The Artful Life

Burn's Night

2012-01-25T15:12:00.000-08:00

In Scotland, Robert Burns is remembered.

In China, New Year's celebrations continue for 15 days.

Dragon celebration will be all year at my house.

I am gathering the materials to sew a stuffed Dragon.

I already know her name, Fa`.

The Kimono is made from fabric panels.
It is designed to waste very little fabric.
The Kimono is a wonderful example of yuga.

I enjoy looking through craft books.

These woolies are very cute indeed.

Inspiration

2012-01-18T14:36:00.000-08:00

I love simple projects.

I can see cookies served in these bowls.

This is one of my favorite papercraft books.

I am cutting up old clothes and organizing the pieces.
I have ideas for projects.

Wools go into my wool applique box and

silks and cottons go into boxes.

I am organizing fabric and notions.

I am inspired to create.

Honshitsu/Seizui

2012-01-11T14:25:00.000-08:00

I have begun my study
"Elements of Japanese Design".

It is a lifetime adventure.

In January I am focusing on Honshitsu / Seizui.

It is learning the real essence of a thing.

In our media room our Ficus is our focal.

We have repotted her.

She is my soul tree. I honor her.

I made curtains for our room.

I used a lovely hand painted silk.

The wind has shifted.
The temperatures have dropped.
A midwinter Jicker is rolling in.

Brr.....
I hope it snows!

51 degrees

2011-12-28T14:08:00.000-08:00

It is a warm December.

I sat in the sun and read my book.

Cooper kept an eye on me.

The Tufted Titmouse

came and went.

I am relaxing.

Winter Solstice Eve

2011-12-21T10:31:00.000-08:00

Winter Solstice arrives at my house
tomorrow morning, 1:30 am cst.

I am celebrating today and tomorrow!

The sun was warm when I feed the birds.
I sat on the deck with them for a little while.
I said my prayers of gratitude.

My friend made me a white leather journal cover.
She made a Swan for the cover.
She knows the Swan is my teacher, a totem animal for me.
This is now my Swan Tales journal. It is a place for me to write my deepest desires. It is a place for me to dream.
I am very grateful to my friend. I will always treasure my journal.
I will write every day. I will send my friend a daily blessing.
We are kindred spirits. We walk the Red Road together.

My friend is a friend of the Wolf.
She has taught me to love the Wolf.
She has taught me to listen to the Wolf.
She is an artist. She lives the artful life.

Happy Capricorn!
It is my sun sign.
Happy Birthday to all my fellow Capricorns.

These are Capricorn the Unicorn days.
These are magical days.
These are the days of the return of light.

My study of W.W.II continues.
Everyday I am seeking war news. Listening on line to old radio broadcasts. I am reading on line newspapers from the war years.
Everyday I am seeking how the war influenced my parents.
I am understanding them better. I am understanding myself. I am understanding where I came from. I am understanding why I do what I do.
I am looking at propaganda today.
I am studying how different countries influenced their people.
How support was gathered.
The war began in Europe on September 1, 1939.
December 21, 1941 is day 843.
On December 21, General George S. Patton
was killed in an auto accident.
In 1943, December 21st, Bing Crosby's
White Christmas was number one on the charts.
I can still hear my Mother singing this song as she addressed her Christmas cards.

I have asked Eleanor Roosevelt

to help me in my study.

I have her autobiography too.

I am excited.

I think Eleanor Roosevelt influenced a generation of women.

My Mother and Grandmother included.

There are many ways to know one's self.
Friends and family can mirror to us who we are.
As you gather together this Holiday may you understand a wee bit better the people and events in your life.
If you are staying home, saving fuel for the troops, or just watching your carbon footprint, may you dream
dreams of a lasting world peace. May this peace that passes all understanding carry you into 2012.

We are one with the Birds, the Swans, the Wolf.
We are one with the Butterflies,the bees
and Friends in far away places, far away times.

I am knitting in the evenings.
I am spinning.
I am celebrating
the return of light.
Happy Winter Solstice.

Ember Days

2011-12-14T13:45:00.000-08:00

I was so pleased to receive a Christmas card
from my friend in Australia.

Carol is a wonderful artist. Her cards are treasures.

It is summer in Australia.

Today is an Ember Day.

I just learned of these ancient days. There are four sets of three days scattered about the year.

In December, the first Wednesday, Friday and Saturday after St. Lucia's Day are the Ember Days of Advent.
St. Lucia's Day is always December 13th.

This morning while doing some research on the internet about Ember Days I learned they are fast days as well as

weather predicting days. What ever the weather is today predicts the weather for January.

It is rainy and warm.
I will make a note and see if January is wet and warm.
I found a recipe for an Ember Day tart.

This is a very fun web site! I love the way the recipes are written.
Daniel Myers is a joy to read.
We plan on making a savory pie for supper tonight.
Our pie dough is chilling and we will roll it out soon.
Our filling will be mushroom, spinach, cheese and egg.
We made this a couple of weeks ago and really liked it.

I have begun a new study.
I am interested in learning all I can about W.W.II
I am journaling and talking with older relatives about the war.
I am learning how full use and waste not were part of the war effort.

These war years have bubbled up in my life.
I do not understand why.
I only know WWII makes me very sad.
It is time for me to let go of this sadness.
It is time for me to find the way of forgiveness.
I am working on making peace.

Sunny Day

2011-12-07T16:00:00.000-08:00

A pair of Tufted Titmice come to the deck off and on all day.

I grabbed a few minutes this afternoon and sat with them.

They are very friendly little birds.

Cardinal time begins just before sunset.

We have over 40 Cardinals on the deck and at the feeders.

As the winter progresses we could have more.

I wonder where they all come from?

The Chick-a-dees come and grab a seed.

They also are very darling birds.

I am working on my scherenschnitte.

This is the project I have begun to cut.
I am slow.

I think these little knitted ornaments would be fun to make.
So easy to do and a nice way to use up
little bits and pieces of yarn.
I shall remember these for next year.

I have lots of knitted gloves.
I think doing a bit of beading on a pair would be lovely.

One of my favorite parts of giving a gift
is the wrapping.

I have been wrapping paper free for many years.
I use silk scarves and wooden boxes.
Planning the wrap is as fun as planning the gift.

This book has inspired me.
I want to try the felted rug as soon as I finish
the yarn that is on my needles.

It is cold outside.

Winter solstice is still a few weeks away
but the north wind doesn't seem to know that!

Hope you are staying cozy.

Cooper's Hawk and the Cottonwood Tree

2011-11-30T17:16:00.000-08:00

My husband was outside compositing leaves

when Cooper's Hawk flew in.

He is a gorgeous bird.

Cooper helps to keep the House Sparrow
population in check.

Kathleen Cain's love of the Cottonwood Tree is contagious!
I am enjoying her book and
falling in love with the Cottonwood.

I found another book about the Cottonwood Tree.

I asked my husband if he would like to do some carving.
He thinks he would.

We could look for Cottonwood bark next time we go hiking.
I really love these carvings.

Carving Cottonwood is an old Native American art.

I enjoy reading craft books for inspiration.
I am still felting,

gathering proverbs,

making cards and knitting.

I picked up two skeins of silk and baby mohair lace weight yarn
at the Fabric Recycles shop.

As I go through my fabric stash I am deciding what I will keep and what I will recycle. The shop keeper gives store credit.
I really like supporting her shop. This yarn is a delight to knit!

