Spokane, Art Fest, May 31-June 2 Sponsored by the MAC (Northwest Museum of Arts & Culture)
www.northwestmuseum.org/explore/events/artfest
Sculptural Felting Techniques, June 9-10 Sponsored by Me!
At my lakeside studio on Lake Coeur d' Alene - Look on my Class Schedule Tab in this blog for details
www.sapphire-art.com to see some of my work
Summer Arts for Youth, July 9-11 Sponsored by City of Cd'A
www.cdaid.org I'll be teaching 10 to 15 year olds about felting!
Coeur d' Alene, Art on the Green, August 2-4 Sponsored by Citizens' Council for the Arts
www.artonthegreen.org
Coeur d' Alene, Studio Tour and Sale, September 14th Sponsored by Cd'A Arts and Culture Alliance
www.artsincda.org
Nuno Felting Techniques, September 27-29 Sponsored by Me!
At my lakeside studio on Lake Coeur d' Alene - Look on my Class Schedule Tab in this blog for details
www.sapphire-art.com to see some of my work
Sculptural Felting Techniques, October 11-13 Sponsored by Me!
At my lakeside studio on Lake Coeur d' Alene - Look on my Class Schedule Tab in this blog for details
www.sapphire-art.com to see some of my work
Fall Felter's Camp, October 21-25 Sponsored by Me!
At my lakeside studio on Lake Coeur d' Alene - Look on my Class Schedule Tab in this blog for details
www.sapphire-art.com to see some of my work
Coeur d' Alene, Junk 2 Funk Fashion Show, October Sponsored by Kootenai Environmental Alliance
www.kealliance.org
Spokane, Custer's Christmas Arts & Crafts Show (I hope!), November 22-24 This is the weekend before Thanksgiving
www.custershows.com
Showing posts with label Sapphire. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Sapphire. Show all posts
Tuesday, May 28, 2013
Upcoming Events!
Hi Fiber Fans!
Oh my have I ever been remiss...so sorry! We have been busy here in North Idaho though even if you did not know since I wasn't posting. So let me tell you what we have been up to!
First, we moved...then my dear hubby had shoulder surgery. We have yet to unpack everything, but I have been able to do some work in my new studio...which is FAN-TAS-TIC since all I have to do is look out and I see a wonderful view of the main channel on Lake Coeur d' Alene!
I was also busy this winter getting my applications in for some local Art Shows. I'm very pleased with the outcome too. First up is Art Fest May 31-June 2 which means it is this weekend!!! (www.northwestmuseum.org/explore/events/artfest) Then I have Art On The Green August 2-4 (www.artonthegreen.org) followed by the second annual Art Alliance Studio Tour and Sale Sept. 14th. (www.artsincda.org) Still waiting to hear back from the folks that put on Custer's Christmas Arts & Craft Show at the fairgrounds in Spokane in November...keep your fingers crossed for me!
I have branched out into some new territory with my art this year. It will all be revealed this weekend at Art Fest. Hope to see you there!
Janet
Oh my have I ever been remiss...so sorry! We have been busy here in North Idaho though even if you did not know since I wasn't posting. So let me tell you what we have been up to!
First, we moved...then my dear hubby had shoulder surgery. We have yet to unpack everything, but I have been able to do some work in my new studio...which is FAN-TAS-TIC since all I have to do is look out and I see a wonderful view of the main channel on Lake Coeur d' Alene!
I was also busy this winter getting my applications in for some local Art Shows. I'm very pleased with the outcome too. First up is Art Fest May 31-June 2 which means it is this weekend!!! (www.northwestmuseum.org/explore/events/artfest) Then I have Art On The Green August 2-4 (www.artonthegreen.org) followed by the second annual Art Alliance Studio Tour and Sale Sept. 14th. (www.artsincda.org) Still waiting to hear back from the folks that put on Custer's Christmas Arts & Craft Show at the fairgrounds in Spokane in November...keep your fingers crossed for me!
I have branched out into some new territory with my art this year. It will all be revealed this weekend at Art Fest. Hope to see you there!
Janet
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
Pacific Northwest Art School
Hello Everyone!
Yes, I am still alive and felting! It's been an interesting winter/spring. Very busy. And now I am over on Whidbey Island (in Puget Sound of Washinton state) to attend a class on vessels taught by Sharon Costello. Www.blacksheepdesigns.com at Pacific Northwest Art School (PNW). This is a sample of the views from the cottage I have rented.
When I return on May 29th I will be setting up for the first time at the Sherman Avenue Farmers Market on Wednesday and then holding an open house at my studio on Saturday, June 3rd from 1 to 5pm. If you are a local following my blog, be sure to stop by and say hello!
Janet
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Ahhhhh.....the silence of...
Hello,
We awoke this morning to a couple of inches of SNOW! Finally! I am so happy to see it again. We haven't had any of significance since around Thanksgiving. I could tell it snowed because everything was so quiet...you cannot hear the cars and trucks going by...can't even hear people outside shoveling very easily. Snow just brings everything to a soft, peaceful pace... ahhhhh...
On other topics, I haven't been doing well on my goal to felt something every day! It has been 12 days since I last got my hands wet...It feels like going to confession to say that...(grins). However, tonight I have taped and taped until I have a 12 foot by 5 foot section of new bubble wrap to use. I have also planned out a new project and cut the fabric I need. Tomorrow I begin laying out the wool and fabric...hopefully I will even get a chance to get things wet...though we have a potluck dinner to attend so that may be a bit iffy. All and all though I am really enjoying all the quiet peace the snow has brought me. We are due to get another 3 to 7 inches tomorrow and another couple tomorrow night...soooooo...I should be able to get some work done. No running hither and yon....just staying home to work with my beloved felt. No appointments until Friday!
