Barefoot Meanderings

My daughter, also my friend

2012-01-22T06:28:00.000-08:00

We've all seen the T-shirts. posters and pillows with that sentiment on them. I am so happy and proud to wish a HAPPY BIRTHDAY! to DEB. She is indeed my friend and also my daughter.

We share a love of the beach

Our traditional Mother's Day - our feet in the sand

We also share a love of "making stuff". Maybe art, maybe just a big mess! We laugh at nonsense. She is my muse, biggest fan (and I am hers), and my daughter and friend
Next week she is coming for a visit! And her prediction will come true - at least a bit. When she was little, maybe three years old, she would stomp her foot and say "When I'm the Mother and YOU are a little girl - - -" (fill in the blanks). So now she tells me to clean my room, comb my hair, etc. Just a glimpse of role reversal to come.
But - I musta' done something right to have such a fun and creative daughter. Some say the apple doesn't fall far from the tree. But I think this one came from across the orchard and found me.
See a glimpse of who she is on her blog.

So, Deb, Have a really good day - Can't wait to see you.

OH NO -

2012-01-13T06:35:00.000-08:00

I can't believe I actually prepared baked Brie and Pigs in a Blanket. All in one meal!!

Talk about the sublime and ridiculous. At least there was a redeeming fresh fruit tray!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MY LOVE

2012-01-10T05:24:00.000-08:00

One of my favorite pictures, taken by my daughter, a couple of years ago.

Today we celebrate Jack's 82nd birthday. I am so lucky to have met - and after several years - married this man. Briefly, for those that don't know our story, we met online, when that was a fairly new experience. No Facebook, MySpace or dating sites. Just two pen pals with common interests. I relocated to Florida from Texas. And the rest is history.
"Grow old along with me, the best is yet to be" (anon). Certainly at our ages - late 60's and 70's when we met - we were not spring chicks. And we both face the challenges of aging. But together we meet each change as it comes, and treasure each moment in a way we could not before.
So, HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JACK. May you reach your goal to live to be 101 1/2years young, with me by your side.

HAPPY NEW YEAR

2011-12-31T10:52:00.000-08:00

A Very Florida Christmas!

I love this lawn display near by. It appears the flamingos are gathered around the Christmas tree - almost worshiping it.

MERRY CHRISTMAS

2011-12-25T03:11:00.000-08:00

A Front Porch Christmas

2011-12-18T11:54:00.000-08:00

An angel named Bud

A few years ago we decided not to decorate with a Christmas Tree. But The seasonal festivities got to me. So, here on our porch sit three small lighted palms - a little over a foot tall each. They are decorated with ornaments handmade by me and by friends, and with other random trinkets.

BODY PARTS - THIRD OF THREE

2011-12-10T12:05:00.000-08:00

The Crotch, with stars

It may not be apparent, but the stars are outlined with ZIPPERS!

BODY PARTS - Part 2 of 3

2011-12-05T07:00:00.000-08:00

BODY PARTS - A SERIES:

2011-12-02T09:23:00.000-08:00

Part 1 of 3, BUTT

Stay tuned, Still to come: Part 2 of 3, BUST

and Part 3 of 3, CROTCH

HELP!! MY ZEN IS TANGLED!!

2011-11-22T03:06:00.000-08:00

After reading about and viewing Zentangles, I decided to give it a try. It is, after all, meditation. Not something that I should overthink!

Above are my first two. Fun to do and simple.

Then, I read some instructions. I discovered they should be square, not rectangular. So I did two more, fitting them both on one page.

So, I have decided that "ZENTANGLING" (is that a word?) is something I will pursue. It is fun, requires minimum supplies and no artistic ability.

Weaving friendships

2011-11-19T03:34:00.000-08:00

A group of friends gather frequently. We make baskets, explore other arts and sometimes just share a meal and laughter.

We are weaving not only baskets but friendships.

Walking companions

2011-08-16T06:00:00.000-07:00

On one hot summer day last week, I was accompanied on my neighborhood walk by birds - some real feathered friends, some pink plastic. They both made me smile.

Lizard Love

2011-08-14T07:42:00.000-07:00

Or maybe lizard porn? Right there on my front porch!

Have you seen . .

2011-07-29T15:05:00.000-07:00

. . . my new hat? It's a thrift store find covered with crochet "scrumbles".

I wish I could get a hat as cool as Deb's to play with.

But I love it - i think I'll take it for a walk tomorrow.

10,000 Time a Day

2011-07-20T04:16:00.000-07:00

Do it 10,000 times a day.

