Nika Paper Arts



Nika Paper Arts is located in downtown Windsor, Nova Scotia. This shop is the perfect place to get all your mixed media supplies! Nicole, the owner, is a mixed media teacher and artist. She is very knowledgeable about all the different paints and other media she carries. I was surprised at the variety of things in the shop. One small room has lots of trims and ribbons.

I went in looking for fabric paints, specifically a navy blue to paint a pair of white shoes. She had just what I was looking for! In fact, she carries quite a range of paints. I did purchase some screen printing inks for fabric and paper by Versatex.

Here's a few photos of the store:

New Books

I ordered two new books from Amazon yesterday, Hot Textiles: Inspiration and Techniques with Heat Tools by Kim Thittichai and Stitch, Fibre, Metal and Mixed Media by Alsyn Midgelow-Marsden. Her blog is called Burnt Offerings.
I am familiar with the first book, Hot Textiles but not the other one. I did have a look on the inside of the Stitch, Fibre, Metal and Mixed Media and decided I'd like to add it to my library.

Eastern Edge Quilt Guild

Esmerelda 2006

Tuesday night the Eastern Edge Quilt Guild had a wonderful presentation by local artist, Carolyn Morgan.  She works in several different media, one-of-a-kind art dolls, painting, textiles, clay and enameled copper. 
Carolyn had photos of her work which were displayed via computer unto a large screen as well as actual pieces of her art. Everyone was delighted with her show and tell. It gave all of us something to think about when designing our own art.

Fiber Arts / Mixed Media

If you have lots of time and looking for inspiration in your art, check out the Fiber Arts / Mixed Media web site. There's lots to see especially the photos members send in of their various art pieces. Just click on the 'main' button and go to photos. Lots of eye candy! I hadn't been into this site in ages and forgotten about all the interesting 'stuff' there. Dale Potter from SW Saskatchewan, started the site.

Inspiration

I have found a few sites that might inspire you to try your hand designing and making art quilts. Bright, colourful fabrics are used in the pieces.
First, have a look at the work of Larkin Jean Van Horn. I enjoyed all her work but the beading as applique, river stones, rocks and water (this was a favorite), and shattered circles were very appealing to me.

Q42 Designs by Sharon Benton, has interesting fabric art. The art in her blog also appealed to me. Definitely worth a look!
Check out the gallery, blog and free articles from Gloria Hansen.
I just love the art quilts of Laura Wasilowski! Her hand dyed fabrics are wonderful.
Helen Howes has pieces that range from large-scale wall hangings to smaller works. There's lots to see on her site.
Margaret M. Hunt has' finally bitten the bullet' and created a website. She has been blogging all summer. This award winning fiber artists has lots for you to see.
Karen Stiehl Osborn is an award-winning mixed media artist, who works primarily with cloth, paper, paint, photography and stitching.
Lots to see at Jeri Riggs web site.
Art Quilts are Liz Berg's specialty.
Enjoy exploring these sites!