On The Rise

Starting in mid March I will have work up at On The Rise Bakery in Richmond, VT. My work will be up for about a month. Come soak up some color and get ready for spring!

 

New Work: Night Garden

If you hear a voice within you say 'you cannot paint' then by all means paint, and that voice will be silenced.
~Vincent Van Gogh

Home Sweet Home

Well, it has been way too long since I've posted. I can assure you we have been knee deep in projects over here. Tonight I have to give all the credit of this creation to my wonderfully creative husband. At times is is hard having two artists under one roof but other times it is oh so sweet. The girls are in love with their new playhouse that daddy built for them. I have to say when Forrest first announced that he was going to build a playhouse from scratch, without a plan I was a little nervous about how this would go. Because see, as artists, we tend to get a bit ahead of ourselves and our visions are often grand. This time though, wow. I'm impressed and proud. I may just move out there myself.

Spring is coming....

We have been enjoying some beautiful early spring days here in Vermont. I've been dreaming of the flowers to come.

Bean (and rice) Bags

A few weeks ago Miss. Mia and I worked on a birthday gift for our friend who was turning one. I sewed some square pockets in a few different sizes using scraps of fabric we had hanging around. Mia helped me on the sewing machine and with filling the bags. Now we need to make some for us! I forgot how satisfying it is to hold and toss a bean bag.

 

I have been working on this piece for a friend. Painting this was a completely different process than my usual way of creating. I was loosely basing it on a plate and using specific colors that my friend and I talked about. Most of the time I just work from a place of playful intuition. Just choosing this color or that and using whatever shapes come to mind. It was challenging and fun to work within some parameters for this one. I just hope she likes it! Becca? Whatcha think?

I've been really sinking into winter. Getting down to work. Making it happen. Picking up the paintbrush. Working with my hands.

new year, new work in progress

 

There are so many things I'd like to do this year. Painting, however, will be my main creative focus.

A little felted bear...

Handmade Holiday

I know...we just got through with Halloween. It does feel a bit premature to be talking about the holidays already. However, if you intend to make any of your gifts now is the time to begin. Easier said than done! Each year I have these grandiose plans of making my gifts and each year I just don't do it. This year I am determined, perhaps by a lack of cash, to make a few presents. Can this really be so hard?

I have already been exploring the world of needle felting. I am about halfway through creating a little bear for Miss. M. A friend passed me this book , which I have found easy to follow. After a few you tube tutorials I felt like I'd been needle felting my whole life. I would encourage anyone to try it even those who don't feel so crafty. I got my supplies (special needles, a piece of foam, and roving wool) at a local yarn shop but here is a place to get your wool and needles online.

I'd love to hear what other people are making this holiday season. If you aren't making any of your gifts that's ok too - no pressure.

Now, I must get to work. I have a few sewing project on my mind too. I'll have to share those another day!

Well, here it is......the yellow daisy! In this picture Miss. M is wearing it as a skirt although it is meant to be worn (loosely) around her neck. She debuted the costume at our neighbor's house last weekend. I had her wear all green so her body looked like the stem!

ok- next project???

Getting Started

I've started this blog because I don't know what else to do.  I could sew, I could paint, I could work on Miss. M's halloween costume.  I should work on the costume.....  Its just I have to pick Little Miss. R up in a 1/2 hour so how can I possibly get started.  I will tell you about the costume though.  It has been over a month now that Miss. M has declared she would like to be a daisy.  It is now a yellow daisy but still a daisy.   I figure it is safe to begin making this for her but will keep my fingers crossed in hope that she will still desire to be a daisy upon completion of the costume.  I am also hoping the costume passes her inspection.  Earlier in she summer I made her the cutest oliver + s shorts in a chambrey grey fabric.  She wouldn't even put them on!  Apparently, "no one likes grey, mommy".  She went on to tell me people would say "silly, silly M"  if she wore them.  How does a 3 year old come up with this stuff.  Well,  this time I've had her on my lap for many internet daisy costume searches.  I think we've found the one......  

 http://www.marthastewart.com/article/all-dressed-up-flower-bouquet

I will post pictures to let you know how it turned out.