From Canvas to Couture – beckycochrane.com

If you’re interested in seeing my Canvas to Couture series that’s hanging this month in the original Barnaby’s Cafe in Houston, I have photos on my art pages. You can view the works by clicking this link. This series would never have come to be without all the support and encouragement I’ve gotten since I started doing the Project Runway challenges in 2008. Though some people might think I’m only “playing with dolls,” I’m awed at everything good that’s come of this project. I’ve been contacted by people I’d otherwise never have known who are bright, creative, and who have their own artistic passions that are often misunderstood. I’ve been accepted into an amazing community of designers and doll fans on Flickr. I’ve conquered my fear of sewing machines and taught myself new skills. I’ve learned again that creating can and should be fun sometimes.

Specifically, I have to thank the people who boldly took that first “Runway Monday” adventure with me: Marika, who had the idea; Mark G. Harris and Timothy J. Lambert, who also participated and whose work compelled me to keep trying to be better; all the people who were judges, particularly permanent judges Greg Herren and Rhonda Rubin, who had some laughs but (maybe to their own surprise) began to understand that what we did was work that required a lot of time, thought, and energy; and Lynne, who was always available to answer my dumb sewing questions and who rewarded my perseverance with my wonderful sewing machine and lots of supplies and materials. There are several people who’ve donated fabrics, notions, and doll accessories to me to help with the creations. Finally, I thank all of you who take your time to look, still, at my attempts to do the weekly challenges, and who comment or email me.

A shout out to the Art Elves who did all the tough work the other night at Barnaby’s: Y’all are terrific.

Tim, very focused.