Butterfly Clan

2011-11-16T14:09:00.000-08:00

I belong to the Butterfly Clan.

I look to the Native American Indian
in November for inspiration and guidance.

I belong to the Tallgrass Prairie.

I enjoy the art of the Zuni nation
but it is the Mandan I feel close to.

There are many ways for me to connect to the Mandans.
For now I am reading.
I want to visit a Mandan Village.
I have read about one in North Dakota.

My heritage is German.
I celebrate the German culture in December.

I am gathering my patterns and supplies now.

This year I am doing paper craft.

I have enjoyed learning about my Great-Grandparents.
The German culture is preserved in many communities
in Missouri.

I am collecting my proverbs.

Honoring our inner Artist

2011-11-09T12:50:00.000-08:00

Carole sent me a lovely card.
I am not sure how we found each other but
I am so happy we did.
She lives in Australia.
Her blog Origa-me Origa-me is a festival of inspiration.
Thank you Carol.

The Fiber and Weavers Guilds of Kansas City
are having their annual show and sale.
I think I will ask a girlfriend if she would like to go.

My husband and I had our Artist Date
on Friday night last week.

It was very fun!

I found a company that specializes in providing responsible building supplies. We are just beginning to plan our new countertops and back splashes in the kitchen.
I shall be looking into using recycled glass.

I am so pleased we found these shops.

It is "art" that makes my heart dance.
I am honoring my artful ways.

I brought up my November scrapbook.

There are so many ways to express.

While walking about last Friday night we met a troupe
of Fae from the Wildwood.

I was inspired to get my books out.

I requested more books from the library.

While I was sitting outside with the birds, my camera
and my books today I realized that my relationship with the birds
is part of my art.

Hairy, the Woodpecker, is still shy.
I think he will learn to trust me and my suet!
I will continue to take his photograph.

The female Northern Cardinal.
knows me.
Her portrait I have photographed many times.
We are friends.
I am not sure how we met
but I am so happy we did.

Mug Hugs

2011-10-26T15:03:00.000-07:00

I had a couple of black sweater cuffs left over
from when I made a tea pot cozy.
I decided to make mug hugs.
Now I think I will add some embroidery to the hugs.
My daughter says I decorate the decorations.
She is right.

I was inspired when I read this knitting book.
I think I will be making all sorts of hugs.

I am gathering patterns.

I have lots of old skirts and sweaters to cut up.

I have lots of ideas.

My basement is full of raw materials.
Winter hand sewing should be very fun this year.

Applique

2011-10-19T17:04:00.000-07:00

I am gathering my wools.

I want to do folk art applique.

I am gathering ideas for doll making this winter.

I am gathering ideas for what to do with old sweaters.

I have a cowl on my knitting needles.

They are an easy to wear hat and scarf all in one.

I saw some wool hooked rugs while at the festival last weekend.

I fell in love with them.

I think I could make a hooked rug.
I will need felted wool, a hook and some backing.

I love the idea of doing up a coat in applique.

Even just a sleeve would be great.
Wearable art appeals to me.

I am listening to music that is played with a theremin.

Spooky, strange, wonderful music.

I think I could play a theremin.

We covered the gardens with plastic.

It is to freeze tonight.

We decided to save the marigolds and the squash.

I requested Hocus Pocus from the library.

I think it will be fun to watch a movie while we watch the temperatures drop.

October joy

2011-10-12T15:54:00.000-07:00

A trace amount of rain was not enough to water in our freshly mulched flower beds.
We will need to water tomorrow.

I was so pleased to see the White-Lined Sphinx moth.

The morning glories are almost spent.

My friend and I had so much fun on our Krafty Kitten day.

I am very pleased with my masks this year.

Once again I am gathering to do some natural dyeing.

Our figs are growing.

Hopefully our figs will ripen soon before the first frost.

The leaves are at peak color.

Everything I know about being an artist

I learned from Mother Nature.

Transition

2011-10-05T15:04:00.000-07:00

The light is changing as Autumn takes center stage.

We are in transition.

We are in migration.

Inland Gulls circled the backyard.

Katydids perch up.

I am working with a friend.
We are doing The Vein of Gold together this Autumn.

I am going on Artist's Dates.

We have brought out the gourds.

We are planning our Swans.

I am gathering silk.

Spirit houses are finding their way to me.

I am gathering seeds.

Yellow Warbler

2011-09-14T17:03:00.000-07:00

My friend and I were having our Wednesday chat

when I saw the Yellow Warbler fly in.

I took a few photographs.

The Yellow Warblers are migrating.

They will return next April.

I am getting plants ready to come in.

Autumn is just around the corner.

Making plans

2011-09-07T18:54:00.000-07:00

It was a gorgeous September day.

At mid morning I took a cup coffee to the deck.

I sat with the butterflies and birds.

The poke berries continue to be a treat.

I am enjoying the birds.

A glass bowl, on the deck, is a favorite drinking spot
for the Cardinals

and Chick-a-dees.

The Hummers are gaining weight.
They have a long flight coming up.

I am getting the plants ready to come in for the winter.

Marigolds are adding color to the borders.

I am planning a Krafty Kitten day.
My friend is coming over to make Halloween Masks.

I am gathering supplies.

I think it would be fun to make magic wands too.

Our Scarecrow has an antique hay fork.
This year I think I will do it up.....

Dried ferns are great!
I have lots of dried Queen Anne's Lace!

These feather masks have inspired me.

I think I will make a Swan mask this year.
I think I will add white to my October decorating....

I am making plans.
October will be here before I know it.

Touching my heart

2011-08-31T17:01:00.000-07:00

Our white Anniversary roses are gorgeous.

I shall dry them.

Our chocolates were delicious.

We bought four pounds of figs at the market today.

We plan on making fig preserves.
Enough to last the year.

I watch the Wind Spinner.

The autumn flowers are opening.

I will watch the Monarch's chrysalis.

I have moved it indoors so I can take notes.

We say goodbye to August.

It has been a very fun month.

I am looking forward to September.

It is beginning

2011-08-25T16:20:00.000-07:00

The leaves on the Dogwood are beginning to turn.

Autumn is coming.

The Hackberry Emperors have three broods each Summer.

The female Tiger Swallowtail in her black dress always makes me smile.

She could live inside with me if she would like that.

I would!

We watched the Harvesters mate.

There will be Harvesters next year now.

The Moon is waning.

I am making plans.

The waning crescent Moon is a thinking time for me.

Smitten

2011-08-18T16:26:00.000-07:00

Every August I become smitten with the Morning Glory.

They greet me in the early morning.

I love their colors.

My son gave me the Heavenly Blue seeds years ago.

I love the way Morning Glories reseed.

The female Tiger Swallowtail in her black form continues

to come to the Butterfly Bush each day.

I would plant Butterfly Bushes just for her....

I am thinking about making a moss garden for Winter.

I like the idea of it.

I always have books about to inspire.

Now when I weed my roots look different to me.

I liked this idea and cleaned out the drawer under my stove and removed the cast iron muffin pan I have not used
for years. Now it is ready to fill with buttons and beads and other notions I will need for winter projects.

Pin cushions continue to delight me.
I have made many but still I do love them.

I am working on my forced bulbs.
I have 84 white tulips in the refrigerator cooling.
It takes 8 weeks of cool and 8 weeks in soil for blooms.
I will begin potting up tulips the middle of October for December bloom.

