The NEW Ramblings of a Creative Mind

A Happy Heart Card for you.

2012-02-13T20:00:00.000-08:00

Early Picasso

2012-01-06T12:01:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year, Happy New Life, and Good-bye

2012-01-01T13:40:00.000-08:00

Dear Friends,
Announcing the closing of this blog. I will be deleting this sometime in the near future. If you are at all interested, I have a new format and a new intention, which you can visit here.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your support, seen and unseen, but always felt.
Today is the first day of the rest of your life. Happy Birthday.

And the WINNER is..........

2011-12-12T14:28:00.000-08:00

Ta-Da..(drum roll).....Everyone who left a comment. And the good news is, you can choose one of the creatures shown, or create your own with one of the faces shown, one of the fabrics shown, with ears or no ears. In the comment section, let me know if you like Red, Yellow, Pink, Black/white, Tan/greenish, Peace/tan, White/owls. Any unclaimed items will be donated to Primary Children's Hospital. Heather, let me know where to send yours.

(P.S. I won't be offended if you tell me you really didn't want one, you just wanted to leave a comment. lol)
Happy Holiday Season, with wishes for moments of gratitude and a peace-full heart.

Sneak Peek @ Christmas

2011-12-03T15:00:00.001-08:00

Some years are "Bah-Humbug" years for me. This year is not one of them.
It all started when the Grands were here, bored with the same outdated, out-grown toys. They wandered down the basement where the sewing machine is kept, and decided that was the new toy to play with, so I got out some felt scraps and let them design their own "ugly dolls". I'm sorry I don't have a photo of that. When they left, I got to thinking how fun it would be to make some out of that exquisite minkie fabric, so I made a prototype. Upon finishing, John asked me if the face was modeled on Phyllis Diller before or after her plastic surgery. Back to the drawing board. After I made some more, and decided the faces would never do for 8, 10, and 11 year olds (too juvenile), I called in The Help. (Jonathon is my Go-To Guy when I need advice.) He came up with some real winners, and the fun began. So here is the sneak peek. Aspen, Cedar and Olive might design their own faces, but I get the last vote about the fabric and the shape. I guess some years get to have surprises, and some years you find out what you're getting ahead of time. (Remember when you used to find the hidden Christmas gifts, and open them all, then rewrap them, thinking Santa would never know? Hah!

Here's where the fun begins. Since I have made so many prototypes with the more juvenile faces on them, there are some spares. If you want one, you can leave a comment, and on December 12th, I'll use the random generator to pick a winner. (Remember, these are "homemade", not professional.) All you have to do is tell me which face you like best. Happy Holidays to you and yours. Let the fun begin.

Batik on Paper, Dyeing for Fun

2011-10-30T12:13:00.000-07:00

These are just a few of the images from Thursday's Play Date. Hot wax, dye, cookie cutters, brushes, Tjanting tools, messes, what more could anyone want? The only question remaining is What Do We Do With It All? I think greeting cards may be on the menu, but more testing is in the works for book covers. Oh, the paper is Arches Text Wove. And ironing out all the excess wax.

Doodlers Unite !

2011-10-28T11:11:00.001-07:00

Finally, A New Creation

2011-10-10T10:45:00.000-07:00

I had the great honor and privilege of taking a bookbinding workshop from Teacher Extraordinaire, Judy Sommerfeldt. She is the quintessential educator as well as a quality craftswoman. We made three books in two and a half days, and I mean long ones. If you know me, you'll understand how hard it is for this hyperactive person to sit still long enough to accomplish so much so fast, but hey, we're all still growing and learning, aren't we?

We started by making the paper covers for two of the books. We used Arches Text Wove paper, walnut ink, Yarka watercolors, salt, alcohol, powdered metallics, and plastic wrap.
This was one paper I didn't use yet, but you get the idea. Then we used a frame to pick out the "sweet spots" for the front and back covers.
We folded Mohawk Superfine paper, 70 lb. for the text block, and made a Secret Belgian Binding book, rediscovered by Hedi Kyle.

You can see from this close-up, the secret is in weaving the binding thread around a free-floating spine, linking through the text block stitching.
For the next book, after applying gesso, we used molding paste or modeling paste to cover the book board, and then textured it with stamps or tools. When dry, we painted it with acrylic paint. It is a case binding, because the covers are made separately from the book, and then the text block is glued in. The second photo shows the text block with "crash" or mull attached for gluing.

For the last book, we made a coptic link stitch, which I've always wanted to learn. This one was a single needle binding.
When I recover, I plan on another attempt at each book, just to see if I can do it without the expertise of the instructor. The good news is, Judy is so fabulous that each detail was printed out in clear language with drawn examples, so I can take it a step at a time.
A great time was had by all, thanks to Judy.

What If....?

2011-06-30T07:35:00.000-07:00

It is said, the two most creative words in the English language are "What if....?".
While cleaning up the current projects, I decided to play that game on my flower practice sheets instead of throwing them away. I combined that with calligraphy homework assignments, and came up with the following:

There's nothing so liberating as playing "what if" on all the stuff you're gonna throw away. Guess I might keep them after all.

The Desert and it's hidden slot canyons

2011-06-23T20:45:00.000-07:00

This post is slow in coming.   I kept hoping my (really good) photographer-family would put their (really good) photos on their blogs first so I could pirate them.   I guess I need to ask Josh's forgiveness for stealing from his. I'm trusting he won't sue his in-laws for copyright infringements.   (Look HERE for more. Then you'll know which pictures are his.) Thanks, Josh. Maybe when Al posts hers, I can steal some from her?)
We went to the Grand Staircase National Monument over Memorial Day, camping in the desert. As you may know, the weather here has not cooperated this year.   It jumped from frigid winter to hot summer, bypassing Spring, bringing on flooding this weekend. They're still skiing at Snowbird until the Fourth of July.   But I digress.   Back to the desert, which was blooming.
We hiked into Peek-A-Boo, Spooky, and Zebra, which are slot canyons. Then we visited Devil's Garden, and experienced the ferocious winds that carved these formations. Full force gale winds that day. On the way home we detoured to Willis Creek, near Kodachrome Basin.    It would be difficult for me to decide which area was the most spectacular.   The only thing that could have made it better is having the Tennessee family there to share in the adventures. They would have loved it, too. (And those GIGANTIC marshmallows make really good s'mores!   We'll roast 'em when you get here next month.)

Flowers Again ?

2011-05-21T13:10:00.000-07:00

Daily practice, aka new addiction.
Today's lesson was on tulips. Then I attempted another flower, but didn't like it, so I turned it into tree blossoms. I'm not sure I'm improving, but I'm having a blast. Order your Christmas Cards early, LOL.

Learning a Lot, more flowers

2011-05-20T10:53:00.000-07:00

Here is what I'm learning:
   It's still always about process, not product.
   There is a big difference between cold-pressed watercolor papers.
   Every brush acts differently, even if they're the same size and kind.
   I use too much pigment and paint, and not enough water.
And the number 1 thing I'm learning? Painting flowers is addictive.

You, Too, Can Paint

2011-05-18T08:46:00.000-07:00

Color Drop Flowers, by Martha Lever, started this week, so I practiced my first lesson. They are so much fun to create, and the possibilities are endless. I will probably paint obsessively for a week or two before moving on to the next thing, but for now, I'll post the "show and tell". Just like the zentangle motto of "you can do anything, one stroke at a time," these flowers are the same principle. Just follow along on the video, and voila! you, too, are a successful Artiste.

And check out the real artists, like Lori Vliegen, here.
For more information about classes, try Creative Workshops, where Martha teaches.
p.s. I love that the nature quote of the day I posted this was "Earth laughs in flowers." R.W. Emerson

The Gift of Good Friday

2011-04-25T08:10:00.000-07:00

May I introduce the latest bud on the Family Tree? Joining the other trees (Aspen, Cedar, and Olive), is Linden, born the evening of Good Friday. We are so excited for another new one to love, and can't wait to meet him.

They wrapped him in Grandma's love offering just for the photo.
We adore those little ones. Welcome to the world, Blessed Babe.
p.s. Thank you to Aspen for this photo, which I stole from her blog.

A Tribute to National Poetry Month with Billy Collins

2011-04-14T15:22:00.000-07:00

In case you didn't know it yet, I am passionate about poetry. Always have been. I do not write it, but savor the reading, the scent and taste of the words. Poetry should be read aloud, always, and repeated often. I suggest memorizing, (unless you're my age and you'll relate to this poem).
Then, keep reading for some further amusement by Billy Collins.

Forgetfulness

The name of the author is the first to go
followed obediently by the title, the plot,
the heartbreaking conclusion, the entire novel
which suddenly becomes one you have never read,
never even heard of,

as if, one by one, the memories you used to harbor
decided to retire to the southern hemisphere of the brain,
to a little fishing village where there are no phones.

Long ago you kissed the names of the nine Muses goodbye
and watched the quadratic equation pack its bag,
and even now as you memorize the order of the planets,

something else is slipping away, a state flower perhaps,
the address of an uncle, the capital of Paraguay.

Whatever it is you are struggling to remember,
it is not poised on the tip of your tongue,
not even lurking in some obscure corner of your spleen.

It has floated away down a dark mythological river
whose name begins with an L as far as you can recall,
well on your own way to oblivion where you will join those
who have even forgotten how to swim and how to ride a bicycle.

No wonder you rise in the middle of the night
to look up the date of a famous battle in a book on war.
No wonder the moon in the window seems to have drifted
out of a love poem that you used to know by heart.

***********************************************************************************
If you don't know Billy Collins, you can hear him read one of his most famous: "Litany" here on You Tube
******************************************

Now, in case you haven't met the You Tube three-year-old sensation, here he is reciting the same poem.
I recommend you enjoy all of his poetry.

Parting with my children

2011-04-13T09:54:00.000-07:00

Probably because I've never identified myself as an artist, I've had trouble parting with the things I've created (yes, especially my offspring, who are both fabulous artists). I'm referring here to things I've made and crafted. What does one do with all the "stuff" of creation? My attachment to successful endeavors is now becoming a problem to be solved, so this year I resolved to USE UP what I've collected. If you've followed this blog, you know that last month, I cut up my tie-dyed fabric to use in fabric books. Last week I cut up some marbled paper I made. And as I told my seat-mate, Nancy, at our calligraphy workshop, I'm humbly proud of the results.
As is the tradition for a Utah Calligraphic Artist's workshop, each participant has a role to play. This year I was assigned the "Thank You" book for Mike Kesceg's Pointed Pen extravaganza. The guild has waited FOUR YEARS for him, and the wait was worth it. He is probably one of the most technically perfect pointed pen experts, internationally. Here is one of the greatest ideas, and the thing that made it worth the time, effort, and money: "Make it your own. Don't do it just because this is how someone else does it, find your own unique style. And then be consistent." Can I tell you how many workshops I've attended with the opposite message? Most of them. So it was refreshing to have PERMISSION to be uniquely, individually, myself.....as if I need permission. How can anyone ever be something they're not? I've spent a lifetime trying, and finally have given up.
So, here is my thank you book, with the disclaimer that a few unique individuals did it their own way, and so the book has a random quality not planned (but since I'm random, I guess it only follows.)
This is a tag book, aka flag book. The blue and green tags were supposed to be opening to the right, and the buff colored was supposed to "flag" to the left. I didn't have the heart to make people do it over, so we just "went with it."

What does this book have to do with the blog title of parting with my children? Well, the marbled paper is one I made, so it's one of my "children", and I cut up the original for the book cover, without making a copy. (The Clutter Rehab book I'm working with suggests saving only photos of things we like.) The lower photo is not quite color accurate, but you get the gist, and the opened flag book is more true to color. It was tied closed with blue grosgrain ribbon. The size was about 6 3/4 by 4 1/4, opening up to about 15 inches.
Now, all I need to do is get rid of the children in my house that look like books, or greeting cards, or paste paper, or monoprints, or ......

