Quilt Market in Salt Lace City, Spring 2011. It was here that I previewed the HULA DOLLS collection (it would be released in August), my first for Michael Miller Fabrics after rejoining the company as a licensed designer. The

Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16690836446655745003noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1288271764357479846.post-51398671089413384972012-02-26T09:08:00.000-08:002012-02-26T14:24:15.278-08:00

How does your garden grow? Have you ever seen a pineapple? -- well of course you have... But have you ever seen one grow? We have a few pineapple plants on the property, and they have started fruiting... so I have decided to take a photo of the development of the pineapple, once a week, and share the progress with you. In my opinion, it's absolutely fascinating... In all honesty, this

Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16690836446655745003noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1288271764357479846.post-30429255959162684902012-02-24T12:35:00.001-08:002012-02-24T12:48:17.382-08:00

Here's another photo I found on the Internet, credit unknown. Barnabas, the vampire (Johnny Depp) facing off with Angelique (Eva Green) the witch who cursed him to be a vampire, after he rejected her love for him. Women can be ____....

Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16690836446655745003noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1288271764357479846.post-82168992622808992912012-02-22T16:34:00.000-08:002012-02-23T17:18:27.171-08:00

Sea Lions, and Turtles, and Whales (and Dolphins...) Oh, My! One of my best selling prints, the baby sea turtle (or honu in Hawai'an) Surf's Up!, was reintroduced by Michael Miller Fabrics a couple of years ago as a part of their 10th year Anniversary celebration. It's still going strong, and we decided to make a group of it by adding a few more designs in an aquatic and endangered species

Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16690836446655745003noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1288271764357479846.post-4737921373763081332012-02-19T10:18:00.000-08:002012-02-19T11:19:41.581-08:00

Here are photos from different locations around the Island as I ran about with my Sistah during her week of vacation... LEFT: Red Liliko'i or Passionfruit Flower                    RIGHT: I Don't know what it is, but it looks like Audrey 2 from LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS LEFT: Bell-shaped flowers from a wild succulent      RIGHT: As I was told, the rock formation is of a fallen man who

Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16690836446655745003noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1288271764357479846.post-3687115234495845662012-02-18T15:28:00.000-08:002012-02-18T17:41:19.999-08:00

Here are some random shots from the Whale Day Parade in Kihei, Maui, Saturday, February 18th, 2012... Best, Mark The blessing given to the organizers and hosts presiding over the parade  I understand big hats were a trend at New York's Fashion Week Now that's a tail!  You should have thought about going before we left the Tiki hut!  Little opihi (Hawai'ian

Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16690836446655745003noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1288271764357479846.post-62339191922774327252012-02-17T15:16:00.000-08:002012-03-04T11:01:15.466-08:00

An ongoing challenge that has been presented to me is to fill a void in the market for boy themed prints. Naturally it came to me that most boys somehow end up with a chemistry set or other such present as a gift. So when considering a new halloween group - a category that I could design all year long - I thought it would be fun to do a Mad Scientist-based group for all of the aspiring doctors,

Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16690836446655745003noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1288271764357479846.post-61914094958050169112012-02-16T17:32:00.000-08:002012-02-19T18:44:32.222-08:00

Aloha! Obviously I have not adhered to my promised posting schedule, and with good reason. As you may know, my sister came to visit and despite all good intentions to sit down and post an entry on Wednesday, alas! it just didn't happen. So I'm here now to go over a bit of our eating extravaganza of local foods, or as it is said on the islands say, "local grinds". On our first day, to

Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16690836446655745003noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1288271764357479846.post-47721464561909038052012-02-08T18:30:00.000-08:002012-02-08T21:07:43.718-08:00

Here is my GINGERBREADTOWN collection for Michael Miller Fabrics. It was debuted at the 2011 Fall International Quilt Market in Houston this past October. It was utterly amazing to see interest in the collection a full year before it would be available in stores!I have been wanting to do a gingerbread and holiday candy group for quite some time, and I am glad that I had the opportunity to design

Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16690836446655745003noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1288271764357479846.post-45605932821192981952012-02-05T07:31:00.000-08:002012-02-07T19:52:57.575-08:00

Aloha all!As I mentioned before, the reason for posting every Sunday is to recap my week... but gosh darn it! I can't remember Monday specifically. I chatted with Kathy and Karen regarding my new collections, and that's about all I can remember. In and of itself, that is enough because it's amazing how much can get done in a very concentrated and focused 20 minute conference call! I got approval

Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16690836446655745003noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1288271764357479846.post-80429201291756825022012-02-01T09:16:00.000-08:002012-02-01T16:09:12.106-08:00

Aloha!I am going to post a fabric - design - work related entry every Wednesday so keep checking back as I relay some of the goings-on of the past year, and get you up-to-date on what can be expected in the coming year.I was thrilled when Kathy, co-owner and Head Stylist of Michael Miller Fabrics, agreed to allow me to display my new Halloween group APOTHESCARY at Quilt Market in Houston this

Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16690836446655745003noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1288271764357479846.post-42830986751703623642012-01-29T18:34:00.000-08:002012-02-18T15:31:11.577-08:00

Aloha! I hope everyone had a great last week of the first month of the new year! Why you would chose to come back and participate in the recounting of my life of the last 7 days is a wonder to me - maybe I am entertaining or have something interesting to say. As I mentioned before in a previous post, I am doing this mainly to have a journal of my accomplishments of the week prior to

Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16690836446655745003noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1288271764357479846.post-49866408581335932812012-01-26T06:53:00.001-08:002012-01-27T19:37:17.054-08:00

Here are a couple of photos of the flower and immature fruit on my tree. The flower is typical of a citrus flower, but the center of the flower (the green portion) seems to be the start of the fruit. The scent is citrusy, delicate floral perfume andtropical - if that makes any sense at all :/ Since this fruit was on the tree when I purchased it, I hope it manages to hang on with the trip home

Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16690836446655745003noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1288271764357479846.post-12329766051549826732012-01-25T07:45:00.000-08:002012-02-26T10:37:45.149-08:00

There are few times that I am giddy like a little child, and this is one of them. The Tim Burton-Johnny Depp-Colleen Atwood-Danny Elfman collaborations are brilliant milestones in my life, and a great source of inspiration (my novel SHAG is a prime example, in which I practically pay homage to Tim. My dream would be to have TB direct the film version and Johnny to do a motion capture performance

Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16690836446655745003noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1288271764357479846.post-2740294077448290252012-01-21T17:01:00.000-08:002012-01-27T19:37:33.586-08:00

This week, the third week of January and 2012, proved to be a very productive one with versital results.Went to the Dr. to check out the tick bite. I was told that he couldn't really diagnose or confirm a tick bite four days after it happened and with the area scabbed over, but he said he trusted my instincts and educated opinion based on the info I gleened off of the Web; it was healing nicely,

Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16690836446655745003noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1288271764357479846.post-4078891360912750752012-01-15T16:57:00.000-08:002012-01-23T18:24:21.211-08:00

The second week of 2012 has come and gone. It went rather quickly and reflecting upon my accomplishments, unless I jot them down, my recent memory seems to fade, or at least condense events into smaller units of thought, and I feel like I haven't accomplished anything...I think I was bitten by a tick! Oh my!Harvested the Hawaiian chili peppers from my container garden and made chili pepper water

Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16690836446655745003noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1288271764357479846.post-40458134721643619812012-01-09T18:17:00.000-08:002012-01-23T18:22:52.283-08:00

The first full moon of 2012 - rising about 6:45 PM HST 01/08/ 2012and setting approximately 8:15 AM HST 01/09/2012

Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16690836446655745003noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1288271764357479846.post-88869265234835231052012-01-08T16:43:00.000-08:002012-01-23T18:23:55.875-08:00

