Category Archives: Natural Elements

Autumn Leaves, Childhood Memories, Jumping Off Place, QBL- Quilting By the Lake, Three Sea Horses, Topographical, Two Trees

October Cooling

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Hello,
There is a real feeling of fall now as it has turned quite cold around here. The hardy Zinnia are still doing well and we have not had a frost yet. But if is in the air. I did some house/studio cleaning too. It seems I need to get my “nest” in order for winter. I have eliminated three boxes and a bag of stuff to pass forward for others to use. It makes me feel good to do that sort of thing.
There seems to be another thing in the air too,  because three of the groups I meet with cancelled meetings this week. Two due to low audience.   Perhaps everyone is busy hankering down for fall and winter too.

Progress Report: Three Sea Horses This work is 22″w X 16″t. Noel talked of this method of laying down roving and then putting netting over the top so one could  machine stitch on it. I tried that method on this project. The sea horses are cut from felt so there are sharp edges and then I added roving on top too. I like this technique. It is very soft, but  I think I need to work on contrast more the next time I try it.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Two Trees The work is 18″ w X 18″ t. I started it in the Rock On Class With Cynthia Corbin at QBL this summer. This week I got busy and did machine drawing of two trees from a photo of them on Dad’d farm. It sure has the gray feeling I was having about the day.

 

 

 

 

 

Topographical I had a good time working away on this piece this week. I think two more hours of couching will complete the process. I feel there is lots of potential in this process and plan to explore it more in the future.

Past My Window- Autumn Leaves

I stared working away on this piece this week and it just seemed to take on a life of it’s own.     I started pinning the leaves I had created to supplement the ones I had made in Betty’s class on the final day.  Then I found a package of silk leaves that someone had passed my way and they just seemed to go together so I was off and pinning like a fool. It will take a long time to do all the free motion applique I think. But it is enjoyable for me.

Jumping Off Place        Angela gave me a packet called Through the Looking glass. It contained some great textured yarns and fabrics. I pulled it out yesterday and read the instructions. It is not my thing any more then it was Angel’s, but it turned out to be a good starting place. Only the organza, and little blue sequined square are from the kit. The rest I pulled from my collections. I will use the wonderful threads and supplement then with my own as the project was designed for a 12 “ square and I have gone way beyond that.

Coral Sea This work did not get much attention this week. But I did find some more felt that has misty fuse on it already so I am off and running again.

 

 

Wool Rounds I keep my hand in this project and finished three circles this week. My process is to fill in  one circle  at a  toime and every time when I finish with one stitch on a round, I have thread on the needle. I use that  thread  to do the blanket stitch on a new wool unit to tack it down. When all the units are tacked down I will move onto the next ring of stitches in the circles while still finishing off one fully.

 

 

 

 

 

Childhood Memories Depot

My parents built their first house in Ainsworth Iowa. Mom saved the check for the lumber yard for the construction and it was $180. In thinking about the houses I lived in I realized that three of my childhood homes were built into hills with a walk in door at that level.  Two of the them had garages . The Ainsworth house faced south with a gully on the west side that slopped up to the high school where dad taught high school. When we lived there we  two trips to the train depot in town. One time it was to get a great big box that contained parts for a rocking chair with an  apple green plastic on it. I got to play in the box while dad did the assembly. That  process was mostly one of  adding the arms and legs. I love rocking in it . The second time we went to the depot, it was to pick up a shipment of 100 live baby chicks. We took them home and checked them before we drove the m to Grandmother Esters house. I remember setting next to the box in the dark in the back of the car listening to the little peeps. I think I fell asleep. Because my next memory of the chicks was in Grandmother’s basement behind a 2″x 12″ that made a short wall next to the corner furnace. They all ended up in the brooder house and later in the hen house. I’m sure I must have gather eggs from some of them in later years. and  had some of them for Sunday dinner too.

I hope everyone is enjoying fall and creating great work.

Carol

Childhood Memories, Coral Sea, Curvie Cuts, Felt Work, Hand work, Machine Drawing, Night Fire, Wool Rounds

Fall

Hello,

The world keeps tilting back toward the north and as we passed the Autumnal  Equinox this week , the light of our days is diminishing every 24 hours.  The trees are showing color now as well.
This week has been a quiet one with lots of studio time for me. I did go to Liz’s house on Friday and we dyed. She is getting ready to go to the Barn and work for two weeks so she did some pre -work with green.
I just made yardage and after washing it out, we both agree the dye is getting old and is very pale.

