Art Spirit

Owl and Rabbits

2012-01-25T12:12:00.000-08:00

After returning from Seattle I got in the hooking mood and made this owl.

One rabbit was already almost finished and I made a friend for him.

I wanted to try out a different pose and came up with this guy...

Rabbits tend to multiply it seems....

And while I was out in the garden I put the gnome and rabbit together...just for fun.

Right now I am working on some tin" winged heart "pins for a local shop and putting some finishing touches on some heart paintings that I started a while ago. If I can get them in the store in time for Valentine's Day they might have new homes soon.

Fun in Seattle

2012-01-24T22:40:00.000-08:00

Our Seattle art adventure started off with a train ride from Santa Barbara to the Burbank airport.

We had time for a nice breakfast before taking off for Seattle. Teesha Moore of Artfest fame had invited a few art friends up for a weekend of artmaking, shopping and sampling the wonderful variety of restaurants in Seattle. We arrived on Thursday and got settled in at Syd's daughter's home. LE and her husband, Jon always make us feel right at home and off we went for a hot mocha and a visit to one of our favorite stores, Maxine's. Live birds chirp in cages and the colorful flowers, real and paper make it a magical place.

These photos don't really do it justice, but you get the idea....and why we always love to visit.

Just a walk away from LE's...great hot drinks and good food.

LE drove us into Seattle and helped us get our gear up to Teesha's wonderful studio right off Pioneer Square in the heart of Seattle.

On the way we spotted not one but many Yarnbombed trees! It was cold and about to snow so it felt like the wool was keeping the trees warm for the winter.

Murals on old city walls cheered up the winter day....

Inside Teesha's studio giant reproductions of her colorful jourmal pages adorned each wall.

We each started a canvas and everyone worked on each one. They all came out really different and fun.

Teesha gave us a demo on making layered plastic bags that can be used for journal covers or tote bags or whatever your heart desires. Tara got hers made into a journal, and I made a little purse.

We all made wool owls except for Taylor who made a cat puppet that we all loved!

Taylor and Syd working on their Smash Journals. We all painted and drew in each others journals and passed them around.

I brought a bunch of felted wool from recycled sweaters for everyone to make a scarf with.

Tara and Teesha are laying out their pieces for sewing. Everyone's came out so different...some had pockets, some colorful, some subdued. Mine came out pretty bright and wild but I think I will still be able to wear it.

We had some interesting visitors on the window ledge.

Such a great weekend, it went by way too fast and before we knew it we were off on the plane back to Burbank, then on the train, a bus from Oxnard and a ride home up the mountain from Syd. A big Thank you to Teesha for getting us all together to make some wonderful art and Taylor, Tara, and Syd for all the inspiration and good company. LE and Jon make it all the more special as we got to watch all the Downton Abbey episodes and some Portlania too. LE made some cool wrist warmers and we had fun carving stamps late at night.

Syd fed sea gulls after our lunch at Ivar's fish and chips...

I loved this ceramic owl on display at the Seattle airport. Made by a teacher at the Kirkland art school.

Adventures in Sculptureland...

2012-01-12T00:19:00.000-08:00

Aren't these bird assemblages wonderful! I found these perched atop an artists studio in Calistoga on our after Christmas vacation. We only had a few days up in Napa Valley but managed to get out and explore some new territory. These were made by Guy Pederson who sent us over to the Sculpture Gardens a few miles down the road.

Clos Pegase winery and sculpture garden was a wonderful new find. Even on New Years Eve we were the only ones wandering around the incredible grounds. Michael Graves designed the buildings in 1985 surrounded by grapes, oak trees, and mustard.

A large Dubuffet sculpture greets the visitors...

A Henry Moore piece titled Earth Mother...

Justin who turned 18 on our trip enjoying a 16th century fountain....

Jason giving the Thumbs Up sign with the big thumb...

I like signs...weathered ones...

The mustard is so beautiful in between the rows of grapes...

I have more photos to show but I am off on another adventure in the morning. Flying up to Seattle for an art filled extended weekend!

Hope that YOU have an art filled weekend as well!

New Year wishes...

2011-12-30T23:30:00.000-08:00

May your life be filled with love, peace and happiness and lots of art making.

May 2012 be the beginning of a world ruled by compassion, peace and harmony and respect for our beautiful planet earth.

Above is a little mixed media piece that I sent into a show at Westmont College in Montecito.

My favorite Christmas present this year...a beautiful heart shaped soap from a local shop.

A walk around the neighborhood....toyon berries...

hollyhocks blooming ....

prickly pear cactus.....

and my latest hooked squirrel.

Hope your New Year is filled with wonderful new adventures!

Happy Holidays!

2011-12-25T09:36:00.000-08:00

All good wishes for a lovely Christmas Holiday!

Loved this hand made card I found at the Renegade Show in San Francisco.

Kitty says "Merry Christmas!"

Happy Winter Solstice!

2011-12-21T16:39:00.000-08:00

New owl that flew off to the East Coast for a Christmas gift.

Two wooly owls that I just finished up last night. Can't seem to stop making things!

Not the prettiest shot of our Christmas tree but I managed to get it decorated with my mostly handmade ornaments from friends. We are off to our store's Christmas dinner party tonight. Both boys are home now and I've already made two different kinds of cookies. Love baking for the family.

Wanted to show you our "Squirrel" bird bath. This was my anniversary present this year. The birds and squirrels both seem to like it.

Penny gave me one of these for our Hookers Christmas gift exchange with a beautiful necklace inside. I went to World Market-Cost plus and bought more. I love the designs and messages.

I also got some fun wrapping paper...this fits in with where we live and some of the wildlife around us in the National Forest.

My son likes owls so most of his presents are wrapped in this owl paper.

On the way to Berkeley I stopped in Paso Robles and enjoyed this cute shop called Firefly.

Lots of nice handmade items.

Fourth St. in Berkeley was my first stop in the Bay area. Loved this funny window. The next day I got to go to the San Francisco Renegade show which was lots of fun. I had to shop quickly as I had two guys anxious to get home after finals. So fun to see what the SF artists are up to and support the arts and crafts.

Fourth St. trees with decorations at dusk on Friday.

Now I need to clean off the table and move the boxes of wool out of the living room!

All good wishes for a healthful, peaceful, and prosperous solstice and holiday season!

Kitties, ceramics, and more...

2011-12-16T07:52:00.000-08:00

Ten little kitty ornaments I made for a friend in Florida. Now happily on her family Christmas tree.

Two spotted cats who have eyes for each other. Now at "Imagine" in Santa Barbara.

Loved this pottery by Catherine Valance at the Waldorf Winter Faire.

Another platter by Catherine...

Dolls ...Christmas angels at Waldorf

Beautifully made pins, pin cushions and more made from kimono silks.

We even had our own angel make an appearance!

Monday night we had our Creative Females Holiday party at Penny's wonderful home.

Always love seeing Penny's art filled corners, especially at the Holidays

Anne always makes us a special bag of cookies to take home and devour later.

Some of Penny's amazing glass sculptures.

Just a little of the great Christmas decorations Penny shared with us.

We had a fun gift exchange and decided to have a quarterly "hook-in" instead of the monthly Monday night meetings.

And today I am off on another adventure to the San Francisco area. If time permits I want to check out the Renegade show in SF and some of my favorite spots in Berkeley. Son, Jason is ready to come home for the Holidays for a whole month. So I will be driving back down the coast tomorrow.

Have a great weekend!

Waldorf Winter Fair Dec. 10!

2011-12-08T14:19:00.000-08:00

Hoping for a Magical weekend! One more art and craft show to go! Two of my art buddies are selling at the Waldorf Winter Fair and I just couldn't say no. So I am finishing up some things that I started and didn't have time to finish for the other shows. Heart ornaments...still need some additional embellishing...bird ornaments are a work in progress, but the chenille bunny is done.

Mary Henson's Christmas Fair

Here is Mary's wonderful home where we had the last art fair.

You can get a peek into the dining room where 3 of us were set up.

The outdoor pool area where Mike has his wind chimes and cat tails.

The kitchen and family room area where we nibbled on delicious snacks, soups, chili and hot cider and tea.

One woman in her 80's worked on needle felted mushroom pin cushions and we had live harp music as well.

Fun to poke around a friend's home and take photos....

Spider on the outside wall by the driveway...

And my little suitcase of critters awaiting new homes at the show. The first two days were a bit slow for me and then Sunday was great. Friends stopped by to say Howdy and make some purchases which was much appreciated. Now on to the next one and then some special orders are calling my name, must do before Christmas!

Art Fair Today!

2011-12-02T10:52:00.000-08:00

Mr. Gnome got hooked up just in time for the next Art Fair starting this evening.

