stamping stencils

 Playing with stamps and small stencils. We're nearing Valentine's Day and heart shapes inspire me this way… remember this?

bliss-art days

 My house is silent, cozy, and peaceful. It's just me here… for the first time in so many weeks. I'm planning and plotting the near and distant future. 

Starting in January of 2012, I've made it a priority to take good care of myself with exercise, beautiful food- and regular yoga has been added in now too. When I got sick with the flu a couple of weeks ago, I gained a deeper appreciation for all of my hard work and wanted to shout out to the world… "Take care of yourself! Stay healthy!" But my head hurt too much, and I couldn't move off of the couch.  Now that I'm well, I'm more committed than ever to keeping my body strong. But I'm ready to add in another piece of self-care that has eluded me for the past few years.  I 'm sharing, because maybe you're aching for it too.

What happened to creating for the simple joy of it? You know- making for pure pleasure, as my daughter and her friends do- so freely. Of course, I've made things to sell, gifts for others, items for my kids, and plenty of soulful crafting for healing. It's all good- but I want to make (at least a little time) for creating art for nothing more than exploration.  I'm busy. Clearly. Once a month shouldn't be too much to ask for. I'll try a new medium, paint more, sew something frivolous, and maybe even pick up my knitting needles! If I don't make room for this- who will? I hereby declare them my monthly bliss-art days!  I deserve at least one a month! You do too, don't you think? Let's mark our calendars thoughtfully to ensure our success!

These paper animal spirits were created as a "bliss-art" warm-up right before I sat down to write to you.  I tried using this technique with my stamps. LOVE it, and so will you!  No hand carving necessary.

Happy 2015 my friends!

talismans of the trade

A few years ago I found what I thought was my perfect necklace. It was a reproduction of little black sewing machine on a chain. I envisioned wearing it as I taught sewing classes, and imagined it would give me super powers as I sat down to my machine to stitch. Too bad it was big, bulky and cumbersome... and snagged on everything. Not practical for a someone like me- a minimalist when it comes to jewelry and accessories. I think I wore it once! I've been dreaming up my ideal necklace ever since, and last week I began in earnest to design it. After several prototypes- I got it! That's what my sewing machine stamp was all about. I reduced it, along with my favorite scissor stamp, and created a necklace I truly love. 

 Simple, timeless, smooth to the touch and a perfect weight... a total delight to wear. Yes! It feels and looks like a polished stone or maybe glazed ceramic... but it's not. Paper, steel and glue... with a smidgen of clay- and lots of love and care. I strung it on an adjustable waxed cotton cord for sturdiness and the ability switch up the length according to what I'm wearing. 

talisman |ˈtalismən, -iz-|

noun ( pl. talismans )an object, typically an inscribed ring or stone, that is thought to have magic powers and to bring good luck. I do believe that a talisman of your tool of the trade might just give you some magical powers... so I'm working on a series! For me, for you, and for all of our creative tool loving friends. The first two will be available in my shop by week's end. And I will announce it right here and in all of my other virtual homes. I'm so excited to be using my stamped illustrations in all new ways. Here's a clue to the second talisman. Below is one side, and I'm currently working on the image for the back. Thinking wooly thoughts for all of my fiber folks!

nesting

More snow and continued bitter cold is in the forecast. Perfect nesting weather, that's keeping me in cooking, baking, making mode- it's my happy space for the holidays. Soups, muffins, cookies, sewing, carving stamps... They are all happening simultaneously these days!

While in DC over the weekend, I had the most exquisite lunch at the National Art Gallery... felt like a feast from a French country farmhouse- you can find a link to the buffet menu here. I essentially want to just duplicate it for our Thanksgiving dinner. As I was savoring the Pumpkin Bisque, I was trying to figure out the ingredients to repeat it at home... and at the end of the meal they brought complimentary recipe cards to our table. What a sweet surprise to have it handed to me. Here it is for you too! I was thinking- what a great Thanksgiving idea. If you are making/baking something very special- why not print it up the recipe ahead of time to hand out to your guests at they leave- or the host if you are bringing your contribution elsewhere. Perhaps you've already done this or maybe thought of it- but since I hadn't, a reminder to all of you brilliant friends out there can't hurt!

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These are now my go-to pumpkin muffins for my family. And all the kids that frequent our home. I use this recipe from smitten kitchen, but substitute butter for oil, use 1/4 cup less sugar, and add these chocolate chunks and cranberries. We've been watching the Cupcake Wars on Netflix recently... and are inspired to frost EVERYTHING, even muffins. Maybe a honey cream cheese frosting with a sliver of candied ginger- yes? YES!

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The second issue of Mabel arrived in my mailbox, and I enjoyed it last night with a glass of wine and set aside a moment this morning with tea. Perfect by the fire reading-  it's a decadent dessert and comfort food all rolled into one. So proud of my talented friends who have created such a fabulous new edition to the (printed) publishing world... and excited for all of the creative contributors to have a new platform to showcase their work and share their voice. Hello to cover art by my girl- Pixie Lighthorse!

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And this is a sneak peek at a new project I'm working on... the process and testing of new stamps (for something special) is always exciting!

Sending you wishes for cozy and creative days ahead...

horsing around

 

When you deeply love someone, their passions have the power to take hold of you, too. I maintained my city girl status for the entire first year of my daughter's horse obsession. But something happened as we began the fall season of lessons... horses started trotting into my thoughts. I found myself doodling them in the same way that she does. And then this week in the midst of painting something for a completely different project... this lavender beast cantered onto the page.

 And the next day, my break time included this silly one:

 Obviously, this happy face has inspired me!

 So, today- I went with it. Carving an image is my favorite way to capture something I love... and a great way to get a jumpstart on holiday gifts. I foresee a lot of horse printing for December.  Here is my first horse stamp...

 She's sweet and gentle. Have a great weekend!

printing and stitching at squam day 2 & 3

When I created the Printed Pouch workshop, I hoped to create a class that would invite hand-sewing out on the docks or on back porches of cabins. The pristine setting of this retreat beckons you outside. Over the years most of my classes have focused on machine sewing. The sound of 15 engines is exciting... but I wanted to offer a slower, quieter opportunity for folks. 

 Weather was our friend for the last two days, and I got my wish! Sure, we spent a bit of time in our beautiful classroom with windows looking out onto the lake... carving and printing.

But there was lots of stitching lakeside!

 And more gorgeous pouches were created! Here are just some of them!

Look at these lovely women! Their printing and stitching were pretty spectacular too!

printing and stitching at squam day 1

It was fabulous day... with an amazing group of women! We drew, carved, printed and stitched. Two kinds of bags were worked on... a coin purse and a zippered pouch.

   It was an honor to spend such focused and lovely time with these talented folks!