Progress Report: Night Fire This work is 39.5″w X 34″t. I am quite happy with this work. The high contrast in color adds to the drama of fire. Judy gave me a photo of fire burning at night and that was the inspiration. I used lots of silk paper, and organza in this work as well as the traditional cotton.

 

 

 

 

Topographical I continue to do the couching on this work. I would say it is about half done at this point.

 

 

 

 

 

Sea Horses

I got excited about felting again and worked hard on this piece. I plan to add roving to the felt sea horses too. The brain coral is yarn felted with roving.

 

Coral Sea. As one can see this work was influenced by the felting project. I have not done much work here as the Topographical piece has taken most of my handwork energy this week.

 

 

Autumn Leaves    I The season dose have an impact on my work.   So I did print another collection of leaves for this work. I am still building parts here.

 

 

New Work    I pulled a work that I started at QBL in the Rock class out and sewed down the parts this week .  I then found one of my favorite pictures from Dad’d farm of trees and started  some to add to the work.    The trees are on wash away and when I have built them enough I will then add them to the base.

Wool Rounds I finished this panel this week completing 16 of the circles. I pulled out one more pair of old blue jeans to do more rounds. I still do not know exactly were I am going with this piece, but I am enjoying the process.

 

 

 

 

Childhood Memories- Stories

Memory is a strange thing.   Some things are all linked together in day units and some things I remember like beads on a string.    In doing this project I have learned that geographic and physical location  is a strong element for me to tie my memories together.    I am calling this panel Stories because I know these things happened to me,  but I think they were told or explained more than true events that I recall.  For example, I have a faded scar in a grid pattern on my left arm.   I was told by Mother that when I was very young and we were living in the trailer in Ainsworth that I fell against a heater and that is the source of that scar.  I remember a gold sweater that Mom gave me for a doll to wear.  The source she said was from the time Dad was a girls basketball coach.     It seems she knitted the sweater and added the A for Ainsworth to the front.  When she took me to the ball game the cheerleaders insisted that I set with the ball in the center circle during half time cheers.  I was a mascot of sorts.      A third event that was recorded as a photo that Mom took at  the time that I had wondered out to the barn behind the house.  I crawled over the gate and got into the pig pen and was playing in the mud with the 200 pound hogs when Mom found me.   She was horrified, and amazed that  I  did not get hurt by the animals.   I  got a good spanking , and a hot bath to remove the excessive mud- but she had to take a photo non the less.    Every time we looked at the photo album she would retell the story.     Even though I have these memoirs they are not really mine in the same way most of the things I talk about are.   They remain a part of my past that this exercise is suppose to cover.

Keep Creating

Carol

Apples and Chickadees, Autumn Leaves, Childhood Memories, Coral Sea, Night Fire, Wool Rounds

Working

Hello
As summer fades there seem to be an abundance of events.   These flowers are form Mim’s garden and they added to the setting for the the opening of the Associated Artist Show  this week.

This is a shot of three of the winners of awards.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Then I went with several quilting friends to the Cornell Full Circle Concept Fashion Show. It is always full of wild clothing. I was taken buy this dress called Earth Angle.   In talking with the artist I learned she used many melting techniques that I have used to get the moss like texture in the bodices  of this gown.

 

 

I marveled at this work with its use of broken mirrors and clock works.  the creator admitted to getting lots of glass cuts from the mirrors when she put this together. The clothing is not meant to be worn, but to explore ides for the young fashion gals who will be a part of the wearable fashion show in the spring. It’s a good program.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Progress Report: Apples and Chickadees This work is 12″w X 19″l. I did the silk painting in a class with Michelle de Groot in Rochester earlier this fall. All the machine drawing came later.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Topographical I started this project in class with Cynthia Corbin at QBL this summer.    This is a close up.     The couching adds color and texture to the surface.

 

Wool Rounds This is my handwork project for the time being.    This shot is close to life size.   I am trying to finish a circle before I start  a new one  while I watch the news.

Night Fires This project is going well. I have finished the trees now and only need to free motion quilt in the underbrush to finish that step.