If you are in the area I hope you can come by. It will be at Mary Henson's wonderful estate,

"Cotes de Lances', 387 Ortega Ridge Rd. Montecito, Ca.

Friday, Dec. 2nd 5-8pm

Saturday, Dec. 3rd, 10-5

Sunday, Dec. 4th, 11-4

New cats will be there!

A few new owls too!

Two new dogs...

and maybe a new hooked squirrel if I can finish this little guy up in time.

Queen of Arts Revisited

2011-11-27T16:11:00.000-08:00

Had a wonderful day over in Ballard, CA at Syd McCutcheon's country cottage Art Show and Sale.

I managed to make some more owls and a few new hooked items and had a really good show.

My outdoor display at the beginning of the show. We had incredible weather, 79F and bright blue skies.

One of my best customers, Kelley took home Mr. Cat.

I sold few of the wool applique scarves that I had hanging behind my display.

Things seem to be calming down a bit today. Jason is back on his way to Berkeley and Dennis is working on our breakfast nook. I have another show to do on Friday, Sat. and Sun. in Santa Barbara so can't relax quite yet.

Happy Thanksgiving!

2011-11-24T09:45:00.000-08:00

Wishing you all a very Happy Thanksgiving! I am grateful for family and friends, having my boys here together, good health, a home, art to do, nature all around, and sharing my art and adventures with YOU. I always appreciate your comments and visits and hope you all have a great weekend.

I am still setting the table for our family meal later today. I got out my favorite plates from Nathalie Lete that I bought one at a time from Anthropologie for special occasions. I had to get 2 See's turkeys for the boys and invite all the woodland animals too. I made two pies yesterday and got most of the green bean casserole done so we will have time for our annual Thanksgiving hike with the boys.

And that's after driving 6 hours up to Berkeley on Monday to pick up Jason and back on Tuesday.

The fun part was finding the Ethnic Arts store after 19 years and a quick visit to Fourth St.

Will post some more photos soon because I'd better get cooking soon!

Much love to you and yours!

I did get the owls finished for the Queen of Arts REvisited show this Saturday at Syd McCutcheon's home in Ballard.

1860 Cottonwood, Ballard...10 to 4 Hope you can come...40 artists and lots of fun new things!

Rabbit got completed as well and I left in the greenish gray wool.

Still working on mr. cat, almost done!

And the dogs and cats are piling up, getting ready for the next shows.

A little sneak preview of the Ethnic Arts store with their great collection of David Marsh furniture. I have my eye on a dining room table. They are having a sale on Dec. 10...can I make it? We shall see....

Stuffed Mushrooms

2011-11-18T16:40:00.000-08:00

I finally got 30 fabric mushrooms finished and sent off today for the Christmas tree at "Muse" in St. Helena, Ca. Near the end of my sewing marathon I had fun mismatching tops and bottoms.

The funny thing is that I didn't have to buy any new fabric for this project. My bin of polka dots was more than enough to provide lots of tops and solids and stripes are also plentiful around here.

Henry helped with the photos outside as usual.

Fun with "Hit or Miss"...

2011-11-15T10:40:00.000-08:00

Started work on this funny cat last night. I had so much fun hooking in the "hit or miss" style that I thought I'd try it on something else besides the owls. And below is Owl no. 2. He looks a lot like the last one, but he is a bit different.

owl and rabbit

2011-11-11T13:32:00.000-08:00

A colorful new owl I hooked up this week for the next Queen of Arts Show Revisited at Syd's house in Ballard on Nov. 26. This was fun to do- hooking up a "hit or miss" from all the stray wool strips in my ever growing basket of "worms".

And a new rabbit that I finished up. I really need some better lighting! Notice the greenish strips!

I usually do my rug hooking at night and I thought these were grey. I kind of like it like this but will probably take them out and re-hook in grey. I didn't even notice this until I took it outside for a photo!

And these are some little felt heart necklaces that I made and didn't have time to price for the last show.

The necklace is a 2-3 strand cotton yarn crocheted piece.

The kitties are sleeping while I sew and get ready for the next two to three shows I have lined up.

Queen of Arts show 2011

2011-11-06T20:20:00.000-08:00

Spent two great days at the Queen of Arts show in Solvang, CA. Here is my space at the beginning of the show on Friday. Tried to get some photos of some of the other crafts at the show. Lots of fun art, jewelry and crafts.

Colleen with some of her wonderful embroidered creations. I just had to have one of her little cottage pin cushions and the doggie tee shirt for my grand nephew.

Angela makes colorful felted scarves and ornaments and teaches art to kids full time. She went home with one of my mushrooms and 2 foxes.

Syd's fun filled booth and great paintings. Loved all her new dollies!

My neighbor, Ina and her daughter knit these beautiful baby hats and tea cozies.

Marcelino Jimenez creates these incredible mixed media pieces.

Felted wool viking hats for winter days.

Cindy Knight's sparkly world is always a big hit.

Sukey Hughes does amazing dolls, jewelry and paintings.

Georgeanne Alex's kimono silk purses and scarves are exquisitely beautiful. We got to do a little trading.

Sue's fun wall pieces and fiber art.

Here I am holding one of those black wool cats. So grateful to be a part of this great group of artists and thankful for all the support of the local families who always come to see all the new things and purchase our goodies.

New cats, dogs, and more...

2011-11-02T11:20:00.000-07:00

I had fun with these black cats. I used a thick zippered sweater jacket from the thrift store for the bodies.

This wool also makes a great backing for some of the hooked items I make.

It's "crunch" time around here. The Queen of Arts Show starts this Friday at 4pm and I am busily finishing up all the projects that I've been working on for the last few months.

This is a funny little linen birdie with "real" pockets...one holds an acorn from our yard.

Thought I'd better make some dogs too! This nice chenille worked out well.

When I found this lovely brown cashmere sweater it said "dogs" to me, so I came up with a couple of weiner dogs just for fun.

The foxes now have all their heads sewn on, but here is how the floor looked the other day as I had to match heads and bodies. All different sizes because I don't use a pattern...just wing it on the sewing machine....well, I did draw the heads before sewing. Last night I gave them all a polar fleece scarf to wear. I think I made at least 20! Hopefully enough for the 3 or 4 upcoming shows I've signed up for!

Had to work at our store on Halloween on Monday so I brought some masks just for fun.

Dennis, me and Larry in the showroom. Back to work...have to price everything and still have some little heart and acorn necklaces I want to get together.

Sewing, stitching, and stuffing...

2011-10-28T19:29:00.000-07:00

Getting ready for the craft shows that begin in about a week....little felt bird pins sitting atop a wool stitchery that is a work in progress.

Some of the kitties that I've been working on...

A patchwork owl and some made with chenille...

And this woven fabric piece is for Deb Price and her class of wonderful fiber artists.

Still working on this...started in Jude Hill's online class which was lots of fun and inspiring.

Meanwhile, back at "Just Folk"......

2011-10-27T20:13:00.000-07:00

On my last visit to "Just Folk" in Summerland I realized that there were quite a few hooked rugs that I had failed to photograph. So for you rug hookers out there here are some more antique hooked rugs from their incredible collection. Enjoy!

I showed a close up of this rug before but look how large this one is!

And I just love the subdued colors and design with hearts.

And I just had to include some more of the wonderful folk art....

My second visit was last Friday night to deliver the doggie wreath and attend the opening reception for artist Harry Underwood, pictured above. His show titled "Reveries and Recollections" is a wonderful collection of this Nashville artist's work. The brochure says, "Harry Underwood is a poet and a painter, a dreamer and a realist." "I like to paint the absurd and the profound, and eat frozen waffles..."

I had a great time and got to chat with Harry about painting and art.

'Just Folk' always has the best refreshments and for this show the local Burger Bus served both mini beef and vegan burgers with yam fries...wine, water and Coca Cola!

Berkeley weekend

2011-10-26T13:39:00.000-07:00

Jason dropped me off on College Ave. so I could get my ice cream from Ici. I had one scoop of strawberry in a cup-delicious!

Had to stop off at Castle in the Air...their front window and shots of the inside for Fall...

A clothing store on fourth street, always has a fun window display..

couldn't resist a photo here...

interesting poster on a telephone pole...

And our favorite spot of dinner, Trattoria Siciliana.

So good, fresh, delicious....but cash only...we keep trying new dishes and share a dessert..usually the warm chocolate souffle.

Jason awaiting our appetizers...

Eggplant appetizer--so good!

Some of the pretty flowers around Berkeley. A quick trip but we managed to get in quite a few fun things.

