Trapped Inside....

...and loving it! I have been in the house for two days because of the winter storm that passed by here. All my work and church services have been cancelled. Thankfully, we didn't get the ice accumulation that was expected so we didn't lose power. I have spent my time watching Hallmark movies, knitting, napping and finally, today, got into a little artwork. The fruits of my 'leisure'...
Coco Vee Cape
Last weekend I had the privilege of attending knitting workshops with Jane Slicer Smith. She is a designer from Australia. I thoroughly enjoyed 2-1/2 days of listening and learning. The workshops were related to her new book, Swing Swagger Drape. I bought a kit from her last year and have been too intimidated to start knitting. Now I feel fortified with knowledge and technique so the imtimidation factor is way down. I am knitting this cape to practice the mitered squares techniques that she taught in the workshop. I want to be consistent when I start my jacket. The technique is fun so I am enjoying the process.




This is a baby blanket that I am knitting for an expectant friend. The baby is coming in the spring so I am knitting the blankie in cotton. This is an easy and pretty mindless project.



This is the portrait that I showing in my previous post. I added some collage element to her and am considering putting a little 'tight and buff' on her to add some subtlety to the face. I like this girl and have to leave her alone a lot because I tend to overwork things and I don't want to mess her up.

Now it's time to venture out with a friend in search of food.

Thank You, Sondie

I went to my first in person art class tonight at Flynn's Coffee Bar. Artist Amy Smith taught techniques for making collage papers using acrylic paint and other things. She makes many cool things, some of which can be found in her esty store here. We were a nice group of six and it was fun. The picture above is one of my papers. It is painted on a sheet of scapbooking paper which we drizzled paint on and then smeared it around with a pallette knife. After that dried we added various embellishments. Some were created with everyday objects like bubble wrap and drywall tape. Think this one kinda looks like a garden. I am looking forward to more of Amy's classes. I must remember to save my pennies.

I much appreciate my friend inviting me to this.

Simply Stated

I discovered The Simple Woman's Daybook over at my friend B's blog. I decided that I would participate. I thing I can handle a list. So here goes...

FOR TODAY January 11, 2010...

Outside my window...It's cold. The light if fading as this day is running out.

I am thinking...about times past. Carefree days of early childhood spent with my first friends, sitting on an old army blanket in their backyard playing with paperdolls. I was at home there. We lost touch so many years ago. I am going to visit my old friends this month. Anticipating with happiness.

I am thankful for...God's providence, for the grace and mercy that has been afforded me.

From the kitchen...beans, tahini, olive oil, garlic, lemon, and smoked paprika waiting for a spin in the Cuisinart to become yummy hummus.

I am wearing...comfy corduroy pants, a fleece top and my favorite felted wool clogs. Made 'em myself.

I am creating...experiments in mixed media as I try to find my own voice in my art.

I am going...to see my daughters on Wednesday.

I am reading...A Chance To Die, the inspiring biography of missionary Amy Carmichael.

I am hoping...that my headache will go away and stay away.

I am hearing...the fan on my portable heater and the TV in the next room.

Around the house...bathrooms are screaming to be cleaned and the clutter everywhere is really bothering me. I planned today for serious cleaning but, alas, it didn't happen. One bathroom will be cleaned before I go to bed. Mean it.

One of my favorite things...I love trees.

A few plans for the rest of the week: some art time with my friend B, a visit to my daughters, a Tea with my Bible study group, work, worship.

Here is picture for thought I am sharing...my artwork. Inspiration for this came from Pam Carriker's youtube tutorial on mixed media portraits. I'm not finished with her yet.