Christmas Dinner: PaellaLooking inLooking in (closer)Sewing areaSeated at my desk, looking leftSeated at my desk, looking out (jelly bean on screen being cleaned up for the Halloween Candy Quilt Panel)Exhausted from yet another day (day #5) of reorganizing and restructuring my office/studio but the work is well worth it. And I'm running into town to SPEND MONEY!!! New storage for files and CDs (I

Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16690836446655745003noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1288271764357479846.post-13777862268551892062010-05-23T17:31:00.000-07:002010-05-23T17:43:22.081-07:00

Aloha!I have returned from Minneapolis after two days of pounding the cheap carpet-covered pavement. Over the next week I'll compile my notes and gather photos from other attendees to post here. In addition, the JEEBER HEAD has started a post of his own on Blogger, and soon he'll be blogging about his life as Leader of the Jeeber People and his experiences amongst a world of humans.

Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16690836446655745003noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1288271764357479846.post-44314043309317274662010-05-18T12:46:00.000-07:002010-05-18T14:41:33.852-07:00

WHEW! A little over 24 hours before I board a plane for Newark Airport. Still haven't packed; still doing laundry, dishes, watering the plants and getting it all together for Spring Quilt Market in Minneapolis on Friday!!Here's a sneak peak at some of the item's I'll be promoting at market... weeks of work that I hope will pay off! I'll keep you posted... no pun intended!JEEPERS CREEPERS

Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16690836446655745003noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1288271764357479846.post-38280063542002349922010-04-28T19:33:00.000-07:002010-04-28T19:45:54.767-07:00

Here's another little sample "I threw together" the other day. Sue of The Needlework Factory, is the digitizer who is taking my designs and translating them into embroideries. She sewed out a number of the Jeepers Creepers on 6"x6" blocks. I am trying to make the most out of these samples, so I created the reusable Trick-or-Treat bag. Although you cannot see the lining, it is my Candy Corn print,

Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16690836446655745003noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1288271764357479846.post-56059857545095428142010-04-24T16:25:00.000-07:002010-04-24T16:35:53.124-07:00

Here is the cotton flannel vest I made from my Blast Off! group. I used a commercial sewing pattern found on the internet, and with a few tweeks, of course... I think it is quite impressive.I am fascinated by things that shine -- like stained glass and mirrors, by metals, oxidation and metallic finishes, neon, glow-in-the-dark, and by reflective objects. When I haphazardly stumbled upon Pearl

Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16690836446655745003noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1288271764357479846.post-48302134546056969112010-04-13T18:06:00.001-07:002010-04-13T18:11:08.472-07:00

Here's a picture of the quilt I finished for promotional purposes at Spring Quilt Market in Minneapolis next month. The 8 blocks of skeletons and the center block are all embroidered. These designs are from the Jeepers Creepers machine embroidery disc being sold by theneedleworkfactory.com. Sue, the digitizer and owner, stitched out the blocks and eyes and webs in the corners, and pieced the

Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16690836446655745003noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1288271764357479846.post-70312603862233102782010-04-03T14:28:00.001-07:002010-04-03T14:47:33.065-07:00

I recently made a whirl-wind trip to New York/New Jersey (I just returned this past Tuesday). I spent a week in New Jersey with my parents. There I rummaged through the remnants of my possessions in the storage unit, sorting through stuff one last time, making the decision what I would keep, what would ship to Hawai'i, and what would become garage sale items. Then it was a week commuting back and

Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16690836446655745003noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1288271764357479846.post-14890441939633521472010-03-24T16:32:00.000-07:002010-03-24T16:41:30.397-07:00

Here's a great happening. I have 11 of my previously printed designs reissued by Michael Miller Fabrics. Check them out! http://www.michaelmillerfabrics.com/MMF/WebPage.cfm?gId=1218

Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16690836446655745003noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1288271764357479846.post-23821750894170135632010-02-27T15:26:00.000-08:002010-02-27T15:34:56.388-08:00

While sitting and watching the local news station for constant updates on the approaching tsunami -- I decided to edit photos. Here are a few I took while whale watching the end of last month.

Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16690836446655745003noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1288271764357479846.post-8863844159225005732010-02-25T09:33:00.000-08:002010-02-25T09:45:26.206-08:00

Last Saturday was Whale Day, kicked off by the Whale Day Parade to raise awareness of Maui's most distinctive winter visitors, the humpback whales. The whales travel from the frigid waters off Alaska and travel south to give birth to their calves and to mate, with the population breaking off into three smaller pods. The largest, approximately 60%, end up in the waters off the shores of Maui (the

Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16690836446655745003noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1288271764357479846.post-4609561638788081742010-02-23T11:30:00.000-08:002010-02-23T11:35:27.198-08:00

Aloha!It's been quite a while since I wrapped my head around publishing a post. Not that there hasn't be much to post about -- it's that there has been quite a lot going on.Welcome to the Mark Maui Resorts!What an influx of guests! From the end of November to the beginning of February, I have had 5 guests, with the shortest visit lasting 10 days to a marathon visit of 2-1/2 weeks. I love to

Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16690836446655745003noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1288271764357479846.post-17777233161552162102010-02-23T11:29:00.000-08:002010-02-23T18:36:17.919-08:00

Here's a look at my two newest collections for Blank Quilting: Blast Off! and Jeepers Creepers, and a nice surprise...This is Blast Off! and is available on quilting cotton and flannel. Blast Off!The Final FrontierMission ControlGalaxy QuestRay Gun StripeThe Milky WayHere's a quilt designed by fellow Blank designer Heidi Pridemore using all of the above plus additional fabric from her own

Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16690836446655745003noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1288271764357479846.post-37855337448242798942009-12-12T19:39:00.000-08:002009-12-12T19:44:58.880-08:00

I dragged most of what I owned with me to Hawaii. The Christmas decorations were no exception. Bought some incredible realistic pine garland for 75% off at the end of the season, and now I am Hawaiianizing it. This is just the start as I was conservative in my purchase of faux flora to make it a contemporary island trimming.

Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16690836446655745003noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1288271764357479846.post-2339901841300044092009-12-09T22:58:00.000-08:002009-12-09T23:00:49.940-08:00

Well, my rug design was chosen as one of the 10 finalists. Go to FLOR.com and click on the VOTE NOW link to review all the entries. They all are, I must admit, quite interesting!

Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16690836446655745003noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1288271764357479846.post-51158122706377553922009-12-07T14:09:00.000-08:002009-12-07T14:25:33.038-08:00

As you already know, I dabble in a lot of different stuff. Today I am trying my hand at designing a floor covering using FLOR tiles.I called it DEM BONZ and is made of 49 FLOR tiles and measures approximately 11' x 11'.The judging panel will choose ten (10) finalists and post those designs at FLOR.com/contest for public voting on or about December 10, 2009. The top three (3) winners identified,

Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16690836446655745003noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1288271764357479846.post-90536217399588178892009-12-06T09:57:00.000-08:002009-12-06T10:00:39.049-08:00

The bidding started at $20.00 and went up in $5.00 increments... The cake was sold for a final bid of $50.00! Not bad for a first attempt in my new situation!

Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16690836446655745003noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1288271764357479846.post-72545289102592033462009-12-05T09:00:00.000-08:002009-12-05T10:26:10.280-08:00

Pastillage, or more generically gum paste, is a mixture of powdered sugar, cornstarch, glucose, glycerine, water and gelatin. It is combined to form a "paste" resembling modeling clay and used to create edible flowers and foliage for adorning cakes.The pastillage is white and can be tinted any color imaginable. Small quantities are mixed with food coloring, and then rolled out and cut by hand

Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16690836446655745003noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1288271764357479846.post-58582474184106620762009-11-30T20:09:00.000-08:002009-11-30T20:19:55.154-08:00

I attended a very unique gathering this past Sunday at my neighbor Gwen's house. She had an idea to have artist friends of hers paint on cakes. She covered sheet cakes with white fondant to create a smooth surface, and then provided the space and tools for the cake decorators' studio. I did not participate in painting a cake as I'll be doing pastillage flowers for a cake to be donated to her son

Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16690836446655745003noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1288271764357479846.post-72833311335301396012009-11-20T17:30:00.000-08:002009-11-20T17:50:46.572-08:00

Baked his cakes as fast as he can (bad English, I know... but I wanted to keep the rhyme.)Orange and grapefruit peel and sections were candied in the same method as the lemon and lime, and then I was out hunting for the remaining ingredients for the fruit cakes.When I had everything I needed and was ready to bake, I had to wait yet another day because the banana wasn't ripe enough.But alas, today

Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16690836446655745003noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1288271764357479846.post-71850760589575196892009-11-15T16:31:00.000-08:002009-11-15T17:03:44.066-08:00

I suppose, for me, the holidays start with Halloween. Halloween is my quintessential holiday. It evokes, well... that's another post.Anyway, Halloween, or the end of October, signals the start of the slippery slope toward Thanksgiving, my birthday, Christmas and the New Year. For most of us, it also is the opening gate for the holiday festivities to begin.And thusly begins the fruitcake

Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16690836446655745003noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1288271764357479846.post-76400021537070921502009-11-12T16:15:00.001-08:002009-11-12T16:32:16.958-08:00

Double RainbowThe Road to Hana - the long way...Yellowlab838Hawaiian monk seal and newborn pupHamoa BeachUpcountry Polo - Maui vs. Oahu

Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16690836446655745003noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1288271764357479846.post-71209264204110689642009-10-27T19:31:00.000-07:002009-10-27T19:44:11.740-07:00

The upstairs is what I call a great room. It has vaulted ceilings. The kitchen has walls on three sides, but they stop at 8' tall and are open to the room. There is a work and entertainment counter that runs the length of the kitchen and is separate from the kitchen itself. The side of this counter that faces the living room is used for countertop dining.Of course the counter stools I have a

Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16690836446655745003noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1288271764357479846.post-39193829276870789202009-10-26T14:22:00.000-07:002009-10-26T14:36:14.986-07:00

TA-DAH! It is official! 3 months of off-and-on, start-and-stop, stop-and-go work is finished. Here is the chair with the bottom cushion sewn. When I say completed, I mean, seams pressed, threads clipped, basting stitches removed, the whole kit-and-caboodle! And of course, as it always is with me, I am not quite sure how I feel about it. When I work on a project and own it for such a long time,

Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16690836446655745003noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1288271764357479846.post-89940309966202624572009-10-25T08:46:00.001-07:002009-10-25T09:54:26.769-07:00

Three-and-a-half yards of faux fur clumped together in its finished state. Looks more like something that needs to be fed raw beef, or a deflated Tribble with a thyroid deficiency. In addition, four yards of a cotton/poly blackout fabric. Two days later (l. to r.) the outer and inner bags for a bean bag chair.I thought I would be organic and fill the bean bag with a natural product. So instead

Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16690836446655745003noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1288271764357479846.post-62223539865325280102009-10-23T19:27:00.002-07:002009-10-23T19:36:15.700-07:00

All I know is that it is carnivorous and it is growing like wild!I bought it at Lowe's nursery department. It was on sale and it was very decrepit looking... until I brought it home.............

Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16690836446655745003noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1288271764357479846.post-42969090566030484942009-10-18T18:24:00.001-07:002009-10-18T18:49:51.803-07:00

Aloha - I'm back from market, with several months' worth of responsibilities met, still plagued with the irregular sleeping pattern of waning jet lag, feeling renewed, refreshed and psyched to revisit several projects that were put on hiatus for my professional responsibilities.In a previous post I got you involved in a very intensive project I had undertaken -- the reupholstering of cushions for

Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16690836446655745003noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1288271764357479846.post-91554974260208591672009-10-14T08:23:00.001-07:002009-10-14T13:08:41.360-07:00

Here is a picture of my quilt, Neptune's Garden, as it was seen on display in the Blank Quilting booth.In addition, I did not win nor even get an honorable mention for my piece that I submitted to the Simplicity / Wright's challenge. As usual, I believe it was because I pushed the envelope too far, and although highly innovative, I used and developed techniques that were not readily

Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16690836446655745003noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1288271764357479846.post-56717200517620018412009-10-13T21:29:00.001-07:002009-10-13T21:33:03.549-07:00

I was going to wait a few days before posting the Block of the Month quilt made exclusively of Rock Candy - designed and constructed by Marinda Steward, but the comments on the previous post prompted me to do so ASAP.I think in this case a picture speak tomes, and I shall just leave it at that.

Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16690836446655745003noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1288271764357479846.post-33454987669282824272009-10-13T14:56:00.000-07:002009-10-13T15:41:24.518-07:00

So, the pressure is on. Now, as I write this blog to report the goings-on at Quilt Market, and months before in preparation of our biyearly event. We usually arrive fresh and full of enthusiasm -- and then are put through the ringer, with the promise of a sensational looking booth and a most welcomed and well deserved meal at the end of the day.Our mission, and we chose to accept it, is to take a

Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16690836446655745003noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1288271764357479846.post-80870633858896163942009-10-05T15:35:00.001-07:002009-10-09T04:42:30.364-07:00

Bright and early Wednesday morning I'm on a New York to Houston flight out of Newark Liberty International Airport. At the terminal I'll rondezvous with Diana Mancini, creative director of Blank Quilting, and together we'll fly to our Texas destination. There we will meet with Barbara Crom, a Texas rep for Blank, and we three will run around the Houston area shopping for last minute supplies for

Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16690836446655745003noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1288271764357479846.post-91185384275016415642009-09-28T18:40:00.000-07:002009-09-28T19:04:07.648-07:00

I learned a very important lesson regarding the Art world - basically if it is presented as Art, then it must be Art.I have mastered the necessity of presentation to try and give me an edge over the competition - to send a resume or note in a classy envelope. To send a package wrapped to make an impression - tissue paper, ribbon, eye catching box. And when I send an item, it is understood to be

Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16690836446655745003noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1288271764357479846.post-16421158662414522142009-09-26T19:21:00.000-07:002009-09-26T17:19:15.346-07:00

A first glimpse of my garden under the sea...So, in its realized form, this is the quilt that started the whole theme that transmuted into two other pieces: Neptune's Garden II and Dancing with the Stars - Tango Red.This quilt will be on display in the Blank Quilting booth in Houston, Oct. 10 - 12. I'll take more pictures from onsite and post them so you can see it hanging in the trade show

Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16690836446655745003noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1288271764357479846.post-46074031688702459392009-09-25T15:11:00.001-07:002009-09-25T15:27:33.771-07:00

Yesterday I confirmed with the online USPS tracking that my entry for the Simplicity Wrights challenge was delivered.Today I packed up and delivered the piece for PRIMARY RED at the Hui.I figured I should pack the piece in a box for transportation. Luckily I am lazy and hadn't taken any of the corrugated cardboard to the recycle center, so I had a few boxes to chose from. It came down to a choice

Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16690836446655745003noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1288271764357479846.post-37076464077473393602009-09-24T18:46:00.000-07:002009-09-24T19:32:20.007-07:00