A busy time as I am getting ready for 3 upcoming shows and a few store orders. Justin is keeping me busy with driving lessons, guitar lessons, senior pictures and new dinner requests. Somehow I am getting my morning beach walk in, a quick visit to the thrift store then home for some sewing, cat cuddling, and then back down the mountain so Justin can drive home. He's almost ready to get his drivers license and that will be a big change-can't wait and neither can he!

Dia de los Muertos

2011-10-22T08:34:00.000-07:00

A quick post before I head off to work at the hardware store....finished up this piece for the Dia de los Muertos show at the Art Clinic. Reception this Tuesday!

Some of the cool dolls that Syd made for upcoming shows!

My art companion, Henry...

window at Tale of the YAK in Berkeley. closed on Sunday....wah!

window Treehouse Gifts, Berkeley...

lots more to share from this busy week, but will have to wait until tomorrow...

Early wreath

2011-10-14T00:45:00.000-07:00

working on this doggie wreath of a fund raising event in Los Angeles....

a basket full of dog ornaments on their way to "Just Folk"...

and this is yet another hooked rabbit for early Nov. craft shows...

small owl painting...just for fun....

Been busy finishing up lots of things that I've started and even making some new things for the Queen of Arts show in Solvang in early November...keeping me busy, but still have time to jump in the ocean to cool off. We are having a heat wave here on the West coast...and the ocean is the best way I know of to stay cool.

Plans are being made for a weekend trip to the Bay area to visit our son Jason...will deliver his new iphone, go to his favorite restaurants, and spend some time because we won't see him until Thanksgiving most likely. Hope to get in my visits to fun shops on fourth street...have a great weekend..!!!!

More stuff...

2011-10-07T12:06:00.000-07:00

Kitty with her new apron

Painted fabric birds in apricot tree by my art studio

hand dyed velvet bird ornament

painted fabric bird with silk wings

Latest rabbit sewed up and ready to go to "Muse" in St. Helena, CA

A few new things...

2011-10-05T13:08:00.000-07:00

Henry, my assistant photographer.....

New squirrel with acorn....

Kitty with sweater...

Wooly bugs...

My first attempt at punch needle....took me awhile to get the hang of it...still need to do more.

I used two different perle cotton 8 Valdani varigated threads that I had on hand. Sort of an experiment. I think I need to use more contrasting colors as the center heart doesn't show up very well. I am hoping to make some fun little designs for pins. The book below has some good instructions and photos to get you started.

Just had to show you our eggplant! I put the eyes on for his photo and sent a copy to our son in college!

Newest rabbit that I finished hooking last night. When I finished and took it outside to photograph I noticed that I had hooked the eye, nose and mouth in dark navy blue and had to take out the strips and re-hook.

That's what happens when you hook late at night!

Monday at Maren's

2011-09-30T23:38:00.000-07:00

Anne's wonderful punch needle piece.

We were given a lesson and I can't wait to get to work on my first piece.

Maren's latest quilt. She created many of the fabrics herself and shared them in a workshop with her quilting group.

Our group of rug hookers who are also quilters, punch needlers, metal artists, painters and pastel artists!

Had to include a shot of Henry sleeping with his pet bird.

More from "Just Folk"

2011-09-30T07:19:00.000-07:00

Quilts and rugs at "Just Folk"

2011-09-27T13:50:00.000-07:00

Hooked rugs at "Just Folk"

2011-09-26T07:31:00.000-07:00

some of the wonderful vintage hooked rugs at "Just Folk" in Summerland, CA. Make a visit yesterday and got to see all the wonderful new things. In honor of our rug hooking meeting tonight I posted a few of the hooked rugs on display.

Monday at Maren's

2011-09-23T16:57:00.000-07:00

Our stitching group inspired by the work of Sue Spargo met at Maren's lovely home on Monday evening.

Maren brought out one of her art quilts that she is currently working on. I LOVE it! What fun colors and fabric. She plans to add a thin blue border and then do some quilting.

Another one of Maren's art quilts....

Colleen's wonderful wool and velvet embroidered brooches.

Cathy brought this colorful art quilt for us to see. Made by Sue Spargo and Tonye Phillips.

Such great colors and lots of hand stitching.

Another quilt that Cathy brought.

Barbara's been stitching and learning lots of cool new embroidery stitches. She also brought hand dyed velvet and wool to share in delicious colors.

Flowers from Maren's garden

. What a fun evening of dining on fare from the garden, visiting with new friends, and lots of show and tell and even some sewing~

A new rabbit for Fall

2011-09-20T14:07:00.000-07:00

My newest rabbit. Just finished hooking him last night and sewed him up today.

I decided to hook up a pumpkin with no face this time.

On my weekly visit to the local thrift store I found this embroidered tee shirt for under two dollars!

Hope to use it in some recycled clothing projects I am working on. Too small for me to wear, but I loved the stitching. Made in China to look like Mexican embroidery I think.

And while I was taking a photo of the rabbit this little guy was chattering away on the phone cables across the road. I think he was taking a little siesta as he just lay up there for quite a while. This is where I get my inspiration for the hooked squirrels I make...and I think I might start a new one tonight!

Crow and pumpkins

2011-09-16T11:40:00.000-07:00

Just got these hooked up for "Muse" a sweet little shop up in the Napa Valley. I also need to make 30 fabric mushrooms to decorate their Holiday tree. I love making mushrooms so I am anxious to get started on my next projects. Of course I have about 10 other projects in the works because I can't seem to just work on one thing at a time. Keeps life interesting!

Early harvest

2011-09-13T11:41:00.000-07:00

Sunday morning we had our little Farmers Market in Painted Cave where I live. A nice gathering of locals and visitors came together in the morning fog to trade produce, crafts and stories.

Our visiting musician Santiago, a Quechua from Peru played throughout the festivities.

Baked goods kept coming out from the kitchen..scones, stone fruit upside down cake, fresh fruit coffee cake and hot tea and coffee for everyone.

Barbara had her hand crocheted hats for sale.

Chris made bird houses...

fresh basil....yum!

Brought home some of Larry's apples for Justin's lunches...

Ellie and tomatoes...

Phil's homemade bread went fast.

I managed to sell a few things and headed home to work in our garden for the rest of the day.

Eastern Sierras

2011-09-07T07:25:00.000-07:00

A few quick photos this morning....Mono Lake shot from a moving car.

The old mining town where we stayed with the wonderful natural hot springs...

Scenic rock formations on the way to Lake Lundy....
I am off to the beach for the day..too hot to stay home!

Owl be back....

2011-09-02T22:15:00.000-07:00

The owls are coming together and I thought i'd post them before we go off on our little adventure to the Sierras for the weekend. Here is one family....still need to paint their feet but at least I got them attached the other night before bed.

Another family group...

A quick visit to to the thrift store produced this fun vintage owl linen tea towel. Could not resist!

And a few of the sights from my last visit to our Farmers Market...so colorful and fun people watching....

Off to Benton Hot Springs, Lake Lundy and the Sierras for the Labor Day weekend after a half day working at our store. Hope to get some stitching and reading in while Dennis does some fishing (catch and release).
Maybe a little day hike up a canyon where ravens are said to live...

Hope you all have a great weekend!

Weekend in Berkeley

2011-08-26T22:02:00.000-07:00

Some photos of our trip up to No. California. First stop in Big Sur on Hwy 1 was at Nepenthe and the Phoenix gift shop. After a nice breakfast we stopped in the shop and I got permission to take a few photos.

Our favorite ice cream place in Berkeley is Icee. The line was incredibly long even at 2:30 in the afternoon..... but worth the long wait. I got one scoop of strawberry balsamic carmel swirl and it was sooo good!

One of the happy customers ahead of us.

I only got a look at the charming window of Tale of the Yak as we headed out to dinner on College Ave.

Here's where my son is living this year. He has some nice redwood trees in the backyard, lots of housemates and a 2 block walk to Cal.

We were lucky to get seated outside at Bette's Oceanview Diner right away. Dennis and Jason enjoying brunch while I took a peek next door at Castle in the Air.

Jason and I in front of the redwoods and a little creek in the background.

Front window of Castle in the Air is always fun and seasonal..

Another fun window on Fourth St.

A quick look inside the Berkeley Anthropologie...

And just had to take a photo of these fun applique pants on a nice girl at the Berkeley Bowl, my son's favorite market.

And some beautiful flowers in his neighborhood..not sure of the name of these, but loved them!

I think I spoke to soon about getting the hang of the Mac! I am having a difficult time getting things to work smoothly for me. Tried blogging several times this week and had to give up. But for some reason it is now working and for that I am grateful!

A few new things...

2011-08-19T22:55:00.000-07:00

The little mushroom house is finished up and I took it out into the front yard for a photo. Couldn't resist setting it near our driveway gnome.