I also have ordered 200 white tulips and 100 white crocus for the Wind Spinner front bed. They will ship the end of September.
I think they will look lovely next spring.

I want to make all sorts of bags.
I have lots of silk.
I think silk bags will be my winter sewing project.
I would love to sew up all the silk that is in my basement!

I am gathering white flower seeds for a garden I am planning.
It will be next Spring when I plant.
For now I am gathering, planning and dreaming.
I am learning what flowers will grow best in my
hot and humid Summer.

Cool Down

2011-08-10T19:12:00.000-07:00

The Carolina Wren is so cute.

I always smile when he is about.

The Hackberry butterfly

enjoyed the banana I put out.

This afternoon I brought out the scrapbook I am working on.
I made it from the shopping bags I acquired while on vacation.
Today I used an awl and punched holes through the folded paper.
I made a binding with yarn from my 2010 road trip.

Now I am working on each page.
I'll need another crafting session before I am finished.

I finished my nightgown.
Next sewing project is to make a hat liner.
This straw hat is too uncomfortable
without some sort of inner band.
I had a piece leftover from my nightgown.
I will see what I can do.

While crafting I heard the Wind Harp.
It has been months
since I heard her sweet song.

It only plays when the wind is out of the north.
I saw a few berries beginning to ripen in the Dogwood.
Autumn is winking at us.
Tonight it is to be in the low 60's.
I just had to be outside.
It was too lovely to be indoors.

When end of Summer days are cool
it is easy to love Summer.

The Hummers will be here for another couple of months.
I want to spend as much time with them as I can.
The butterflies will leave too in just a couple of months.
I will sew and finish my scrapbook when it rains again.
I want to be outside in the gardens.
I want to be with the bugs and the birds.

Full of Life

2011-08-03T15:56:00.000-07:00

I am getting more photographs ready
for Bird Sings.

Cards have been doing very well.

We are now going into a product line.
I do like royalty checks.

I needed a break from going through photographs
so I grabbed the camera and went outside.

A Giant Butterfly was in the butterfly bush.

And so was a Monarch.

A Carolina Wren

and a juvenile Northern Cardinal came to the deck.

The sunflower garden continues to bring much pleasure.
It was cooler today, high in the low 90's.
Much better than 107F!

I replenished the sugar water in my butterfly nectar pots.

Luffa is an interesting plant to grow.
When my friend grew it years ago I remember it was huge vine.

I made red cabbage mini roses for our table.

and a new tablecloth with napkins.
I needed something for August.
Rain is in the forecast for tomorrow.
I hope so.
We need it.
The gardens need a good long drink.
They are full of life.

Another week of heat

2011-07-27T18:31:00.000-07:00

The Cone Flowers are finishing up early this year.

With no rain and temperatures in the upper 90's to 100 F their seeds are ripening.

The Gold Finches do not mind.

The Gold Finches and Cone Flowers are one of my favorite parts of Summer.

I love watching them get seed.

A few morning clouds blew over.

No rain.

A Black Swallowtail beckoned me into the sun.

A female Tiger Swallowtail made me forget the heat.

She magically appeared when I was getting ready to go inside.

She is another reason why I love Summer.

I cut out a summer nightgown.

It will sew up quickly.

I am looking forward to making a few silk pieces
for Autumn.
This outfit will be fun to make.

I found a new shop.
I think I will go through my fabric stash.
I am sure I have fabric I will never sew up.
They give store credit.

The Monarchs are starting to come to the Butterfly bush.

I always enjoy watching them.

I want to stay in love with Summer.
I am determined not to let the heat and dryness take away my joy.

There are 95 days from Summer Solstice
to Autumn Equinox. I have decided to find 95 loves.
I am making a list and taking photographs of all that I love about Summer.

I am gathering hearts.

I am finding the beauty in this heat.

We hung our new eggplant sheets
out on the line.
Sun dried sheets are a luxury.

The Cicadas are singing.
A few Fireflies are still out at dusk.

Birds, butterflies and books

2011-07-20T18:43:00.000-07:00

I took my coffee out to the deck this morning.

I wanted some bird time before it was too hot to be outside.

A little Tufted Titmouse was first to say, "Good Morning."

A male House Finch came right up too.

There has been little wind this past week.

The Wind Harp has been silent.

The Gold Finches have the prettiest song.

They are known as the Wild Canary.

I watched the moon cross the morning sky.

I looked through a few library books.

I like these bags.

I also looked through a pillow book.

I need a pillow for my yoga practice.

Something for when I sit in zan-zen.

I think the pincushions are darling.

It would be fun to make a kimono.
I have a few Japanese things and do love wearing them.

Another inspiring way to use paper.

Once the sun was high I had to go inside.
It is so very hot this July.
Yet when I saw the Giant in the Mimosa tree I grabbed the camera
and stood in the sun for a few minutes.
Mimosas and Giant Swallowtails are so tropical.
Makes 100 degrees seem normal.

On the way back to the house I spotted a Chick-a-dee
staying cool.

A caterpillar came in with me.
My husband took it back out.

I brought out our caterpillar field guide.
It is that time of year again.
Our caterpillar is a Large Yellow Underwing.

There have been other cat sightings.

This is a Milkweed Tussock Caterpillar.

My husband is great at finding cats.
I will need to get my habitats set up again.
It is fun to watch them spin their cocoons.

I am leaving the sewing machine open.
I want to get back to my sewing.
I still have some mending to finish
before I start a project.
This straw hat needs an inside band.
It is uncomfortable without one.

I found a pretty piece of cotton
in my fabric stash.
I need a new summer nightgown.
I think I will go to the fabric store and buy a pattern.
It has been many years since I cut out a pattern
and sewed up a garment.
A nightgown will be a good place to start.

I brought up a red silk skirt and blouse.
I like the skirt but not with the blouse.
I think I will restyle the blouse.
I am wanting to work up a cute red outfit
to wear in September.

While on vacation I bought a few wooden puzzles.
I think tonight I will put one together
and see how it turns out.
I'd like to spray paint a few little things tomorrow.
They will dry quickly outside.

The mini wooden boxes
are very cute.
I think I will use one in my handbag.
Perhaps it would look good in red.

Life in a painting

2011-07-13T13:25:00.000-07:00

We walked last night as storms gathered.

I felt the energy of the wind.

I felt as if I was in another world.

I awoke this morning and the air was full of dancing lights.

Butterflies greeted me in the garden.

I harvested mint for winter teas.

I finished my car blanket.

My husband fixed my magnifing glass.

I will decorate my blanket with Myrtle-wood buttons.

Sometimes I feel far, far away.

Wrens and Crows

2011-07-06T17:34:00.000-07:00

Last October I made a note to make a couple of crows
for decorating.

When I found this book at the library I decided I needed a couple of wrens too.

This little found fabric bird is charming.

It is too hot and humid to be outside.

These dog days are perfect for sewing.

Bugs and Mosaics

2011-06-29T13:54:00.000-07:00

I have a special spot in my heart for the Fiddlehoppers.

In July I celebrate the Grasshopper.

I have brass crickets and grasshoppers for my hearth.
I like to listen to the sounds of the Fiddlers at dusk.

I like going outside and taking photographs of the bugs.

I like bugs. It is my favorite part of summer.

I have begun my study of mosaics.

Just getting started.

Thinking of how to set up my work space.

I am reading lots of books

and gathering my supplies.

It might take me awhile to get everything together for my first project. I am giving myself all the time I need.