That's my new goal. Before you jump to conclusions, I'm talking about walking, specifically 10,000 steps a day. (Click on link above). I've only hit that mark once, but I am walking more. My first day with my new pedometer, I discovered I was almost stationary - only about 1500 steps.

Fortunately I live in a place that is easy to take interesting walks.

The shuttle, Atlantis, on it's final launch

A very green lizard.

Interesting wildflowers - these were in yards in my neighborhood. Some may call them weeds, but isn't a weed just a plant growing where we don't want it to grow?

And this hawk was on a neighborhood roof - I thought it was a stuffed one at first, but he turned his head slowly and intently watched as I walked by.

MONDAY MEANDERING -

2011-07-18T11:06:00.000-07:00

It's been a few weeks! So I'll try to catch up on a few of my more recent "meanderings".

My new herb "garden".

And a friendly porch lizard.

Those of you that know me, know a don't have a green thumb. Unless I've been using green paint. But, with Deb's encouragement and the watchful eye of a lizard, I planted some herbs. So far, so good!

A whimsical moment

2011-06-06T15:37:00.000-07:00

My husband, Jack, did not have a bit of whimsy in his realm when we met. But I guess it is contagious. Here is a little "sculpture" he made after dinner.

And here the "creature" is guarding the wine. The empty wine bottle may explain the artistic endeavor!

MONDAY MEANDERING

2011-06-06T15:29:00.000-07:00

Today is Monday - so I meandered over to the nail salon. I came away with PURPLE finger & toe nails. Kinda crazy for an old lady. But I love the color!.

More reef pieces

2011-06-02T06:32:00.000-07:00

Blue Pseudo-sphere

Green Hyperbolic Plane

These were sent off to the Coral Reef exhibit. Can't wait to go to Gainsville to see the exhibit.

MONDAY MEANDERING

2011-05-30T06:29:00.000-07:00

It's been a while! Deb's gone back to Texas & I am lucky enough to remain here close to our beloved beach.

But - I've been busy! I "tyed - up" the loose ends in one chair

Free-form crochet, front

Back

And a close-up

And knit a cover for another. I must be nuts!

Knit chair cover

And the back.

MONDAY MEANDERING

2011-05-09T15:01:00.000-07:00

A great Mother's day yesterday!

Beach feet! Me and Deb

And here I am with my daughter, Deb, and her son Kyle.
We celebrated not only Mother's day, but his safe return from Iraq.

Bleached Reef

2011-04-28T11:18:00.000-07:00

Bleached Coral

Here are more of my contributions to the Gainsville Coral Reef project. These represent the bleaching that occurs when the reef is under stress from environmental changes.

MONDAY MEANDERING

2011-04-25T04:09:00.000-07:00

WE didn't really miss the boat

We went to the Arts Market where we enjoyed food,

Shopping

And saw a man wearing:

a bird

And a kilt.

His shirt said "And in case you're wondering . . .My Birthday suit,"

A bit of entertainment.

Crochet Coral reef

2011-04-22T06:31:00.000-07:00

Close-up of all components

Crochet reef components

My Representation of a coral

Underside of Coral

Hyperbolic Plane

These were FUN to make! They will be a small part of a huge exhibit at the University of Florida

Monday Meanderings - on Tuesday again

2011-04-19T15:42:00.000-07:00

Strange - but true. About all I did this week was finally get our taxes done!

So to "celebrate I had my nails done & hair cut!

Another even brighter color, not sure what's possessed me.

And I went to another art journaling session. It's fun to just play and not worry about the result.

In case you wondered about the bird-like scribbles, I call them Rolo Birds. They are based on a doodle I saw my father make so I adapted them for my use. - Sometimes they wear little baseball caps, maybe next time I'll draw a cap on them.

My favorite porch sign

And an early morning porch visitor.

MONDAY MEANDERING

2011-04-12T07:50:00.000-07:00

OK - so it's really Tuesday - but this week I'm starting a "Monday Meandering" series. I'll try to feature someplace I have meandered during the past week.

For starters, after a pretty busy & not too productive week We wound up on Sunday evening at Port Canaveral. There we enjoyed good food (at BAJA TAVERN AND EATS) and great weather. We watched the big cruise ships go out and the graceful pelicans greet the fishing boats.

WHATEVER POSSESSED ME???

2011-04-06T09:39:00.000-07:00

To buy a pair of zebra stripe sneakers. And they have sequins!!

Then a cardigan in similar pattern!! I think I've lost my mind!!

Or have a serious case of spring fever.

And, my finger and toe nails are pink! PINK!! That's not me. No pictures, yet. But maybe I'll post one later.