A funny little painting that I am working on.

Got a little painting done on the owls today and that felt good. Need to get those wire legs done.

A fun read from my friend Penny. Makes me want to knit again. Rachael has a fun blog called 'Yarn a gogo'...

I hooked up another Milagro heart using some hand dyed wool for the background. I dyed several pieces of different weights and textures and chose the one I liked best. My plan is to make six hearts for upcoming shows and display them all in a row. Two down, four to go!

I left the wool in the dye pot overnight and it came out nice and richly colored.

Of course Henry had to come take look to see what I was up to.

My wool drying on the honeysuckle vines.

I think I am starting to get the hang of the Mac...yay!

Magic feather

2011-08-18T23:42:00.000-07:00

I embroidered a little feather for Jude Hill's Magic Feather project and sent it off this week. I used some of Glennis' hand dyed indigo linen for the background. It was a nice weight and texture for some hand stitching. I almost didn't send it because it looked a bit funky when I finished it...but off it went anyway!

This is my first attempt at blogging with my new Mac Pro that my son picked out for me. I am trying to ease into it and get used to the different devices and iphoto. I still need some lessons....I have photos of our trip to Berkeley that I wanted to share but when I went back to upload there were only numbers and no images. I'll be back when I get a few more lessons!

Cats and flowers

2011-08-12T18:55:00.000-07:00

Cat no.2 just got finished up today. I found the little chair at a thrift store yesterday on the way home from working at our store. Thought it might make a good display for future craft shows. The cats seem to like it.

A close up of cat no.2.

Some of the beautiful flowers in the local nursery that I stopped in to buy some herbs and chili peppers for our garden.

We are off to the Bay area for the weekend to see our son Jason who has a little time off before the new school year starts again. He sent me a list of things to bring up including my crock pot. Guess I will just have to get myself a new one. I am hoping we will go up Hwy 1 and stop in Big Sur for lunch and visit Nepenthe and the Phoenix gift store, a magical place next to redwoods and incredible ocean vistas. Also hoping to get a few stops in at some of my favorite spots in Berkeley too. Hope you have a great weekend!

New Cat

2011-08-07T11:11:00.000-07:00

I spent Saturday working at our Hardware store, stopped for a CPK artichoke spinach pizza to bring home, and got started on this new hooked cat. A funny new face appeared. Hope to finish up the body tonight.

Having a non-driving teenager keeps me busy. He informed me last night that he wants to play beach volleyball at noon today. So off to the ocean we go. The garden will have to wait. Just planted more tomatoes and chilis. Lettuce is doing well and the eggplants are blooming...

I think I hooked this little mushroom house 2 nights ago. Still need to sew, stuff and sew again.Maybe a little mushroom village would be fun!

Santa Barbara Arts

2011-08-05T12:55:00.000-07:00

Completed the hooked kitty the other day. Haven't made one for a while so it was fun. I have another one drawn up and ready to hook. Hoping to have plenty of things to sell for Fall and Winter shows.

Local artist Syd McCutcheon is the featured artist at Santa Barbara Arts, a gallery owned by one of my neighbors. I drove down the mountain for a visit and had a great time seeing the show and meeting up with artists and friends from long ago.

Some of Syd's paintings inside the gallery. Loved her new work, many sold already.

Syd sitting with Ben Franklin and sombrero. It's Fiesta time in Santa Barbara and we have over 100,000 visitors for the 5 day celebration-parades, music, lots of food and crafts. Sometimes a bit overwhelming for the locals.

Pam Garrison made a surprise visit with her sweet and patient daughter and we headed off for some good Mexican food after the gallery opening. Pam always manages to make us laugh lke no one else, and keep us informed on all the great art workshops available. A fun evening for all!

And here is Maddie, the little mermaid on our beach day this week. She braved our 64 degree water with us and floated on the boogie board while pelicans flew over our heads.

Enjoying summer...except for my cleaning and sorting extravaganza, which I need to get back to!

New kitty

2011-08-03T20:13:00.000-07:00

Started hooking this kitty the other night and still sorting wool and fabric, a bigger job than I realized!

Did get in a fun beach day with Syd, Maddie, and Joe yesterday and played in the garden today.

Heartfelt

2011-07-27T12:58:00.000-07:00

Here's my latest hooked creation. I used some felted wool knit for the blue background instead of regular wool fabric and it seemed to work fine.

Been having trouble with Blogger for the last few days. I tried posting this at least 3 times and "nothing!" At least it seems to be working now. It could be our internet service which isn't the greatest....who knows?

Doing some major clean up and getting rid of stuff that I no longer need or use. Feels good, but still a long ways to go. Enjoying the summer weather and have gone boogie boarding in the ocean three or four times so far. Starting to pick tomatoes and lettuce from our garden and am watching a red headed woodpecker out my office window as I type! Hope you are enjoying your summer days...!

summertime

2011-07-21T11:25:00.000-07:00

It's Summertime and I am loving being able to sleep in! Since I am such a night owl and love to stay up late stitching and reading it's great to sleep as long as I can. When school time rolls around I will be up at 6am and that is too early for me! I have another month of freedom to savor. I made the little linen bird just for fun and may do a bit more stitching, we will see.

I got all the pieces stitched down before our meeting on Tuesday. Colleen showed us some fun new stitches to play with. I used the "fly " stitch on two of the leaves and practiced the "bullion" stitch on a piece of scrap wool. Fun to have a few new stitches to work with. Maren shared her beautiful stash of hand dyed wool with us and had lots of great nibbles and ice cold lemonade. We got to meet several women from the local Quilters Guild, many of whom are planning their next trip to the Sisters Quilt gathering next year. And this weekend is the Long Beach Quilt Show and Sale. Pondering if I should try and go....

I funny little owl I painted the other night...found the frame in the free box at our mail boxes and decided to play with it.

A little corner of my house with odd and ends, some I've made and others I've collected.

And here is Henry trying to take a nap on my messy work table. A dear friend just gave me the wooden bird stamp and I can't wait to use it on some fabric.

And now I'm off to the Art Clinic to work on some fun wearable art pieces that we started last week!

Working with wool...

2011-07-15T11:44:00.000-07:00

Spent a fun day at the Art Clinic yesterday making recycled fabric clothing. Colleen was working on a wool leaf project for a demo next Tuesday that I hope to go to and inspired me to get out my box of wool and get some leaves ready to stitch down. Above is what I came up with. We plan to do some Sue Spargo inspired applique and stitching with a new group called the "Spargoettes". Hope to learn some new embroidery stitches and techniques. I tend to use the ones I've learned long ago over and over and it's fun to try something new. I now need to get these stitched down before Tuesday.

Coastal fog...

2011-07-13T14:21:00.000-07:00

After some nice beach days we now have coastal fog cooling off the mornings. I am enjoying the cool weather as it puts me in the mood to work with wool again. I got back into rug hooking and made a bird and rabbit this week.

Here they are together sitting in our jasmine and honeysuckle vines with the fog in the background. I still have quite a few other projects going on. Today I plan to paint the fabric owls that I started months ago, make some bird legs, and work on the little dolls that I didn't get finished for the July show.

Birthday doll...

2011-07-07T11:00:00.000-07:00

I am still unpacking from the July 4th show and getting back into the swing of things. Off to a birthday lunch in Solvang for Sukey. Made her this doll out of some Peruvian handwoven fabric. She makes the best Frieda dolls and is always painting or drawing or stitching. And I have some dear friends coming to stay for a few days. I turned my art studio into a guest room- well half of it anyway! So hopefully I will get back to my art soon, although it is nice to have a little break.

The 4th of July show got a nice write up in the local SB News Press and I even had my picture in the paper!

Whoo hoo! Hard to see but that is me at the bottom of the page.

Getting ready for the 4th of July

2011-07-03T14:20:00.000-07:00

Got a bunch of wild foxes ready....

and some striped kitties....4 cats out of one small sweater, not bad!

Linen rabbits....

a small cashmere kitty...

a tiny linen owl...

some kimono silk flower brooches...

and some little felt owl pins...just some of the things for the 4th of July art show . Off to set up tables for tomorrow. Hope you have an enjoyable weekend! Back soon!

what was I thinking?

2011-06-24T13:39:00.000-07:00

I can't believe how many dogs I made! These guys still need to have their ears sewn on, but at least I got them cut out this morning. I like to do hand sewing in the evening so hopefully I can get that done tonight.

More works in progress. Looks like some bunnies and other creatures made from linen.

Soft kitties close to being ready for new homes....