Updated Tie Dyed Book

2011-03-27T18:37:00.000-07:00

Just thought I'd show the finished product of the painted pages book from a few posts ago.
It's funky fun. The color is slightly yellower/golder than appears on my screen. It does match the painted pages which I recopied here below.

New Book, New Favorite

2011-03-25T13:00:00.000-07:00

I'm lovin' my renewed interest in bookbinding.   It just so happens I know a few experts, whose brains I can pick. So far, I haven't been able to obtain the skill of perfection, so I'm practicing my zen art of perfectly imperfect, perfectly human.   It's a lifelong practice.   Maybe I've practiced imperfection so long, I'm perfect at it? O.K. enough and moving on.
This one is called a naked book. I'm not sure why.    The text block is sewn with the French Link Stitch, then the paste down is tipped on, and a "crash", or "mull" is added.
The binder's board is glued to a strip of book cloth (which will be the spine), then glazed with gesso. With a palette knife, spread modeling paste (not molding paste), and texture it with scratches, stamps, texturing tools, plastic canvas, or whatever...fingernails? toothpicks?   Let it dry for a long time. Lightly sand, just to take down the rough edges. Lightly glaze with layers of acrylic, starting from light, to dark, using a sponge. Don't add too much liquid, or the modeling paste starts to soak it up. Then connect text block to cover using PVA glue. Shine it up with some Rub N Buff. If you don't understand these instructions, sign up for a local bookbinding class. You will love it.

March Madness, just not basketball

2011-03-20T20:36:00.000-07:00

In Utah, March Madness is the whimsy of the weather. Of course, it snowed again this weekend, the first of Spring. Two weeks ago, we had the biggest storm of the season, (above) and the ski resorts are reporting 140 inches of snow pack.
When cabin fever sets in, to keep from going "stark raving", we turn to hobbies, arts and crafts.
John has put his collection of tools and skills to work in the garage, building another sea kayak.
She's blond this time.

I've been making some books and practicing my calligraphy.
This year, UCA has chosen the theme of "Uncial-ity with Personality", and they're giving prizes away for people who practice. Translated, that means they give us homework with incentives.
Our assignment was to use a Speedball nib C-0 with a one line quote which we turned into an accordion fold book.

The unabridged quote is "Put your ear down close to your soul and listen hard." Anne Sexton
I found it on Jill Badonsky's Muse Letter, and I like it. We colored the quotes with pencils. The lettering looks warped, but that's the accordion fold distorting the image.
My friend, Judy, teaches bookbinding, so I learned the "Sweet Binding" with French Link Stitch. The great thing about an exposed binding is that the book lays flat when opened.

Then I painted pages for a journal, and sewed them together with the link stitch. I'm not sure what kind of cover yet, but I'm thinking of some tie dyed fabric.

And finally, with a new grandson coming along next month, I'd better get the blankets going.
Here's a sneak peek.

Now it's time to clean up. Which may take until summer.
Happy Springing, everyone.

Fabric Books with friends

2011-03-07T14:19:00.000-08:00

Last week, I got together with some friends and made fabric books. We met at Sue Hess's Finishing School to use the sewing machines, and went to work. Some of them wanted to use my tie-dyed and batiked fabrics. Here's the photo gallery before they went home and added hand-rolled magazine beads.

For those of you who want to know, we used a type of pellon interfacing called Pelmet Vilene, ironed the fabric to it using Misty Fuse, zig-zagged the edges, ironed accordion folds (concertina binding), and then sewed in the signatures of craft paper, intermingled with brown kraft envelopes. They are quite fun, easy, and useful. I think the participants were most astounded by their own magazine beads.

Poem of the Month....or year....by Marge Piercy

2011-02-26T16:27:00.000-08:00

For the young who want to

Talent is what they say
you have after the novel
is published and favorably
reviewed. Beforehand what
you have is a tedious
delusion, a hobby like knitting.

Work is what you have done
after the play is produced
and the audience claps.
Before that friends keep asking
when you are planning to go
out and get a job.

Genius is what they know you
had after the third volume
of remarkable poems. Earlier
they accuse you of withdrawing,
ask why you don't have a baby,
call you a bum.

The reason people want M.F.A.'s,
take workshops with fancy names
when all you can really
learn is a few techniques,
typing instructions and some-
body else's mannerisms

is that every artist lacks
a license to hang on the wall
like your optician, your vet
proving you may be a clumsy sadist
whose fillings fall into the stew
but you're certified a dentist.

The real writer is one
who really writes. Talent
is an invention like phlogiston
after the fact of fire.
Work is its own cure. You have to
like it better than being loved.

Marge Piercy
Copyright 1980, Middlemarsh, Inc.
from THE MOON IS ALWAYS FEMALE
Alfred A. Knopf, New York

(Note: phlogiston: noun, a substance supposed by 18th century chemists to exist in all combustible bodies, and to be released in combustion.) From Greek-phlogizein "set on fire".

Happy Hearts to All Zentangled

2011-02-14T07:37:00.000-08:00

May you know you are loved. Happy Valentine's Day.

A Bevy of Tanglers

2011-02-12T16:55:00.000-08:00

Utah Calligraphic Artists have a gallery exhibit this month at the Covey Center in Provo. There are amazingly lovely pieces hanging, representing every form of art. Since I taught them zentangles, I was especially pleased to see some representatives hanging there, so I thought I'd show a few. The first is a beautiful shell designed by Nancy Ostergar, the current president of UCA. This piece is about 7 x 10 inches. (sorry about the glare...the windows were beautiful, but glare reduction was not possible in my limited experience.)

This next one is the traditional zentangle size of 3.5 inches square, designed by Jane Hales.

Both of these pieces have gold leaf added.

Jane had fun creating a whole zentangle alphabet.

In addition, when I went to the monthly UCA play day, many people shared their anecdotes about tangling with their families. Margene has made it her M.O. and is sending everyone birthday cards this year with her zentangles. Her family is buying her black and white outfits and jewelry to add to her fun.

She has made an accordion fold book with beautiful letters. Here are a few of them.

For my part, I was asked to design a CD cover for the monthly prize offered as a bribe to those who practice during the month. Everyone who brought evidence of practicing got a music CD for background peace of mind.

We played "Where's Waldo" in trying to find out where I signed it....I'm still a bit humble about my creations and don't want to mess them up with a signature, but people say I have to. The beauty of this design is that it's non-directional. In fact, the lettering artist put it upside down from this view, and labeled it U-Tunes, standing for Utah Calligraphic Artists, studying Uncial this year.
The Valentines are in the mail. Come back tomorrow or Monday to view some happy hearts.
Love to all.

Blog Maladies, Hyperactivity, and Bling

2011-02-06T11:41:00.000-08:00

This blog is suffering from the same malady with which I suffer; identity crisis.   It doesn't know what it wants to be when it grows up.   Part of the problem is in the definition I put down in the blog description, when I said I was random and chaotic, which is true. I guess it only follows that the blog would also be a reflection of the perpetrator.   Focus was never my strong point, except when it was.
I come from a very crafty family, very artistic and creative...bordering on hyperactive. (O.K., not even bordering, but firmly entrenched. Sometimes I think the very definition of hyperactive is creative, artistic, [and of course, highly intelligent ;-)  ]) We all have more ideas than discipline. That's probably why we all married highly disciplined partners.
Enough of that.
Here's the fun part (where hyperactive individuals default).   My very talented, artistic, creative niece is designing jewelry, teaching classes, and building a wonderful business, called Making Jewelry Fun. Yesterday I went to her Precious Metals Clay class and made the following charms. It was a blast.   If you like pendants, her dichroic glass is gorgeous, and several of the class participants had designed beautiful wire jewelry from their own creations.
Everyone else there was "into" the jewelry business, with Etsy shops, but I went for the reason I do anything: I want to learn the process. If you have ever taken a class from me, it's always about the process, never the product. This time, the product was a bonus. The reverse side of the charms is almost as nice as the front side. The one that means anything at all to me is the lower left, which looks like hanging pea pods. That was an impression of an old button from my dear departed mother's button collection, which was one thing all of us wanted.   I don't know who really ended up with it, but I didn't. (whine). I really wanted to make something for each of the grandchildren, but didn't think the boys would like the bling.   I tried to make an A for Aspen, but it looks more more like a computer @ symbol. Now, the charms will suffer the same malady as me and my blog: what do they want to be when they grow up?

Do stay tuned this week, as the zentangle valentine will be unveiled. That product is pretty nice, too.

2011-01-23T17:43:00.000-08:00

The year is well under way, and I'm still not inspired to add to the blog-o-sphere, except to pass along some pretty amazing You Tube videos.
(Oh, here I need to take a detour. Last night we were listening to the joke/humor edition of Prairie Home Companion, a non-stop Laugh-In. One joke we loved was:
Did you know there is a new social networking site? You Tube, Twitter, and Facebook have all merged. The new site is You Twit Face. LOL. Well, I guess you had to be there. We thought it was hilarious.)
So, this year I seem to be focusing more on calligraphy, thanks to the few ladies who have taken me under their sheltering pens after the Zentangle workshop. I found this wonderful You Tube presentation of the word "MAGIC". Prepare to be amazed if you're a calligrapher.

Growing Older in the New Year. A You Tube Laugh

2011-01-10T12:14:00.001-08:00

It is a new year, and a happy one, too. A dear friend sent me this, and it is so choice, I want to share it.
While the first minute and a half is a real prayer, this delightful lady adds her own personalized message to the Hearer of All Prayers. A reminder for all of us.

Sending you to someone else's blog

2011-01-07T12:15:00.000-08:00

This blog post was just too good to keep to myself. I got it from Lori Vliegen, who got it from Julie Fei- Fan Balzer. It's about getting your art supplies organized, and who doesn't need that??? I'm going to get started on that first thing Monday morning. (Do I sound like a procrastinator?)

Happy Holidays and Wishes to All; A Zentangle Christmas card

2010-12-23T15:18:00.000-08:00

Just a peek at the finished zentangle-inspired holiday card. It was fun to make, and exciting to see finished. It was printed on a pearlized finished card stock, so it has a nice sheen, which you can't see.
I especially like the philosophy of zentangles, which includes "there are no mistakes." Whether each stroke is perfect or not is beside the point. The completed whole has it's own charm, with or without mistakes. Thanks to my grown-up artist children for their help in accomplishing a daunting task. Only they know how I agonize and fret, and they always come through with the perfect assistance.
So, my own little reminder about holiday gift giving came from my very precious daughter-in-law, who sent a beautiful expression of gratitude and acknowledgment. There is no more meaningful gift to give than to thank someone for being in your life, letting them know they make a difference, and they are valued. My sincere wish is that YOU will know how much I value and appreciate you in my life, and what a difference you make. This would truly be a lone and dreary world without the support of friends and family. Happy Holidays, and may all your wishes come true. (Note: Be careful what you wish for. LOL)

Music of the Season

2010-12-16T11:09:00.000-08:00

It always bothers me when the stores start playing Christmas music the day after Halloween. Not kidding. Also, one of the radio stations started it's seasonal onslaught the first of November. Maybe in my old age, the Grinch has taken hold, and the Ghost of Christmas Present is visiting this Scroogina, because I prefer shopping online or not at all, to having to hear another version of "Holly, Jolly Christmas." So, I'm offering a list of my current favorite Christmas Music, to which I don't get tired of listening. Voila, Here it is in no particular order. The "mood" dictates.