Take care all,
Janet
We awoke this morning to a couple of inches of SNOW! Finally! I am so happy to see it again. We haven't had any of significance since around Thanksgiving. I could tell it snowed because everything was so quiet...you cannot hear the cars and trucks going by...can't even hear people outside shoveling very easily. Snow just brings everything to a soft, peaceful pace... ahhhhh...
On other topics, I haven't been doing well on my goal to felt something every day! It has been 12 days since I last got my hands wet...It feels like going to confession to say that...(grins). However, tonight I have taped and taped until I have a 12 foot by 5 foot section of new bubble wrap to use. I have also planned out a new project and cut the fabric I need. Tomorrow I begin laying out the wool and fabric...hopefully I will even get a chance to get things wet...though we have a potluck dinner to attend so that may be a bit iffy. All and all though I am really enjoying all the quiet peace the snow has brought me. We are due to get another 3 to 7 inches tomorrow and another couple tomorrow night...soooooo...I should be able to get some work done. No running hither and yon....just staying home to work with my beloved felt. No appointments until Friday!
Take care all,
Janet
Monday, January 16, 2012
Evening All,
Whew! I now have my first official class (as a paid instructor) behind me. I had a small group of 3, which was just fine as it gave me plenty of time to cover some background on felting and still give everyone time to felt. One lady had a special hat - a purple fedora with yellow dots - and a special event to use her felted corsage with...The group she belongs to is going to have a best hat competition at a local restaurant called the Fedora and whoever wins gets their lunch free. I think her hat is adorable on her and hope she wins!
We finally have snow! Yippee!!! I keep threatening to lock myself in the house and turn off the phone so I can felt for several days straight and make some headway on the designs floating inside my head. If this storm does as promised I won't need to as no one will be going anywhere for a few days.
Night,
Janet
Whew! I now have my first official class (as a paid instructor) behind me. I had a small group of 3, which was just fine as it gave me plenty of time to cover some background on felting and still give everyone time to felt. One lady had a special hat - a purple fedora with yellow dots - and a special event to use her felted corsage with...The group she belongs to is going to have a best hat competition at a local restaurant called the Fedora and whoever wins gets their lunch free. I think her hat is adorable on her and hope she wins!
Night,
Janet
Stage Fright!
Hello!
Remember your first day of school? Or better yet, the first time you were required to stand up in front of the class and make a presentation? I don't know about you, but I do. I loved school, yet this terrified me. I was a huge wall flower and the idea of speaking in front of the class practically paralyzed me. Things like ballet and tap dance classes where we all performed on stage certainly helped me with this issue, but I have never really truly been comfortable in front of a group. Where is this going you ask?
Well having recovered from our road trip to Seattle, I decide it was time to work on my lesson plans. Yep! I have been hired to teach at an active living retirement establishment. My first 'gig' as a fiber artist! So despite the fact that I have over 20 years teaching experience...well...I sort of have the jitters! I haven't taught many adults...and here I find myself in front of a group of strangers again...and not just any strangers...my mother lives there and these are her neighbors. Yikes...nothing like making me flash back to being that kid again up in front of the class...hoping I do everything right...hoping my folks will be proud.
I did get my plans outlined yesterday though and today I began to fill them out with the information I want to share tomorrow. I sincerely hope we find time enough to go through all of that and to complete our project...a needle felted corsage. I did a little bit of a test run two weeks ago when I took my supplies and walked my friends through the process. It seemed okay, but I have tweaked my plans quite a bit since then...so here's hoping.
I also spent some time on my lace project. I tried the Addi lace needles I bought on Thursday in Issaquah, but they just don't seen to have pointy enough tips on them. I dug through my supply at home and found some Lana Grossa needles - also made in Germany - and tried them. They worked beautifully! However, the ones I have are size 2 and I need size 4. Ugh! So I checked all over the Internet. Apparently the company is having problems getting the needles to the stores...some have discontinued carrying them...I couldn't find a single one anywhere! So now what? Suggestions?
Janet
Remember your first day of school? Or better yet, the first time you were required to stand up in front of the class and make a presentation? I don't know about you, but I do. I loved school, yet this terrified me. I was a huge wall flower and the idea of speaking in front of the class practically paralyzed me. Things like ballet and tap dance classes where we all performed on stage certainly helped me with this issue, but I have never really truly been comfortable in front of a group. Where is this going you ask?
Well having recovered from our road trip to Seattle, I decide it was time to work on my lesson plans. Yep! I have been hired to teach at an active living retirement establishment. My first 'gig' as a fiber artist! So despite the fact that I have over 20 years teaching experience...well...I sort of have the jitters! I haven't taught many adults...and here I find myself in front of a group of strangers again...and not just any strangers...my mother lives there and these are her neighbors. Yikes...nothing like making me flash back to being that kid again up in front of the class...hoping I do everything right...hoping my folks will be proud.
I did get my plans outlined yesterday though and today I began to fill them out with the information I want to share tomorrow. I sincerely hope we find time enough to go through all of that and to complete our project...a needle felted corsage. I did a little bit of a test run two weeks ago when I took my supplies and walked my friends through the process. It seemed okay, but I have tweaked my plans quite a bit since then...so here's hoping.