BLOOMS!!

2011-03-28T16:20:00.000-07:00

It's really spring around our little patch of paradise now.

WICKLES

2011-03-26T16:19:00.000-07:00

Did you ever eat a "WICKLE"? They really added a bit of spice to our simple sandwich and salad meal.

Two "Doodles"

2011-03-25T07:39:00.000-07:00

These are the latest from my "Art Journaling" journey. It's more about expressing feelings than producing art. We used images from magazines to produce the collages.

And yet ANOTHER doodle

2011-02-22T23:30:00.000-08:00

This art journal mostly celebrates my grandson's safe return from Kuwait. Needless to say his mom is doing a major happy dance.

More dyeing and a necklace

2011-02-21T15:29:00.000-08:00

Here's some more experiments with dyeing.
I tried a verdigris technique, wrapping the vinegar soaked fabric around copper sheet. I really love the green.

Then I made a necklace. Formed a flower from avocado dyed fabric, a leaf from the verdigris, added some recycled chain, vintage crystals and a few pearls.

New Doodle and a necklace!

2011-02-15T08:43:00.000-08:00

This is the art journaling from yesterday. We added the circle, kind of a mandala effect. Of course I can't stay in the lines.

This a necklace I made from an idea in

Belle Armoire Jewelry 2006.

Dyeing! take two!

2011-02-14T06:26:00.000-08:00

This dyeing project is from a rusty pan, some nails and bits of wire and steel wool. It's on a silk organza - looks really cool in the light.

Next I tried the avocado peels and seeds - the color is more intense. After the boiling process, I let the fabric sit in the dye overnight. The sheer silk really looks good with the light shining through.

Dyeing!

2011-02-09T07:46:00.000-08:00

With Avocado skins!

After reading about this here - I decided to try it. Although pinks were expected, The color on silk is a nice coppery color. The muslin just looks tea dyed. I used the big, smooth skin avocados. Now I'm saving some skins from the smaller, more "bumpy" fruits. We'll see what happens.

A FOGGY DAY AT THE BEACH

2011-02-08T07:51:00.000-08:00

On my beach walk Saturday, I discovered some wonderful sand art

OH NO!!!!

Happy Octopus

A castle

A seahorse

Fort Feather

And some interesting birds

Terns ruffled by the wind

Lone fisher

Old Pelican

This guy was hobbling, all alone on the sand. He was the only brown pelican in sight.

A FEW NEW FRIENDS

2011-02-03T10:39:00.000-08:00

EGRET BEWARE!

LURKING!

A friendlier critter

And my favorite walking companion, a seagull.

This past few weeks, I have renewed my resolve to go for a walk almost daily. For a break from my usual neighborhood with it's manicured lawns and fences and paved driveways, I am seeking out new places.

The 'gator lives at a nearby park only about a half mile from my house. The squirrel was viewed scampering with friends at another park. And yesterday, while most of the rest of the U.S. was shivering, I walked barefoot on the beach.

Happily may I walk.

Happily, with abundant dark clouds, may I walk.

Happily, with abundant showers, may I walk.

Happily, with abundant plants, may I walk.

Happily, on a trail of pollen, may I walk.

Happily may I walk.

Being as it used to be long ago, may I walk.

-navajo-chant-for-happiness

Something else NEW

2011-01-25T09:51:00.000-08:00

Yes, they do look like child's doodles! They are supposed to.

In order to get "out of my box and do some child's play, I took an art journaling class at the Cocoa Beach Library. It was fun, freeing, unexpected.

We scribbled with our non-dominant hand and colored ourside the lines. Not sure what it says about me - but it was FUN!

PUMMELO!!

2011-01-16T09:07:00.000-08:00

This big, juicy fruit is a pummelo! It is pictured by a Persian Lime and a Meyers lemon to give an idea of it's size. It's NEW to me, but not a new fruit. A little research tells me it's an ancestor of the grapefruit. It is sweet and doesn't seem a acidic as the grapefruit. It's really big and made about four generous servings.

NEW!

2011-01-11T15:46:00.000-08:00

THAT's it - my "word" for the year! I've been thinking about since Deb posted her word here.

Today is a NEW day, early in a NEW year - so I resolve to try new things - a recipe, a craft or visit a new place. And to try to do all (well, most of) those things that will contribute to a NEW and better me!
Here are some pics a something I tried - Wire and bead crochet.

This one's not really"me", too sparkly.