 

 

 

 

Collaring Aunt May I will be going to Chicago to visit with Sharron in Oct and I want a hand project to work on. So I am going to applique down some of my Great Aunt Mays’s collars and lace work as my project.

 

 

 

Coral Sea

I only created the crochet plants this week. They are not tacked down yet as I want to add fish swimming through some of the branches.

 

 

Autumn Leaves I made the leaves in Betty Busby’s class at QBL this summer and plan to make additional ones. The base is simple and will support the idea.

 

 

Childhood Memories- Jackson Hole
When ever Dad had time off as a ranger, Mom had a travel plan of some sort. One week end we went down to Jackson Hole to view the ski lift and see what was there. We climbed to the top of the lift with Gene and myself in the lead as usual. Gene and I ran full speed down the wooden surface much to Mom horror. We both stopped before the end- but she did not know that.
We explored the town and went to a restaurant to have a late lunch. It was memorable for two reasons. One we rarely ate out. Two, because we had buffalo burgers. I do not remember them tasting all that different from beef- but I was a kid and do not nor do I know have a very good pallet. The then went to the Native American Dances up on a Masa like area. It was not commercialized and there were no seats. I remember tiring and setting on the ground at Mom’s feet and leaning against her legs as we were in the front I could still see the women dancing in one direction and the men in the opposite, around a fire. Drums and singer/chanters were the music.
It was late when we started back toward Colter Bay but we stopped at a fruit stand on the edge of town and got Bing -Cherries among other fruit. They were our dinner and we spit the pits out the windows as we drove home in the dark. They tasted great and I still think of that time every time I eat them. What we did not discover until morning was the streak stains on the white car. They did not wash off well. Years later when we sold the car one could still see a faint hint of the stains if one looked for them.

Keep Creating

Carol

Childhood Memories, Diva Meetings, FAD (Fiber Art Dames), Feathers, Night Fire, QBL- Quilting By the Lake, Quilt Exploration Group (QuEGs), Tee Shirt Quilts, Wildfire

Cool Fall Weather

Sept 12

Hello,
Today is cool and rainy. A good day to do work.   Tomorrow is Friday the 13 and the moon will be full.  Be sure to check it out at those two things will not happen together again until  2048.

There was a QuEG’s meeting this week. It was good to see folks. Liz brought her project form the Silk class. It looks good.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sue Ellen is finishing up projects and this is one.

 

 

Corrine was at the Red Thread workshop at Ghost Ranch.    This was one of her projects

 

 

 

 

This is one of the projects that Angel has just completed. She is taking an on line class.

 

 

 

 

 

 

She also experimented with some direct eco printing.  These cards are the result.

 

 

 

 

 

There was also a Diva meeting this week.

Maureen shared her knowledge of Spoon Flower with Susan and the rest of us.

 

 

 

 

 

Cheri had new work to share too. This is one of her pieces from QBL.

 

 

 

 

 

Noel also had work from QBL to share with us.

Lots of nice hand work here.

 

 

 

 

Liesi  did some dyeing with her grandchildren this summer and she shared it with us.

Both meetings were lively and enjoyable.

 

 

 

 

Associated Artist is having its Members show this week. This is Barbara’s piece from that show.

 

 

 

 

This is my work at the show.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Progress Report: Seven Feathers This quilt is 28″ w X 48″ l. I finished the reflective quilting this week. I am glad to have learned the processes that Betty Busby teaches.

 

I made the marbleized fabric at QBL about 30 years ago.  The batik is from the day we made it at Regina’s earlier this spring. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tee Shirt Quilt 2 I finished up this work yesterday too. I am glad to have completed the project. Now I need to get it to my daughter and onto the family.

 

 

Night Fires I have finished all the free motion work on the orange and yellow sections of this quilt. I want to add some hot spots with red. I think I will do the work on the dark parts of the forest first though.

 

 

Apples ans Chickadees    I have started to do the machine quilting on this project.

 

 

 

 

 

Coral Sea This is just the beginning of this project.  It has been  a long time sense I have done a sea floor piece and I thought I would like the stretch again.

 

 

 

 

New Project- old lace I need a hand work project for my trip to Chicago in Oct. So I am beginning by building this back ground.

 

 

Topographical   I am still couching down the blue yarn on the brown sections of this work.

 

 

 

 

Wool Rounds I have button whole stitch around all the wool circles but one. It is relaxing.