2009 Community Art Making Challenge - PRIMARILY RED - at the Hou No'eau Visual Arts Center, Maui.The parameters of the challenge were simple: "This themed juried exhibition in which artists are asked to create works based on the word "red". Artists are asked to interpret red literally, figuratively, financially, emotionally, spiritually, chromatically, politically and socially, etc. in all its

Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16690836446655745003noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1288271764357479846.post-80154971914256634722009-09-22T10:04:00.000-07:002009-09-22T20:24:12.364-07:00

Aloha!In my last post I showed the piece I am submitting to the Simplicity Wrights Designer Challenge. Well, it is all packed up -- pinned to a Styrofoam base, snuggled in its box between layers of bubble wrap and corrugated, recycled-paper packing material -- and on its way to the Big Apple, ironically to 2 Park Avenue, which is about 15 minutes by foot from where I used to live on 8th Street in

Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16690836446655745003noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1288271764357479846.post-23956666454894273522009-09-18T09:54:00.000-07:002009-09-18T13:24:31.276-07:00

Many of you are wondering where I have retreated to recently. Well, for the past 8 weeks I have been preparing for the International Quilt Market in Houston in a few weeks, as well as working on a piece for a juried show at the local visual arts center.Blank Quilting, the company for which I design and rep the fabric line , is doing a garden theme in their booth this show. And as always, I cannot

Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16690836446655745003noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1288271764357479846.post-62607734739231650642009-09-01T11:59:00.000-07:002009-09-01T19:26:36.528-07:00

Living in a small 450-square-foot studio apartment in Manhattan, I acquired very little in the way of furniture. My queen-size sofa  was too big, bulky and costly to ship, rests disassembled and in pieces in a storage unit in New Jersey. So there were very few pieces to ship to Maui.After getting settled into the house I am renting in Pukalani, I obviously needed furniture. The house is almost 4-

Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16690836446655745003noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1288271764357479846.post-35620366622319373082009-08-28T21:31:00.000-07:002009-08-28T21:36:54.479-07:00

Well, I just discovered where my little lizard friend is hiding during the day. It's 6:31 PM and still quite light out. For the sake of the blog, I am going to call it the "powder room" -- where there is a cabinet mounted on the wall. Now in the powder room, I just discovered my little gecko peeking out from behind the cabinet -- this is where he must be taking refuge during the daylight hours.

Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16690836446655745003noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1288271764357479846.post-47859868494389837852009-08-28T16:47:00.000-07:002009-08-28T16:57:04.712-07:00

Well, I didn't until this little fella took up residence in the vanity/sink area of the master bathroom (I turned the master bedroom into my office.)He showed up about ten days ago and I am assuming, resides somewhere in the cabinets below the sink and bathroom countertop. He appears after dusk, and disappears around dawn. It must be an ideal environment for him, since I don't believe he'd hang

Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16690836446655745003noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1288271764357479846.post-43800450938950886702009-08-27T20:15:00.000-07:002009-08-27T20:40:02.664-07:00

Hello all!!WOW! It's been a productive summer. I checked out my last post, dated 07/06 and I cannot believe 2 months have flown by. It's been a busy and productive summer!My sister Dana was here for about 10 days the beginning of July, and my dear friend (and very talented artist/designer) Hoodie and her son Zento were here at the end of July. In between the two visits, I was still -- and

Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16690836446655745003noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1288271764357479846.post-66316504995112288412009-07-06T11:26:00.001-07:002009-07-06T11:36:32.075-07:00

It seems belittling to say that sunsets are usually uneventful in Upcountry Maui since the days clear up so nicely and it's mostly bright and sunny. Last night was an exception though. The evening became cloudy, giving the setting sun a marvelous canvas to paint in the twilight sky.This is the second such evening I have witnessed since I have been here and I look forward to many more of the

Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16690836446655745003noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1288271764357479846.post-46343065708622974862009-06-30T10:01:00.001-07:002009-06-30T10:11:12.145-07:00