I like these drawers for organizing supplies.

I like found materials too.

I shall be looking for my tools when I shop thrift stores.

From now on I will be saving any chipped or broken china I have.

I love the idea of Dancing Girls.

I see a set of coasters

from vintage thrift store china.

Could be a fun first project.
Or maybe a tray.
I can always use a tray.

This is cute.....

I think Mosaics are in my future.

Inspired

2011-06-22T10:46:00.000-07:00

Our daughter knitted an apple sweater.
It protects the apple while traveling in a picnic basket
or a lunch pail. She inspires me.

We went to a paint your own pottery place for her birthday activity.
I choose cupcake plates and my husband painted bugs for the plates. I am thrilled with them. We had lots of fun crafting.

I began knitting a car blanket while traveling.
The point protectors I used are just common orange rubber ones.
They do the job but are not very pretty.

I have one set of pretty point protectors.

My daughter doesn't have any.
We decided we would have a Krafty Kitten afternoon
and do some jewelry making and try our hand at making
point protectors.

Using Sculpty and a couple of thimbles I made a pair.
We baked them in the oven. My daughter used small wooden thread
spools and filled the centers with sculpty for hers. We used our needles for the right sized holes. I brought mine home to paint.
I am already planning my Krafty Kitten time with my daughter for next year. I am gathering materials to make more point protectors. If we want to we could offer them to Yarn Shops. I think we are on to something.

Portland, Oregon is a very artsy city.
We went to Scrap looking for crafting supplies.
They also have a public sewing place and a power tool library.

My husband found "The Wheel of Time" at scrap for a nickel.
Perfect for the theme of our trip.

I had seen a journal book made from shopping bags.
I decided to make one when I came home for my next year's trip journal.

We had done some shopping along the way so I have a few bags.

I found some nice cotton for the cover.

My daughter found a book of bag patterns and some lovely fabric
at her independently owned fabric shop.

I requested a few books on bookmaking from my library.
They were in yesterday so I shall read and decide on how to
bind my brown paper journal.

Learning bookbinding will be another skill I have longed to have.

While in Portland, I bought a wonderful rock tumbler.
I want to do my kitchen back splashes in gems stones and fossils.

It will take me awhile to acquire all my pieces.

Learning how to do mosaics
has been on my wish list for years.
I shall be in the gathering part of this project for awhile.

Every day

2011-05-18T14:48:00.000-07:00

Every day is an artful day.

Fresh figs not only inspired a dye project but an entire garden.

It is fun to gather natural materials for all sorts of imaginative projects.

Anything can be made into amazing art.

I love the made from scratch life.

I love handmade, homemade.

I am working on gathering for our trip.

I am making plans.

I have made so many different things in the past.

From a tea towel I bought in Yellowstone National Park when we visited in 2000 I made a nice pillow.
I wonder what treasures I will find this time?

I am drying peonies,

chamomile

and oranges for winter teas.
They will be ready to store when I return.

Our son gave us these gorgeous fossils last year.

I have them in one of the mini cabinets in my house.

I have many cabinets of curiosities.

We are getting the gardens ready to be left for a few weeks.
There is an art to pruning.

I decided to knit a lap blanket while I travel.

My daughter told me about this great on line knit shop,
Knit Picks. Great prices on yarn.

I have knitted a few rows to get started. It is an easy, relaxing project. Plus I need a lap blanket for the car.

I am so very excited.

Road trips are so very conducive to

artful living.

Birds and books

2011-05-04T20:31:00.000-07:00

I am surrounded by inspiration.
The Baltimore Orioles and the Rose-breasted Grosbeaks are
exotic birds. Spending time with them is a joy.

I have begun a journal for my fancy work.

I shall record my thread and needle choices. A place to do design.

I have so many ideas.

My husband has redone a flower bed.

We are preparing to grow fig trees.

We hope to get our fig trees this Friday.
This has been a dream of mine for many years.
I do hope the figs do well in my backyard.

I am thinking the fig will be my focus fruit for 2012.
I love the idea of a bowl of felted figs!

I want to try doing photo transfers .

I have lots of photos to use as patterns for embroidery.

I also want to do some dyeing this summer.

We are planning a road trip.

We are going fossil hunting.

There are two main fossil beds we will be visiting.

One is in Nebraska the other Oregon.

We are planning our trip to include lots of rocks.

The Adult birds are beginning to bring the babies out.

So cute.

I have decided to knit a lap blanket

while traveling.
I do love these hats.

I shall think about knitting hats this winter.

I am drying herbs for teas and

creating my own tea blends.

This book is inspiring.

Planning a Fossil Hunt
is exciting.
I have my rock hammer and my chisel.

Full Use

2011-04-27T14:50:00.000-07:00

Drying our sheets out on the line is an affordable luxury.
The smell of sunshine stays on the sheets all week.

I dry my lemons when I make lemonade.
I use the lemon peels to make lemon ginger tea.
Only after they have steeped for five minutes to I send them to the compost bin. I strive for full use.

I am reading embroidery books.

I am gathering my threads and needles.
I am remembering my stitches.

I am gathering ideas.

I take many photographs every day.

I am living the artful life

with the birds today.

I am establishing a relationship with the
male Hummingbird.

I am working on stop action.

When his mate arrives I hope she
will pose for a few portraits.

Mindful Living

2011-04-20T19:41:00.000-07:00

Spring calls to me, "Come outside."

The Hummingbirds have returned!
I really want to be outside all day with the bugs and birds!

Hand sewing continues to be fun in the evenings.
Anything goes when it comes to cozies and crazy quilting.

I am finding lots of little ways of being mindful.
I am using rechargeable batteries and I plug outlets
that are not in use.

I use a creamer for the co-conut milk I put in my coffee.
That way I open the refrigerator once in the morning.
Just a little way of saving energy.

The mornings have been chilly.
I turn on my space heater.

No need to have the furnace on.
I can always put on a sweater.

I made a big pot of soup in the slow cooker.
The slow cooker is an efficient way of cooking.
Plus it is delicious and so easy to do.

There are lots of different styles of embroidery.
I think making pretty flowers is fun!

Chasing Bees and Butterflies

2011-04-13T15:37:00.000-07:00

Butterflies are teasing me.

They float through the gardens
beckoning to me.

I grab the camera.
The butterflies are gone.

The scent of the Lilacs beckons me.
No teasing, only enchantment.

I finished the little girl dolly.
I have put up the felted wool.
I have a new project to work on.

I think I am ready to make bees.

I am gathering my supplies.

I am so excited.

Once I make a few bees I will be able
to make other bugs!

I want to make beaded
flowers and bugs too.

I am saving all my chipped
and broken ceramic items.

One of these days I will have enough
for a project.

I have cut out squares of embroidered
netting to make covers for the ice tea pitcher,

sherbet cups and creamer.

My hand sewing this coming week
shall be to finish the edges and add beads.

I love reading about the crafts
of other cultures.

A sense of place comes to me

and I feel connected.

Hand sewing what I need

delights me.

Lovely Day

2011-04-06T19:59:00.000-07:00

We walked under the Crescent Moon.

It was a lovely April evening.

Last night I finished striped boy dolly.
Tonight I began working on
striped girl dolly.
Her hair will be longer.

The bed is filling up with sitters.

I spent most of the day outside.
I love being with the daffodils.

We are in the middle of spring clean up.