These are the painted muslin owls that I started quite a while ago. I need to sand them and then paint them again before doing the fun detail work. And then of course get some legs and feet made with wire and paper mache.

A better photo of the cupcakes....I took the other one late in the day and the colors were more muted.

Still need to put pins on top so they can be used as pin cushions.

Enjoying using these fun tin boxes for a place to keep some of my button collection. I got the top one at Artfest and then the small one at a book store in Berkeley. Tiny buttons are in the small one that I use for eyes on my wool creatures. They have fun messages printed on them all over.

My front yard with the wool dogs on my pink quilt and Henry the cat watching. Maybe I will actually sit outside and try sewing some of those ears on!

Elephant herds...

2011-06-23T12:57:00.000-07:00

Getting ready for the 4th of July I managed to get two herds of cashmere elephants done. This is the first herd.The second herd is below...after the wooly cupcake display....

Punch is a fun store on State St. where Syd sells some of her art. We had a fun visit after picking up our dolls at Indigo on Sunday. Plum Goods, another great store was another stop on our way to lunch.

Just finished book no. 7 in a 9 part series called "The Ringing Cedars" by Vladimir Megre. One of my neighbors ordered the whole series and brings me a new book as soon as I finish reading one. Very interesting!

And just read this too....loaned from the same nice neighbor!

I have lots more works almost completed....wool doggies still need their ears sewn on, cloth owls are half painted, ethnic dollies need faces embroidered and I have about 8 small paintings to complete. And I just found out that I am invited to our local Farmer's Market and must bring crafts! Luckily I have a bunch of things completed to fill a small table and it is only from 9 to noon.
Come visit if you are in the Painted Cave vicinity! Located at 4844 Ogram Rd. at Teddy and Laura's home.

Birds and Mushrooms...

2011-06-17T20:35:00.000-07:00

We had a wonderful vacation- lots of sunshine, hot spring soaking, good food, friends, and hikes to familiar places. Now we are back home and I am busily creating for the 4th of July craft show. Making more little owls, mushrooms, felt pins, and hooked creatures. Still working in our store a few days a week and with both boys home cooking more than usual, but enjoying it more. Nice to have the whole family here, even though Jason has taken over one half of my art studio with his stuff!

Daily walk

2011-06-11T00:13:00.000-07:00

My daily walk passes through our little neighborhood....gardens filled with hollyhocks...

bird baths....

Yuccas blooming....

wildflowers....

foggy mountain tops...with mustard blooming...

colorful sage...

and the local goats awaiting a handout.

Our family is off for our short vacation to Calistoga. Back in a few days.

Have a great weekend!

Art From Scrap Workshop * Mask making *

2011-06-07T12:23:00.000-07:00

Here are some of the fun and colorful masks that the kids made at our workshop on Saturday. I made a few samples for ideas and the kids got right to work. All of the materials are from the donated supplies at Art From Scrap. The plastic jewels were a big hit especially with the girls! We had quite a good turnout and the kids kept coming for the whole 2 hours and were making things right up until 12 noon. There is just something about kids' art that makes you smile...I am always amazed at the wonderful creations that show up.

Cage Doll Show at Indigo in Santa Barbara

2011-06-05T19:51:00.000-07:00

These are images from the opening night of the Cage Doll show. I tried to get as many photos as I could with all the people standing around. We had a very good turnout on the First Thursday opening and several of the dolls sold. So many different way of interpreting the theme, loved them all. Hope you enjoy the show!

Caged doll show at Indigo in Santa Barbara

2011-05-30T20:08:00.000-07:00

Here is my doll for the Caged Doll show at Indigo. I had fun creating her costume from my collection of vintage lace pieces. I raided my jewelry stash and made her some necklaces with pearls and beads and charms. The metal piece on her head was a recycled piece that has been in my garden for a few years. I broke off a piece, drilled a small hole in the top of her head (ouch!) and E6000 and some Liquid Nails made it permanent.

She is quite tall. Here she stands on my messy table before taking her off to the gallery.

Another piece for Indigo is this bird piece made using a vintage lampshade. I used vintage kimono fabric for the bird and to cover the metal spokes. I did more work on this one after I took this photo-it got much more colorful. I will try and get another photo at the opening this Thursday plus all the other cool dolls in the show. It was really fun to see how everyone interpreted the theme and the materials they used.

Busy week..

2011-05-26T08:24:00.000-07:00

It's been a busy week around here for me. I am getting ready for a show here in Santa Barbara and hoped to have 3 "caged dolls" ready by Saturday. I have two almost done. This is my mystical owl mother doll. The bottom is a bamboo lampshade that I attached lots of odd things to. The other doll is more traditional...a Santobelli that I started at Artfest and have been working on all week. I am off to work at our store so I thought I would get in a quick post.

This fun package arrived this week from Selvedge Drygoods store online. They were having a sale and I couldn't resist buying a fabric necklace from Sophie Digard. I wore it last night to the movies.

Two hooked creatures that are on their way to New Hampshire for Patti.

And the bluebird got some legs and went to Patty in the Bay area.

My husband took me to the Moody Blues concert for a special treat. Lots of fun, mostly old people like us enjoying some of our favorite music from times past.

New owls

2011-05-16T18:56:00.000-07:00

These three spotted owls are my latest creations. Sorry to have been away for so long, but I have been having some major computer issues. We were up in Berkeley for the weekend and somehow it seems the ole computer has healed itself, at least for the time being. So I thought I's better get a post in quickly in case things go astray again.
I got the last space in the Santa Barbara 4th of July Art show and sale and have sprung into action! Making some new pins, elephants, cats, owls, rabbits and cupcakes for starters. If you are in the area I hope you will come by and visit. Syd, Shelly and I will be there as well as lots of other local artists. Should be a fun day.

I picked these elderflowers on my walk today. My son wants some of those elderflower fritters that I made a few weeks ago so these may get eaten soon. I bought the fun ceramic cup in Kyoto, Japan at a dollar store when my boys and I visited my brother who does research near Tokyo every year. He had a house for us to stay in and taught us how to manage the rail system and where all the cool stops are. We then spent a week with our rail pass and traveled all around Japan on our own. We got to see the Giant Buddha, the Hiroshima Peace memorial, the worlds fair and sample lots of delicious new dishes. The boys had a great time and want to go back someday.

A few photos of the fun Katie Kendrick workshop at Gina Armfield's Malibu retreat. We all had a great time drawing, painting and playing with some new techniques. Here is Katie doing one of her demos for us.

One of our first exercises was to make a banner page of intention and to loosen us up..I loved this "fly" one made by Minnie. We all picked different words and then hung them up together across the room.

We then created a bunch of background pages to work on later. Also some fun doodling with sticks, pencils, and chopsticks.

I'm not finished with this yet, but here is what I painted at the workshop...
"A girl and her Owl"...

A wish fulfilled...

2011-05-07T00:38:00.000-07:00

I have been wanting a "Julie Whitmore" tea cup ever since I first saw one on Nina Bagley's blog years ago! A dear art friend just gave me this belated birthday present this week and I couldn't be happier! I love the painted rabbit, the little flower where you put your thumb, and the tiny bee tea tag. I had my first afternoon cup of tea on our porch today and it tasted so good in this special tea cup! Thank you, Colleen!

And here is Henry taking a nap on my pile of rug hooked pieces in a basket.
A group of us are heading down to Malibu for a 'Painting with Passion" workshop with Katie Kendrick, one of my favorite people and artists! Hoping to learn some new techniques and get painting again.
Hoping you all have a sweet Mother's Day on Sunday. We have a beach walk planned and that's all I want...well, a couple of handmade cards would be OK too!

Unfinished business

2011-05-04T09:36:00.000-07:00

This piece was started in Jude's online workshop last year. I am finally getting around to doing some stitching on it. Still a ways to go and I have a pile of other pieces that I wove and need to play with too.

And because I seem to have about 10 projects going at once, I started this spotted owl the other night.

A couple of primitive dolls in the beginning stages for another project that is due at the end of the month.

On my daily walk I gathered these elderflowers to make some elderflower fritters! Inspired by fellow blogger Yael Eshkar from last Spring I went to "elderberries.com" and found some recipes and went for it. They were pretty good, especially with the fresh local strawberries from Lane Farms and a little powdered sugar!

I pulled this hooked flower piece out of my hooking basket where it has been sitting for over a year and it will now become a pillow for the living room. Feels good to finish up some of my unfinished work! And there is lots more where these came from!

Nesting

2011-04-29T10:55:00.000-07:00

Here are the two hooked birds. Not really nesting, just hanging out in our front yard. I re-did the beaks after looking at them on the last blog post. It's funny how you can get a different perspective of your work looking at a photograph. Still need to do the leg part, maybe later today.