I also spent some time on my lace project. I tried the Addi lace needles I bought on Thursday in Issaquah, but they just don't seen to have pointy enough tips on them. I dug through my supply at home and found some Lana Grossa needles - also made in Germany - and tried them. They worked beautifully! However, the ones I have are size 2 and I need size 4. Ugh! So I checked all over the Internet. Apparently the company is having problems getting the needles to the stores...some have discontinued carrying them...I couldn't find a single one anywhere! So now what? Suggestions?
Janet
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Bhahhh! What to do, What to do?!
Hi,
I got the bah-hum-bugs today so I went shopping!!! Great idea, right? Well I thought so... and I did find a great dress at the second hand shop that I can use to felt with. Then as I was looking around at home to decide what to do next I ran across this set of patterns I had purchased back when my sister was getting married...
And I decided that I would use some speciality fibers that come from Montana to make the shrug shown at the bottom in mauve. The fibers are a mix of wools and silk that make a beautifully, rich and vibrant yet soft and supple felt. To this I plan to add a crochet border that I hope to make out of another fabulously luxurious fiber - mohair - from another company in Montana. Their mohair yarn has such a wonderful luster and sheen, plus great body that I just want to lay a bunch on the carpet and roll up in it!
So tomorrow I may go shopping again to buy all the fiber I will need to make this very special wrap. Then I am going shopping for lace weight yarn and needles so I can start on a personal project...more on this tomorrow!
Later,
Janet
I got the bah-hum-bugs today so I went shopping!!! Great idea, right? Well I thought so... and I did find a great dress at the second hand shop that I can use to felt with. Then as I was looking around at home to decide what to do next I ran across this set of patterns I had purchased back when my sister was getting married...
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And I decided that I would use some speciality fibers that come from Montana to make the shrug shown at the bottom in mauve. The fibers are a mix of wools and silk that make a beautifully, rich and vibrant yet soft and supple felt. To this I plan to add a crochet border that I hope to make out of another fabulously luxurious fiber - mohair - from another company in Montana. Their mohair yarn has such a wonderful luster and sheen, plus great body that I just want to lay a bunch on the carpet and roll up in it!
So tomorrow I may go shopping again to buy all the fiber I will need to make this very special wrap. Then I am going shopping for lace weight yarn and needles so I can start on a personal project...more on this tomorrow!
Later,
Janet
Monday, January 9, 2012
For Those That Have It...Treasure It!
Hello,
I just love it when I get feedback from my followers. Today I got a great tip from Carrol about a blade for my rotary cutter that will be very helpful...so "Thanks Carrol!".
I am still working on fingerless gloves, cuffs and scarves for Christmas gifts...but I get sidetracked a bit here and there (always!) as ideas hit me in mid-stride and so tonight I am finally getting a few photos posted of my knitted scarf and fingerless gloves that I have been referring to for a bit.
What is so funny (or maybe not) is that I bought a huge stash of this yarn in all the colors one day when I stumbled on it at Michael's. Everyone has admired my scarf as I was knitting it and so I began to sell off my stash to friends...No problemo, right! Wrong!!!
I ran out of some colors and some of the ladies of my knitting group want more so I went to get some and found - none - in any store in the area... still not a problem...I'll order it online...wrong again! It is GONE! Word on the street is that it was a limited production for the holidays and Red Heart is not going to be replenishing stores...so...
So those that did get some and kept it are selling the balls at auction on eBay and Amazon. Today I found numerous balls that still had a day or more to go at auction and already the bid was up to $15.50!!! We are talking about Red Heart Sashay yarn...normally $4.99 that I got on sale once at $1.19 and once at $3.99...Incredible is all I have to say. If you want a scarf made of this yarn and do not already have your yarn, you can buy finished scarves online from $15 to $30. One YouTube video says the scarves were selling in stores for $30-$38. Expect that and the price on balls of yarn to keep climbing.
So I will treasure each and every ball I have left all the more...
Enjoy it if you have it!
Janet
I just love it when I get feedback from my followers. Today I got a great tip from Carrol about a blade for my rotary cutter that will be very helpful...so "Thanks Carrol!".
I am still working on fingerless gloves, cuffs and scarves for Christmas gifts...but I get sidetracked a bit here and there (always!) as ideas hit me in mid-stride and so tonight I am finally getting a few photos posted of my knitted scarf and fingerless gloves that I have been referring to for a bit.
What is so funny (or maybe not) is that I bought a huge stash of this yarn in all the colors one day when I stumbled on it at Michael's. Everyone has admired my scarf as I was knitting it and so I began to sell off my stash to friends...No problemo, right! Wrong!!!
I ran out of some colors and some of the ladies of my knitting group want more so I went to get some and found - none - in any store in the area... still not a problem...I'll order it online...wrong again! It is GONE! Word on the street is that it was a limited production for the holidays and Red Heart is not going to be replenishing stores...so...
So those that did get some and kept it are selling the balls at auction on eBay and Amazon. Today I found numerous balls that still had a day or more to go at auction and already the bid was up to $15.50!!! We are talking about Red Heart Sashay yarn...normally $4.99 that I got on sale once at $1.19 and once at $3.99...Incredible is all I have to say. If you want a scarf made of this yarn and do not already have your yarn, you can buy finished scarves online from $15 to $30. One YouTube video says the scarves were selling in stores for $30-$38. Expect that and the price on balls of yarn to keep climbing.
So I will treasure each and every ball I have left all the more...
Enjoy it if you have it!
