Botanical Print Pillow-at last!

I finally acted on an idea I had after taking Maya's Botanical Printing class at Squam Art Workshops- I used one of my flower prints as the center of a pieced and quilted pillow. Love the results! Can't wait to make another one. Abby Normal is also pleased to have a kindred spirit sharing the rocking chair with her. She came from one of my favorite stores, Tessuti Zoo, in California, made by Emily.
To keep hands busy while watching TV (can't just watch, can you??) I knit beanies for the next project for CraftHope. These are for project #3 and heading to 3 orphanages in India later in July. What a great idea to link crafters with charities!

My Studio, My Friends

This is where I work, at least for the paper, paint, and paste projects. Small but great- you're looking at 6' by 12' including the sitting area. I can say that everything I need is practically at my fingertips here! And the view is fabulous as I look down into the woods where I've seen bear, owls, and other critters go about their day (yes, I saw the owl in later afternoon, not night!).

And keeping me company is artwork by friends and admired artists, like my little red bird made by Laurie May Coyle. She's keeping watch over my growing collection of books I'm making in preparation for a bookbinding class I'll be teaching this fall.

I've got Sunshine on a Rainy Day!

Last week when we had 2 (yes, 2!) days in a row of sunshine I took some photos of my garden so I could enjoy them on a rainy day- we are now on day 4 I think, so I decided to share my sunshine here. Although my deck in only 14 ft by 7 ft I have a full range of plants from flowers to veggies.

Above you see my beans, lettuce, argula, and cucumber plants, with herbs in the background; below are pots of more veggies and flowers.

I'm the only deck with any pots so it's a real show-stopper for those passing by. The hummingbirds love it-they even sit awhile on my tomato cages just a few feet from my chair-what a thrill to see them up close and still!

My first Art Fair

Here I am at the Squam Art Fair with some of my quilts and fabric items. My favorite is City Dogs hanging over my right shoulder, but I do love all my "children." Inspired by the style in Collaborative Quilting by Freddy Moran and Gwen Marston I've started making small quilts with lots of parts. I love their colors and mix-and-match qualities. When I'm feeling in the mood for really small I make patchwork journal covers. My aprons are reversible and really brighten up the kitchen!

Life after SAW-Squam Art Workshops

Just a week ago I returned from my second Squam Art Workshops retreat on Squam Lake in New Hampshire. Another divine experience that I am still processing. This is not just about the workshops (fabulous as they are), but about connecting with other creative souls in a nurturing and nourishing community. Although we have now all gone our separate ways we are truly connected through the universal energy we all share.
I had the great pleasure of working with Maya of maya*made for 2 days, learning how to make buckets out of burlap coffee sacks and how to print on fabric using freezer paper and textile paints. Photos coming soon! The last day I spent with Betz White making all sorts of bags out of re-purposed materials like t-shirts and old pillow cases-really cool stuff!
Evenings (after wonderful programs like listening to Jonatha Brooke sing around a campfire and viewing "Who Does She Think She Is", a documentary about women artists balancing family life and art) were spent on the porch of Shingle Blessedness talking about great "life" things with Tracie Lyn Huskamp, Laurie Coyle, Kathy, and Sarah as we drank wine and listened to the loons call to each other. It can't get much better than that!