Two new birds

2011-04-26T11:35:00.000-07:00

Hooked up these two birds the last few nights. A fat robin and a bluebird. Still need to be sewn and stuffed and get some fun legs and feet or shoes. A project for tomorrow.

On Easter day we took a drive over to Zaca Lake. I hadn't been there for over 30 years so it was a special treat to see that it looked just the same as I remembered. This area has been a sacred and spiritual place for the Chumash Indians for 13,000 years and now is a rustic resort that holds retreats in the wooden cabins.

We drove around the lake to look at the cabins and then took a hike all around the lake. It's an easy walk because the lake is small, but it is the only natural lake in Santa Barbara county. We saw deer, rabbits and lots of birds.

Before our excursion to Zaca Lake we had Justin's Easter egg hunt. The cats had to help him out as he searched under the big rocks and in the vines and secret hiding places my husband and I came up with.

One of my hiding places....

and finally he found them all!

Happy Easter everyone!

2011-04-24T12:31:00.000-07:00

Wishing you all a Happy Easter! I put a few of my Easter goodies outside just for fun!

We hid 33 eggs for our son, Justin this morning. The sun is coming out now after a damp and gray morning. Now we are planning on going to Zaca Lake for our picnic and hike. Hope you all have a lovely day.

Earth Day walk

2011-04-22T23:56:00.000-07:00

Here's my latest hooked rabbit just in time for Easter.
And in honor of Earth Day here are some photos of the flowers (and horse) that I greet on my daily walks up here in the mountains.

Shooting stars, one of my favorites! We have lots this year.

This is Ranger, a horse with attitude. I feed him carrots every day and he can tell if I still have one in my pocket.

Hope you have a wonderful day!
Planning on taking a picnic hike at Jalama or Figueroa Mountain with my boys after our Sunday Easter egg hunt and brunch.

Silkscreen Visual Journal

2011-04-20T23:37:00.000-07:00

Here's the silkscreen journal I made at Artfest. Now I need to actually use it! Maybe paint some of the pages and do some collage work and try to take it with me everywhere I go.

Here is the inside and another print I made with different ink.

I also made a quick print of a little owl. I am loving this simple way to do silkscreens. Much easier than the ones I did in college. I want to try and make some labels for my rug hooked critters using this method. I will let you know how it works. First I need to get the supplies to make some new screens and check out the local art stores for the right ink.

Playing possum...

2011-04-19T23:45:00.000-07:00

One of my neighbors up here in the mountains does a lot of animal rescue work. She asked me to make a couple of possums for a friend who takes care of possums and was getting an award for her contributions to animal rescue work also. Here are the two critters that I hooked up for her-my first possums!
They both have pink tails but it is a little hard to see them in this photo.

After Artfest I had to jump right in and start working at our Plumbing-Hardware store 3 days a week. Due to the economy we had to let go of some employees and the boys and I need to take up the slack. I mostly work at the register due to my lack of plumbing expertise. It's a 50 minute drive each way but it is along the beautiful Pacific Ocean so I don't mind. But I do find I need a nap when I get home!

Rug hooking workshop at Artfest

2011-04-17T22:12:00.000-07:00

Our workshop mascot for the day was this sweet little needle felted sheep made by Victoria below.
We had such a great group gathered for the hooking workshop. Everyone made completely unique houses plus a winged heart and fun green bird.

Slow and steady, Victoria's house is taking shape. She also gave everyone in the class a handmade book and I added some more fun places to visit in San Francisco.

Wow! I don't know how she did it! The first completed work in class and so fun. Her art students are sure to enjoy her fiber art hooking classes!

Loving this bird! I brought several patterns besides the little houses to play with. So glad this green birdie showed up.

The beginning stages of a great little house. Love the "owl" letters. The black strips at the top are our practice strips.

Ellen and Francie liked the natural light coming in from the windows and kept us all entertained with good music.

Love how the colors mixed in the roof area here and the greenery at the lower edge.

Isn't this fun?! Love how the little chimney peeks out from the roof and the fun mix of wools.

Another happy hooker! A fun little house with a heart....

What a great day we all had. Loved spending the day with such wonderful women. As Deanne Fitzpatrick says, once you have hooked at least one piece you can teach someone how to hook. Everyone jumped right in and started their piece and most actually finished up their designs in one days work and they all came out so beautifully whimsical and fun.

To Artfest and beyond...

2011-04-15T21:00:00.000-07:00

We all had such a wonderful time at Artfest this year! I am still absorbing all the things I learned and unpacking my bags of supplies too. One of our first stops on the way up was at a great fabric store called "Quiltz". The above piece was stitched by Carol, who helped us out in the store. She had taken a Sue Spargo workshop like Syd, Barbara, and Colleen.

Of course we had to visit "Websters" and check out all their beautiful yarns and roving.

Just down the block we were surprised to see Anahata's new store had just opened. Such beautiful colors, textures and delightful goodies filled the store to the brim. We both had to purchase some new things for our journey.

Syd, Anahata, and me in her wonderful store in Ashland, Oregon.

Another favorite stop is "Fabric of Vision". The owner finds the best fabrics, things we don't see anywhere else. Great linens and cool things from Japan...always fun to check out.

After our overnight stay in Portland we headed on up to Seattle to stay with LE, Syd's daughter. She lives around the corner from Maxine's, another of our favorite stops. It is a magical place with live birds tweeting and giant crepe paper flowers everywhere...plus mushrooms, jewelry, cards, scarves, slippers and dolls.

LE took us to Molly Moon's-the best handmade ice cream I have ever had! So delicious! I had salted caramel and balsamic strawberry....sooo good and highly recommended!

On downtown to the Seattle Art Museum where we had tickets for the Nick Cave show. Not to be missed if is ever close to you! We got so many ideas and inspiration for making upcycled garments and bags for next Fall. Lots of other really cool stuff in the museum as well.

Like this strange piece....

Once we arrived at the Fort we were greeted by the "lady bug truck and trailor". The driver also wears lady bug attire...red and black polka dot hat and clothing.

Had to take a photo of this sweet little dog wearing glasses. He was downtown Seattle.

My first workshop was a silkscreen print on cloth for the cover of a handmade journal. This is a photo of the screen while I was working on it. Will show a completed journal in a day or two.
A really great class. I loved the silk screen process and can see myself using it for lots of fun things.

This is Michelle Allen our teacher. We shared a table in Judy Wise's class a few years ago and we helped each other out with supplies and ideas. Loved all her samples for the class and I think most of us actually finished our journal in the one day. Such a sweet spirit and incredible designer...enjoyed every minute of class.
The next day I took a caged doll making class with Tory Brokenshire and we were so busy that I forgot to take any photos! It was lots of fun too and I learned some new techniques that will come in handy soon for an upcoming art show.

Vendor night was busy and we sold lots of our creations.. and it was nice to get to meet some of my students for the next day's workshop.

All of the foxes found new homes and the little house pin cushions went fast too.

One of the Artfest attendees....

Had a moment to say Good bye to Teesha and thank her for a wonderful event.

Here is the house where we stayed, all seven of us.
Tomorrow I will post photos of my class and the fun things everyone hooked.

Off to Artfest!

2011-04-02T00:32:00.000-07:00

Syd and I are off driving up to Port Townsend, Washington again for Artfest. We both will be teaching a workshop and also selling our art on vendor night. We are leaving early in the morning after packing her car to the gills. These photos are some of the things I am taking to sell. Little felt house pin cushions, bird pins, and fabric flower brooches.We will meet up with our local friends who are flying up and will join us in our officers house at Fort Worden. We spend the evenings working on our unfinished art pieces and having a fun dinner somewhere in town. Part of the fun is the road trip up and back. By now we have favorite stops along the way and always discover a few new ones as we go.It's always fun to meet up with art friends, old and new and visit with Teesha and Tracy for a bit. A beach walk by the Sound is always on our list too!
I will be gone for about 10 days so see you when I return!

Home again!

2011-03-30T17:24:00.000-07:00

Back home again after my Berkeley adventure. Took my son shopping and out to eat and drove up to the Botanic Gardens just as they were closing. Now I am finishing up things I started before I left and need to take to Artfest later this week. Lots of bunnies it seems.....

These turned out pretty goofy looking with their felt noses....

Back in Berkeley...first stop Castle in the Air...this is the front window display.

I found the Lace museum and store full of things stitchers love...look at all these perle cotton threads!
They had lots of antique lace on display as well as beadwork, petticoats, hats and books.

Pre-columbian lacework from Peru....

One of my favorite shops was open and I just had to take a look inside. Tail of the Yak has the most beautiful and interesting things for sale. I bought one of those flower wreaths to bring home...now in my kitchen on the wall.