Janet
Sunday, January 8, 2012
The Dance
Hello,
Wonderful! We have Chinese Ring Necked Pheasants in our neighborhood and I just love it when I get a good look at one. Our small dog, of course, has decided that they do not belong in his back yard, but he doesn't seem to care if we see them out on our daily walks...which is terrific for times like today when two males were dancing back and forth in front of us! It must have been a ritualistic breeding dance. Quite fun to watch as they were mirroring each other in movements. Of course, nothing lasts and they eventually decided we were encroaching in their space and so they took off...one flew to our right...one flew to our left. Then they landed in the scruff and began calling back and forth. Wished I had been able to film it for you, but I couldn't so I have included a couple videos so you can hear what they sound like at times.
What I would really like to try is to create a piece of nuno felt that reflects some of this superb plumage. Do you think I can do it? We will see, huh!
Well I did get a bit of work done today on some felt cuffs that I made. I added a mohair trim with some multicolored metallic beads. All in all not too bad. Kind of showy like the pheasants we see around here.
Goodnight everyone...sweet dreams :)
Janet
Wonderful! We have Chinese Ring Necked Pheasants in our neighborhood and I just love it when I get a good look at one. Our small dog, of course, has decided that they do not belong in his back yard, but he doesn't seem to care if we see them out on our daily walks...which is terrific for times like today when two males were dancing back and forth in front of us! It must have been a ritualistic breeding dance. Quite fun to watch as they were mirroring each other in movements. Of course, nothing lasts and they eventually decided we were encroaching in their space and so they took off...one flew to our right...one flew to our left. Then they landed in the scruff and began calling back and forth. Wished I had been able to film it for you, but I couldn't so I have included a couple videos so you can hear what they sound like at times.
What I would really like to try is to create a piece of nuno felt that reflects some of this superb plumage. Do you think I can do it? We will see, huh!
Well I did get a bit of work done today on some felt cuffs that I made. I added a mohair trim with some multicolored metallic beads. All in all not too bad. Kind of showy like the pheasants we see around here.
Goodnight everyone...sweet dreams :)
Janet
Saturday, January 7, 2012
A Problem, A Solution and A Gift
Good Evening!
Well it is on toward 1:30 am and the dog has given up and gone to bed...off to my side the dishwasher is quietly swishing away and in the other room my husband is practicing on his piano...
We had a sweet surprise gift arrive in the mail today from one of our granddaughters that we have not seen for many years. She and her mother made this cute mouse ornament for us!
As far as projects go I did not wet felt or needle felt an entire piece today so I have to fudge a bit on my goal to felt something every day... I did work on two felt projects though. I finished the scarf to go with my felted fingerless gloves, but have discovered that my gloves seem to be stretching out at the thumb area with wear. This is a problem! I sought to find a solution for this tonight...I tried some crochet edging that I thought may keep the original shape in place. However, I had problems with the crochet hook punching too large of a hole in the edge which then tore through. I made needle felt repairs and quit.
However I may try some free embroidery stitching using the sewing machine like Lisa Klakulak taught us in one class I took. Stay tuned...this picture is before any messing with the thumb hole and top edge.
So after that little foray into solutions, I decided to tackle a different, yet similar problem. I'd made a prototype pair of felt fingerless gloves that did not turn out to be long enough. So I cut them off above the thumb hole. I had been staring at them for awhile tonight when I decided that they each could be a bracelet of sorts...so I got out my crochet hook and thread again. This time though I used my leather punch to make holes in the felt instead of trying to punch through with my hook. Boy did this help! So tonight you will see my newest product...a felt bracelet with an embroidered flower, beads, pearl, and crochet edge. I have more of these in my mind I want to make...
I must say that I am getting tired too and need to go to sleep like our very intelligent dog, but the urge is there to stay up...get my hook, thread and beads out again and keep going!
Goodnight all,
Janet
Well it is on toward 1:30 am and the dog has given up and gone to bed...off to my side the dishwasher is quietly swishing away and in the other room my husband is practicing on his piano...
We had a sweet surprise gift arrive in the mail today from one of our granddaughters that we have not seen for many years. She and her mother made this cute mouse ornament for us!
As far as projects go I did not wet felt or needle felt an entire piece today so I have to fudge a bit on my goal to felt something every day... I did work on two felt projects though. I finished the scarf to go with my felted fingerless gloves, but have discovered that my gloves seem to be stretching out at the thumb area with wear. This is a problem! I sought to find a solution for this tonight...I tried some crochet edging that I thought may keep the original shape in place. However, I had problems with the crochet hook punching too large of a hole in the edge which then tore through. I made needle felt repairs and quit.
However I may try some free embroidery stitching using the sewing machine like Lisa Klakulak taught us in one class I took. Stay tuned...this picture is before any messing with the thumb hole and top edge.
So after that little foray into solutions, I decided to tackle a different, yet similar problem. I'd made a prototype pair of felt fingerless gloves that did not turn out to be long enough. So I cut them off above the thumb hole. I had been staring at them for awhile tonight when I decided that they each could be a bracelet of sorts...so I got out my crochet hook and thread again. This time though I used my leather punch to make holes in the felt instead of trying to punch through with my hook. Boy did this help! So tonight you will see my newest product...a felt bracelet with an embroidered flower, beads, pearl, and crochet edge. I have more of these in my mind I want to make...
I must say that I am getting tired too and need to go to sleep like our very intelligent dog, but the urge is there to stay up...get my hook, thread and beads out again and keep going!
Goodnight all,
Janet
Friday, January 6, 2012
The Knitter's Life List
Hello!