Yo-Yo Ma and Friends, Songs of Joy and Peace
James Taylor at Christmas
Anuna Christmas Songs (The a capella vocal group of Riverdance)
Swingle Singers The Story of Christmas
Modern Mandolin Quartet Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker Suite
Kim Robertson Christmas Lullaby Solo Celtic Harp
Sarah McLachlan Wintersong
Mary Chapin Carpenter Twelve Songs of Christmas
Tingstad and Rumbel The Gift
Windham Hill Celtic series
Kurt Bestor
Anything Cambridge Singers, with John Rutter
And our all-time favorite, John Denver and the Muppets.
Thanks to Jonathon and Allison for the following suggestions. Enjoy!

If you like Handel's Messiah, my favorite version is Narada's Hallelujah! Great Choruses from Handel, sung by His Majestie's Clerkes, a small vocal ensemble and an authentic instrument Baroque orchestra.
This year I also added Susan Boyle's Christmas album, just for the principle of it all. I'll buy anything she does, just because.....maybe I relate. (except I can't sing like she does.)
Announcement: This weekend, I will unveil THE Christmas Card, second annual Zentangle. Stay tuned.

THE Music of the Season

2010-12-01T08:25:00.000-08:00

When I started this blog, it was with an intent to be creative. Sometimes it morphs to showing others' creativity. This post is a bit of a departure, to show a truly talented, hard-working artist. It just happens he's related to me and I'm proud to claim him. He has his own You Tube channel with thousands of admirers. And yet he's so humble.
Enjoy this beautiful expression of the Christmas season.

UCA Compendium

2010-11-12T12:58:00.000-08:00

You might remember (or not), that my camera died on the day of my big zentangle workshop, so I haven't been able to document my activities. I finally got the most fabulous camera on the planet....a Canon PowerShot S95, but with my amateur abilities, you won't notice how great it is. But, I can blog....yea.
Every November, the calligraphers have a family and friends event, with activities for all. This year, we made cards, notebook holders, carved stamps, wove keychains or friendship bracelets, and origami folded wreaths. Here is a photo gallery of some of the things we made.

This is what you might need to carve stamps, which is one of my new favorite activites. If you want a tutorial, my good blogging friends, Lori Vliegen, or Martha Lever, both have info and great examples. Yes, you can carve a plastic eraser.

Here are a few of my attempts. They're really fun.

It's hard to get a size reference, but they're small....about and inch and a half square. It took me a minute or two of practice to get the little incidentals carved out, as you can see on the heart card.

This leaf stamp was a hit. Can be done alone or multiples.

I think I'll carve various flowers and leaf/stem combos, after seeing this.

Here is the notebook folder, made with a 5 x 8" legal pad and a 12 x 12" scrapbook paper.

It has two large gold paper clips with ribbons to mark pages in the notebook.

Take a 12 x 12 scrapbook page, find the paper grain direction, cut 1.5" off of the cross grain side (bottom). Place the page with the front side down against the table, fold the left edge over 1.5". Fold the bottom edge up 2.5" ( If you are using a paper with a definite up and down pattern, like I did with bugs on it, you only need to be aware of the paper direction on the front, so your notebook holder doesn't look upside down.) The tricky part is cutting a mitered bottom edge.

To find out where to cut, fold the left edge over, mark it on the bottom edge, then cut diagonally from the bottom edge up to the fold, and straight out to the side. When the side is folded in, and the bottom is up, the corner is mitered. Use double stick tape to hold the left edge down and the miter in place. Put double stick tape on the back (cardboard side of the paper pad), and stick it down on the right edge of the paper, and centered top to bottom. Score the paper along the left edge of the notebook to fold up. Then score again 1/4 inch away, to close over the top. Decorate the front with brads, punches, stamps, ribbons, and use the 1.5 inch strip you cut away to cover the ugly edge of the note pad, cut to size, of course.

I'll show you the form of the keychain/friendship bracelet, although it isn't finished. It's just like the boondoggle we used to do as kids. When this is finished, I'll show you exactly how to do it. Easy, easy.

Stay tuned. Have some crafty fun. xoxo

Aspen, the Star

2010-10-20T16:15:00.000-07:00

Last spring, I blogged about teaching zentangles to my grandson, Will's, third grade class. While I feel extremely grateful to have three fabulous grandchildren living nearby, I feel only "half" here, because another three (and a third) grandchildren live far away, in Tennessee--the eastern part. So, I periodically have to bribe them to come to visit. The zentangle workshop was such an excuse, and even though we couldn't afford to bring them all here, we're lucky that Jonathon could bring Aspen, the oldest, turning ten next week.

We hiked them up the mountain before they caught the airplane back home, since they would be sitting all day. Great view of the valley from Desolation Trail overlook.
I'm showing you her zentangles, because she's really something. And one of the best things about her, besides her inner and outer beauty, is that she freely admits she's an artist. I hope she always knows that. Here is her very first zentangle, created in May when she was here with her mom, brother and sister. She made this for her Dad, stuck at work in TN. and she hid little messages in it, like "I love you", among others.

The evening before our workshop, she created a show and tell for us. This letter is about 8 inches tall, made of wood.

And her first project at the workshop was a charmer. You can see she wrote a little quote in cursive on the upper right. I added a mini puzzle piece of gold leaf. She was generous enough to give it to me. I love it.

And even though I've only shown you ONE grandchild's art, ALL of the others are artists, too, as are their most wonderful parents. Art isn't just an activity, it's a way of life, a way of being and expressing in the world. And it is a unique expression of a unique individual, personal to each, and precious to a grandma's heart.

Just a few of the family artists. John, Jonathon, Aspen, and Allison.

A Group of Tangles

2010-10-18T16:32:00.000-07:00

At last! Someone was kind enough to send me a CD of our workshop. While much of it was li'l ole me, demonstrating patterns, a snap was taken as evidence we accomplished something. And the dear participants made a beautiful thank you card for me, complete with zentangles on them.
They did a mighty fine job.
Below are some of the projects we undertook. They could make a little booklet, tangling either the inside of the letter, or tangling around the letter, leaving it blank.....for gold, maybe?

The second day of the workshop was adding gold leaf. The stunning shine doesn't photograph well, but you can get an idea of how the gold adds a touch of class. See the little zentangle on the left? Just a nice line of gold really pops. Jane H. is the artist on this.

This last one is by Nancy O, one of the fine calligraphers and artists in the group.

A tangled zen preview

2010-10-17T20:32:00.000-07:00

My camera has died. There is no hope for a resurrection, so I cannot post any photos of the UCA Zentangle workshop until I beg for copies from some of the attendees. In the meantime, Jonathon, co-facilitator extraordinaire, has given me permission to show his work. In his blog, he writes:
CAVEAT: If you are not familiar with Zentangles, this is not a good example of one! For the following reasons:

It uses color.
It does not use ANY known zentangle patterns (called "tangles").
It has an orientation (that is, there is a "right-side up" to it.

But for those of you familiar with Zen, this is what my Buddha Nature wanted to draw today. What can you say to that?

You can see what a very artistic and talented son I have, and I am extremely proud and grateful.
And as soon as I get a new camera, I'll show what my equally talented 10 year old (almost) granddaughter, Aspen, created in the workshop. Stay tuned.

I got a new set of graphitint pencils (Derwent), which I used to color this one.

Whether one is doodling in zen, tangling, or merely following one's Buddha nature, I hope you'll pick up a pen and have a moment to yourself. Breathe, accept, let go......ahhhh.

Zentangle workshop for Calligraphers

2010-09-22T11:35:00.000-07:00

I'm on the steep learning curve, out-of-my-league here. On October 8th, I'll be teaching a full day zentangle workshop to the Utah Calligraphic Artists guild. This is a group of incredible, amazing, dedicated artists in every way, and yet, they invited me to be their fall workshop presenter for one day...(breathe, exhale, focus.....whew.) The thing that makes me the happiest is that Jonathon is coming along, all the way from Tennessee, doing the techy stuff, power point presentation, and being the hands-on demonstrator. I'm practicing daily, just to have some samples ready. I've defined my responsibility as giving the essentials needed, showing lots of possibilities, and encouraging original, creative thinking. Since the second day of the workshop is about laying down gold leaf, ala Illuminated Letters, taught by the local calligrapher and bookbinding extraordinaire, Louona Tanner (see Reggie Ezell's photos of the year for her work), we'll design some letters, and then move along to borders. I think zentangles will be a dynamite jumping off point for calligraphers to design borders to go along with their lovely letters. Here are a few sample ideas I've been doodling with, just for fun:

Invitation: If you have any zentangle samples, photos of your projects, ideas, etc. please send them along. I will give you 15 minutes of fame at the workshop, and you will be presented in the Power Point. The workshop is still open, and you can sign up for either day, or both.
See the UCA website for details.

Easy Gourmet added to the repertoire

2010-09-09T14:44:00.000-07:00

Once in a while I stumble upon an idea. We really like the Naan Tandoori Indian-style bread, and the garden is going crazy on us, and I'm bored with the nightly zucchini, green beans, tomato and basil meals, with occasional beets or potatoes. Here's the easy as pie pizza we've grown to love, since it's a variation on the garden. The size of this is about 7 inches diameter, just enough for one full meal. Add a salad, or carrot sticks and cucumber slices.

We prefer the whole wheat Naan bread, but the one that was available was garlic....still good.

And the easiest sauce on the planet:

Our favorite is the basil pesto. Didn't like the cilantro sauce, but the sun-dried tomato is a good choice.
Here is our recipe:
Very lightly saute the vegetables, just until soft. (I had zucchini and onion today)
Lightly brush the edges of the crust with olive oil. (optional)
Lightly and sparingly brush the bread with one of the sauces. (or two)
Top the bread with whatever you have in the refrigerator....we keep some fresh mozza, artichoke hearts, fresh kalamata olives, sometimes mushrooms, and some freshly grated parmesan.
Place slices of fresh tomato on top...our Juliets work best...not quite as juicy.
Liberally spread fresh basil all over.
You can see it's heavy on the vegetables, and light on the sauces and cheese. (I would have put a bit more fresh mozzarella, if I'd had it.) (oops, I forgot the basil...oh well, still good.)
Bake @ 400-420 for 8-10 minutes (no more, just enough to heat through, since the crust is already cooked.)
Devour.
Feel satisfied.
Feel smug, because it's so healthy.
YUM.

It's Offishull---I are a ar-teest.

2010-09-03T15:03:00.000-07:00

Well, I've denied for years that I'm an artist....because I've never had an art class, because I can't draw, I have no eye-hand coordination, and because I don't spend my time making art. (those are my working definitions of an artist, I guess.) Today I graduated from art class, with an official certificate.

And today, I got the gold star on my forehead for the best bullet, complete with tabletop reflections. Wahoo. I have arrived.

Now I have true confessions. I didn't do homework except to make eight color wheels with various shades of the primaries. And I cleaned my brush on a scrap paper, which looks like this:

Everyone decided this was the best work I did ever....Isn't that a compliment, when you're just messing around?
And finally, with the bizarre weather here that goes from 97 degrees to 49 degrees in 24 hours, this is a gorgeous double rainbow that appeared over our house.

We didn't find the pot of gold....but now I know how to paint it. I have arrived indeed.

A silly giveaway....I should keep it a secret

2010-09-02T15:20:00.000-07:00

News Flash: The author of the book I blogged about called Drawing Lab, Carla Sonheim, is offering a Silly Class for one month Sept. 15-October15. You can find her link to the right on my blog list. It sounds like a lot of fun, and we should all do it together. Another blogger has paid for the class and is donating it as a giveaway on her (blog, click here). so if you want some seriously silly fun, enter the giveaway. I hope I win!!. I hope YOU win. We're all winners. Yea.

