Sunday, November 28, 2010

Emroidery Hoops and Horses

We purchased these wooden embroidery hoops at one our favorite neighborhood markets, Tienda Choris. The hoops are sturdier than those available at other craft suppliers and they have a handmade quality. Tienda Choris has a great selection of neon yarns, sweet aprons for adults and kids, a variety of Mexican imports, as well as tasty tacos. The hoops were used to make a sewing project for a birthday party at Oil and Cotton.
A silhouette of a horse profile was printed onto burlap. The children learned several basic stitches and embellished the horses with stitched manes of yarn, embroidery floss and button eyes. Thanks to all of the families and friends that joined us for the birthday celebration.

Tuesday, November 16, 2010

Leather Dancing Pouches and Tote Baskets this WEEK!

Learn to make a small leather "essentials only" shoulder strap pouch, perfect for the dance floor. A basic pattern and leather will be provided. Students will learn to cut, punch and sew leather. We have an extensive selection of natural and dyed leathers to choose from. Friday, November 19th 6-8pm. Price: $65
Tote everything from groceries to books. This is a very strong basket using shaker tape that wraps all the way around the bottom. Shaping is most important in the weaving of this basket. Different color options offered.13”x9”x11” high. This class is appropriate for beginners. Jan Schmidt will lead us through the entire process of this lovely basket on Saturday, November 20th 10-4pm. Price: $65

Monday, November 15, 2010

Seeds, Pods, and Neighborhood Farmers...

We had a good turnout for the seed swap this weekend. Seeds were traded and tips were shared. Thanks to our local gardeners and and backyard farmers. We hope to host another swap this spring!

Saturday, November 13, 2010

African Masks and Family Painting...

We ended our study of texture this week with an African mask making class. The children used black beans, crushed shells, dirt, paper, and twine to make animal masks while exploring the concepts of  pattern and visual texture. Visit our website to sign up for our ongoing art classes. Be sure to attend the African mask exhibit at the Dallas Museum of Art before it ends in February.
River is our youngest painting student to date. He and his family participated in our family painting class this weekend. Kayli taught proper studio practice and introduced families to the pleasures of making art together.

Friday, November 12, 2010

Seed Swap with Oak Cliff Community Gardens

Have you saved seeds from your garden? If you haven't, start collecting! Bring your pods and seeds to Oil and Cotton for our first ever SEED SWAP! Oak Cliff Community Gardens will join us from noon to 2pm this Saturday. O&C will provide glassine envelopes and materials for label making. This is a free community event, all are welcome.

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

Holiday Table Runner...

The very talented Shari Lidji is teaching a fibers class this Saturday, November 13th from 3-6pm. Students will use natural fibers such as burlap, hemp, cotton, and felt to make a table runner for the fall and winter holiday season. Learn basic embroidery and dress your table with a hand sewn linen. Register here.

Monday, November 8, 2010

Feathers and Pines Cones!

We are looking forward to Cassie's class this Thursday evening 6-8pm. Join us for cocktails and learn to make a feathered cocktail hat. Visit our website to register!
Today we prepared for our class at Repotted on November 20th 12-2pm. Learn to make pine cone fire starters to give as holiday gifts. Pine cones collected from our neighborhood will be dipped in wax scented with essential oils like pine and eucalyptus. Make your own custom linen gift tags. Register here.

Friday, November 5, 2010

The House of MacGregor at Oil and Cotton!

Learn to make a holiday cocktail hat with local milliner Cassie MacGregor, the Oil and Cotton Visiting Artist of November. Please visit our website or drop by to preregister for this class before November 11th.

Show off your hat and join Cassie for a free talk and reception the following Friday November 12th, from 6:30-8pm.

Oil and Cotton featured in D Magazine...

The current issue of D Magazine features the work of our friends Steve Visneau and Stephanie Quadri of SisterBrother Management. Oil and Cotton was used as the backdrop for this moody story...

Thursday, November 4, 2010

Preparing for Yule Logs and Woodland Holiday Ornament Class!

We are preparing for our holiday class at North Haven Gardens on December 4th 12:30 -3:30.Yule logs and Woodland Ornaments will be fashioned from native plants. Recycled stumps from Christmas trees will be used to make an ancient holiday tradition...the Yule Log. It may be burned in your fire place or used as decorative center piece. Families are welcome. See more images here.  Contact North Haven to register early, limited class size! $45.00

Monday, November 1, 2010

Happy Halloween!!!

Happy Halloween! As local rocker Ronnie Dawson would say, we had an "action packed" weekend! The wacky yellow bunny was one of our favorite pumpkins made during O&C's drop-in pumpkin decorating event. Folks decorated their gourds with paint, fabric, bunny ears and more.
On Saturday, Jason Roberts, his lovely family, and Amy Cowan lugged a piano to Oil and Cotton for a makeover. The piano was delivered to the Dallas Art's District for Flora Street Fair. After a busy day of Clay and Crepes, we hosted a Super Spooky Piano Recital for Kayli's very talented students.
Pianists performed original musical compositions for friends and family. Songs such as "Zombie Bride", "Crooked Skeleton" and "Devious Diesel Disaster" are sure to become Halloween standards.
On Sunday, Oil and Cotton took it on the road. We helped neighborhood kids make trick or treat totes at Bolsa's street carnival and "Ghosts on a Stick" were made at Oil and Cotton's table at the Dallas Art's District block party. We ended Halloween with a HOWWWWLLLLL! Our first haunted house was creepy and crawly. Thanks to all of our talented ghosts, goblins, and monsters. We are already looking forward to our next haunting!