This one might be my favorite - it's a nicer blue than shows up in the picture

A NEW ADDICTION

2010-12-30T09:48:00.000-08:00

Like I needed a new addiction! Tawashis! They are little sponge replacements, scrubby things - to washie your dishie! Actually they seem to be of Japanese origin. Made from acrylic yarn, they are quick to make, great to use. Just abrasive enough to clean stuck on food, gentle enough for cleaning counter tops, etc.

To make one: Cast on about 12 - 15 stitches with two strands acrylic yarn using about a size nine needle, knit until approximately square. Bind off.
OR - Crochet ( I like this best). Use two strands of acrylic yarn and a F or G hook, Chain about 12-15, turn & hdc in each stitch. Continue in rows until approximately square.

The frost is on the pumpkin . . .

2010-12-30T09:38:00.000-08:00

. . . well not really on a pumpkin, but it did cover my car and lawn yesterday AM

Happy Feet!

2010-12-20T12:27:00.000-08:00

Wearing funky shoes. Since it's too cold for flip flops and I am not supposed to go barefoot anymore (Doctor's orders), The next best thing is funky painted shoes. One thrift shop pair, cans of spray on fabric paint - still too plain - so a few silver accents and polka dots. Than't better.

DECK THE EARS . . .

2010-12-19T04:15:00.000-08:00

. . . .with lots of earrings!

And the house with tropical christmas stockings.

These were made for a contest at the Weaver's Guild holiday party. They won first place - easy to do with only one entry!

Maybe I'll leave them somewhere as part of the Flip Flop Drop.

Long time . . .

2010-12-13T10:26:00.000-08:00

. . . no posts! Two months! And our beautiful Florida fall turned into a VERY COLD, for us, winter.

Here's a basket of pumpkins my daughter helped me make for Thanksgiving.

A pile of crocheted scrumbles - stay tuned to see what they become.

And a couple of hats. Free form crochet over a commercially made hat. I really like these!

And a pet bed that has been in the works for a long time. It started to be a boxer sized bed - but I quit at chihuahua size.

More later - I wish I had a restart option like on my computer. Mine should be a restART option.

It's Fall!

2010-10-08T09:20:00.000-07:00

Just a few images captured around the yard this morning. I love fall - the weather is perfect - low to mid 80's. Time to plant and to enjoy the blossoms and critters around our house.

LINT HAPPENS!

2010-09-30T10:54:00.000-07:00

If you saw the shoe full of lint, maybe you wondered what became of it. I finally decided to Kool Aid dye it, make it into beads. Before I got to that, however, My husband threw out the lint! That was a big surprise since he's as much of a pack rat as I am. Oh, well, there will be more. He carefully placed the shoe back on the dryer for a refill!

A Fiber Art Challenge

2010-09-22T06:47:00.000-07:00

A swap and challenge that I just could not pass by was posted on Fiber Art Traders. It was to create a Frankenstein type creature. I already had a box of Body Parts!

I gathered some wool scraps, the box of parts and my scrap bits and pieces of thread & fiber. She has funky wild hair, perky bustline ( a girl can dream ) and of course - BARE FEET! She was a bit modest, so I crocheted a teeny bikini for her.

Now she needs a name, maybe you can help. And perhaps her wardrobe will grow before I send her off to her new home.

There was an old woman . . .

2010-09-18T12:29:00.000-07:00

Who kept lint in a shoe, And when it got full, she didn't know what to do!

Or more accurately:

There IS an old woman (me) with DRYER LINT, carefully stored in an old sneaker!

Why? I have no idea. Because it was there, I guess. Now do I toss out the whole thing? Empty the shoe & start over? Needlefelt something with the lint? Or maybe mix it with glue and roll into beads?

HANGIING AROUND

2010-09-06T08:15:00.000-07:00

Just a few wire coathangers with "Random acts of Crochet". The idea came from HERE.

MORE STASH BUSTING

2010-09-03T14:02:00.000-07:00

These simple cuffs are made from recycled jeans, yarn and buttons I had on hand. It's another idea from FAVECRAFTS. You can find directions here.

STASH BUSTING - CHAPTER ONE!

2010-09-01T08:00:00.000-07:00

My stashbusting September has begun:

Take a skirt, some T-shirts and a few empty water or soda bottles:

Turn them in to:

A really long scarf - just over fifteen feet long.

Lots of very cool, lightweight necklaces.

And a bunch of fun bracelets.

The idea came from Fave Crafts (but I didn't use the flower cut-out)

All I added was thread

These last three are velvet, cotton print and candy wrappers and packing tape

Stash Busting September

2010-08-23T09:37:00.000-07:00

As most of you that know me are aware - I've been on a de-stashing kick for a while. So I've committed to the Stash Busting September.