A fabric journal, a favorite to make

2010-08-25T10:43:00.000-07:00

I still can't believe I pulled it off. And yet, here is the proof. It's a concertina spine fabric journal with my own hand dyed fabric inside. The outside is a scrap of the quilt stash, and matched beautifully. I rolled the spine beads from magazine pages. Inside are 5 x 5 kraft envelopes, and I've tucked various papers inside, so when the urge to doodle strikes, I can have a choice of surfaces, from white, to black, to cream, to colored.

This little journal is easy. Just fuse fabric to pelmet vilene or pellon, (I used Misty Fuse), zigzag the edges, Iron the folds into the spine, stitch tyvek strips along the inside spine edges, and glue the envelopes to the tyvek. I added the beads when I was stitching the tyvek strips.
Have fun. Whistle while you work. Smile upon completion. Fill with fanciful things.

Birthday Fun Journal

2010-08-15T19:11:00.000-07:00

My sister, Ginny, had a birthday this week. In our family, we get and give presents when we find them, even if it's not a birthday. Through the year I collect presents to give, but when the day finally arrives, I can't find where I've stored them.....(much like my craft supplies, hmmm). So, the night before our birthday breakfast, I was forced to come up with a last minute gift, until the time I clean something out and find the "real" birthday present. I finished this little journal well before midnight. The color is actually a very nice yellow....this doesn't show as well, for some reason.....maybe the room lighting.

And I found some cute stickers to add to the signature covers.

And the last page:

Inside the front page I added this, because Ginny is the one I turn to when I need a listening ear, and a completely supportive comment, and always the perfectly right thing I want to hear, as well as what I need to hear. She's the best.

Happy First Birthday Present of the year, Ginny. May you have many, many more, with love.

Landscape photos of Albion Basin

2010-08-10T10:15:00.000-07:00

We live surrounded by one of the most beautiful mountain ranges in the world. We take beauty for granted here. But once in a while, I wake up to the fact that I'm missing some of it by.....well, blogging, for one....and eating...and fussing or worrying....you get the picture. Yesterday was supposed to be the end of the Utah desert "monsoon" season (oxymoron?), so I ventured up to Little Cottonwood Canyon, home of the greatest snow on earth: Snowbird and Alta ski resorts.
One word: SPECTACULAR. And although I am NOT a photographer, my point-and-shoot camera recorded evidence.

Proud Owner of an Original Picasso

2010-07-27T11:09:00.000-07:00

Yes! And it even gets better than that! I got it free!! In a drawing!!!

It is an original Picasso Dog, created by Carla Sonheim, for her new book, Drawing Lab.
It's my new favorite activity.

Here's another idea from her book.

And the best news of all is that YOU, TOO, can have original art from Carla if you go to her blog GIVEAWAY. She is also sponsoring book giveaways through the artists featured in it.
Check it out through the blog link at the left of my page....Good luck.

Meet Lori Vliegen, the Amazing

2010-07-24T12:33:00.000-07:00

I have a new hero and mentor, and although I've never met her in person, she's dear to my heart. I was introduced to her through her blog, which I "accidentally" stumbled upon, but since I don't believe in accidents, I just think it was meant to be. You get a glimpse of her heart and soul by browsing the elegant, eloquent simplicity in her art and message, and when I ordered several things from her Etsy shop, I was touched and amazed by her attention to detail and her generous showering of additional abundant gifts. Each time I open a package from her, I get a sense of her essential goodness. (I could go on and on, but you get the picture.)
I love her work so much, that when I wanted someone to design a logo for a project I'm working on, not only did she heartily agree, I still can't get over the bargain I got for the professional quality. I'm unveiling the logo now, because I just can't wait until everything is finished to show it off. Her art is, of course, copyrighted, and my slogan is also, but we hope you'll feel the joy in it all.

Here's the fun part: When I ordered a new supply of journals from Lori, I decided to document the care and attention she puts into her packages. The label:

And here is what came out of the box, all beautifully wrapped with hand made tags:

My new writing/musing/quote journal, a new watercolor portable journal,
and voila! an extra handmade, mini matchbook-style book with our logo on it.

It just doesn't get any better than this. I'm going to start a little shrine in my house surrounded by my lovingly crafted, heart-centered art from Lori. She's the best!
Last time I ordered, she tucked in this little easel with the logo on it as a surprise.

Here are a few other treasures:

Do check out her website and Etsy shop, and browse through her older posts as well. It's all wonderful. THANK YOU, LORI.

The Garden's Bounty

2010-07-08T11:00:00.000-07:00

The organic garden has already been good to us. We've polished off the radishes, spinach, wintered-over carrots and chard, and fresh bok choy. In their empty beds, we now have the beans and corn planted. The tomatoes are setting nicely, the herbs are healthy and bushy.
The old saying is "Peas and New Potatoes on the 4th of July." We dug our first potatoes yesterday, and they are beautiful. Not only that, but just lightly steamed they melted in our mouths. YUM. The romaine and butter lettuce is full to overflowing in the garden and we can't give it away fast enough. The onions and garlic are especially good. How blessed we are.
If you live in the city, please stop by and help us eat our bounty.

One Hour Placemat Bag

2010-07-06T10:49:00.000-07:00

This is one of the fastest projects with a huge satisfaction factor. The placemat comes with a border and all the edges finished, and could really be completed in a half-hour without the "extras" .....like the pockets and buttons.

Here is a photo of the inside, with the pockets I added.

And turned inside out, you can see the construction.

Just sew up the sides, then fold the side seam down so the center of the seam lines up with the center bottom, stitch across the bottom corners to miter it and voila! It's done.
The borders were already on the placemat, and make a nice touch to the sides.

And adding the magnetic closure was easy-peasy....just cut two slits with your seam ripper, put the prongs through, add the backing, and pinch the prongs with your pliers. I added the buttons to cover the magnetic closure.

One side note: the pockets are just folded fabric, and don't even need to have the edges finished if you sew them at the same time as the straps. I ironed the raw edges under before stitching. You will need to stitch across the bottom of the pocket if you don't want everything to fall out of them. (smile)
The only thing I would change, is that since the bag is somewhat shallow, I might permanently attach a zippered pouch for keys or change.
So much fun for an afternoon.
p.s. This isn't any cheaper than buying a Vera Bradley bag, it's just one you can make yourself.

Happy Fireworks Tie-Dye

2010-07-02T13:33:00.000-07:00

When school got out, I asked grandson Will, age barely 9, what he wanted to do this summer. His answer: "I want to tie-dye a 4th of July shirt." It just so happens I know how to do that. (Surprise!) So yesterday, we had a mini tie-dye party. Will just couldn't have made a more perfect spiral on his shirt,. He had so much fun he wanted to keep going, so he made another for his Dad, and one for me, and we dumped some dye on a leftover shirt. Will's mom had to take over the process for the little ones, but they had definite ideas on what they wanted. Jonas came up with his own design (as usual), and Sasha wanted "red". Their other grandparents throw a big 4th of July weekend camp-out, complete with a tents-on-the-lawn-sleepover, fireworks at dusk, a morning parade (beautiful downtown Kaysville), and a pancake breakfast. The plan is to dress the family in their tie-dye for the parade. I think they'll be a hit. Hey, they should be IN the parade.
Champ was quite relieved we didn't tie-dye his fur...it was a close one.

Thank you for the comments, the insights, the opinions, and the validation

2010-07-01T18:25:00.000-07:00

I appreciate the time and thoughtfulness you all showed in helping me process some cloudy issues. Every single comment added more depth and dimension to the conversation. I'm looking into some core issues, and I feel it is valuable to hear from people who haven't known me my whole life, so aren't swayed by previous expectations. I also appreciate my loved ones who contributed purely because they care.
One more paradox to consider about this computer age is that in our high-tech world, we isolate ourselves from real people, yet being able to ask complete strangers for opinions does offer objective differences which might not be readily available. I am deeply touched that you made an effort to write. I feel cared for and cared about. In a dialogue or monologue or conversation, it is hard to "hear" the true intent of a written comment. Seeing people face to face and feeling the connection does help, but on the other hand, sometimes the computer screen and it's anonymous nature is valuable for processing deep issues.
I hope you know how much I appreciate you. I am finding a new focus and a clearer intent in my blogging adventures because of you.
All will be well, and all will be well, and all manner of things shall be well.

A Dialogue about Blogging

2010-06-30T06:53:00.000-07:00

Yesterday the post was about my love-hate relationship with blogging.   I received such wonderful comments, I decided to revise it.   My hope is that whoever reads it will offer some genuine thoughts about your experiences with blogging, anecdotes, or insights into what feeds your blogging needs.   Anything you might offer will help raise the level of inspiration for all.
Consider this a formal invitation to respond....RSVP.

June 29, 2010
"I have a love-hate relationship to blogging.   I love to peruse the great blogs out there, but sometimes it eats up my time.   I love to think I have a place to validate my accomplishments, but then I feel pressure to keep it up.   I love to read the comments people are kind enough to leave, but I always wish there were more.   I sometimes love to "step outside myself" and watch how I might express something on a blog, but then I feel narcissistic. I think I have valid and valuable insights, but then I wonder who on earth would care.   It's the old tug and pull of trying to define self.   Who do I want to be, and why?   And does it matter to anyone else? Or should it, even? "
_____________________________________________________________
[A good soul sent me the following email.    I'm adding the comments here, because every viewpoint adds to the whole....]
     "I am sad, I hope this break doesn't take long.
.... my joy comes from sharing, not in the end result of what people do with what I share. Maybe that's how blogging is..... it's about a desire to share. The downside is caring about what others do with what you share. Maybe blogging is like Karma...... the more goodness you put out there the more goodness makes its way back. You definitely send out a lot of good karma.... have faith that it will make it back to you."

Kass said...: Marie, blogging is ALL about narcissism. Sometimes I'm tempted to write a post that just says, ME, ME, ME, ME, ME, ME, and more me me me me me me.Look forward to your return and the new blog.; June 29, 2010 2:17 PM

Jonathon said...: If blogging is about narcissism, then isn't all creative expression? No one creates in a vacuum; whether or not we want to share it with others, others will see our expression, and judge it.Blogging is a form of writing and authorship. And now more than ever technology has made it easy to participate in "The Great Dialogue."

Sheer Luck and Joyful Results

2010-06-20T14:38:00.000-07:00

O. K. There's something you need to know first. I never, never go to yard sales. I have so much stuff, I've been trying to de-clutter my own life. In one of life's bittersweet moments as we age, my friend is needing to downsize, and when she called for help with her yard sale, I went.
The only way I can justify the reward I got, is to say we are recycling and reusing, and perhaps I am storing some items for her in my house. These are the treasures I am loving. A wonderful desk and craft cabinet, in beautiful condition, for which I paid $80. Closed, it measures 45" tall, 32" wide, and 21" deep, but unfolded it is 64" wide and 30" deep. I can craft until the cows come home with all the storage.
Be still, my heart.

This beauty made my soul sing. It comes complete with all the attachments, instructions, feet, bobbins and needles, and works just fine, according to Ellen, who sewed on it as recently as two weeks ago. She showed me the lovely quilts her mother made on it, and told me stories of putting the needle through her fingernail, more than once.

Thanks, Dear Friend, for my happy heart, and may you find the perfect abode in which to express your Essential Elegance.

And while I think I "stole" these wonderful things, and I am joyful at my luck, what I truly treasure more than anything are the wonderful friendships I have with so many diverse souls walking the earth with me. In addition to my loving family, that includes my blogland buddies who cheer me up and cheer me on.
Love to all.

Backyard Art, Fun and Games

2010-06-17T13:27:00.000-07:00

We had the delightful pleasure of hosting the Tennessee Grandkids here for a month, and Grandpa was in his element outside. As a lifelong Boy Scouter, he really shines when it involves nature, trees, gardens, ropes, fresh air and sunshine. So for posterity's sake, here's a little photo proof of some of the fun for the little monkeys.