I laughed when the Tiger Swallowtail chose an
old white work bucket to dry his wings.
I was pleased to see him.
The butterflies have awakened.

I listened to Brown Thrasher
sing his territory song.

Welcome back!
It was a lovely day.

A sweater upcycled

2011-03-30T14:35:00.000-07:00

The old yellow sweater has a new life.

The Frog is a book sitter.
I have a mate for her cut out and ready to sew up.

They may become bed sitters.

The little bear, Yolanda, stands on one of the shelves in the bedroom.

She will scent a hat box once she tires of standing.

I made a pair of leg warmers and this reverseable headband hat.
I have few sweater scrapes for quilting or using for applique.

From a wool felted sweater I made another headband hat

and cut out two little bears.
I have my hand sewing set up for the week.

I do enjoy designing my little critters.

I have brought up all my broken costume jewelery.

I have gone through the button tins.

I am ready to make up a few pieces of jewelry with a touch of
French design.

These quilts are gorgeous.
Maybe someday I too will be able to create a gorgeous quilt!

I am in love with Provence.
The French Country style appeals to every part of me!

Beautiful

2011-03-23T13:32:00.000-07:00

Each day I walk around the yard with one of the cameras.

Today I took the macro lens out.

I love working with my cameras and the different lens

and the light of Spring.

I like the idea of using what is at hand

to create bird houses.

I like creating with seeds.

I have planted my salad bowls with
Swiss Chard and Red Oak Leaf letuuce.

I did two bowls for Easter centerpieces.

The Robins have claimed the raisins.

The Mocking Birds sneak in when the Robins are distracted for a few quick bites.

I might have to set up another raisin spot.

The birds are keeping me occupied while I wait for sprouts and bees and butterflies.

My husband captured one of the moles

that has been tunneling in the flower beds.

We relocated him far from our gardens.

I have been doing my mending during my
evening hand sewing time.

I am gathering once again for a krafty kitten day.

I am being French inspired.

Hello Spring

2011-03-16T20:12:00.000-07:00

It was a lovely day.
A watercolor day.

I was outside as much as possible.
I saw my first butterfly of the season.

Each day more flowers bloom.

A pile of feathers has worried me.
I did not see the female Flicker today.

We cleaned bird houses

and prepared the Spring kitchen root vegetable garden
so we can plant tomorrow.

We will plant the above ground vegetables
after the Full Moon on Saturday.
We plant by the moon as much as possible.

The rose bush by the front pond is leafing out.

I bought up an old sweater to remake.
I think I will make some leg warmers and a little headband hat.

I have finished my green wool felted projects.

I made a set of coasters for my
St. Patrick's Day table.

I found more black buttons for eyes.
I will make a few more little bears.
They are delightful sitting about the house.

Everyday Art

2011-03-09T15:43:00.000-08:00

I filled the difuser this morning with a lovely oil blend.

Within a minute the kitchen smelled heavenly.

I have done up a few pots of violas and pansies for the house.

Come April I will plant them outdoors.

I am working on setting the dining room table for a small dinner party we are hostessing Saturday night.

This week I have made two
Green wool felted bears,
Gretta and Galen.
They are bed sitters for March.

I read about making a cingulum.
Cingulum is Latin for a braided belt, or girdle.
The cingulum is used for knot making.
These knots are magical knots.
One such knot is called, "Gabriel's knot".
It is a single knot place on a cord or belt, or cingulum,
t the intention is to be close to Archangel Gabriel.
When you wear the belt the knot reminds you of this connection.
Another set of knots is called a "Witch's ladder."
These are nine knots tied on the cingulum in order.
Each knot represents a blessing.

I plaited three cords;
gold to represent the sun,
silver for the moon
and white to represent me.

I made one knot in the center.
I asked Gabriel to guide me.

I think the
Chinese knots and the
Celtic knots are the same
patterns.
Chinese knots are pulled tight.
Celtic knots are left un-pulled.
I have begun to collect knots of all sorts.

I am working on my charm bracelet for March.

I am gathering my "charms."

I enjoy learning about the folk crafts
of different cultures

and honoring their art.

Sometimes I learn a new craft

that enriches my life.

It seems as if everyday
I make something.

Dr. Seuss

2011-03-02T14:39:00.000-08:00

Our children enjoyed all the books by Dr. Seuss.
We read one every night for years.

We still quote many of his phrases.

Thank you Dr. Seuss!

I finished the Red Bears

and started hand sewing shamrocks.

These I am stuffing with roving
scented with peppermint oil.

I spent the morning cutting out shamrocks and bears.
I found a couple of old green wool sweaters
I had felted that worked out great.
I should have enough cut out to last me a couple of weeks.

I gathered button eyes
and hearts for the Bears.

I am doing a wee bit more
designing and

embellishing.

having everything together

makes t.v. time so much more enjoyable.

Before the storm

2011-02-23T15:40:00.000-08:00

I took my new Red Bear, Ralph, outside for a little bit.

I wanted to sit with the birds before another winter storm came in.

I spent an hour listening to the birds, reading my book and thinking about my next hand sewing.

When we came home from our afternoon walk
I saw my first Crocus in bloom.

The herald of Spring in my gardens.

I finished another collar last night.
I had a tiny bit of shaping left to do this afternoon.

These look so nice with sweaters.
They are knitted wool scarves that I felted.

I used large coat buttons I found
in my Grandmother's button box.

I put down my book
and needles.

I sat with Crocus.

I watched as she
closed her petals for the night.

Hearts and Bears

2011-02-16T15:19:00.000-08:00

Ruddy

and Rita

are Red Bears.

Ruddy and rose scented hearts
are sitting with Ann, my first little bear.

I shall continue to make
hearts and bears.

I also am cutting out Red Dresses
from my red wool scraps.
I think I will sew up some cards!

Bears

2011-02-09T15:10:00.000-08:00

I have fallen in love with the Teddy Bear.

I made a pattern and cut a Bear out of an old felted wool sweater.

In the evenings I am stiching Bear by hand.

Her body is finished and ready for stuffing.

I chose two buttons my Great Grandmother made for Bear's eyes.

Tonight I will begin making Bear's face.
I will give her a nose and a mouth.

I will sew up her ears.

She already has a heart.

I have requested a few books from the library.
I need the patterns.

Learning to make stuffed animals
is very fun.

Right now I am head over heels in love with Bears.
As soon as she is finished I will take photographs.
I hope to make many Bears from old felted wool sweaters.
I do not mind Winter any more.
It is Bear season.

Candlemass

2011-02-02T14:27:00.000-08:00

The blizzard has moved east.

We received 12.3 inches of snow.

It is bitterly cold but it is sunny.

The forced bulbs bring cheer to the living room.
I am so glad I did pots of them for February flowers.

I checked on the birds first thing this morning.

They were fine.

We have had hundreds of birds at the feeders.
They are good at waiting their turn.

I think the birds are beautiful.

The groundhog saw his shadow
at my house.

I shall wait for Spring.

I made candles this morning
with the left over pieces of candle wax

I have saved this past year.

I am always making something.
My kitty pillow I made many years ago
from some pretty rose chintz a friend gave me.

I brought up the dress my Mother made for me
when I was 13 years old.
She painted roses on it.
I treasure her talent.

Collars and thoughts

2011-01-12T14:14:00.000-08:00

I have been thinking about clothing lately.

I am thinking of making a few Spring things.
I will need to get some patterns.

I finished my collar.

