Bird is the Word

The latest drawing in my traveling sketchbook. I seem to have this thing for birds.... even though this one looks more like a Pennsylvania Dutch distlelfink bird. Now that is a word!

Not Much Ado About Anything!

I have a passion for indigenous folk arts from around the world. I love the idea of people decorating the common everyday objects and items they use in their daily lives. I have studied and painted folk art for just about 30 years. I can paint almost anything in just about any country's style of folk art from flowers to pastoral scenes, from faux chinese painting to russian florals.

So now I have an equal fascination with folk arts made from found, used or trash items. This sun, currently adorning the outside wall of my studio, is from Haiti. It is made from a used oil barrel. The Haitians fill a barrel with newspaper, light it on fire to burn out the residual oil, then remove the bottom, cut up the side and begin designing. Their images are usually of nature, sun, birds, flowers, plants or of people; angels, mermaids, children.

I appreciate that the artisans use " at hand " tools or tools they have created. I love the whimsey in their designs and I am glad that a space was donated to them after the earthquake so they could work again. Their livelihood has not been lost in the destruction of Haiti and they can continue to create from nothing images that bring a smile to the face of people across the world and me.

I am going to be watching for the aurora borealis tonight in the darkened skies over PT. They are supposed to be visible but I think clouds may get in the way!

Self Portrait Friday

At this age in this fine summer of 2010 I can honestly say that I am becoming accustomed to my face. Somewhere there is a song composed with this phrase. Self portrait Fridays, when I remember them, have become an interesting exploration in how I look now. I no longer see the 18 year old me, although I feel that inside. I see me, as I am today. Not perfect, not done, but someone's wife, mother, grandmother, friend, employer, cousin, sister, neighbor. I am all these things to others and to me, I just am - accustomed to me.



Plums! We have the first ever tiny wine colored plums from our dwarf tree! I think the tree must have loved our wet spring and early summer. I did not plan on having any fruit again this year so the tree has pretty much become a feeding spot for hungry birds but .... we have plums!

What I Did Today

I finished the sample bracelet from these cool little felt bead kits we have in the shop. I love working with wool felts whether it be fabric or beads or some other component. The feel of it in my hands, knowing that it will not unravel and that it is wool, is all just amazing to me. I sew with it and embroider and now bead with it. How did it take me so long to discover this wonderful material?

Anyhow, this bracelet and other fabulous things including baking a pie ( ! ) from scratch ( double !! ) are what I did today!

Today's Studio Work

This is what I created today while working in the studio before the heat of the day got to me. I made earrings, bracelets and window ornaments for the shop. I had company though; three too hot black dogs all folded into various sleep patterns on the carpet. We are having summertime warm days here and although it is relatively cool compared to the rest of the country; it is hot for this area that sorely lacks air conditioning.

All of us had to take a " pool break " at about 4 just to wade, and in the case of the dogs, drink in the kiddie pool. The water was so warm, it reminded me of the water in the creeks I waded in during the summers growing up in Pennsylvania. Even the kitties sat in their little outdoor rec area to watch us.

I have two paintings going right now in the very beginning of themselves. I also have been drawing nightly and knitting. All of this is being done in a lazy summer way where all I really want to do is lay under a tree or be at the beach.

I also have lots of new copper pieces cut out and ready to either be made into charm masters or assembled, altered jewelry. Who knows where that will take me? Pictures will follow

Until then, Lois

New Moon Rising

Sometimes for brief moments in the close of a day, a hot summer's day, all seems beautiful and calm and hopefull. Good night my friends.....

Self Portrait Friday

It has finally happened in the summer of 2010; I have had to start wearing magnifying glasses when I close jumprings or work with the same color metal on metal. My friend Marlene, gave these to me and although I used them for display in the shop for a long time; and they look rather Harry Potter - ish, I love them! They are red and round and I smile every time I look at them and me in them!

So even though this was a non makeup, no washee the hair day in the studio - I still took a picture. Enjoy your creative journey today where ever it may take you!