 

 

 

 

Childhood Memories; The Bell Visit
When we were in the Tetons my aunt Marce and uncle Paul brought my cousin Russell out for a visit. Uncle Paul was a man who loved to play practical jokes. While they were visiting he spent one afternoon in the ranger station setting on the floor chipping out arrow heads. Then when he got home to the farm in Iowa he dropped them around the barn lot and had a good time rediscovering them when ever a sales man showed up.   After picking up an arrow head he would make   little disparaging statements like” Oh no another one” and preparing to toss it aside. The sales man always offered him money of the “find” from the “ old Indian encampment.”

The second day of their visit we went to visit Craters of the Moon. That meant a drive across the continental divide.  Gene, Russell and I were in the back section of the station wagon. The boys started daring one another to eat the play dough. I did not get into that. As we climbed higher and higher with all the switchbacks the two to them got sick- we had to stop the car and they both exited quickly and threw up over the side of the mountain. I never told anyone why they got ill. They were fine when we got to the park. I do remember that although we stayed mostly on the paths with our running and exploring, the sharp lava glass nearly shredded the soles of our shoes.   It was a good exhausting day.

Keep Creating

Carol

Burning Woods, Childhood Memories, Finger Lakes Fiber Artists, Mom VI, Tee Shirt Quilts, Wool Rounds

Labor Day 2019

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Hello,
This week was Labor Day and even though I have been retired for years it still represents the end of summer and the beginning of   fall and school for me. It was a quiet day and I worked in the studio a lot. I got to thinking about horizons as I watched the children walking to school this morning. The Father was sharpening them along toward new futures that would certainly broaden the horizons of those young minds. Horizons are a important part of artists work too. It is a part of many a landscape and a great tool to use to show depth in art work. Just a small shift can change ones perspective and the horizons one sees. It is a way for one to explore even thought we are through with formal schooling.

I did unroll my Eco Dyeing projects from the  Finger Lakes Fiber Artists play day two weeks ago.   I am sorry to say the beets red dye turned black  with time.  But the red silk that I used did transfer lots of its color.      This is the paper.

This is the fabric.

 

 

 

Progress Report: Seven Feathers I have stitched down all the feathers at this point and I am doing reflective quilting to complete this piece.

Tee Shirt Quilt I finished the construction of the back for this quilt yesterday. Now I can begin the sandwich and quilt it.

 

 

 

 

 

Burning Woods It seemed like it took a long time for me to begin pinning on this work. Now it is moving along quickly. I have even started to stitch down some of the parts of this work.

Memories of Mom This work appears and disappears the stack of things to do so progress is slow. I am also unsure about whether I   have pulled together all the items I want to use on it.   I just need to keep exploring.

 

 

Wool Rounds     I am finished with this first batch of circles.  I am now working on a second bunch.

 

 

 

 

 

Childhood Memories- Schoolroom Glacier

This memory is also  of the Tetons. When Dad was a ranger Mom wanted to go to Schoolroom Glacier. It is a classic example of how a glacier pushes rocks to for a moraine and a lake as it moves forward. We never made the trip that summer as it is 14 miles from the trail head at Jenny Lake to the glacier. Farther then she thought we  ( I was 10 and Gene was 7 ) could hike in one day. But when we returned to the Tetons and Yellowstone the year I was a senior, we rented horses and made the trip.  Do to a heat event ( precursor of climate change) the snow at the front of the glacier collapsed into the lake and a lot of water flooded out. This destroyed the perfect V that was usually a part of the moraine. It left a big cave like form in the front of the glacier too. Mom was very excited and took a lot of photos to use in her class.  She also purchased older slides of how it had been before the collapse. While we were there it stated to rain. I had a new cowboy hat as I had out grown my old one,  so my head was dry. But to my dismay the horse I was riding threw a shoe and I had to walk her most of the way down. My hat’s form was ruined by the rain, but I still have the horse shoe.

Keep Creating

Carol

3X3, Forest Fire, Label Blocks, Rocky Shore, Totem Fox, Waterfall

January Joys

 

Hello,

This work Sun Skies 24” X 35”,  along with thirty of my other experimental pieces was hung in the gallery at May Memorial on Genesee St yesterday.   That is why I did not do the post.   I spent all day on Wed preparing for that hanging by pressing, making labels and  fixing my hanging units to work in that space.   I really like more than a week to prepare for a show and that was all I had this time.   IMG_2551  One does need to take the opportunities when they arise .      This work is Ice Crystal Forming.

