Monday, January 30, 2012

Assemblage



Today's playful and generous time donated by ARTS Fusion at Southern Utah University and my amazing sister-in-law, Carrie Trenholm. She teaches workshops and brings in other artists to teach arts educators around the state. Today's guest artist, Beverly Mangham from San Marcos, Texas. Thanks Carrie, Sue and Beverly!






Saturday, January 28, 2012

Dyeing 101

Do you have several items that you like, but you can't stand the color? I picked up a bottle dark brown dye at the hardware store and thought I'd try my hand at coloring these items to improve their wearability. Wow! I really like the results. You add a cup of salt to the bath if you are dyeing linen, cotton, etc. I also had two wool sweaters that did wonderfully, but I used a different bucket and skipped the salt bath.

It's really pretty easy, but requires a lot of water. I went outside and used a spigot because I was getting brown dye all over the laundry room. The key is keeping the clothes stirred and getting an even dye process. It's really got a plum caste and the bonus is that everything matches!



Toroweap

It was a fabulous day at Toroweap, north rim of the Grand Canyon. The road was in great shape. The water tanks on top of the slickrock were full, the sky was blue and sunny. See?

Wednesday, January 25, 2012

Yellow Mums

I am missing flowers right now...everything is sunny and almost warm, unseasonably so...but I have this arrangement on the table just to put a smile on my face.

Tuesday, January 24, 2012

Snow and Cranberries

 This is what greeted me this morning and the sludge and creative quagmire has started to flow once again. After two months of no precipitation, we had an amazing storm and then another day of snow.
I finally did the real finishing touches on the velvet blouse and decided to make a necklace to accompany it. I had this skirt button with a native motif modified by a local jeweler to use as a jewelry centerpiece and finished the design with silver and cranberry beads.

Tuesday, January 17, 2012

Renew Jewelry

I added ribbon to both of these strings of beads. The red necklace is made from dried madrone berries that I gathered from a friend's in California. Once they dried, they made a lovely string of beads. Unfortunately, after this little experiment the dog found my string of madrone berries and ate them all. She has a penchant for small round things. Keep your projects away from pets!

Monday, January 16, 2012

Studio Shift

The studio is in a constant state of flux. With a small space, organization is key. I've shifted from painting watercolors all week, back to the sewing machine and serger. Thanks to a recent episode of PROJECT RUNWAY I have synapses firing...

Sunday, January 15, 2012

Brad Meinert Funeral

We attended one of the most beautiful and meaningful wakes I have ever participated in last evening and I have come up with a plan for my own. Bury me (my ashes) with new trees. Make a tree of fingerprints with all of my friends, celebrate my life with a party and hang my climbing gear from a tree (or rock). It was more poignant than any somber graveside service could ever be. Bless you, Brad! Thank you for helping me remember what a great life and what great friends I have.

Saturday, January 14, 2012

Ancestral Puebloan Pots

Look what we found! I am inspired by many of the graphic elements of ancient cultures this week as well as their art work. I'm hopeful modern artists will also continue to inspire us the way these ancient cultures continue to do.

Bald eagles have been flying overhead for the past few days. Animal-Speak by Ted Andrews says they are symbols of spiritual power and illumination. Their energy is healing and aids in creation.


Friday, January 13, 2012

Southeast Utah

Sometimes you just need a little trip...Randy and I visited my old home in southeast Utah...it's country that will never leave my heart.

Friday, January 6, 2012

Thursday, January 5, 2012

Expanding Curiosities

I found this gorgeous cabinet at a local business, brought it home and expanded my cabinet of curiosities into the house.

Wednesday, January 4, 2012

Turquoise End Table


Finished painting this really great table I found at a thrift store.

I am torn because I have to give it away, but it was fun to give it a new life.

Tuesday, January 3, 2012

Accordion Book

I have committed to a painting project. So today begins by looking at images for inspiration and trying to work out how I will paint it and possible whether it also implies a certain structure as well.

The picture is of an accordion book with pockets I made for a specific project. Sandy Bell of Sandy Bell Design sends out a postcard every year of her favorites (as well as Michael's) and I have begun a collection of them. I always love to run across them, but don't want to lose track of them, so now they have a special place and I always know where they are.




Monday, January 2, 2012

Moqui Marbles

Hope everyone had a great New Year celebration and that it continues throughout the coming year. Our little home has been beset by tragedy and that along with new equipment, I have been offline a couple of days.

These little beauties are known locally as Moqui Marbles. They are essentially harder deposits of iron located within the sandstone. The sandstone erodes around them and they are released from bondage and are able to roll around the slickrock freely. They come in many forms as you can see...