I have already started. Yesterday I packed up fifty things for donating to a local thrift shop. And last week I made several things from my stash.

A friend had de-stashed five or six skeins of this yarn.

From it I made:

A shawl.

Two Flower pinsAnd

A funky loop fringe choker.

MY HERO . . .

2010-07-27T06:36:00.000-07:00

. . . WEARS CAMO.

My grandson, Kyle is home on leave from duty in Iraq. There he is a scuba diver, a sargeant in the US Army. Last week he was simply "Scooter". We enjoyed the beach, good food, friends and family.

Here he is pictured surrounded by the hands of his wife, Rachel; Mother, Deb; Step-mom, Stephanie; and his Grandmother, me. We are wearing the bracelets I made in his honor.

Please keep him in your thoughts and prayers

as he returns to duty next week.

INDEPENDANCE DAY

2010-07-04T09:50:00.000-07:00

Today, as we celebrate with patriotic songs, colors, parades and fireworks. please remember those (especially my grandson Sgt. Kyle Broughton) who are working to preserve and protect the freedom and independence we enjoy.
And should you wish to send a note of encouragement to a soldier:

Sgt Kyle Broughton

511th En Dive Team

APO AE 09337

Beware of UFO's, PIGS and WIP's

2010-06-30T15:02:00.000-07:00

That is UnFinished Objects, Projects In Grocery Sacks and Works In Process. I have declared open war on them! So, to help me be accountable &; stay on track, I'm posting a picture of just a few of them.

These are all beading, some will not be finished, but incorporated into other things. Some are just samples from teaching a stitch. But others are just abandonded projects & will be finished. Feel free to check up on me!

On that track I finished up two recently begun projects: A big white felted purse and a big blue one (it's my favorite)

Art Inspiration - two weeks' worth!

2010-06-27T15:48:00.000-07:00

Here's a couple of inspiration cards. I haven't drawn any for a while. But, I have been busy! The advice to step away is intended to get us to look at things from a new perspective. Back up a few steps to see the whole picture, squint your eyes to see colors and shapes instead of details.

The brain drain emphasizes that our art comes from within ourselves. it does not spring from out paint brush, needle and thread or clay - but it comes from within our minds. So clearing our minds from "clutter' helps us create - our art to come alive.

I've FLIPPED OUT!

2010-06-18T07:48:00.000-07:00

Here's the Flip Flops I have ready to drop! Click here to come play with us . Deb and I set up a blog. The rules are simple. See Deb's Blog for some more info. Leave a comment or e-mail mi for text to put on a tag to leave with your flops.

COMFORT and CONNECTIONS

2010-05-06T06:24:00.000-07:00

So, here's my art inspiration for this week. The emphasis was to create a comfortable time and place to create. Sounds like a good idea - but no bunny shoes for me! Barefeet are my idea of comfort.

CONNECTION!

A few weeks ago I purchased some arts & crafts items that had belonged to an artist - unknown to me. There were fiber things, a box of copper enameling supplies. And this unusual ceramic piece, unglazed, with holes around the edges. Perhaps it was intended to be a basket base? As I looked through the pages of notes and sketches, contemplated the patterns and tried to decide what the ceramic base was intended for - and what I might create from it, I felt a connection with her. So perhaps some day my collections of art supplies and unfinished projects will become a connection to a future artist.

Copper - again!

2010-04-30T05:38:00.000-07:00

Here's the three latest pendants. The one in the middle is probably my favorite. They are made from sheet copper - formed & patinaed, pennies, washers and a piece of a drink can.

Learning - -

2010-04-30T05:30:00.000-07:00

This is my art inspiration for the week. Lerrn by reading, classes, or just by doing! But try new things - take a class or teach a class. Be inspired by your surroundings. Just create! My newest obsession is copper jewelry, especially pendants.

It's REALLY spring now

2010-04-25T06:40:00.000-07:00

You can tell I'm really ready for spring & summer! I'm even glad to see the weeds blooming!

I once heard an organic gardener say that a weed is only a plant growing where you don't want it. So in our yard - there are no weeds! We welcome anything that is green and blooms!

This bouganvilla blooms almost all year - and comes back strong and colorful after cooler weather or being trimmed.

This oleander is a real survivor. The mother plant was bent and broken by a hurricane. A branch that was placed in a pot rooted, broke out of the container & sent roots down into cracks in the patio. I've nicknamed her Wendy (get it, windy?).

And tiny tomatoes for a future salad

GREAT BALLS OF - - - SQUASH!