Progress Report: Totem Fox This work is 20” X 27”.   It is my solution to the Totem Challenge by the Sisterhood of the Scissors.   I tried to keep the color range limited like the native Americans do with their totems and at  the same time make the work my own. IMG_2582I feel like I did so with this machine appliqued work.    I found all the hand quilting to be very calming during all the rush of the holidays too. IMG_2583

 

Rocky Shore- Elements Series I This work is 15.5” X 19” and the first in the Elements Series.    I was following the online class instructions and although the body of the work was done long ago I did not get to the finishing section until last week.   I faced the first one that I finished Gathering Storm  as she suggested.  This one I used the small binding method but could not do the sheer ribbon technique that she suggested because I did not have the materials. IMG_2561 I will apply the technique to a later work. IMG_2562

 

 

 

 Forest Fire- Elements Series 3  This work is 17”X 21”.   With this one the finishing was to be done with a binding that changes color as it went around the quilt.  I  think in this case that was a strong idea as having an orange strip at the top of this work surely would have limited it. IMG_2565I enjoyed using Angelina for the spark in the fire and  the painted organza too.IMG_2566 There is a little silk paper in this work as well.

 

Waterfall- Elements Series 4  This work is 18.5” X 22”.  It too has Angelina and silk paper in it.    The big tree on the left is made with yarn, bits of fabric and nylon netting.   Some of the smaller stones where made with squeeze paint on fabric- one of the lesson’s from the class.IMG_2570 The  finishing   of this work includes a  binding with  a beaded element for a bit more sparkle .IMG_2571  I learned some new tricks to apply to my collections of effects and I am glad I did all the projects.

Jeanne’s Quilt IMG_2552 I just keep adding to this work and it keeps growing.  I hope to get to the  side this week and then only the flaps will remain

Forest Flock    All the little red and gray birds are finished for this project.  I have drawing and started the blue and gray ones as well.  ( they are at the bottom)

IMG_25583X3 Challenge   Now that I have finished the Totem project I am ready to move onto this challenge.   The rules include making nine little quilts that go together into a bigger piece that is 3X3.   All the blocks need to contain some black and white as well.   I have decided to make my blocks 20”X20” and use this black and white print.    This will change with time but I think those elements are set.

IMG_2554Knitting  Because I have not gotten far enough along on the 3X3 challenge and I have no other hand work I knitted as my hand project this week.

 

Label Cards: Dream   I had to use this Fortune  Cookie  as it made me laugh.  Dreams do not need to be big ones, but they can grow.  It is most important that one dream.

 

 

 

 

 

 Hope , like laugher and honey is a comedy that we need more of  in this world.

Keep Creating

Carol

Aplique, Cockle Burs- Noogoora, Collections, Label Cards, Meadowlark, Sky, Totem Fox, Waterfall

End of year

IMG_2457Hello,

I had to add this photo of my grandson’s creation for his mother for Christmas.   I am so very proud of his creative welded  work.

We are reaching the end of 2018 and reflection on all that has transpired over the course of the year seems to be apart of that ending.   I have had a wonderful year with lots of shows and lots of creative work.  I continue to be healthy and the ideas keep flowing out of my brain while the fingers do the work.      My New Years wish for you is that you too will find new beginnings and joy at every turn.

Progress Report:   Gathering Storm This work is part of the elements series from Corrine’s online class book.   I have done all the palmary work and I am now doing the finishing up of the four works  as the instructor suggests. IMG_2498I have learned a lot as I have follow the instructions.  It has revived my interest in Angelina too.IMG_2499

Cockleburs/Noogooras  I thought that this work was done last week, but upon further reflection I realized that it was not quilted enough with just stitch in the ditch work.  So I added more steams in machine drawing.  They add the quilting to make itIMG_2515avoid sagging and a quiet interest.   Do that however meant I had to re-square the work so it has become a bit smaller as well.   IMG_2514I am happier with it now.

 

Meadowlark  This work is 12” X 12” and it too has a felted base with machine drawing on top.    I really like this process and can see more works in this style down the road. IMG_2506  There is a bit of recycling in this piece too.    The fence post is made from some of the leftovers of the rock piece that became   Rain Puddle.  I added brown nylon netting on top to quiet it down a little too.   IMG_2507  I made the barb wire from yarn as it frayed like the little spikes on the wire does.