It is the first knitted piece I did a couple of years ago.
When I chose my yarn I chose an all natural fisherman's wool.

Once I finished knitting the skein I machine felted the piece. Last week I decided to make my piece into a collar for a sweater or jacket. For my collar I folded the piece lenghtwise and hand stitched the edges together using a brown satin cord for trim.

I sewed one of my Grandmother's coat buttons on the point.

I machine felted an old wool sweater.

I think I will make a headband out it.
Something soft with a bit of elastic.
I save pictures of things I like when I look in the catalogs
that come in the mail.
They inspire me.

In January I celebrate
the Japanese culture.

I admire the way threads become art.

When I study different cultures
and their hand crafts

I am inspired to create.

The way of the Japanese culture is very wabi sabi.

I am saving all my scrapes

for quilts and rugs and balls.

When I think of Japanese culture

I always think of their amazing papers,

their washi.

The honored tradition

of the origami crane

has come to represent peace.

I have brought my knot board up
to the living room.
I want to work on learning my button knots.
Maybe someday I could knot a butterfly.

The Twelfth Night

2011-01-05T18:34:00.000-08:00

My daughter sent a yarn bowl for my birthday,
made by an local artist in her city.

I have it in the living room by the windows.

Just seeing it brings me much delight.

It is time for me to work on my Chinese Knotting.

I brought up my knot board and my cords.

Hopefully this January I will learn how to do one of the basic knots.

We celebrate Luna New Year in January. Our house is decorated with an nod towards Asian influence.

My husband and I were born in the year of the rain dragon. We have dragons hanging here and there.

It is very fun to bring out the January things.

I am aware of the placement of our decorations.

I practice less is more.

After my Victorian Christmas

January is refreshing.

Painted fans and silk embroidery

help to set the mood.

2011 is the year of the Rabbit.

We have plans to attend an early Luna New Year

celebration at the art gallery.

I am listening to

some of my favorite music.

It is Twelfth Night,

Christmastide ends tomorrow

with the Epiphany.

I have many projects to do in 2011.

There are many days to celebrate.

Wabi Sabi

2010-12-29T12:37:00.000-08:00

Wabi Sabi is a way of life.

I enjoyed the collages in this book.

I enjoy Haiku.

The collages have inspired me to make collages out of junk mail.

I shall be making valentines from my collages.

Becoming a waste free household means I need to have all sorts of ideas on how to use the raw materials that come my way.

I am thinking about paper crafts.

I shall never look at a stray sock

the way I once did!

These are so very cute!

Socks as friends works for me!

My imagination

is having a fun time!

I am wondering what I will

come up with for stray gloves?

Pocket friends are delightful!

I have begun a felted

wool crazy quilt.

My first square is from my first felted wool

piece I did a few years ago

and a velvet leaf that was in

with some of my Grandmother's things.

I love my hand sewing at night.

It is wabi sabi.

Pincushions

2010-12-22T15:36:00.000-08:00

Making these pincushions has been very fun.

I have two more to make before I begin something else.

I will give these to friends come next October.

I have been using a divided
wooden serving bowl to help keep the little pieces of this and that I have needed for my pincushions organized.

Each one is a little bit different.

I miss the bugs in the winter.
That is one reason I am teaching myself
hand sewing so I can do applique and quilting.

I want to make bees

and butterflies.

I am gathering my embroidery floss

and my beads.

I am gathering patterns.

I am organizing my fabric.

I am making a plan.

I made a couple of charm bracelets.

I took an old broken rosary and added a clasp
and a couple of medals.

I added more charms to my Cowgirl charm bracelet.
I wear it all the time!

I did a fun bracelet
for Christmas.

Hope you are having crafting fun.

Always making something

2010-12-15T15:14:00.000-08:00

Seems as if I am always creating.

It is just what I do.

I have been wrapping paper free for many years.

I buy silk scarves at the thrift stores to wrap my gifts.

I also use pillow cases, tea shirts and all matter of tea towels.

When I found this book at the library I was excited. The art of furoshiki is amazing.

I was hoping I would learn a few more wrapping up ways.

My husband helped me make a pattern so I could make a pumkin pin cushion.

Using six segments I can sew up a pumpkin or a tomato.

I am wanting to make a few pumpkin pin cushions for October gifting.

I worked on my prototype last night. I stuffed it with roving.

I will finish with a stem and a large button bottom. I am doing hand sewing in the evenings.

I felted an old orange wool sweater. I cut out my segments, a stem and some leaves for a fancy pumpkin pin cushion. I will let you know how it comes out.

I needed a pin cushion for quilting.
I needed a place for my needles and my embroidery scissors.
I made this little cushion and scissor holder.

I am organizing my fabrics and trims.
I am organizing the buttons.
I want to be able to find things quickly.

This tin is just perfect for white buttons.

I have lots and lots of felted wool.
I have lots of buttons.

I do love the idea of this piece.
I want to make a Cowgirl on a button Moon.

Button dolls are fun!

I have started a scrap basket and am gathering ideas on what to do with them.

I have decided 2011 will be a waste free year.
Coming up with ways to use everything that comes into my house.
I will be looking at packaging before I buy.

I am repurposing as much as possible.
I have made a commitment to sharing with you what I make each week. I am always making something.
Wednesday is my "Artful Life" blogging day.
I am repurposing my blogs too!

Masks

2010-10-13T16:37:00.000-07:00

We are making masks.
I am using gourds as display stands for my eye masks.

My friend came over for Krafty Kitten day.

She decorated one of her masks with recycled black lace she cut from an old bra. This one also received a beaded butterfly that once was an embellishment on an old tea-shirt.

Tan lace, black netting and bead flowers from an old pair of
flip-flops made this mask very unusual.
We had so much fun!

My husband and I folded
a Black Cat mask.

It was involved but very fun to do.

Masks are fun to make and
wonderful decorations for Halloween.

We have just begun our
papier mache projects.
They take a long time to dry.

I have begun putting together my paper
making supplies.
I am excited to use garden plants.
Some of these I will harvest after frost.

Paper projects are one of the
ways I hope to use junk mail and paperboard.
I am gathering ideas.

Art class

2010-03-11T16:13:00.000-08:00

When I read Lisa from, Artsy Endeavors, was going to draw
100 self portraits I thought of
Rembrandt.

I requested a few books from the library.

While looking for art books
I found a few how to draw books.

I decided to give myself an art class.

I have given myself other classes.

I would love to know how to do simple sketches.

Like my photography

I would take my sketch book outside in every season.

I would love to know how to draw simple shapes

and loved creatures.

Bugs would be fun to draw.

I have been reading and reading.

I have been waiting for my creative juices to flow.

Perhaps with Spring coming they will rise like the sap in the trees.

Candles

2010-02-02T19:31:00.000-08:00

I have been studying color.
I am all about red these days.
I have lots of ideas for projects.

I have been saving candle pieces since October.
I had enough wax to make a few container candles.

At the thrift store I bought a small splatterwear sauce pan just for melting wax.

I placed a few wax pieces in the saucepan and used the medium heat setting on the small burner.
I used a wooden spoon to stir the pieces as they melted.

I used some string for wicks and poured the melted wax into my pots.

It was very fun to do.

I had never made candles before.

I hope they burn okay.

Chinese Knots

2010-01-11T08:13:00.000-08:00

I want to learn how to make decorative knots.
I requested a few books from the library.

The Chinese knots are so beautiful and have an interesting history.