2010-04-22T03:45:00.000-07:00

Yes - round zucchini! I found these at my local produce stand yesterday. Never seen them before. They were really good roasted with some red peppers, onion and garlic.

A new obsession

2010-04-21T06:41:00.000-07:00

As if I needed one! So here's the beginnings:

The first three are knit bags - before felting. The ruler is 18" for a size comparison. The last three pictures are drying after felting. When dry, I'll post another pic with the ruler so you can see the size change.

DO WHAT??

2010-04-21T06:30:00.000-07:00

You must be kidding! While I do believe you CAN teach an old dog new tricks, this one is not for me. But I read the suggestions on the back of this art inspiration card - It makes sense. Look at things from different angles, in different lights, without preconceived ideas. It's amazing what we can see - if we just look.

A camera is a good tool for this - a close-up, different light and shadows can give new perspectives.

BE SILLY!

2010-04-13T15:28:00.000-07:00

The art inspiration card I drew for this week says "Be really silly". That's pretty easy for me, but there is a fine line between silly and ridiculous. So I thought I'd share a silly story that happened last week:

Jack handed me two tiny flowers. I carefully placed them in water in a shallow dish. Two days later I marveled at how long they stayed alive. Then he handed me another - that he pulled from his pocket! As I carefully placed it with the others, I realized THEY ARE NOT REAL!! So they still reside on the kitchen window sill - to remind me of my own silliness!

More copper pendants

2010-04-04T03:16:00.000-07:00

Here's just a couple of pendants I did - One is woven of copper foil. The other is copper sheet - folded and formed with dangles of sterling and beads.

RAW MATERIALS

2010-04-04T03:12:00.000-07:00

This week's Art Inspiration emphasized using quality materials in your art. That's a real challenge since I like to recycle and repurpose found objects . It's not always easy to decide what's trash and what's treasure.

2010-03-25T14:14:00.000-07:00

ART INSPIRATIONS - TWO WEEKS WORTH

Here are the art inspirations for two weeks - I missed the one last week. It must have been about deadlines. So, the first one - From the Heart, I'm not too sure of, see previous post about emotions. But the deadlines - It really works! If I have a deadline it works! So, wonder how I can combine the two? They seem to be counter to one another. But perhaps not!

Hot Metals, Balls, and Weaving! OH MY!

2010-03-25T09:35:00.000-07:00

What a fun workshop with Mary Hettmansperger!

The Florida Tropical Weaver's Guild's annual conference had her as a workshop instructor. We wove with metal and wire. We shaped copper, colored it in a flame, formed balls of red and of black on copper wire, and did some pounding & bending. Above are the results. It was fun!!

Funky Fabrics

2010-03-15T09:50:00.000-07:00

I saw a new technique - tried it and here's the result. After painting interfacing & ironing it on, I'm not sure the process is worthwhile - maybe painting right on the fabric makes more sense? But I do love the colors!

Adventure

2010-03-15T09:46:00.000-07:00

Here it is - my last weeks art inspiration. Although I feel I'm usually open to adventure, I'm going to seek out new ones! An new outdoor place to walk & enjoy nature, a new art techinque - something!

Riverside Textures

2010-03-05T10:38:00.000-08:00

Miscelaneous meandering.

While we were having lunch at a local riverside restaurant, these textures on the water's edge caught my eye. Seeweed and Barnacles make nice art, don't you think?

Where is spring?

2010-03-04T08:02:00.000-08:00

We've been overdressed here in Florida for too long! Come on Spring!

Here is a flag I made for

Florida Tropical Weaver's Guild Conference:

And a gourd from a workshop at the local Weaver's Guild:

Emotional Hotspots . .

2010-03-04T07:49:00.000-08:00

That's my "inspiration for the week. I'm not finding it too inspiring! It's not easy to identify emotions, and even more difficult to express them through my art - on words, etc!

Oh, well - I'll think about it!

DISCIPLINE - who, me?

2010-02-26T07:52:00.000-08:00

Here's the "ART INSPIRATION" for the week. I don't think I'll adopt the costume. But sticking to a creativity routine might help.

Wine warning!!!

2010-02-17T09:18:00.000-08:00

Deb warned me against buying wine with cute animal labels.
But I couldn't resist this whole stack of creatures.
And to make it worse, there's a screw cap on the bottle.

I'll give a taste test report later.

Inspiration . . .

2010-02-17T09:10:00.000-08:00

. . . for this week:

Hmmm. . . . I'm not sure of my rythm. Syncopated, maybe. Anyway, this week, I'm determined to get SOMETHING creative done.

space for Inspiration!