Auditioning Patterns

2010-06-09T11:31:00.000-07:00

I have a special project in mind that requires aprons, so I'm trying out a few patterns. They must be easy and fast and still have a bit of personality. This apron pattern already loses on two of the criteria, but I'm posting the photos anyway, just to prove that I'm working on something.

Tennessee Grandkids Come to Town

2010-05-26T14:22:00.000-07:00

They're Here! We just can't get enough of these adorable kids, since they live 1800 miles away. We're making the most of our time together, but I had to post a few highlights.

Aspen, age 9, wanted to learn about zentangles, so here she is doing her very first one!! It's better than my hundredth one. Since her Daddy couldn't come along due to work complicatiions, she hid little messages in this for him. This was done with absolutely no help from me.

A Quilt Too Long in the Making

2010-05-07T13:05:00.000-07:00

For decades and decades, I swore I would never quilt. HA! NEVER say never....it's a sure jinx.
My sister Ginny, who is shown here, is the temptress. When we were both expecting our first grandchildren, she called with the info that her neighborhood church ladies were having a Quilting Saturday, and for $15.00, they would provide a pre-cut I Spy Quilt, and we could stay and eat lunch and quilt. That was my first attempt at quilting, and the oldest grandchild is now 9 years old. After the first attempt, I decided to take a class, which was Buggy Barn Stars. I taught Ginny how to "slash and gash" the pile of fat quarters, and she taught her daughter Kristy, who made these star squares.....years ago. Ginny added the white borders, and then it sat, like so many quilts seem to do, in the UFO pile. (UnFinished Object) When Kristy was expecting her first baby, two years ago, I told them I would do the long arm stitching on it. Ginny was supposed to do the binding, but now that Max is nearly two, I stole the quilt away and finally finished it. Here is a very happy Ginny who drove the quilt to San Francisco, Kristy and Max. Yea! Happy Day. One more UFO off the list.

Kristy wanted it quilted differently in every square, which qualifies as a custom quilt. I am by no means a competent long arm driver, but all three of us spent the day laughing, and I think it shows in the whimsy. All Ginny could say was, "That quilt is soooo Kristy!.

Group Zentangle and inspired friends

2010-05-04T08:30:00.000-07:00

Last Friday I went to the art festival at Jeremy Ranch Elementary. Here is the BIG Finish to the third grade group zentangle project. Not bad for 8-9 year olds, right? It's about 20 inches square and hangs proudly outside Mrs. Thompson's class.

And here are two photos from a husband and wife duo who were the most enthusiastic creative meditators. They went home after the last class and produced these beauties for their kitchen.
George loved zentangles most for the meditative qualities, and Pearl loved the acrylic paints.
"No more second hand art". Yea for George and Pearl.

The Last Poem--in more ways than one

2010-04-30T20:08:00.000-07:00

I've just concluded facilitating a 16 week Creative Meditation class. In honor of National Poetry Month, we spent the last two weeks writing poetry. They wanted to compose a group poem, feeling safer in having company with an experience that was very new to a few of them. We threw around some topics, and settled on a generic word, "Opening." The instructions were to add a line about opening, using memories, images, senses, descriptions, or any other creative phrase related to the topic. Each person wrote a line, with no one knowing what someone else had written. Then we gathered all the index cards and laid them out. It was amazing how it all seemed to fit together. With some rearranging like a jigsaw puzzle, some clarifying gender pronouns, and a great title, we hereby present our final offering in salute to all budding poets everywhere.
+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+

Falling Through the Crack

How did she find the courage to break the seal
Allowing a tiny shard of crimson-rosy light to enter?

She feels her skin prickle,
Hears a creaking,
Catches her breath,

Fear, strong and mighty,
Arrogantly stands at the doorway
Proudly dripping blood
on the white carpet of her mind.

Flowing juices from her heart
Crack open the threshold of time.
Falling thru eons
She opens deep self-knowing.

_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_
Thanks to Wendy, Cindy, George, Pearl, Chris, Dineh, and June F. (aka Marie "B") for enduring to the very end, and additionally, kudos to Colleen, Shirley, Evelyn, Jill, and Paula for your participation. May we all continue endlessly creating with intention and presence.
Love to all.

Winter Sprinter Spring ? ? ? Before and After

2010-04-29T11:31:00.000-07:00

Here is the quiz of the day......Which is the before, and which is the after?

The Answer......The beautiful top photo was taken two days ago, the lower two were taken 10 minutes ago (noon), and yes, they were photographed in full living color, outside, on my deck, April 29, 2010.We have 5 inches of snow here, with no let-up in sight. I'm just sayin'..........
******************************************************************************************

National Poetry Month is coming to an end (and so is winter, we hope), and I've found a wonderful selection to share.

"The Book of Hours" by Joyce Sutphen

There was that one hour sometime
in the middle of the last century.
It was autumn, and I was in my father's
woods building a house out of branches
and the leaves that were falling like
thousands of letters from the sky.

And there was that hour in Central Park
in the middle of the seventies.
We were sitting on a blanket, listening
to Pete Seeger singing "This land is
your land, this land is my land," and
the Vietnam War was finally over.

I would definitely include an hour
spent in one of the galleries of the
Tate Britain, looking up at the
painting of King Cophetua and
The Beggar Maid, and, afterwards
the walk along the Thames, and

I would also include one of those
hours when I woke in the night and
couldn't get back to sleep thinking
about how nothing I thought was going
to happen happened the way I expected,
and things I never expected to happen did--

just like that hour today, when we saw
the dog running along the busy road,
and we stopped and held on to her
until her owner came along and brought
her home--that was an hour well
spent. Yes, that was a keeper.

Phoebe, the Hummingbird LIVE and other blogs of note

2010-04-26T11:32:00.000-07:00

There are so many wonderful blogs around, we could all live to be 100 and never visit them all. I've found a few treasures, and you can usually find their links on the right.

One of my creative heroes, Lori Vliegen, introduced this adorable little hummingbird which you can view 24/7 on a live feed from ustream.   Thanks, many times over, Lori, for your cheerful view of the world. ( You will be seeing more of Lori's artwork here in the near future.)

Another of my online teachers, Sue Bleiweiss, is a guest curator on Jenny Doh's ART SAVES blog.    Sue is most gracious, and has tagged my Zentangle Shoes ( my March 2 post) in her recommended links. Maybe I'll get my 15 minutes of fame, d' ya think? All of us can agree that "art saves" in any number of ways.

You might have noticed my new little photo icon.   I owe the "no longer silent "K" for that one. Kass is so creative, she keeps several blogs running.   That photo is from her "Shooting Strangers in Restaurants" blog, although I was not THE stranger this time....just being my usual strangeness.

If you just want to feel peaceful and calm, check out Just....A Moment . All I have to do is open here, and I feel a breath of fresh air. The title says it all, but the entries are inspiring.

June always amazes me. I learn so much from her, and she's completely supportive and personable.

I hope Martha forgives me for inadvertently leaving her out yesterday. When I was trying to bring back my calligraphy hand, I took her wonderful Calligra-Fun class with brush markers. It was really well presented, and Martha is an amazing, versatile artist in many mediums. I can't keep up with her. Art du jour, indeed.   She also teaches a traditional italic hand at Creative Workshops. (More info on her blog page) I LOVE taking online classes in my jammies.

Of course, my family members make me proud, and blogging is one way we stay connected.

Thank you to all the wonderfully dedicated, generous, and creative people who take time to make this human life more interesting and creative.
May we be peaceful, May we be healed, May we be a source of healing.

Zentangles in Education

2010-04-20T14:27:00.000-07:00

As a retired educator from the Salt Lake City School District, I was invited by my artist/teacher friend, Trish Clay, to teach a zentangle workshop for art educators. There were 10 participants who used the ideas in their classrooms. East High School (yes, the REAL High School Musical setting) produced two fine bulletin boards at the District Office. Three different activities are presented here; single black and white six inch squares, large 9 x 12 inch background watercolor wash with zentangles added afterward, and small panels of four by a single artist. The best thing about this type of lesson is that it's something everyone can do and feel excited about. I only wish the teachers had put the student's name on the work. Everyone deserves to be recognized for their accomplishments.

Here is a gallery of some of the pieces. It is only limited by my very poor photography skills.

The Poems I Have Not Written

2010-04-17T19:26:00.000-07:00

by John Brehm
(Oh course I don't need to explain why I chose this poem, do I?)

I’m so wildly unprolific, the poems I have not written would reach from here to the California coast if you laid them end to end. And if you stacked them up, the poems I have not written would sway like a silent Tower of Babel, saying nothing and everything in a thousand different tongues. So moving, so filled with and emptied of suffering, so steeped in the music of a voice speechless before the truth, the poems I have not written would break the hearts of every woman who’s ever left me, make them eye their husbands with a sharp contempt and hate themselves for turning their backs on the very source of beauty. The poems I have not written would compel all other poets to ask of God: "Why do you let me live? I am worthless. please strike me dead at once, destroy my works and cleanse the earth of all my ghastly imperfections." Trees would bow their heads before the poems I have not written. "Take me," they would say, "and turn me into your pages so that I might live forever as the ground from which your words arise." The wind itself, about which I might have written so eloquently, praising its slick and intersecting rivers of air, its stately calms and furious interrogations, its flutelike lingerings and passionate reproofs, would divert its course to sweep down and then pass over the poems I have not written, and the life I have not lived, the life I’ve failed even to imagine, which they so perfectly describe.

Poems, Poetry and Discovery

2010-04-15T11:12:00.000-07:00

If you haven't heard the rumor yet, it's National Poetry Month. I thought I was a lover of poetry, but in getting lost while clicking at everyone's blog links, I find I'm such a baby novice beginner.

I have discovered a few things, or at least made them up.

1. Good poetry is accessible to the general public, because it addresses the human condition trying to make sense of it all.

2. My favorite poems make me think, feel and imagine.

3. I feel more alive after a good poem.

4. A great poem may not necessarily make me feel better....maybe wiser, though.

5. I also love ecstatic poetry and poems that reach for the numinous.

6. If I could have the Magic Wand grant a wish, I would be able to write poetry.

Here is today's offering, which stopped me in my tracks. To think it was written by C.P. Cavafy (1863-1933) and not yesterday is mind boggling. Translated by Edmund Keeley and Philip Sherrard, I discovered it in a book I bought yesterday at Borders for $1.98, titled Speaking to the Heart, 100 favorite poems, chosen and introduced by Sister Wendy Beckett.

Waiting for the Barbarians

What are we waiting for, assembled in the forum?

The barbarians are due here today.

Why isn't anything going on in the senate?

Why are the senators sitting there without legislating?

Because the barbarians are coming today.

What's the point of senators making laws now?

Once the barbarians are here, they'll do the legislating.

Why did our emperor get up so early,

and why is he sitting enthroned at the city's main gate,

in state, wearing the crown?

Because the barbarians are coming today

and the emperor's waiting to receive their leader.

He's even got a scroll to give him,

loaded with titles, with imposing names.

Why have our two consuls and praetors come out today

wearing their embroidered, their scarlet togas?

Why have they put on bracelets with so many amethysts,

rings sparkling with magnificent emeralds?

Why are they carrying elegant canes

beautifully worked in silver and gold?

Because the barbarians are coming today

and things like that dazzle the barbarians.

Why don't our distinguished orators turn up as usual

to make their speeches, say what they have to say?

Because the barbarians are coming today

and they're bored by rhetoric and public speaking.

Why this sudden bewilderment, this confusion?

(How serious people's faces have become.)

Why are the streets and squares emptying so rapidly,

everyone going home lost in thought?

Because night has fallen and the barbarians haven't come.

And some of our men just in from the border say

there are no barbarians any longer.