I have had the pleasure to experience a most pleasing day today. We invited a recently widowed friend for lunch and spent hours visiting and dining on all the appetizing food...our friend brought her homemade chocolate pecan Bourbon pie for dessert! Yuuummmmm!!! We have some of the leftovers to nibble on tonight...it will be a great late night snack. Then we attended a meeting at our Artists' Cooperative this evening before coming home to get some work done. I am pretty sure that I will not get any felting done tonight which is a bit of a disappointment, but who knows maybe after I post my blog I'll get yet another second wind and felt.
This evening I would like to introduce you to a splendid book that I received from one of my sister's for a Christmas gift. The Knitter's Life List by Gwen W. Steege is jam-packed with tidbits of taste just like our lunch! Gwen (I am sure she would want to be called by her first name) has put a little bit of this and a little bit of that into each chapter so that as one reviewer wrote: "It is like a smorgassboard!" She has covered a huge amount of the fiber world and grouped them into five catagories...
1001 Inspirations
122 Techniques and Tips to Learn
69 Styles and Traditions to Explore
33 Yarn Fibers to Try
64 Personalities to Meet
I find it a wonderful book to pick up when I have a few moments to spare and read. The quick reading sections are snippets of fun-filled information that inspires me to get up and try something new. There are no patterns in the entire book...rather she provides lists of all the information you need to access resources on the Internet, in the community and at your local yarn store. Hope you can locate a copy and check it out! Library...bookstore...friend...
You can buy it at Amazon for around $16.
http://www.amazon.com/Knitters-Life-List-Know-Explore/dp/1603429964
Enjoy!
Janet
I have had the pleasure to experience a most pleasing day today. We invited a recently widowed friend for lunch and spent hours visiting and dining on all the appetizing food...our friend brought her homemade chocolate pecan Bourbon pie for dessert! Yuuummmmm!!! We have some of the leftovers to nibble on tonight...it will be a great late night snack. Then we attended a meeting at our Artists' Cooperative this evening before coming home to get some work done. I am pretty sure that I will not get any felting done tonight which is a bit of a disappointment, but who knows maybe after I post my blog I'll get yet another second wind and felt.
This evening I would like to introduce you to a splendid book that I received from one of my sister's for a Christmas gift. The Knitter's Life List by Gwen W. Steege is jam-packed with tidbits of taste just like our lunch! Gwen (I am sure she would want to be called by her first name) has put a little bit of this and a little bit of that into each chapter so that as one reviewer wrote: "It is like a smorgassboard!" She has covered a huge amount of the fiber world and grouped them into five catagories...
1001 Inspirations
122 Techniques and Tips to Learn
69 Styles and Traditions to Explore
33 Yarn Fibers to Try
64 Personalities to Meet
I find it a wonderful book to pick up when I have a few moments to spare and read. The quick reading sections are snippets of fun-filled information that inspires me to get up and try something new. There are no patterns in the entire book...rather she provides lists of all the information you need to access resources on the Internet, in the community and at your local yarn store. Hope you can locate a copy and check it out! Library...bookstore...friend...
You can buy it at Amazon for around $16.
http://www.amazon.com/Knitters-Life-List-Know-Explore/dp/1603429964
Enjoy!
Janet
Thursday, January 5, 2012
New Merino Felted Bag
Good Evening!
I guess I can say honestly that I don't really ever make New Year Resolutions...but this is a goal I have (had) that I hope to be able to accomplish...My hope is to felt something every day. This is going to be a challenge believe me...it seems there are always life's little emergencies that interrupt my carefully laid plans. Still I am off to an okay start. I figure if I can put a star on my calender most days then I am fairly successful. I wet felted on the first and second...needle felted on the third and wet felted again on the fourth (today). We'll see how long I can keep it up. We have to go to Seattle next Thursday and Friday so that is going to be a hurdle to get over...maybe needle felting???
I told you last night that I had a new bag to show you...and I do! It is so lovely!!! Just remember that my photos are quick snaps done with my phone so I don't get the quality shots I need to show details well. This little cutie is made from natural merino. It has a drawstring with sterling silver caps at the ends. The strap is also merino and I attached it inside the edge of the bag so the bag stayed fluted when being used. When I attached the strap I used pearls, crystals, sequins and such to add some hidden sparkle so that the owner of this bag will get that little thrill of seeing these things each time she opens her bag. Lastly, I felted a red heart and put it on a string of crystals, pearls and rhinestones. I also added sparkle fiber to the bag itself as I was felting it so that is even more pizazz. Hope you enjoy it and can see most of this in the photos!
Goodnight,
Janet
I guess I can say honestly that I don't really ever make New Year Resolutions...but this is a goal I have (had) that I hope to be able to accomplish...My hope is to felt something every day. This is going to be a challenge believe me...it seems there are always life's little emergencies that interrupt my carefully laid plans. Still I am off to an okay start. I figure if I can put a star on my calender most days then I am fairly successful. I wet felted on the first and second...needle felted on the third and wet felted again on the fourth (today). We'll see how long I can keep it up. We have to go to Seattle next Thursday and Friday so that is going to be a hurdle to get over...maybe needle felting???
I told you last night that I had a new bag to show you...and I do! It is so lovely!!! Just remember that my photos are quick snaps done with my phone so I don't get the quality shots I need to show details well. This little cutie is made from natural merino. It has a drawstring with sterling silver caps at the ends. The strap is also merino and I attached it inside the edge of the bag so the bag stayed fluted when being used. When I attached the strap I used pearls, crystals, sequins and such to add some hidden sparkle so that the owner of this bag will get that little thrill of seeing these things each time she opens her bag. Lastly, I felted a red heart and put it on a string of crystals, pearls and rhinestones. I also added sparkle fiber to the bag itself as I was felting it so that is even more pizazz. Hope you enjoy it and can see most of this in the photos!