My husband helped me set up a knot board.
I gathered my supplies.

I worked on my first knot.

It is harder than it looks.

My first knot!

I need to get some different cording.

It is very fun to do.

It might be awhile before I am knotting

and making tassels
like the professionals.

I want to make decorative knots for my prayer ropes.

I also want to learn how to make Celtic knots.
I think they are very similiar.

I found the red satin boxes at the thrift store.
Perfect place to store my knotting supplies.

Prayer Beads

2010-01-06T11:17:00.000-08:00

This book from the library inspired me
to make prayer beads.

I am planning a rosary. I am gathering beads from my Grandmother and from my Mother.

I am making a prayer rope from my dried Solstice roses.

I added 1/4 cup water to two cups of
crumbled dried roses.
I mixed the water into the roses until I had a paste.

I folded in a few drops of Rose Absolute.

I pinched off a small amount of paste
and made a ball about the size of a dime.

I made a hole through the rose beads with a darning needle and some ribbon.

The rose beads are in a flat basket drying on the hearth.

It will take about a week for them to be dry.

I made 24 beads.

After the beads are dry I will string them and spray them with clear varnish.

Slippers

2009-08-13T16:00:00.000-07:00

I have been knitting little slippers.

These are so soft.
Perfect for when I sit at the spinning wheel.

These were so fun to make too.

I made a pair for my son out of home spun alpaca yarn.

I think they will keep him warm this winter.

Deb from Posted From Home

did a post about Mary Janes Farm

and the slippers.

When I left a comment about wanting to try to knit them

Deb was so kind and sent the pattern.

Thank you Deb!

Right away I subscribed to the magazine. Lots of good green ways here.

These slippers were fun to knit. This was my first attempt at following a pattern. I left the strap off of the two pairs I made last week. I think I will try a pair with home-spun yarn for me. I shall try to knit the strap.

I just love knitting!

Soft

2009-07-28T07:30:00.000-07:00

The light
is soft in the Surprise Lilies

and the cone flowers.

The light seems to bounce about in the zinnias

and the bee balm.

The Gold Finches have a light of their own.

I have finished knitting my first yarn from Flora,
the Paco-Vicuna, I visited last month.

I designed a simple garter stitch scarf for my friend.
The bow detail is the tail from when I casted on my first stitches.
I am knitting another Flora scarf for me.

I once again will be knitting the simple plain stitch.

I am interesting in showing Flora's fiber

not how cleaver I am with the knitting needles!
The garter stitch scarves will hold up nicely.

The light seems to bounce from the yarn.
The yarn so soft.
When I walk this Autumn I will be warmed by Flora.

I will be connected with my friend in England.

Paco-Vicunas

2009-07-07T08:34:00.000-07:00

Over the weekend we visited a Paco-Vicuna Ranch.
I was looking for fiber.
I found heaven.

This is Athena.

She is a premier plus animal with a beautiful fleece.

I shall be getting some of her next shearing.

A new cria, Blaze, only three weeks old.

So cute and soft.

I bought 4.5 oz of Flora's yarn.

This will get me started.

I bought the fingerling weight.

Exquisite yarn for a new knitter.

I have partnered with Hickory Ridge Farms.

I only want to knit Paco-Vicuna wool.

It is like knitting with cloud fiber.

It is soft.

It is devine.

Mid-west Weavers Conference

2009-06-29T11:29:00.000-07:00

I left for the Mid-west Weavers conference under billowing clouds.

The drive took a little over four hours.
There were three car pools, nine ladies, that went to the conference from my weavers guild.
I rode with two of the ladies.

We chatted and I knitted as we traveled.

I am just getting to know these ladies.

The conference was held in Grinnell, Iowa, at
a lovely old campus with new dorm rooms.

We stayed in the dorms. I brought linens and a pillow.

I was told the rooms were cold. I was glad I had an extra blanket.

I shared a room.

I set up my coffee and tea service.
I like to have my creature comforts.

After unpacking we found the dining hall.

I found the hospitality room.

On our first evening we listened to a keynote speaker talk about her teachers
and how she learned to weave.
She talked about how the Grandmothers in Central America teach their grand
daughters handicrafts, spinning and weaving, and the patterns of their culture.
She talked how we need to pass on the knowledge of our art.
I call this, "water from another time."

Friday I attended a spinning class and I met an 84 year old woman
who was getting back to her spinning.

I also met a 13 year old boy who was learning to spin.

There is a train that runs through the campus.
The new dorms are on one side of the tracks and the old, main campus, the other.

My Grandmothers did not teach me to weave or spin.
They did not teach me to knit.
I grew up in the city. I grew up on the new side of the tracks.
I have no patterns from my family; no traditional weaves. We have no crest; no tartan.
My water from another time comes from nature.
I am taught by Mother Nature.
She is my Grandmother.

I walked the campus and was called by the Crows. They gave me feathers.

The Native Americans thought the Crow was magical.

I knew they were bringing me the call of creation.

I knew the Crows would be my teachers.

I walked the campus and was greeted by bees.
They taught me color.

They reminded me to sip the sweet honey of life.

I was lead to look at the light by the Dragonflies.

I thought of how many Dragonflies were in my life.

I remembered they represent transformation.

Hover flies showed me patterns.

I learn best when I am surrounded by beauty.

A Robin flew near and landed in a tree right above me.
I listened to his calls and noticed the bark on the trees.
I listened to the trees.

A Cabbage White Butterfly landed near me.

I thought of my friends that love the bees and the butterflies.

I thought of my husband and our bug safari.
I walked and thought and took photographs of nature.

It is in her classroom I am most comfortable.
The native gardens were full of inspiration.

I learned I fit best when I am in the
world of trees and birds and bugs.

Going to the conference was an adventure for me.
This is a beautiful campus with lots of walking.

I had time to think and plan and consider
what was best for me and my art.

One of the ladies had to leave early and there was concern that not everyone would fit in the remaining two cars. I decided to come home early on Saturday. This way our friend would not have to drive by herself and there would be plenty of room for the others and their luggage on Sunday.

I did not mind. I was ready.

I had found what I had come for.

I had signed up for a class for Saturday afternoon
on dyeing with native plants that I was looking forward to.

Since I was leaving at noon I would be missing the class. So I would not be disappointed
I decided to give myself a class. I had brought my book with me so I began reading and taking notes. I looked at the native plantings on campus. I made a list of materials I would need. I spent three hours in my self taught class.
I enjoyed every minute of it!

There are sculptures on campus.

I was inspired by this one.

Fiber Art is an expression for me of my love of nature.

I came home with a fullness of heart.

I came home inspired.

I wore my new Beetle Brooch.

I am Mother Nature's child.

I will spin and weave and knit the patterns and colors of nature.

My teachers are right in my backyard.

Conference

2009-06-23T11:09:00.000-07:00

I am going to the Midwest Weaver's conference.
It will be in Grinnell, Iowa, June 25th - 28th.
I am going with my friends from the Kansas City Weaver's Guild.

I was there for the kite festival in May so I picked up
a few tourist items.
I made a folder and a notebook for the conference.

I am packing my things.

We are staying at the college so no room service!
I am bringing my coffee and tea service.
I like a cup of tea before bed and a cup of coffee in the morning!

I will take my knitting.
I will attend two workshops.
One is on spinning the other dyeing.

I made a little travel bag for my knitting needles.

I really love knitting.

I took right to it.