Love these crepe paper mushroom with surprises inside.

More fun stuff....

Outside windows....

This mosaic egg is HUGE...
hmmm..maybe something to add to my garden list....

And Yarnbombing is alive and well in Berkeley! I saw at least 8 poles decorated...I think they were all by
"streetcolor"...a little soggy from all the rain but so fun to see. Four were down by 4th street and the others were up by College Ave.
Now I am packing and getting things together for our road trip to Washington for Artfest.

Five foxes

2011-03-25T09:01:00.000-07:00

These five foxes hope you have a great weekend! Made them yesterday...still getting ready for Artfest!

I am off on a road trip to the San Francisco Bay area. Taking my son, Jason and two friends back to school after Spring break. Hope to get in some fun visits including a new place I heard about...a lace museum and textile shop in Berkeley called Lacis.Driving home on Sunday...

I love the idea of sending off quilts to Japan for the tsunami survivors. In addition to sending money (which I've done) at least it is something we can do as women to help. Check into your local fabric store or quilt guild for more info. I received some info. in an email this week....but I have to take off now..bye!

Two hares....

2011-03-22T13:11:00.000-07:00

I had to make a friend for my rabbit. We are between rain storms so I hopped outside to get a quick photo in our front yard.

2011-03-19T16:33:00.000-07:00

Miss Kitty finally got finished up today. She was willing to pose outside in the rain for her photo.

And Mr. Rabbit got sewn up and stuffed and posed in the clover patch. I still need to finish his brother, maybe tonight. So much to do before Artfest. I had a whole day to myself at home today and got a lot done, but there is still much to do to prepare for my workshop and things I still want to make for vendor night. So not getting much blog visiting done...
And son no.1 is coming home from college for a week for Spring break and that will be good. I plan to spoil him by cooking all his favorite dishes. Haven't seen him since January but we stay in touch with texting and email. He says he will take me to the Apple store and help me pick out a new computer...I am excited about that. We have a rainy week ahead. After temps in the 70's and 80's last week...good for sewing and hooking,
but not for my 2 mile daily walks! Hope you all have a great weekend!

Rabbits, birds and hearts....

2011-03-16T19:13:00.000-07:00

Making some fun linen rabbits for Artfest...hope to get some more cats and owls done too.

The birdie pin cushions got into the bird feeder for their picture. I still need to add tail feathers....

Little hooked brooches for my rug hooking students at Artfest.

I hooked up this rabbit last night and then had to re-work it this morning. I wanted to make 2 rabbits, one in each direction for a local shop to display for springtime. Below is the drawing for tonight's work.

Mother hen...

2011-03-14T16:38:00.000-07:00

Just finished hooking this Buff Opington chicken for Marci. Will let her sit for a bit to see if I need to make any changes.

Stitching again...

2011-03-12T10:35:00.000-08:00

I've been busy making circle and flowers to stitch onto the wool scarves that I've collected. I've made about 5 so far, with just a few more to do.

I was invited to a doll tea party at my neighbor's house. Just a few of the dolls she has collected. She also has the largest collection of vintage lace I've ever seen and lots of other fun things like buttons and doll clothes.

Our community garden is coming along. Last week we started setting up the place where our beds will be and continued with stump removal. I think I did more chatting with the other gardeners than actual work but that's OK. Got tips on where to find a new lighting fixture and a good local place for chocolate covered almonds! Yum!

Out and about ...

2011-03-06T00:39:00.000-08:00

It was a beautiful Saturday morning and I headed off to the Farmers Market early to pick up some things for my boys. So many colorful displays and different musicians playing each week-it is always a great place to meet up with old friends and sample the fresh fruits and vegetables that grow in our area.

I stopped at the Whole Foods Market for a few more things and had to check out the local Craft Market.
Several of my Santa Barbara Etsy group girls were selling so I stopped to chat for a bit.

This is "mint lane"-handmade goodness to make you smile. Loved her fabric choices...great totes and zippered purses and other fun stuff. To see more of her creations: mintlane.etsy.com

And my friend, Cimmi with her great dolls, owls, bunnies, cats, mermaids and more was enjoying her customers and the live music being played nearby.

Loved these tiny baby socks by Royanna Robertson of "Way Too Cute Baby Stuff"..only $12 a pair.

She also made these knitted animals....

One of my friends was selling at the Antique Doll Show today and wanted me to come by so I stopped in and had fun looking at all the beautiful antique dolls that were for sale. There was a woman selling some Steiff animals and I could not resist picking up this cute owl for my collection.
Sunday we have another work day on our community garden. We got our fence up and now we are going to work on the raised beds if it doesn't rain.

Hello Kitty!

2011-03-02T10:11:00.000-08:00

Just started work on this funny cat doll. Lots of other projects going on as well including the "circle " scarves, bird pins, rabbits, owls and hopefully some fiber jewelry for Artfest.

We had our meeting of the Creative Females at Pepa's art filled home on Monday night. Katie finished up her Octopus rug which will be a wall hanging in her home up in Cambria.

A close up of the wonderful details....

We had a guest rug hooker, Carolyn from Nipomo who is starting work on an owl. She brought her beautiful frame from www.goinggray.com that we all admired. Carolyn and Penny are checking out the seaweed on Katie's rug.

Penny was at the "Circle" workshop a few weeks ago and has been having fun embellishing her scarf with stitches and buttons and beads. We all agreed that the circles can be addicting...it's hard to stop making them and trying out new color combinations and designs.

Fran put her circles to good use on this wonderful wool pillow. It has a matching partner at home.
Pepa treated us to a surprise birthday cake for the February girls (me and Syd) and coffee, tea and vegies to nibble on. So great to get together with all of these creative women!

I went out for an early morning walk to check out the trees and boulders and of course the cats had to come too! It's cold and rainy today and time for some hot tea or cocoa and then hopefully I can get some work done.

My boys named this big boulder "Birthday Cake Rock" and used to climb up on top when they were little. Now it's just the cats and me in the forest....

Circles of wool

2011-02-28T12:57:00.000-08:00

I spent one evening cutting out circles from wool and felt to embellish some wool scarves that I saved from the thrift store. I hope to have about 6 to take to Artfest for vendor night.

The owl got finished up and is ready for stuffing. And in the meantime I hooked up another squirrel holding an acorn. My plan is to buy about 4 bags of stuffing when I head down to pick up my son today. Luckily our meeting spot is right near Craft Essentials so I can zoom in before he gets out of school.

We have our Rug Hooking meeting tonight at Pepa's at 7pm. Always fun to see what everyone is working on!

A new hooked bird that got finished up last night during the Academy Awards.

And just for fun I thought I'd show you how I make the fabric painted owls. First I just do a rough sketch of owl shapes with a Sharpie on some cotton fabric. Then I sew around the outline. I trim off the excess and cut a 2" line down the middle back to turn it inside out. Then I stuff it with polyfil, sew up the opening and paint several coats of paint on the cotton. Decorate it with more paint and add legs...I will show more photos as I go along.

Woodland creatures and large boulders

2011-02-23T13:04:00.000-08:00

I made this fabric mushroom and birdie a while back but couldn't resist taking a photo while the yard is so full of fresh green goodness.

Here is the progress being made on my latest owl. I think I can finish him up tonight if there is something fun to watch on TV.

I am sort of proud of myself for covering this ottoman that I found at the thrift store. I put this project on my "To Do" list for 2011 as it has been sitting for quite a while. I used ethnic fabrics that I also got from my thrift store visits. I have not done much of this type of work so it was a little bit of a challenge. The top can be removed and there is room for storage inside...another place to put some of my fabric collection!

Just have to show you some more photos of the big boulders behind our house. They are covered with bright green moss and lichen and I am having fun going out to check them out while the tree trimmer is making them more visible.

Interesting shapes appear...

It looks like a garden troll at the top and the silhouette of a person down below...and maybe a mushroom shaped boulder on the right...

It's hard to tell but our little black kitty is busy exploring the trees...she zooms right up to the highest branches with ease.

2011-02-21T11:45:00.000-08:00

I managed to get in a little rug hooking last week and made this little squirrel pin cushion.

I started this little art quilt quite a while ago and found it again and did a little more stitching on it. Still needs the edges turned under and more stitching. All kimono fabrics.

Two friends came up on Friday for tea and a visit and I got some of my dolls, cats and birds in order. Anna went home with some new wooly friends for gifts and Kate gave me the sweetest kitty heart ornament. Yesterday we headed off to Los Angeles for a good bye to my husbands childhood home. His mother passed away last year and the house is being sold and we went down for a last look. We found some little things to bring home and then got in a quick visit to IKEA in Burbank. I got some new curtains for our living room and a few odds and ends for our store and home. A crazy day to shop with the Holidays and all...but still fun. Today we have chain saws buzzing outside as the tree trimmers are at work again. It's cold outside...and on Saturday we had snow for about an hour and then a beautiful sunny day Sunday for our drive to LA.