Now what's going to happen to us without barbarians?

Those people were a kind of solution.

Barbara Close, with Textured Letters, Comes to Town

2010-04-10T20:46:00.000-07:00

Waaay back in Spring of 2007, I picked up the new Somerset Studios Magazine and fell in love with the textured versal exemplars of Barbara Close. I've looked at the article so many times and wanted to try it, but the old F-E-A-R demons kept telling me I needed to learn more, know more.....

No More. I've just spent two wonderful days playing with my lettering artist friends (who are far more talented than I), and here is a little sample of our time together. (The best thing about posting on a blog is you can't see the other artists' work, so you can't compare, and now that I'm home, neither can I.)

I used my own hand marbled paper to cover the journal. Inside are black accordion fold pages where I will glue my finished samples. They are still a work in progress, and hopefully, you'll get to see some new ones soon.

Thanks for stopping by.

E. B. White poem The Spider Web

2010-04-09T18:29:00.000-07:00

The Spider Web

The spider, dropping down from twig,
Unfolds a plan of her devising,
A thin premeditated rig
To use in rising.

And all that journey down through space,
In cool descent and loyal hearted,
She spins a ladder to the place
From where she started.

Thus I, gone forth as spiders do
In spider’s web a truth discerning,
Attach one silken thread to you
For my returning.

E.B. White written as a love letter to his wife.

Kindness, a Poem by Naomi Shihab Nye

2010-04-06T09:19:00.000-07:00

April is National Poetry Month, and you all know how much I LOVE poetry. So, here is one of my favorites. May you be touched deep down in your soul, and show kindness to all you meet.

Kindness

Before you know what kindness really is
You must lose things,
Feel the future dissolve in a moment
Like salt in a weakened broth.
What you held in your hand,
What you counted and carefully saved,
All this must go so you know
How desolate the landscape can be
Between the regions of kindness.
How you ride and ride
Thinking the bus will never stop,
The passengers eating maize and chicken
Will stare out the window forever.

Before you learn the tender gravity of kindness,
You must travel where the Indian in a white poncho
Lies dead by the side of the road.
You must see how this could be you,
How he too was someone
Who journeyed through the night with plans
And the simple breath that kept him alive.

Before you know kindness as the deepest thing inside,
You must know sorrow as the other deepest thing.
You must wake up with sorrow.
You must speak to it till your voice
Catches the thread of all sorrows
And you see the size of the cloth.

Then it is only kindness that makes sense anymore,
Only kindness that ties your shoes
And sends you out into the day to mail letters and purchase bread,
Only kindness that raises its head from the crowd of the world to say
It is I you have been looking for,
And then goes with you everywhere
Like a shadow or a friend.

Naomi Shihab-Nye

Zentangles for Third Grade @ Jeremy Ranch Elementary

2010-04-03T13:14:00.000-07:00

Doodling is conducive to even the youngest children. The owners of a creative preschool/art class/daycare center have been taking my Creative Meditation class, and found that zentangle activities really focus and calm the little ones. They put out a large sheet of paper and let all the kids participate.

Zentangles are non-fail projects which encourage even the most timid. Here are our photos from Jeremy Ranch. For these kids, I stepped away from the tiny 3.5 inch squares of the traditional zentangle and gave them die cut shapes of their choosing. LOVE IT ! We created a large group project where everyone got a space, and each child could make as many individual ones as an hour could hold. You can see their intensity and focus. ( I wore my zentangle shoes, of course.)

Happy Birthday to Jonas

2010-04-01T09:39:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was Jonas's (Jonas' ?) big 6 year old birthday. He has replaced his fascination with dinosaurs to fish and aquariums. We're going to the Sandy Aquarium for his birthday party. I think his interest was fueled by a trip to Mexico and their fabulous ocean zoo. I broke out of my comfort zone and painted some fish on the tie dye. I think he'll like it.

Wordles

2010-03-12T18:47:00.000-08:00

(I need to apologize for adding the wrong hyper-link to the wordle reference. I believe this is the correct one, so you could have a little fun typing in your poems or quotes. So sorry.)

My friend, Kass, referenced a website called Wordle which is so much fun for word lovers. Give it a try. Here is my poem, titled Essential Moments. The great thing is, after you type in your poem, the program leaves out anything non-essential. Cool, huh?

I didn't put my own poem here because I think anything you write using the same words will be more valuable to you. Your creativity is what counts.

Try writing some of your own, even if you just put in a list of your favorite words. I think this could be the newer, smaller version of refrigerator poetry. Just work from a list of words. I think I'll do this activity with my Creative Meditation class. Then I'll post their poems...with permission, of course. Have some fun today.

O.K. Just Kidding

2010-03-02T08:34:00.000-08:00

I have done something unpredictable, kinda. While trying to find a pair of shoes which were neither winter boots nor summer sandals, I sauntered past the keds, and there they were. With my trusty sharpie marker, I went to work. I think the life lesson metaphor is: some of the strokes are messy, some are irregular and wobbly, some are executed with a shaky hand, but viewed as a whole, the design works, and the wobbly, messy, irregular shaky ones get lost, and what is left is a work of art. My friend George said, "Wow, you turned a pair of $25. sneakers into a $500. piece of art." The third graders at Jeremy Ranch Elementary enjoyed them when I taught them zentangles last week, and yes, I did strongly suggest to them to ask their parents before coloring on their clothes...or to buy their shoes with their own money. (We've had experiences with third graders.)

AND, thanks to all who have commented. I still can't figure out how to comment back, even though I've enabled all comments on the dashboard. I do appreciate your positive feedback. Best wishes.....and Happy Feet.

Signing Off with Gratitude TTFN

2010-01-17T11:20:00.000-08:00

The blogging world is an interesting place to visit. I've been traveling this road for a short while, and I've made many friends. Thank you to the ones who have left encouraging and uplifting comments, which I have greatly appreciated and cherished.
One of the reasons we do different things, or do things differently, is to learn and experience other ways of looking and feeling. As one wise counselor put it, "And all these things shall give thee experience." What we do with the experience is part of the free will we have been given.
I have gained so many insights into myself by blogging, and the education has been valuable.
The one I want to share today is this: When I look at the quality of my life through blogging,
I see that I spend a lot of energy checking the computer several times a day to find out

1. If anyone's blog I follow has changed or been updated
2. If anyone has left a comment on my own blog

Instead of doing the work I need to be doing, which is simplifying, organizing, or creating, I am scattering my energy in other places--the black hole of the computer. So, for now, may I offer my gratitude to you for visiting, and may I extend an invitation to you to check out the other bloggers I have listed in the sidebar. They have made my life happier, more creative, and more contemplative. They also list wonderful links on their blogs to very interesting sites and activities. Most of all, I want to invite you to actively participate and engage with the real live people around you, who need your smile, your support, your presence.
I'm signing off for now, to put my life in order. May you feel a deep connection to humanity, and may you know you ARE love---and loved.
Marie

Charles Dickens "Things That Never Die"

2010-01-05T07:47:00.000-08:00

I include this poem, not only because it is lovely, but because I think it is both timely and immortal. In this New Decade, I hope we focus on things that never die:
love, kindness, compassion, empathy, equanimity, acceptance, understanding, and service. Add to this list with your own wishes, hopes and dreams. Love to all.

These Things Can Never Die
Charles Dickens (1812-1870)

The pure, the bright, the beautiful
That stirred our hearts in youth,
The impulses to wordless prayer,
The streams of love and truth,
The longing after something lost,
The spirit's yearning cry.
The striving after better hopes;
These things can never die.

The timid hand stretched forth to aid
A sister in her need,
A kindly word in grief's dark hour
That proves a friend indeed;
The plea for mercy softly breathed,
When justice threatens high.
The sorrow of a contrite heart;
These things shall never die.

Let nothing pass, for every hand
Must find some work to do,
Lose not a chance to waken love;
Be firm and just and true.
So shall a light that cannot fade
Beam on thee from on high,
And angel voices say to thee,
These things can never die.

Our Homemade Christmas

2010-01-02T08:54:00.000-08:00

This year we decided to get out some UFO's (UnFinished Objects) for gift giving. John started a wooden chest for me several years ago, did most of the work, including the hand carving, but it got put away for any number of reasons, probably work and career, or house maintenance.
So, in the freezing month of December, with a hot cup of green tea, in his elegant workshop (the garage), he began the journey...again.
And he finished well before the last minute. Here is the heirloom on Christmas morn.

John is truly a professional perfectionist. He has rendered every detail with skill and precision, including the best brass hardware. He took the design from his favorite Saturday morning Guru, Roy Underhill, The Woodwright's Shop. When we placed the chest on the fireplace, I realized how much John had crafted for our house. In the photos below, you can see his collection of carved Santas, the Peace on Earth cover for the fireplace grate, but pay particular attention to the mantel itself....YES, designed and built by The Master Woodcarver living here. It is bird's eye maple, and behind the Santas you can get a glimpse of his own design carved there. Hopefully in his retirement, he can find more time for his craft. I do believe there's another boat in him. (Posting about his handcrafted canoes and kayaks will have to come another time.)

Thanks, John, for your thoughtful, beautiful gift which generations will treasure.

New Year with Walt Whitman

2009-12-27T11:44:00.000-08:00

Song of the Open Road excerpt

By Walt Whitman 1819-1892

1
Afoot and light-hearted I take to the open road,
Healthy, free, the world before me,
The long brown path before me leading wherever I choose.

Henceforth I ask not good-fortune, I myself am good-fortune,
Henceforth I whimper no more, postpone no more, need nothing,
Done with indoor complaints, libraries, querulous criticisms,
Strong and content I travel the open road.

The earth, that is sufficient,
I do not want the constellations any nearer,
I know they are very well where they are,
I know they suffice for those who belong to them.

(Still here I carry my old delicious burdens,
I carry them, men and women, I carry them with me wherever I go,
I swear it is impossible for me to get rid of them,
I am fill'd with them, and I will fill them in return.)
.......

5
From this hour I ordain myself loos'd of limits and imaginary lines,
Going where I list, my own master total and absolute,
Listening to others, considering well what they say,
Pausing, searching, receiving, contemplating,
Gently, but with undeniable will, divesting myself of the holds that would hold me.

I inhale great draughts of space;
The east and the west are mine, and the north and the south are mine.

I am larger, better than I thought,
I did not know I held so much goodness.

All seems beautiful to me, I can repeat over to men and women
You have done such good to me, I would do the same to you.

I will recruit for myself and you as I go,
I will scatter myself among men and women as I go,
I will toss a new gladness and roughness among them,
Whoever denies me it shall not trouble me,
Whoever accepts me he or she shall be blessed and shall bless me.
......

(The entire text of this lovely poem can be found in multiple places on the web. It creates a pause or space for contemplation of a New Year, a New Decade, a New World.
What do you want to create in the years ahead?)

Love to All, and Peace Be With You.

p.s. I had no idea Whitman was so controversial. Thanks to all who posted comments. I've had my first New Year's education. xoxo (I am sincere in my thanks.)

Christmas Card Zentangle wishes for you

2009-12-23T13:49:00.000-08:00

Here are my Holiday Wishes for YOU. May you know your importance in my life, and may you feel appreciated. You have enriched me in ways you'll never know. I continue to be inspired by each of you, and have learned so much. I'm entering the season with a grateful heart. What better gift is there?
May you be blessed in the New Year.

LOVE TO ALL.

Dyeing for Christmas

2009-12-19T08:21:00.000-08:00

You probably need to know the little five-year-old who prompted this project. Jonas is in kindergarten. You might understand more if I say he is the middle child, between two perpetual motion, high-kinetic-energy children. He has hated shoes and socks his whole life, immediately taking them off as soon as he's buckled in his car seat, carrying them into my house and depositing them in the shoe basket at the front door. So, when I asked him what he wanted for Christmas, and he answered, "I want some tie-dyed socks, Grams," I couldn't resist. I ordered wonderfully soft bamboo from Dharma Trading, and tie-dyed a family's worth. (If you're in Tennessee, you're invited to place an order, including all white, if you like what you see.)