Macro Monday

2009-06-15T07:51:00.000-07:00

The Ebony Jewel Wing.

The female is exquisite.

The males are iridescent green or blue.

Tammy Lee from Spirithelpers

encouraged me to participate in

Macro Monday.

Thank you Tammy Lee!

Southern Magnolia

2009-06-08T07:03:00.000-07:00

My creative energies
have gone into the gardens.

I was working when the Southern Magnolia
drew me to her.

I followed my nose.

Pressing Pansies

2009-05-06T18:16:00.000-07:00

ABC Wednesday is "P"
today.

I decided to press some pansies.

I was inspired by this fun meme.

It took awhile for me to find my flower presses.

They were downstairs in my basement.

It has been a long time since I have pressed any flowers.

There was a note in with the Johnny Jump Ups,

June 25, 2006.

I am happy being back pressing flowers.

In full color

2009-04-28T14:08:00.000-07:00

The daffodils have dried.

I have begun to knit a scarf.
I am teaching myself.

If I have questions I can always consult my books
and my mentor.

For now I am becoming comfortable.
I love being able to take my knitting when I go visiting.

My water color pencils are nice.
I am learning about color today.

Spirit Drawing

2009-04-21T15:28:00.000-07:00

I began today an art class.

I am following the chapters in Jude Siegel's book.

I read this book in February and was impressed.
I had picked it up at the library so I had to return it.
After debating on if I could/should learn to draw and do some watercoloring I decided
to order the book and have a class at the kitchen table and let this book be my teacher.

I went out to the gardens looking for a tulip to draw.
This one spoke to me.

I gathered my things and began my drawing.

I used colored pencils today.

I am going to the art supply store tomorrow for water color pencils.

I also have plans to stop at the yarn shop.

I am hoping to buy some wool yarn for my first knitting project!

Mending

2009-03-10T13:26:00.000-07:00

My little red cotton night dress
had a few worn out spots on the elbow.
I had stopped wearing it last year.
It has been in my mending basket ever since.

It is my favorite sleep dress.
My husband gave it to me years ago.
When a little hole developed I placed a heart over it.

Today I emptied the mending basket.
I saw her in the bottom.
I thought of all sorts of patches.
I finally decided to make short sleeves.

I tightened all the buttons.
I laid my night gown on the bed and admired her.
I have a feeling of satisfaction.
I almost threw her in the rag basket last year.
I thought I could just replace her.

I have changed my idea of mending.
No longer is it for making do, it is for restoring.
My spirit feels restored.
Mending can be a creative expression too.
It's all in my attitude!

First Spinnings

2009-03-06T13:13:00.000-08:00

I took my first spinnings
and placed them in a bowl.
I treasure them.

I know they are knubby and need to be washed and the twists set.
I know they are not fine yarn.
They are my first spinnings.

I bought my first pair of knitting needles today.
They are made of rose wood and have mother of pearl inlaid tops.
I would love to learn to knit.

I wanted a pair of spinning wheel earings and a necklace.
Something to wear to guild meetings. I bought a few sterling silver charms on e-bay.

I bought jewelery making tools and made my earings.
That was fun.

While I had my tools out I made a couple of silver book marks.

I started on my March box.
It is an old wood box I found in the basement.
I shall decorate it with the motifs of March.

It feels good to be creating again.

Spinning Wheel

2009-02-25T18:14:00.000-08:00

I feel as if I have always known my spinning wheel.

We are a perfect fit.

Each part of her is lovely.

Spinning is magical!

Shhh...

2009-02-18T12:48:00.000-08:00

Shhh....it's a surprise!

I made a little something for my friend for her birthday.

I hope she likes it!

I have been so involved these last weeks I have not made anything.
This birthday surprise was just what I needed to create again!

I have a few projects started...a box for February is drying and
a little beaded cover for my cream pitcher is on the table almost ready to put over my creamer..
Show and tell when I finish up!

Etsy Pledge

2009-01-20T12:31:00.000-08:00

My husband helped me set up a spot
in the basement to work on my
Jack-o-lantern.

I decided since I was all set up
I would also spray finish a few gourds.

I sanded four dried gourds and put one
coat of spray polyurethane on them.

The other gourds I left outside.
They are dry and I could start work on them.
Not sure what I want to do just yet.

Some of my fiber friends have an Etsy shop.

I took the pledge to buy handmade.
I took a pledge to support artists.
Etsy is a fun way to do both.

Do you shop Etsy?

Fiber Friends

2009-01-13T17:43:00.000-08:00

I am keeping track of my fiber meetings in my fiber "spirit" journal.
I am writing down the names and telephone numbers of my new fiber friends.
I am recording my purchases.
I am writing down the dates of all the fiber events.
I want to go to them all.

This is a photograph of some llama roving.
My friends say it felts nicely.

Today I met an Alpaca rancher.
She sells alpaca yarn and roving.
I ordered some.
It also felts nicely.

An alpaca show is coming to my city in March.
I am planning on going.

One of the members of the felting group makes wood scarf pins.
I bought this one today.
It is made out of Osage Orange wood.

Bowling balls spring up all over my friend's gardens.
Her husband seems to grow them.

Every where I looked today I saw felt.

I am gathering junk mail to make paper.

I am reading about how to make silk paper.

The forced tulips are in bloom.

I did not do any project today.

I played with fiber friends.

I laughed and had fun.

Inspiration

2009-01-06T11:18:00.000-08:00

I bought this card last year because I loved it.
I thought it would inspire me.
Instead it has languished in the drawer,
unseen and uninspiring.

My family has inspired me.

My daughter created a lovely birthday card.

She sewed the envelope too!

My husband created an origami butterfly for me.

He used a picture from an ad that came in the mail
for the front of my card.

My son sent an art card and a bracelet he made.
I want to make cards and bracelets too!

I remembered the butterfly girl card.
I had to hunt for her but I found her!

I want to do paper crafts.
I gathered some supplies. I started to make a mess!
Paper, scissors and paste...so fun. Art class in the kitchen.

My first project is to cover a box for 2009's small bits of keepsake paper that comes my way.

I have done scrapbooks for many years.

For 2009 I want to keep a memory box.

While my box was drying I put together a movable "paper works" studio.

I need places for the tiny bits of paper I will need to make cards. I need paper organization!

I still am working on felted hats and bags...Thursday is the first meeting of the year for the Weavers and Fiber Guild. I plan on attending.

I love being artsy....I love creating....I love making a mess!

Gingerbread Man

2008-12-24T10:31:00.000-08:00

My friend brought over an old wool coat.
She thought I could could use it for felting.
I saw Gingerbread Men!

I cut the coat apart and machine felted the camel wool.

I cut out 12 gingerbread men,
enough for 6 ornaments.

While the wool was felting I shaped a brim for my lime green angora hat.
I re-felted it and now she is drying on Hannah, the hat form.
I have been reading about how to wire a brim.
I think I will try it next week on this soft brim.
I also want to do some beading on the crown.

My forced bulbs are beginning to show green.

My tree

2008-12-17T07:44:00.000-08:00

My tree is coming along.

I am remembering how to do embroidery stitches.
I am making a braided trim for the edge from the pieces left over from my slippers.

After I make a project
I am using the scrapes for tree ornaments.

There are sixteen panels to fill on my tree.
Lots of space to practice stitches.
Lots of space for soft sculptures.

My tree is a story tree.
It is coming right along.
I have the rest of my life to finish it.

I am in no hurry.