New owl....

2011-02-15T12:00:00.000-08:00

I have a new owl in the works...liking him so far. Our 70 degree weather has ended and we are expecting a rainy week, perfect for sitting by the fire and doing fiber art. And sorting wool and trying to clear off the table which still has the Christmas table cloth on it along with various other craft projects. I am hoping today will be the day I get it cleared off before I have to drive down the mountain to take my son to his guitar lesson. We also have our tree trimmer here today-giving the oaks some much needed grooming. Quite a few dead branches that threaten to fall on cars and other out buildings. So I am off to sorting and tossing and moving things around with my tea cup in hand.

This is part of our side yard. I saw Henry the cat looking over this direction and a squirrel was searching in the leaves for acorns. We have lots of these huge boulders that run across the property and are fun to climb on...especially for the cats and squirrels. Well, back to work!

Happy Valentine's Day!

2011-02-14T13:23:00.000-08:00

A busy and fun creative weekend! First we had our workshop at Art From Scrap. I put my heart garland sample up on the wall next to Mary Price's show. They seemed to blend together pretty well. She has lots of fun art - if you are in the neighborhood check out her show in the upstairs gallery.

Sienna comes every Saturday to the workshops and she got right to work on her valentine.

Another valentine in the works. Carefully placed "jewels" made a great big heart.

Just had to show you this fun creation from a previous workshop.

Here is Sienna again. A girl after my own heart....she made a mushroom garden all out of things in the recycle shop. We had a great group of kids and adults all making their own valentines. I met Syd afterward for a great lunch at the SBMA cafe.
Below are the girls at the ARt Clinic on Sunday working on their wool applique circles. Lots of fun visiting with everyone while stitching away and learning new embroidery stitches..

Three generations of McCutcheon girls...all artists...Maddie sewed in Syd's lap!

Workshop today!

2011-02-12T08:39:00.000-08:00

I am off this morning to teach a Valentine workshop at Art From Scrap. I am expecting a flurry of creativity with kids and maybe some adults too. I made some heart garlands for ideas but anything goes!
I like all the ways you can configure the word LOVE and hope they can have fun with all the materials at hand to create some valentines and decorations for Feb.14.

Here you can see the paper birds in the center of the heart mobile I made for our workshop today.

Had to get in a little rug hooking this week! Made this Milagro heart on burlap. It is now stuffed and ready to go.

Last night was the fourth anniversary of the Art Clinic and I hopped over to help celebrate. The lovely mascot was dressed up for the party. Lots of folks showed up and enjoyed the valentine making, good eats, and music complete with a Haiku making time.

Yummy cupcakes, fresh strawberries and more!

Lots of creativity going on for a birthday group who came to help celebrate.

Carol and Syd, the gracious hostesses and creative spirits of the Art Clinic. We get together again this Sunday to work on some fun circle applique projects. Can't wait! I 'll take photos!

Lots of Hearts....

2011-02-09T09:17:00.000-08:00

While making more of the paper hearts for my Heart Garland workshop on Saturday I had a "what if" moment and decided to make them into a mobile. I used an old embroidery hoop, covered it with while cotton cloth and tied the hearts around the hoop. It is hard to see in the photo but I added a row of paper birds that hang from the center. I will have to try taking another photo to show the birds. This could also be made using felt hearts or any other shape. I have another sample in the works but not quite ready for a photo.

I finished up these painted cloth hearts with vintage buttons and wire hangers in time for Valentine's Day. Took them down to "Imagine" along with the necklaces I made this week.

For this one I used Colleen's fabric yoyo beads sewn to a beaded necklace from Peru. It is nice and long and makes a fun and colorful addition to any outfit.

Milagro hearts swing from the pearls and beads on these long necklaces. All for sale at 'Imagine" in Santa Barbara. It was fun to do some jewelry again and I can't wait to make some more things to bring to Artfest for vendor night.

Ohhh....Free Fabric!!! Had to stop and fill up my bag before going to the Farmers Market last Saturday! got some good stuff...still in the trunk of my car....I'm pretty sure they have more to give away!

Sunday was our Community Garden meeting and work day. We got more poles put in for our fencing. A beautiful day to work outside and visit with the neighbors. The fruit trees are beginning to flower, the hills are green with fresh grass, and wildflowers are popping up all over. Feels like Spring is here already!

Lots going on....

2011-02-04T23:07:00.000-08:00

The little felt heart pins got stuffed and sewn and are now in a shop downtown along with the winged heart pins. Just in time for Valentine's Day.

This kitty girl is holding a stuffed felt heart. I painted cotton muslin with acrylic paint after stuffing the body and made little arms that I sewed on later.

A small acrylic painting I started over at the Art Clinic last weekend. It is about 6" square. I started about 4 more that I am working on and hope to get completed soon....maybe this weekend while the boys watch the Super Bowl..

Not sure if this one is done yet...so a work in progress...

This lovely hand dyed wool was a gift from my rug hooking-quilter friend, Maren. Love the soft colors and can't wait to hook up some birds soon with it. Love the card too...makes me want to embroider too!

It has been a busy week around here. My son turned 21, Syd had a birthday party over in Solvang and I had my birthday yesterday.Colleen and Syd took me to lunch and we enjoyed the 70 degree weather dining outside at Fresco. We discussed some "Bucket List" ideas for the coming year. Hope to manifest some new adventures!
My husband and son took me out to dinner and we have tickets to see the Moody Blues in May..also a box of See's candy..yum! Lots of Facebook birthday wishes, too...the living room got painted and new carpet is coming-so I am a happy girl. Now maybe I can have the rug hookers over for our meeting this Spring.

Made these hearts and mushrooms for Charlotte and Pam who came for a fun weekend of painting, estate sales, dining and lots of laughing and sharing art tips and ideas. Charlotte taught a class in Los Angeles last Sunday at the French General and came all the way from New York. Pam and Charlotte brought us gifts of their special samplers and wrapping paper, aprons and more and promise to come back soon for more fun and art. Can't wait!

Here is Charlotte working on her painting...what great colors...love her palette.

Colleen stitched and embroidered on her Sue Spargo piece.

And Sukey worked on her applique and embroidered art quilt.

Jill McCutcheon painted her paper mache hearts and kept an eye on Maddie who was having a tea party with Ruth, Carol's daughter.

Syd and Pam painting until after midnight on Sat. So fun to see all the changes to each painting as time went on.

On Saturday morning we headed out to check out some local garage and estate sales. We found some fun things for future art projects.

I had to get a picture of this little girl dressed as a princess brushing this very patient dog dressed up for the cold morning in a sweatshirt and Patagonia hat.

And somehow I deleted my links list by mistake..sorry! I was trying to update it and removed the whole thing!

When things slow down around here-if they do-I will try and re-do it.

Hope you all have a great weekend!
I am hoping to get some jewelry started and work on our community garden this Sunday. And we may be having guests for the Super Bowl extravaganza ....so a little house cleaning is overdue....now off for some rug hooking!

Lots of hearts..

2011-01-28T16:26:00.000-08:00

There has been lots of stitching going on around here. Sewing up these little felt hearts to put on some necklaces.

Felt bird pins underway...

Tin hearts with wings are coming along for a store order due Feb. 1.

Having fun with some new ideas for heart pins...

Heart garlands made from recycled book pages. Sewn together by sewing machine...quick and fun.
Idea from Dottie Angel's blog...

Off to Solvang for a fun art girls weekend overnight! Pam Garrison and Charlotte Lyons are coming up for a visit and it will be so good to see our Artfiberfest buddies!

Cats with sweaters

2011-01-22T10:25:00.000-08:00

Two wool cats with sweaters....ready to go out for their daily walk.

Finished up Mr. Owl. I only had to do one change on him. When I do my rug hooking at night sometimes it is hard to see the actual color of the wool strips I am using. I had hooked a sort of purple gray strip under his chin thinking it was brown ...so I changed it after looking at it in the morning light. I also hooked another row around the body because when you sew and stuff your critters they tend to shrink in a bit.

Added a bit of fun to my winter hat....

new little kittie...

Hooked house charm and bird pin flying off to Grace in Texas....

Here are some gray sweater cats that I am working on...need their tails sewn on and faces finished.

And I am off to the Farmers Market this morning for fresh salad greens, cajun almonds for my son, and whatever else looks good! Have a great weekend!