2010-02-11T07:09:00.000-08:00

Here's the art inspiration for this week:

Deb (my daughter) is always telling me we need space & a bit of order to create - she's right! When re-arranging a few things I found space for my sewing machine & supplies. Amazing, it's so much easier to stitch artsy things!So now - to carve out a bit of space for other endeavors.

What's wrong . . .

2010-02-06T07:16:00.000-08:00

. . . . with this picture? Shoes! On my feet at the beach!!

But it was a beautiful day yesterday:

Has Spring Sprung?

2010-02-03T09:28:00.000-08:00

The "official" groundhog in PA may have seen his shadow - but Gen. Lee, the southern groundhod did not - so it must be spring.

Our normally colorful bouganvilla looks quite bare, but on closer inspection new leaves and blossoms can be seen.

COME ON SPRING!!

Inspiration for the week

2010-02-02T11:10:00.000-08:00

So what if the weather is cloudy and cold? So what if the groundhog saw his shadow? This is my inspiration card for the week.

So - off I went on a walk around the neighborhood. Not only did that exercise mind & spirit, i found a really good piece of 'lawn debris" to use in my art work. So - watch for upcoming picture!

SOCKS!!

2010-02-02T11:01:00.000-08:00

I guess the unusually cold & long winter got to me! I knit another pair of socks. Of course they don't match!! My biggest problem is turning the heel - so my DIL, Patty, gave me a very simple pattern & encouraged me to try again. Not perfect, but I like them.

This weeks "Inspiration"

2010-01-31T13:27:00.000-08:00

This week's card for Art Inspiration:
The idea is to de-clutter! Both your physical workspace & your mental one., As most of ypou know, that's pretty hard for me. I'm both a pack-rat and a procrastinator! So I'm trying to get rid of one box of "stuff" a week. And since my life is not too complex now, I'm trying to energize both mind and body by exerecising a bit. We'll see how this works!

You can help!

2010-01-28T06:02:00.000-08:00

My daughter, Deb Taylor, recently suffered serious flood damage to her home and business. She and Matt returned to Texas after a few days here in Florida to find broken water pipes and a flooded house.

So many of you have expressed concern and a desire to help. Here is what you can do:

Friends in her local community have set up a bank account to accept donations. Although the building and contents were insured, there is no provision for temporary living quarters and loss of revenue. If you wish to donate the address is:

Hamilton - Deb Taylor account
Carmine State Bank,
235 Centennial St
Carmine,Tx 78932-5206

for more info you may contact the bank at 979-278-3244 or Linda Hamilton at 423-502-1374

Also, any cards or messages of encouragement may be mailed to:

Deb Taylor and Matt Hager
PO Box 284
Carmine TX 78932

Art Lottery

2010-01-18T08:04:00.000-08:00

Just for fun I participated in an Art Lottery Post card Swap on the Fiber Art Traders Yahoo Group.
The instructions I received were:

Set A: Start with a base fabric that has shapes on it (some easily recognizable shape like hearts, bells, hands, stars, etc), Add a skinny line, Add a fat line, Piece something, Add curvy lines

Set B: Piece your base fabric, Applique something on, Do a fancy embroidery stitch, Add a sketch, Add a fat line

Set C: Gather or corrugate your base fabric, Pleat or origami fold something, Add an ethnic element, Add a different type of fabric/paper, Add single thread stitching

Here are the bases:

And works in progress:

And finished!

ASPIRATIONS

2010-01-18T07:51:00.001-08:00

Here's my "inspiration"card for this week. Not sure how to apply it. I'm pretty content with my life. And maybe at my age I'm realistic about becoming something or someone else. I've grow accustomed to ME.

But I can aspire to:

Be more patient,

Be a better Artist,

Become more healthy,

And just BE - and take life one step at a time!

Nurturing - -

2010-01-14T05:37:00.001-08:00

This is my creativity inspiration for the week. But the real nurturing must be done by phone. My daughter, Deb, and her wonderful life partner, Matt, went home to find burst pipes and a flooded house.

I wish I could be there to help and comfort. But from this distance all I can do is wring my hands & repeat "POOR DEB. POOR MATT". See her blog - link at the right to see more.

On a happier note - she and Matt had just been visiting here to celebrate my husband, Jack's, 80th birthday. They prepared a wonderful dinner. Lasagna, meatballs, peppers & sausages. YUMMY. And the topper - angel food cake and vanilla ice cream drizzled with DARK CHOCOLATE BALSAMIC VINEGAR. Delicious.

DO IT WRONG!