Now, to show you the youngest constant motion child in the family, you'll see that I couldn't get her to hold still for a photo. These were all taken within one minute of each other. She is 2 1/2 years old, but the clothes are 18 month sizes, so you get an idea of how tiny this little hurricane is. She walks on her tippy-toes, but usually the toes turn under, like a toe-dancer.

Christmas Peace wishes

2009-12-15T11:20:00.001-08:00

Doodling some wishes for Peace during the holidays. What if we kept that word in mind the whole season, and just inhaled PEACE, and exhaled CALM and LOVE. Think of the JOY we would be spreading! May these gifts of the holiday season be yours.
Love to all.

No pictures, but plenty of good wishes.

2009-12-09T15:45:00.000-08:00

I had to speak today to the Chaplaincy program at St. Mark's Hospital. While pondering about it, I looked up my collection of poetry, and found some Christmas wishes I gave to my friends one year. I tried to write an individualized letter to each of them. So as my gift to you, I'm going to share my wishes of love and good cheer, and hope that you'll receive inspiration from them.
Love to all.

MY WISH FOR YOU

I wish for you Authenticity,
That you may express your true self,
The Divine Being that is connected to the Source
Of Pure Love, Light and Creativity.

I wish for you Joy,
In solitude and silence,
That you may hear the inner music of the spheres,
The rhythm and harmony of life
Expressing itself through you and
Because of you.

I wish for you Rest
From your fears and worries,
Your striving and your concerns,
That you may fully feel your own
Unique aliveness and essence,

I wish for you Play,
That you may dance from your center,
Sing from your heart,
Write from your hopes and dreams,
And know the Artist who lives within.

I wish for you Love,
That you may know your worth and value
And place in the world;
That you may share that knowledge
From your essence, and bring
Peace and healing into the world
Just by being.

Sneak Preview-Quilt Gift for Christmas

2009-12-01T17:12:00.000-08:00

We have a bit of a Christmas dilemma every year. If I can possibly think of a gift for my DH, I can pretty much guarantee he'll go out and get one 6 weeks before. In all of our married life, I've not been able to surprise him. This year I thought I'd finally come up with an idea. He has confiscated one of the old kid's bedrooms for his multi-purpose room, and I decided to finish a UFO for his newly carpeted, lighted den. Yesterday in the mail, a package from LL Bean--and, you guessed it!! A quilt for his new room. Well, here is a peek of the quilt that was in progress. We'll see who gets it.

Vaclav Havel, "It is I who must begin.."

2009-11-28T14:53:00.000-08:00

Once I begin, once I try
here and now,
right where I am,
not excusing myself
by saying that things
would be easier elsewhere,
without grand speeches and
ostentatious gestures,
but all the more persistently
-to live in harmony
with the "voice of Being," as I
understand it within myself
-as soon as I begin that,
I suddenly discover,
to my surprise, that
I am neither the only one,
nor the first,
nor the most important one
to have set out
upon that road. ...
Whether all is really lost
or not depends entirely on
whether or not I am lost. ...

Jan Phillips' THE ARTIST'S CREED

2009-11-25T11:13:00.000-08:00

I believe I am worth the time it takes to create whatever I feel called to create.

I believe that my work is worthy of its own space, which is worthy of the name Sacred.

I believe that, when I enter this space, I have the right to work in silence, uninterrupted, for as long as I choose.

I believe that the moment I open myself to the gifts of the Muse, I open myself to the Source of All Creation and become One With the Mother of Life Itself.

I believe that my work is joyful, useful and constantly changing, flowing through me like a river with no beginning and no end.

I believe that what it is I am called to do will make itself known when I have made myself ready.

I believe that the time I spend creating my art is as precious as the time I spend giving to others.

I believe that what truly matters in the making of art is not what the final piece looks like or sounds like, not what it is worth or not worth, but what newness gets added to the universe in the process of the piece itself becoming.

I believe that I am not along in my attempts to create, and that once I begin the work, settle into the strangeness, the words will take shape, the form find life, and the spirit take flight.

I believe that as the Muse gives to me, so does she deserve from me: faith, mindfulness and enduring commitment.
###################################

Now, I, Marie believe that we can all write our own Artist's Creed. I plan on doing that, and publishing it here. I would challenge any reader to contribute their own artist's creed, and I will post a link to yours here, if you desire. And if you believe you are not an artist and don't need a creed, then add your LIFE PURPOSE creed. I'd love to see the blogging world be as inspirational in word and deed as it is in visual appeal.
Happy Thanksgiving. I'm grateful for a place that lets me enjoy my freedom of speech and my right to my opinions.
Love to all.

Jan Phillips is the author of 4 books: Marry Your Muse, The Art of Original Thinking, Divining the Body, and God is at Eye-Level.

No visual images, just inspiring words

2009-11-21T15:55:00.000-08:00

Being a lifelong reader, I have always loved beautiful language, so I collect quotes, passages and poems.
Here is food for thought.
May we all enjoy the gift of words.
Happy Thanksgiving!

An object made with love and care can be a thing of beauty, a whole, even when it is imperfect; by contrast, another one, although flawless, can leave us untouched and strike no sympathetic chord.

Is it not substance and meaning that we are longing for in our daily lives? The most wonderful result of our involvement in craft can be this: to stretch the boundaries of the ordinary and add a new colorful dimension to being alive.

True amateurism should not be looked down upon. In times like ours any manifestation of liveliness must be cherished.
all 3 quotes by Franz Zeier, in Books, Boxes and Portfolios

When we make things with our hands we put into them energy which comes from our innermost self. When we see and feel objects which were made by craftsmen long dead I believe we can still sense their energy lying beneath each brush-stroke or sweep of the pen, and we can respond to this energy as much as to the object's surface beauty or ingenuity of design. When we ourselves write we not only communicate information by the choice and sequence of the words; we also reveal something of our inner spirit with every tremor of the hand.
So those marks which remain to us from the very beginnings of man's experiments with the alphabet not only provide us with physical evidence of his ingenuity and skill, but like the handwriting of a friend they are an intimate link with his heart and mind.
Donald Jackson, The Story of Writing

I've been a hard worker all my life, but "most all my work has been the kind that perishes with the usin'," as the Bible says. That's the discouragin' thing about a woman's work...if a woman was to see all the dishes that she had to wash before she died, piled up before her in one pile, she'd lie down and die right then and there. I've always had the name o' bein' a good housekeeper, but when I'm dead and gone there ain't anybody goin' to think o' the floors I've swept, and the tables I've scrubbed, and the old clothes I've patched, and the stockin's I've darned....But when one of my grandchildren or great-grandchildren sees one o' these quilts, they'll think about Mama [or Grams], and wherever I am then, I'll know I ain't forgotten.
Mirra Bank, in Anonymous Was a Woman

Gabrielle Fox comes to town

2009-11-15T13:57:00.000-08:00

I live in a wonderful place known as the "Crossroads of the West", where incredible international artists visit. This weekend was a book artist who has written a definitive guide for making books, but has a sub-specialty of miniature leather bindings. So, here is my meager attempt to create a miniature leather book. It's hard to tell the size of this, but it's 2 inches by 3 inches....teeny. The leather was pared to paper thinness, which took at least half of the workshop time. The book itself is not what I'm most proud of, but I leaped over a big hurdle and actually CUT UP AND USED my own hand-marbled paper for the end papers. I have hoarded these little marbled gems, afraid to use them up. What made me courageous to try it? The word miniature. I guess that qualifies as a baby step, one necessary to break out of a previous plateau that keeps one stuck. Fear is always a block to creativity. So, in a tiny way, I feel like I've taken one tiny step and one giant leap. Yea!

Finally getting the hang of it: Zentangles

2009-11-11T09:04:00.000-08:00

You may not know, but I went to the Zentangles "Teacher Certification" retreat, and that's another whole story, or three (i.e. why would anyone need to get certified to doodle? Exactly!)
But after practicing on these little puppies for a month, I'm starting to see some improvements.
It's about time, since I'm supposed to start "teaching" it on Friday. (7:00 p.m. Inner Light Center, Salt Lake City). Anyone who is a "real" artist could do this in her/his sleep, but for me this is a stretch....not the teaching part, but the idea that I could possibly offer an art form. I feel like such an impostor.
Well, here's the rest of the story. I was drawn (pun not intended, but enjoyed) to this particular form because of my background in meditation, relaxation and stress-reduction. This little doodle has the potential to lower blood pressure, calm the mind, remove one from the daily stresses, and increase creativity. There is something quite satisfying to see a design start to emerge. This is what real artists must feel when they see something born from their own imagination. Zentangles are making their way into the mainstream. This month's issue of Cloth Paper Scissors has an article in it, and the web abounds with examples, including YouTube instructions. Lori Vliegen has posted another idea on her fabulous blog here.
The official zentangle website is www.zentangle.com where you can find professional examples by the promoters of it. Check out the back issues of newsletters.
Try it out. You'll breathe deeper and slower, and move into your day a little calmer....until you get into your car. (smile)

Dena Crain's Darned Quilts

2009-10-19T09:54:00.001-07:00

Here is a photo of the quilt I made in Dena Crain's class at Quilt University. It's a humble offering compared to what is possible. I was blown away by the fabulous quilts in Dena's Gallery on her website, especially this one. I continue to be amazed by the creativity of everyone, although by now I should just know that the "creativity explosion" is as real as the "technology explosion." LIFE expressing Life. xoxox

Gilded Goldfish Batik Card

2009-10-14T14:47:00.000-07:00

Here's the before and after goldfish sent to my grandchildren in Tennessee. I'm sure they would have been just as happy with the before picture, but I'm still practicing my Zentangles, and getting to know the nature of paper batik. While I'm at it, I'll post a Thank you card I'm working on. Everyone in blogland knows how hard it is to reproduce a 2D image that has gold and silver on it. It just doesn't do justice to the real thing.....anyway, that's my excuse. I still think someone will like receiving it. Who doesn't like to be thanked?

More Batik--On PAPER

2009-10-11T13:21:00.001-07:00

The two above pieces are 6" x 8", and the ones below have been folded in half, so they measure 4" x 6". Sometimes it's hard to get a visual reference on a blog. Think small.

Still playing with hot wax. A work in progress, as usual.
These greeting cards are made just like fabric batik, with the tjanting tools. They are so much easier, though, because you can just paint the dye on, and no rinsing is needed. There are still a few "halo auras" where the wax shows through, but I'm getting used to them. Overall , there's a lot of possibility here. You might notice drips and splotches which, I have been assured, are desirable (probably for people who are messy and can't help it, and I fit that description).
A renowned calligrapher, Carol Pallesen, came to town for a two day workshop.
As usual, I'm the slow one. My very talented sister-in-law, local artist Kathy English completed many beautiful hand decorated painted designs. These are just a few of the 18 cards I made. As I complete them with designs and embellishments, I will post more.

TA DA Finished!

2009-09-20T20:55:00.000-07:00

I'm pleased to show off the batik project, completed on schedule as planned. I decided to change the blog template so the autumn colors wouldn't clash with the "show-and-tell".
Scroll down to review the backgrounds, so you can compare the results.