Waterfall  After adding batting  and backing I am now stitching down the parts and quilting at the same time.   I’ll finish this like Gathering Storm as it too is from the Elements class.

Forest FlockIMG_2455  I built this quiet background this week.  I am making thread painted birds to add in on the top.    I will create  felted  trees to add yet another layer of depth to the work.   This will be the biggest work that I have done using the thread drawing as a part of the process.

IMG_2508  These are some of the birds.  There are two shades of gray and red threads on them.  They need black beaks, eyes and feet to be complete.   That will be my next action.

SandpipersIMG_2519 I also did the research and some palimony drawings for the next machine drawing  bird piece this week.   After doing all the solo birds I want to do groups for a piece or two

Jeanne’s quilt   This work got about an hour’s worth of work every day that I went to the studio this week.   Some rows even got connected to the ones next to them as they got completed.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Totem Fox   I am done with the quilting and I am adding the facings to this work now.  I think I will have it finished by tomorrow.  I have enjoyed this project.

 

IMG_2510 Collections V  This piece did not get much attention this week.   I am still collecting things that I think go together  here.   But now that Totem Fox is done I will need some hand work.

Label Cards: Rework    The new beginnings of the season  even became a part of this challenge this week.    At the same time I do not think one can leave the past behind so using some parts of an old project to build upon was a natural way to move forward for me.

The  Thing IMG_2484The future is like opening a door when you do not know what you will find.    What is” the thing “that is in your future  that will change everything that follows.   We can only move forward doing the best with what lies a head.

IMG_2486Another Thing  At the same time I can not think that good things are out there too.

Enjoy the holidays and ay your heart be full of joy.

Keep Creating

Carol

Aplique, Collections, FAD (Fiber Art Dames), Label Cards, Meadowlark, Noogora/Cockelburs, Plants, Shows, Totem Fox, Waterfall, Wildfire

Everson Show

Hello,

The big event in my life this week was the opening of the Everson show: (Re)Generate.   It is a show of women’s work from  gals all over 60 years old.  I was invited to participate and this is my Wildfire piece that is there.   The show is up until Jan 15.   I am very happy to be a part of this show along with so many friends.     The other event this week was a FAB meeting.  We went to Nancy’s new home.  It is wonderful with great views and splendid rooms.   In the basement there is a wonderful old pool table and some very old billiard   balls.BillardsI could not resist this colorful shot.

Progress Report: Noogoora/Cockleburs   All the parts are attached now and I have even done additional quilting in the form of more branches to fill in.  I will add the facing and finish it this week I hope.

Totem Fox IMG_2452I continue to do the quilting on this piece.   I am just about half way done with that step now.

Waterfall   I added the painted dryer sheet for the water fall yesterday and a bit of silk paper.   I will now free motions quilt it all down.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Meadowlark IMG_2444 All the base machine drawing is done now and I am ready to wash out the stabilizer.   Then on to the  felted  base.

Jeanne’s Project    I keep building away on this project.   It is slow because,  I audition a piece of fabric, look and then decide if it should be stitched on.     The if it works I stitch and move on to the next row.   I think she will be happy when it is complete.

IMG_2451Collection VI    I started a new work in this series this week.   There is not a lot on the surface yet but the building is part of the fun of these projects.

Cards: Inspire Be aware and open to the world around you.

IMG_2438 We never Know      One never knows what will spark a new direction or work.

I hope the holidays bring you joy and delight.

Keep Crating

Carol

Cockle Burs- Noogoora, Dickcissels, Label Cards, Linnen Jacket, Shows, Solo Blue Jay, Totem Fox

Quiet Days

IMG_2194  Hello,

We are in a quiet winter week at the moment.     Snow and Christmas prep keep one in the house and busy.    I had several days at home working and I enjoyed them a lot.    Sat afternoon was the opening of the 12X 12  show at the Broad Street Gallery in Hamilton.

IMG_2409Sharon and I went out together and we had a good time.  Several pieces were sold but not our work.

IMG_2410 This piece is in the show along with two more  bird pieces.   I was told by one of my Social art friends that she really liked this one.