Goodnight,
Janet
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
Rolling Along
Good Evening Everyone,
I admit it! I have been hiding out...as in being lazy and selfish...doing things that were just for me, myself and I...and hanging out with my family...playing with my fiber :) Sorry to have been gone so long, but I needed some down time. Today I realized exactly why I had needed it so much as everything came at me from all sides and I felt bombarded. Yikes! How can I get myself so busy?!? Things are selling at the Northwest Artists Gallery and I need to restock...soon!
I would like to extend good wishes to everyone that their year turns out to be fruitful in whatever it is that you desire to achieve..."Go for it!" is my motto. To celebrate my husband and I attended the local symphony performance on New Years Eve. This is a work related endeavor as my husband is now trying his hand at the piano and song writing. We heard Beethoven's 9th Symphony...and it was very nice...I even recognized a few parts. Here is a photo of the musicians warming up beforehand.
During my absence from blogging, my dog broke his leather collar. He is a Christmas Eve baby and just celebrated his 11th birthday this year. He has had his collar since he was 4 months old so I believe we got great use out of it...however at present he is wearing his "Jingle Bells" collar and it is a flat woven fabric that causes his hair to matt - quickly! After checking a local store and not finding what I needed I realized I could make him a new collar! Yep! Since I have learned to cut, dye, punch, and lace my own leather straps for my handbags I thought...Heck this is the same idea! So this is one project on my plate.
I also have a new bag to show you this week and hopefully I will be finished with a scarf and fingerless gloves that I am making for myself. Aaaaannd...I got a new knitting resource book for Christmas that I want to share with you! So stay tuned fiber lovers!
Janet
I admit it! I have been hiding out...as in being lazy and selfish...doing things that were just for me, myself and I...and hanging out with my family...playing with my fiber :) Sorry to have been gone so long, but I needed some down time. Today I realized exactly why I had needed it so much as everything came at me from all sides and I felt bombarded. Yikes! How can I get myself so busy?!? Things are selling at the Northwest Artists Gallery and I need to restock...soon!
I would like to extend good wishes to everyone that their year turns out to be fruitful in whatever it is that you desire to achieve..."Go for it!" is my motto. To celebrate my husband and I attended the local symphony performance on New Years Eve. This is a work related endeavor as my husband is now trying his hand at the piano and song writing. We heard Beethoven's 9th Symphony...and it was very nice...I even recognized a few parts. Here is a photo of the musicians warming up beforehand.
During my absence from blogging, my dog broke his leather collar. He is a Christmas Eve baby and just celebrated his 11th birthday this year. He has had his collar since he was 4 months old so I believe we got great use out of it...however at present he is wearing his "Jingle Bells" collar and it is a flat woven fabric that causes his hair to matt - quickly! After checking a local store and not finding what I needed I realized I could make him a new collar! Yep! Since I have learned to cut, dye, punch, and lace my own leather straps for my handbags I thought...Heck this is the same idea! So this is one project on my plate.
I also have a new bag to show you this week and hopefully I will be finished with a scarf and fingerless gloves that I am making for myself. Aaaaannd...I got a new knitting resource book for Christmas that I want to share with you! So stay tuned fiber lovers!
Janet
Friday, December 23, 2011
Rime Ice - Great Inspiration!
Hello!
You know those days when you find yourself dragging your heals because you can?...Many would say...lazy....Well I was having one of those days today...really moving slow because I didn't have anything on my platter until noon...so it wasn't until quite late in the morning that I finally stuck my head out the door and decided to walk the dog. Wow! The view was literally breath taking!
Our neighbors across the street have a beautiful willow and it was silhouetted in the sunshine with snow drifting out of its branches. Luckily I was able to catch this while fumbling with gloves, dog leash and my phone! As I walked closer I noticed that the poles people stick in the edges of their lawns to show the snow plows where to stop - were covered in precision cut crystals. In fact, it was a very particular kind of crystal formation...rime ice. I had taught a unit about this when teaching school children. Great to see in person. Rime ice forms under just the right conditions and apparently we had just that the night before.
Later today we drove into Spokane, Washington and went through dense fog along the way. Fog is one of the conditions that must exist in order for rime ice to form so I am pretty sure that is what it is...as much of it is still around tonight since it stayed cool and many places even cooler because they are shaded from what sun we did get.
For more information on rime ice do a google search or follow this link:
http://www.stormtrack.org/forum/showthread.php?14714-Ice-crystals!
I have a felting project that is now inspired by this formation...I am not sure I can get anything close to the precision cut look of the crystals today...but I am going to try and get as close to the idea as I can...more to come on this project later... In the meantime, I am finishing felting Christmas gifts which I am not posting since my relatives monitor my blog :) and would see them. Also I got hired today to teach some classes in January. WhooHoo!
Hope you are enjoying the Season and the weather wherever you may be,
Janet
You know those days when you find yourself dragging your heals because you can?...Many would say...lazy....Well I was having one of those days today...really moving slow because I didn't have anything on my platter until noon...so it wasn't until quite late in the morning that I finally stuck my head out the door and decided to walk the dog. Wow! The view was literally breath taking!