So, I have finally settled into life on Maui - no more daily trips to Home Depot, K-Mart, Lowes and Costco to purchase stuff for the house -- that'll continue in time. Now it's searching out an art supply store, Office Max and Ben Franklin for work related supplies... I have gotten swayed by life and neglected to post anything in over a week. Here's something to tide you over...This is a bloom on

Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16690836446655745003noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1288271764357479846.post-5110963720985139732009-06-19T20:00:00.001-07:002009-06-19T20:08:31.913-07:00

My apologies for being a stranger. Time and getting the house ready for pending guests to arrive has kept me busy, not to mention I finally organized my office/studio and shall be starting the cre8ive process soon. I'll keep you advised of how my artistic sensibilities are affected by being here on Maui.I went outside to the back (private) garden off of the office and my bedroom to get a breath

Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16690836446655745003noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1288271764357479846.post-66039371666702008202009-06-12T15:58:00.000-07:002009-06-13T09:17:54.422-07:00

Maui is primarily supported by agriculture, mainly sugarcane. As I look down the slopes of Haleakala (the volcano) toward the sea, it is green with sugarcane fields. In the distance are the smoke stacks of the sugar refinery and all in all, it's really comforting that the economy of the island is based upon a very simplistic industry.Yesterday I was downstairs in my office working at the computer

Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16690836446655745003noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1288271764357479846.post-74582928892197705282009-06-06T22:08:00.000-07:002009-06-08T07:59:37.771-07:00

So Cyndi and I had a blast together. We went wine tasting on our way to Fredericksberg, which is an incredibly funky, eclectic little town. I recommend visiting this wonderful place if you're ever in Austin.The pics are from both of my trips. I hope you enjoy them!

Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16690836446655745003noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1288271764357479846.post-8042354695811270042009-06-03T13:15:00.000-07:002009-06-04T05:35:41.409-07:00

So this morning I left New Jersey on an early morning flight to Austin, Texas (I'm staying 3 days, and return to Maui on Saturday.) I'm visiting my friend Cyndi, who recently moved here from N.J., her son Cameron who is with her during his summer break from college, and Marnda, a dear acquaintance I know from the textile and quilting arenas. Hopefully I'll have some greats pics to share with you

Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16690836446655745003noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1288271764357479846.post-38433943068139361912009-06-02T03:11:00.000-07:002009-06-02T08:29:53.675-07:00

BookExpo America is the largest book show in America, and Sam and I did it in record time, walking the show floor in less than 2 hours. It was a wholesale show, so we weren't able to meet with any acquisitions editors or publishers, but we were able to scope out which companies we did like. I'll most likely have to submit my proposals online.SHAG was displayed outside the show floor in the public

Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16690836446655745003noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1288271764357479846.post-3974115067043404742009-05-31T03:41:00.000-07:002009-05-31T03:44:34.214-07:00

One of the reasons for my trip back East was to attend BookExpo America at the Javitz Convention Center. We (Samantha and I)  are showing SHAG with an independent book promotions company, and we're going check out potential publishers for some of my future projects. I'll report back and let you know what happened!

Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16690836446655745003noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1288271764357479846.post-4722023865815872712009-05-30T08:43:00.000-07:002009-05-30T10:13:38.089-07:00

I joined Facebook basically out of pier pressure--everyone I know on the planet is on Facebook. But the games, the quizzes, and the cutesy little things aren't me. This is MUCH better. SO... in the vein of yesterday's post, some more artful pictures I took at a botanical garden up the slope of Haleakala, about 20 minutes from where I live in Pukalani.

Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16690836446655745003noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1288271764357479846.post-90795178442746546012009-05-29T16:38:00.000-07:002009-05-29T17:23:35.968-07:00

As my first post, I thought I would share a couple of pictures I recently took. These are close-ups of iris taken with a macro lens. Unfortunately the detail is compromised and the color is washed on both, but I like the way the bottom photo suggests something alien and otherworldly.

Markhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16690836446655745003noreply@blogger.com0