Progress Report:    Dickcissels  This felted work is 12” X 12”.    I am having a good time doing little birds.IMG_2430   The felting portion is fun too.   Then adding all the details on the birds as I build them with the stitching is a real learning process.

Solo Blue Jay   This bird work is also 12” X 12”.   ( I have backgrounds built for two more)   I tried to make the background more interesting by putting him in a tree.   The Dickcissels   are found only in meadow settings so building trees for this background was especially enjoyable. IMG_2426 I have been experimenting with putting two treads through the eye of the needle and that makes for a more complex  color mix with the feathers.IMG_2427

 IMG_2422Totem Fox    The fox its self is all appliqued down now and I am to the quilting stage.  I am trying to follow the dye lines and create grass with them.

Jacket IMG_2420The hand work on this jacket continues.    I am still feeling the inspirations from the Slow  Stitch class  I took at the Schweinfurth last month.

Cockle burs- Noogoora’s     The bur heads are all stitched down now and I am ready to do the finish work on this piece.

 

 

 

Jean’s Project

IMG_2417This is the early stage of building this box quilt.   All the little white tags are the centers of the rows and they are labeled so I don’t accidently put them on the   wall upside down when I walk back to the pin wall.  I seem to only be able to add one  or two patches at a time on this work.   Then I must look and decide what to do next.

 

Waterfall    The tree’s crown is attached to the background.   I am now ready to begin doing the rocks and water in this piece.

 

 

Label Cards -Laughter IMG_2414  This is almost a cheat as I did so little in creating this card.   But when I saw this quote I could not stop myself from using it.

Line of Sight    I enjoy how the eye is lead up and away in this  sculpture.    Lines are strong directors for our eyes.

Keep Creating

Carol

Collections, Daily Practice, FAD (Fiber Art Dames), Friends, Scrap Happy Quilts, Wildfire

Fall Color

Hello,

IMG_2092Fall is all around me here in central NY.   I love all the color  although it has been very rainy so leaves are being pulled off the trees and there is little full color display here.   One needs to enjoy what is available.

FAB meant on Friday last week and  Sharon shared her completed commissions.  She sure can build a great  depth in her work  and all the seasons are represented.

IMG_2083This week I went with the Associated Artists  to visit an artists  studio.   Chris Baker ( his work is in the photo) was very open and gracious to us answering question after question.   It was a good learning experience.

Progress Report:  Wildfire This work is 33” w X 34” l.   I have so enjoyed working on this project.     I used a lot of the information that I learned in the transparence class at QBL last summer .  IMG_2108 I also used some silk paper that I had created to build up the color.   IMG_2109Everything is sewn  and quilted  together with free motion work.   I enjoyed  working on this one.

Friends- collections 3 This work is 16” w X 24”l.    There are so many little memories for me in this work.   Many of the objects are gifts from friends.   the Artists trading card here is form my friend Sharron  and the black glass button came from Jenny’s button box.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Machine drawing    I did a lot of machine drawing of birds this week.     Two Blue Jays, two Killdeer  and three Cedar Waxwings make up my efforts.     The last Waxwing is about half done.    I want to add them to the felting that I did last week.   Hopefully they will be a part of the  12X12 show at the Broad Street gallery in Dec/Jan.

 

 

Scarp Happy workIMG_2111These are three of the panels that I am building for the back of the scarp happy quilt.   I tried to limit the pallet so it hold together visually.

 IMG_2098Halloween Cards It is the season and I had a good time playing with paint and stickers one  day this week.

New work   The base is all done for this new project.  I want to build some burrs to add on top of this base.

Dyeing  and Indigo IMG_2096   Last Thursday I went to Regina’s and she encouraged me to use her Indigo dye pot.  I did these four  pieces at that time.  I think there is a lot of white because  I am not sure I soaked them in water before  I dipped them.   Mistakes are often made when one is learning.   IMG_2116Part of that learning included the fact that I stitched and wrapped some fabric before I went to Regina’s.   But it was soda soaked and one dose not need  to have soda soaked fabric  for indigo.   So this week I used some premixed dyes from Ethel’ stash on this fabric.   It came out pale again because I did  not know what I was doing.

 

Daily Practice  I keep working  away on this project.  I feel I am  almost  most done with the flow lines  around the outside of the fabric shapes.

 

Keep Creating

Carol