Our neighbors across the street have a beautiful willow and it was silhouetted in the sunshine with snow drifting out of its branches. Luckily I was able to catch this while fumbling with gloves, dog leash and my phone! As I walked closer I noticed that the poles people stick in the edges of their lawns to show the snow plows where to stop - were covered in precision cut crystals. In fact, it was a very particular kind of crystal formation...rime ice. I had taught a unit about this when teaching school children. Great to see in person. Rime ice forms under just the right conditions and apparently we had just that the night before.
Later today we drove into Spokane, Washington and went through dense fog along the way. Fog is one of the conditions that must exist in order for rime ice to form so I am pretty sure that is what it is...as much of it is still around tonight since it stayed cool and many places even cooler because they are shaded from what sun we did get.
For more information on rime ice do a google search or follow this link:
http://www.stormtrack.org/forum/showthread.php?14714-Ice-crystals!
I have a felting project that is now inspired by this formation...I am not sure I can get anything close to the precision cut look of the crystals today...but I am going to try and get as close to the idea as I can...more to come on this project later... In the meantime, I am finishing felting Christmas gifts which I am not posting since my relatives monitor my blog :) and would see them. Also I got hired today to teach some classes in January. WhooHoo!
Hope you are enjoying the Season and the weather wherever you may be,
Janet
Sunday, December 18, 2011
Death and Creation
Hello Again,
We have another funeral to attend...this time it's a Tuesday. Three people I knew have died in the last five weeks. Something like this can leave a person wondering what it's all about. Wondering how it is that a person's life is over just like that... "poof" and they are no more. But are they really gone? My mind has begun to spin...thinking...thinking...thinking.
I am finding that my art is what keeps me going...helps me to feel grounded again...to remember without pain... The joy of taking my silk and fiber...carefully placing one on the other and working them together in one with my own hands...working until I have created something beautiful is somehow soothing and uplifting. Knowing that someone is going to find pleasure in what I have created...knowing that I am capable of creating this! Knowing I am alive. It is all part of the cycle of life, right?
I hope you enjoy seeing my creations...I sure like making them.
Take care,
Janet
We have another funeral to attend...this time it's a Tuesday. Three people I knew have died in the last five weeks. Something like this can leave a person wondering what it's all about. Wondering how it is that a person's life is over just like that... "poof" and they are no more. But are they really gone? My mind has begun to spin...thinking...thinking...thinking.
I am finding that my art is what keeps me going...helps me to feel grounded again...to remember without pain... The joy of taking my silk and fiber...carefully placing one on the other and working them together in one with my own hands...working until I have created something beautiful is somehow soothing and uplifting. Knowing that someone is going to find pleasure in what I have created...knowing that I am capable of creating this! Knowing I am alive. It is all part of the cycle of life, right?
I hope you enjoy seeing my creations...I sure like making them.
Take care,
Janet
Friday, December 16, 2011
Charge!
Good Evening!
I have been doing some personal projects today to try and get some Christmas gifts taken care of...I have knitted up a couple scarves and made some gloves...other ideas are perking in my brain...but as I was knitting this wonderful alpaca scarf today I found that I had inadvertently changed my pattern. Do I (sucking in of breath here) go back?! Take it out and fix that part?!? Never! In the words of great (and maybe not so great) military leaders the world over, I say "Charge!" I will not retreat! I am going forward and try to adapt my pattern as I go so that it remains beautiful and eye pleasing. Will it work? We shall see...
Speaking if Alpaca...it is my wish to someday own some. For some quick basic facts about them read this:
http://www.ilovealpacas.com/facts.shtml
and here are a few great pictures of some Alpaca...
Enjoy!
Janet
I have been doing some personal projects today to try and get some Christmas gifts taken care of...I have knitted up a couple scarves and made some gloves...other ideas are perking in my brain...but as I was knitting this wonderful alpaca scarf today I found that I had inadvertently changed my pattern. Do I (sucking in of breath here) go back?! Take it out and fix that part?!? Never! In the words of great (and maybe not so great) military leaders the world over, I say "Charge!" I will not retreat! I am going forward and try to adapt my pattern as I go so that it remains beautiful and eye pleasing. Will it work? We shall see...
Speaking if Alpaca...it is my wish to someday own some. For some quick basic facts about them read this:
http://www.ilovealpacas.com/facts.shtml
and here are a few great pictures of some Alpaca...
Janet
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Great Shot!
Hello,
The other day while out walking the dog (sometimes it seems like I always am...) I captured this awesome picture of the full moon. Unusual because it was so bright and during daylight hours. Also there was to be a full lunar eclipse only I didn't know about that until Sunday...two days after I took this. I had been having a bad week as you may have noticed by my intermittent posts here...and I was blaming all sorts of things...the full moon being one of them...others I talked to noticed it too. Is it possible that it was especially bad because there was to be an eclipse? I don't know...but I sure am glad that the doom and gloom has fled with the waining moon and things are getting back to normal! Still it was a beautiful view of the moon.
Since things are on the upswing around here I was busy felting yesterday. I have finished two sets of fingerless gloves. The black pair is already sold and is heading to California for Christmas. The other is a gift I am giving.
I also received some very soft and unusual Alpaca yarn at my fiber group get together. This Alpaca comes from some animals that are living just south of Spokane in Washington state. The yarn was my payment for some knitting I had done several months ago. I love the twining brown and black - the natural color of the two Alpacas! I am combining that with a golden ribbon yarn in a scarf. Hopefully it will be masculine enough when I am done!
Have a great day everyone!