2010-01-04T10:08:00.000-08:00

That's my New Year's Resolution. It's one I won't break!

Actually - looking for a theme / mantra / inspiration for the year, I came across a card deck called "52 Ways to Nurture Your Creativity". That would work! I'll select one each week and see where it leads. Here's the first one.
This will be easy - I ALWAYS do things "wrong" or at least not exactly correct. Hmmm - maybe a freeform crochet scrumble, a freeform beaded bracelet - or I'll look from something new to to wrong!

Winter in Florida!

2010-01-03T03:23:00.000-08:00

Affected by the winter weather - which is lasting way too long for me - I've been playing with some crochet. These curly sarves were fun!

Here they are laying flat.

And every morning I see the dew on all the flowers & plants. Beautiful!

A Florida Christmas

2010-01-01T05:56:00.001-08:00

Here are just a few images of my backyard in December. The cotton plant that furnishes nesting materials and food for the birds;

The perpetually blooming bouganvilla;

And some tomatoes - since ripened & will be enjoyed for lunch.

even though it was colder than I like (some days the high was in the mid sixties & nights in the forties) No snow & it only lasts a couple of days at a time.

Where ever your, and whatever the weather - HAPPY NEW YEAR!

OOPS - missing photo

2010-01-01T05:51:00.001-08:00

Here's the Instant Art Quilt picture missing from the last post. I highly recommend the on-line class by Ellen Lindner - see link at the right.

Fabric Play

2009-12-13T10:03:00.001-08:00

At last - finished and hung! This is an "Instant Art Quilt" started last spring. It is from a class by Ellen Lindner. Great fun to do.

And, inspired by Deb's banners - I made a Christmas "JOY" Banner.

What fun to have such a creative daughter! Here are the banners Deb made for me:

I don't believe it!

2009-11-19T05:47:00.000-08:00

Yes - I glued beads, something I said I'd NEVER do! But I am prone to break all the rules, even my own. This first one has pearls and plastics, buttons, beads and a buckle.

Here's one that I used fused glass pieces and painted the grout silver.

And finally - the really ugly one. Pottery dish pieces made the grouting really difficult!

Birds and other critters.

2009-10-21T14:55:00.000-07:00

I found this "slowpoke" exploring the materials on my worktable on the back porch.

This is one of my favorite regular visitors. This little froggie and friends are frequent visitors to our front porch.

and here is my "Bird- Day" party. Fun, Funky folk art birds. They are made from recycled wool clothing. Each one carries a message such as "happy Bird day", "for my tweetie", "congratulations love birds"

Beware of Thrift Store Pants!

2009-09-19T05:42:00.000-07:00

OK - so I bought this really cool pair of pants at Goodwill. Linen/cotton blend - lots of pockets. As I was getting ready for an Art Show yesterday, I found out why they were so cheap. The elastic was sprung! Every time I put something in my pocket they slipped a bit further down. But they were perfect in every other way, cool, comfy, lots of pockets and matched a nice oversize T-shirt I wanted to wear. So with a dozen safety pins to the rescue, off I went to sell some wares.

Then it rained! Wet fabric is much heavier than dry. Fortunately I managed to get things packed and loaded up before they fell off.

Since I still really like the pants, I guess I'll replace the elastic, install a drawstring & get me pair of suspenders before I wear them again.

BEADING AGAIN

2009-09-12T07:04:00.000-07:00

A beading group at our rock & gem club gets together once a week. As a result i'm totally hooked on beads - again! Above are some examples. Freeform remains my favorite technique, but I do occasionally follow a pattern.

mess-oupage

2009-08-31T04:32:00.000-07:00

I decided to decoupage an old metal office cabinet. There's certainly emough random papers in my"art room" to do it! Here is the work in progress.

And here is my workspace - the floor.I learned the following:

Tear up your papers first - gluey fingers & torn paper are a real mess.

Fingers make a better brayer than the real thing.

Use good quailty paper napkins - the cheap ones roll into little balls & stick to everything except where you put them.

It takes two-and-a-half times the papers that you estimate.

It's good messy fun! My kind of art. Messy and random.

Recycling

2009-08-22T11:43:00.000-07:00

Here's a couple of little clutches I made using old cassette tapes and a skein of yarn each. Each one has a vintage button for the closure.

The idea came from My Recycled Bags, check it out.

An honor

2009-07-30T11:38:00.000-07:00

Ellen Lindner, Adventure Quilter, has included my nature quilt in her gallery. I made it in a class she taught our Weaver's Guild. She is a great teacher and offers on-line classes. I still need to finish the other two projects from on-line classes!

Check out the gallery here.