Work in progress report

2009-09-18T15:21:00.000-07:00

Most artists doing a blog will usually wait until they've finished a project before posting. I, however, want to document progress, and some of you (all 3 of you, ha! ;-) might like to follow along.
So, here is the initial work on my batik projects.
First, I used my leaf cookie cutter to apply the wax. Then I gave it a dye bath in yellow. Next, I waxed some of the leaves to have them remain yellow, then I painted the other leaves with dye and allowed it to dry. You'll notice that some of the dye ran outside of the initial lines, bleeding onto the yellow. I'm not terribly worried (yet), because I will wax the rest of the leaves, and finally I will put it in a brown-ish dye bath to dye the background. We'll see if it works.

I painted these backgrounds with dye,
and then I will wax patterns onto them, overdye them with a darker color (reminiscent of your childhood days, when you used your crayola crayons to color a heavy background, then colored heavily over it with black, then scratched out a design. O.K. Not quite like that, but maybe you get the picture.)
Tomorrow will be the overdyeing day, so will post the finished project Monday.
Happy weekend.

Back to Batik

2009-09-14T12:27:00.000-07:00

I started my creative journey two years ago with Quilt University taking fabric dyeing classes with Marjie McWilliams. I figured without an art background, I could dunk chunks of fabric into colored water and be happy. From there I went on to shibori (tie-dye, basically), which started the hippie hobby. Then I tried batik, figuring I already knew how to dye. Now, I'm taking another batik seminar with Marjie, so you'll have to stay tuned for progress. For now, I'm posting a preview of some things I made last time around. I hope this time I improve.

You know how sometimes you're disappointed with a project when you first see the results? Then you put it in the drawer wondering what to do with it? Then you take it out a year later and are amazed you did it? That's how I feel right now. Wow, "Once upon a time, I made that....."
I'm thinking about quilting the sun face. Now I'm getting courage enough to stitch with fancy threads. Wait for the "rest of the story."

The Art of a Poem

2009-09-07T10:53:00.000-07:00

Maybe the original intent of this blog was to post evidence of my hobby/craft, and though I'm a beginner as an "artist" (notice: still in quotations), I think I've always had the heart and soul of one. One hint of this is that I have always loved poetry passionately. It speaks so deeply and so clearly to me. So today's post is not visual, physically, but visual emotionally. Isn't that what art is, to bring into physicality a deep emotion? Poetry does that so beautifully. Thanks to my friend, Paula, for passing along this gem.

TO BE CONTENT WITH WHAT IS GIVEN
by Roseann Lloyd

to sit in your car at the wayside rest
watching the seagulls
high over the water
somehow they're backlit even though
the fog has taken the sun

to be ordinary
to stop and read every sign on the Nature Trail
unashamed of taking this day hike
this easy hike
hard-driving backpackers scorn

to be present to your life
to walk in the green sweetness
of the spring woods
feeling your winter stiffness as you walk
mindful yet not minding
everyone has scars

to be content with what is given
to take in the dusty sun smell on the piney path
new earth released from snow
to say all the names of the wildflowers
knowing they won't stick in your mind tomorrow
mertensia bunchberry blue-eyed grass

to be gentle to yourself
to walk slowly along the creek
watching the sparkle of rocks in water
pink and gold and silver
the rusty color of root beer
to stand like a cow in the mud

to be open to ordinary pleasures
to watch the fat moon rise
over the lake over
the cliff where the cliff swallows fly
to accept the gift of not knowing
before you got here
that the moon would be full.

So much fun for baby.

2009-08-20T08:33:00.000-07:00

A friend with a new baby boy came to town, so I made up some little onesies for them. These have some little knit pants in mottled navy to go with them. I hope Tennessee Luke enjoys them. I'm lucky to have friends who let me give away my hobbies.

I'll have more musings to post, after reflecting on Baodad's comment. I've learned a lot and I'll share what I'm thinking.
Dye in Peace.
xoxo

Getting Unstuck

2009-08-18T10:12:00.001-07:00

(Free association: Kurt Vonnegut's most famous first line...."Billy Pilgrim was unstuck in time."
I went to see the Time Traveler's Wife the other night, and it was all about Eric Bana being unstuck in time. This post is not about time traveling.)

I get paralyzed often when I sit down to work on my art. I'm not entirely sure why I sit down, get up, move supplies, rearrange, begin to clean up, sit down, get up, wander around, go away, come back, sit down, rearrange..... you get the picture. In my past lives (this lifetime, many years ago) I accomplished a lot, fearlessly. There was nothing I wouldn't tackle. Now that I have time, there is a fear of.....something....what? stopping me almost before I start. Yesterday, I just decided to do what my mother ALWAYS admonished: "Don't just sit there, DO something."
So, I tried a negative zentangle. Instead of being black ink on white, I reversed it. Remember, a zentangle is only 3 or 4 inches square. This one is 3, so the resolution is a bit vague.
I had some hand dyed fabric I love, got out the acrylic paints, took a deep breath, reminded myself "I am a good person", and went to work. Here are the results, and if I ever find out what I'm going to do with it, I'll post it. Perhaps that is why I get paralyzed....I just don't know what to do with it.

Remember the gelatin monoprinting? I still had the gelatin block (getting pretty dried up), so I spread some paint on with a brayer, and lifted the print with some muslin. What you can't see is the Jacquard Lumiere effects, which add sparkle and glitter, like a metallic sheen. A few of them turned out quite interestingly, although once again, what do I do with it?

I'm experimenting with a lot of techniques, and I guess I must exercise faith that something will come of it. Hope, hope, hope.
If you have any ideas on how to deal with paralysis, please let me know. It's a real time waster.
In the meantime, you can check out the real artists on my blog list.
Go with a happy 'art.

Zentangles for fun

2009-08-14T09:32:00.000-07:00

(There are still so many things to learn!! I finally got the scanner hooked up and these images are my first to test out for a blog. Each zentangle above is about 3 inches square. )

So, next month I'm going to Whitinsville, Massachusetts to do the Zentangle workshop. You might be wondering why anyone would need a workshop to learn to doodle. It's a Zentangle Teacher Certification program, but the main reason I'm going is because I needed a mini retreat. I have a friend in Boston I hope to see (Trish, are you reading this?), one of my online teachers (Sue Bleiweiss) is there, and I'd love to meet her and see her work at the Danforth Museum. Also, my very favorite book arts teacher (Barbara Mauriello) is doing a weekend workshop at the Garage Annex School, so I have multiple reasons to go.
Interestingly enough, I had decided to post my zentangles, when I looked at Terri Stegmiller's blog, and she had put one up which included calligraphy, and that addition to the idea pool is terrific. Terri and Sue introduced me to another online workshop called Calligra-Fun, taught by Martha Lever. We worked with Zig Brushable markers and played with easy, free letters.
Here is one of my practice pages.
Most people put perfection on their blogs, but I'm just learning, and I need to document the progress, so I'm putting practice pages here.
The zentangles at the top are my first three attempts at a new meditation form. My intent in doing them was to try each suggested doodle in the very sparse instruction manual (also 3" square). You'll notice Terri's work is much more professional, and she's incorporated many of her own designs. The lettering she has added is from the brushable workshop. You'll notice she's a professional artist.
One of the quotes I practiced is, "YOU DON'T HAVE TO BE GREAT TO START, BUT YOU HAVE TO START TO BE GREAT." So, I'm starting my art journey. I hope you'll come along with me. It's much more fun with friends.
xoxoxo

imprinting--I'm printing

2009-07-30T10:38:00.001-07:00

When DeAnn Singh came for a calligraphy workshop a few weeks ago, we did leaf printing with Speedball water soluble block printing ink. We had so much fun, and everyone's projects were spectacular. In fact, this is nearly a no-fail activity for all ages and stages. Here are some of the tips I learned:

Less is more concerning paint. I liked the images better when they were skeleton-y.
Use a tweezer to carefully remove the leaves. The paint was a bit sticky and many of the the leaves were very thin and papery.
It takes a long time to dry, so if you want to overprint, let it sit for several hours or overnight--even in the dry Utah desert.
It works better on a padded surface. I used 4-5 layers of paper towels.

If you goof (you wouldn't know that the above print was a goof, would you?), since the paint is soluble, you can spritz it with water and let it bleed on purpose. Also, (note above) that I spritzed too much water and it got runny, so I dabbed it with a patterned paper towel and VOILA! No fail.

I also tried it on various surfaces, and I liked the results on colored and textured prints.You can see I was enamored by the sweet potato vines.
Next, I made a gelatin base for monoprinting. This was my first adventure with that technique. I'm not sure I captured anything more than some basic trial and error beginner's stuff, but here are some of the results.
The top one was the very first monoprint, with the leaves covering the top. The second photo was the one lifted off immediately after the top one. Same image, two prints.

The one above is one of my favorites. It's a grape leaf.
Then we have an old kid's type rubber stamp-foamy with the negative/positive monoprint.
The good thing I've learned from many associates is that even if the entire piece of paper isn't usable, there's always a section that can be cut or "windowed", so I can have fun with these. They're probably 9x12, so you get a sense of a big stamp.

This leaf is a 4 inch long viburnum, which is leathery and hairy, as well as having strong veins.
When I printed the leaves, I always made a "leaf sandwich" so I got both sides of the leaf at the same time. On the gelatin monoprint, I lifted the print from the leaf, then brayered gold ink onto the leaf and imprinted it onto the gelatin, then pulled it off with the paper. By then the gelatin was getting a bit ragged. The good news is that I only used one side of the gelatin block, so today I can try new things on the other side of it.
So, I'll "LEAVE" you with a few more images. Try it on your own or with your kids.
Here on the orange one, I used a children's rolling pin with many sizes of rubber bands tied around it. I'll have fun with that one.
This last one was a grape leaf print on an envelope, with a gelatin textured print behind it, using a mesh-like fabric. If you want to make gelatin molds for monoprinting, use 2 envelopes of Knox with each cup of water. My pan held 4 cups, so I used 8 envelopes of gelatin. It set up pretty fast--a few hours. I think I'll try different paint today. The water soluble works well because it washes right off of the gelatin. We'll see. Stay tuned.

A Heart-Felt Welcome!

2009-07-26T15:45:00.000-07:00

These are half of my beautiful grandchildren wearing the newest designs in tie-dye. Previously my work was featured on my talented daughter, Allison's website here.

A New Creative pursuit in blogging.
Thank you for joining me. On this blog you will find evidence of my adventures in creativity.
You might ask "Why?"
My main motivation at this time is because my very favorite artists and bloggers are doing a summertime give-away, and I want to win.
Sue Bleiweiss and Terri Stegmiller at Two Creative Studios are wonderful mixed-media artists and fabulous inspirational teachers. Their online classes are fun, creative, well-paced and clearly written, and I've had such fun. Their blogs are informative and generous. They offer so many free patterns online, and it's rare to find artists willing to share their successful secrets. One of the nicest things about them is that whenever you leave a comment on their blogs, they send you a personal response. Do you know how gratifying that is? If you sign up for their newsletter, you'll be entered to win their givaway as well. (I probably shouldn't tell you that if I want more chances to win, should I?)
So, because they inspire me, I'm about to take the leap of courage and show you some of my creative projects. My other blog is currently on hiatus, but if you want to check it out for past posts, here is that link. DO check out Terri and Sue. They also have links to their favorite creative artists, and this is a wonderful web community.
Enjoy! Here are the matching tie-dyes created for a special 4th of July family celebration. Thanks for the order, Heather. Your photos were smashing.And these are Heather's beautiful children with their Easter tie-dyes. Heather is a photographer who is an associate and personal friend to my daughter.

Now, you might like some examples of items made from Sue Bleiweiss's projects. Here is a journal made from a brown paper lunch sack.

Then we have a book made from pattern paper. And those are just teasers. I'm looking forward to more classes from Sue and Terri, and you won't be sorry checking out the other blogs listed in the sidebars. Next blog might be about quilts. Check back again, and please leave comments. It's no fun doing a blog thinking no one is reading it.
Here's to sharing creative adventures.....Bon Voyage.