Janet
The other day while out walking the dog (sometimes it seems like I always am...) I captured this awesome picture of the full moon. Unusual because it was so bright and during daylight hours. Also there was to be a full lunar eclipse only I didn't know about that until Sunday...two days after I took this. I had been having a bad week as you may have noticed by my intermittent posts here...and I was blaming all sorts of things...the full moon being one of them...others I talked to noticed it too. Is it possible that it was especially bad because there was to be an eclipse? I don't know...but I sure am glad that the doom and gloom has fled with the waining moon and things are getting back to normal! Still it was a beautiful view of the moon.
Since things are on the upswing around here I was busy felting yesterday. I have finished two sets of fingerless gloves. The black pair is already sold and is heading to California for Christmas. The other is a gift I am giving.
I also received some very soft and unusual Alpaca yarn at my fiber group get together. This Alpaca comes from some animals that are living just south of Spokane in Washington state. The yarn was my payment for some knitting I had done several months ago. I love the twining brown and black - the natural color of the two Alpacas! I am combining that with a golden ribbon yarn in a scarf. Hopefully it will be masculine enough when I am done!
Have a great day everyone!
Janet
Fiber Friends
I love my fiber friends! We planned to lunch together today at Olive Garden to celebrate the holiday season...and one friend showed up with a corsage for each of us that she had made. Talk about special!!! We had a great time visiting and then we all motored over to Michael's in search of a particular yarn that I had spotted there a couple weeks ago...alas! it was nowhere to be found :( so now we must continue our search.
My corsage is carefully tucked inside a green bag in the refrigerator so that I can continue to enjoy it a few more days this week. Thanks Kathy!!!
Hope you all are out there taking a few moments to meet with friends and enjoy the holidays.
Take care,
Janet
My corsage is carefully tucked inside a green bag in the refrigerator so that I can continue to enjoy it a few more days this week. Thanks Kathy!!!
Hope you all are out there taking a few moments to meet with friends and enjoy the holidays.
Take care,
Janet
Monday, December 12, 2011
Ya Just Never Know
Well Saturday's Sale at the Jacklin Arts & Cultural Center was quite pleasant. This was the first sale in recent times. There were just five artist/vendors. And multiple singing groups! The sound was outstanding!!! The Jacklin is comprised of two old church buildings that have been moved to this location and joined together. We were set up in one half and the signers were in the main 'chapel' of the other half... and the resonance was something to behold.
As far as our sale went it was a mixed deal, but with future sales planned, the Center's director hopes to build up the number of artists as well as the number of customers. What was so interesting was who my customers were...well who one of them was...a 10 year old boy from one of the choirs was fascinated with my needle felted Treasure Pockets and talked it up to his parents enough that his father returned to buy it for him for Christmas. Amazing :)... but who knows...maybe he is a future fashion designer in the making! I can still picture the way his face lit up when he saw them, touched one and told his mother about it...really warms me to think of it.
I said it was a mixed deal...well that is because I spent more than I sold! One of the vendors had alpaca sweaters and jackets on sale for a really, really good price and I couldn't pass them up so in between customers I did some Christmas shopping as well as getting one for myself. All and all a very nice way to spend the day.
As far as our sale went it was a mixed deal, but with future sales planned, the Center's director hopes to build up the number of artists as well as the number of customers. What was so interesting was who my customers were...well who one of them was...a 10 year old boy from one of the choirs was fascinated with my needle felted Treasure Pockets and talked it up to his parents enough that his father returned to buy it for him for Christmas. Amazing :)... but who knows...maybe he is a future fashion designer in the making! I can still picture the way his face lit up when he saw them, touched one and told his mother about it...really warms me to think of it.
I said it was a mixed deal...well that is because I spent more than I sold! One of the vendors had alpaca sweaters and jackets on sale for a really, really good price and I couldn't pass them up so in between customers I did some Christmas shopping as well as getting one for myself. All and all a very nice way to spend the day.
Friday, December 9, 2011
Living in the Northern Latitudes
Good Evening,
Well more and more beautiful decorations are appearing around my neighborhood. I love it! I only wish it would snow!!! It seems to be a dirty word to locals here, but I see no advantage to living this far north and freezing when I go outside but missing out on the beauty of a white Christmas. I know, I know, I don't have to report to work elsewhere or shuttle my children to and fro all their various activities in the sloppy, slippery wet mess that snow can present, but winter has a beauty all its own and I miss it! Therefore I am finding it hard to get into the spirit of Christmas, so I am happy that at least my neighbors are showing some spirit by putting up sparkly decorations....still I Ho-Hum through my days. One good thing has been the colorful sunsets like this one:
I have completed one project that I have been struggling to finish for a few weeks now. A custom handbag that is going off to California tomorrow. Whew! Finally!! Finished!!!
Tomorrow I hope to finish a few quick items that I can sell on Saturday. Have a great day everyone!
Janet
Well more and more beautiful decorations are appearing around my neighborhood. I love it! I only wish it would snow!!! It seems to be a dirty word to locals here, but I see no advantage to living this far north and freezing when I go outside but missing out on the beauty of a white Christmas. I know, I know, I don't have to report to work elsewhere or shuttle my children to and fro all their various activities in the sloppy, slippery wet mess that snow can present, but winter has a beauty all its own and I miss it! Therefore I am finding it hard to get into the spirit of Christmas, so I am happy that at least my neighbors are showing some spirit by putting up sparkly decorations....still I Ho-Hum through my days. One good thing has been the colorful sunsets like this one:
I have completed one project that I have been struggling to finish for a few weeks now. A custom handbag that is going off to California tomorrow. Whew! Finally!! Finished!!!
Tomorrow I hope to finish a few quick items that I can sell on Saturday. Have a great day everyone!
Janet
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