Crafty Red Fox

Craft Yourself Happy

2010-05-13T05:53:00.000-07:00

Last night was our monthly Craft Yourself Happy night at the Art Hive. It's like a Stitch'n Bitch but we wanted it to include more than just Knitters and we wanted it to sound a little less harsh.
Last night it was just the core group. Erin, Wendy, Suzanne, Kim and myself. Suzanne and I were spinning on drop spindles, Wendy was on her spinning wheel, Kim was knitting and Erin was working on a wire necklace.
I enjoy these nights so much because I am only responsible for my own happiness. Sometimes at the Crafty Girls events I find myself worrying that people aren't having enough fun or liking the project or whatever but CYH is super relaxed. Kim of IndigoDragonfly Yarns always brings an enormous box of her delicious hand-dyed yarns and we fibre fiends dive right in like hungry beasts. Her colourways are gorgeous, the yarn itself is dreamy to work with and the names are awesome. I picked up three skeins last night the names of which are as follows "Vancouver Melt" (teal, turquoise and lime), "One Turtle Short of a Pond" (rich emerald green to almost black) and get this - "I'm Going to Have Abandonment Issues" (a delightful and varied mixture of purples, turquoise, gray and raspberry red)
For more of her great work and titles, I've linked Kim's blog at the left, check it out!

Spring Has Sprung!

2010-04-16T09:58:00.000-07:00

And there is much work to create!
I'll try to remember everything I have been up to in the studio since my last (very distant) post.
In no particular order:
I'm involved in a sewn potholder swap put together by Malka Dobrowsky of StitchInDye. You can check out her blog at . Here are the potholders I made to trade with a woman in Reseda, California.

I made this little toque for a friend's baby in Germany.

And this is a "work in progress" shot of a piece I did for a secret project. Soon to be revealed.

I'm currently working on making a library book bag for a friend of a friend.

My Logo Again

2010-01-29T06:16:00.000-08:00

Me and my logo made it to the front page of the local paper!

New Year, New Blog Post

2010-01-29T06:10:00.000-08:00

I am perched on my worktable in what is now my new studio space. The other day, after driving for 3.5 hours in the rain and drinking a large cup of coffee I proceeded to rearrange all three bedrooms in this small house. The master bedroom is now my beautiful studio space, The Shark's old room is mine and he is in the old studio. Oh I love to rearrange the furniture! And my new workspace is grand!

Things Are Happening!

2009-11-19T20:29:00.000-08:00

Mine was the winning entry for the logo contest! It's for the 2011 Senior Winter games to be held here in Haliburton! I drew this, took a photo of it and farted around with it in Photoshop et voila! I won $200 bucks. I actually submitted 2 entries and liked the other one a lot more but I was not the judge and I am certainly not complaining! Here is the other entry:

What I'm Up To these Days

2009-11-06T10:03:00.001-08:00

I have a new job, to fill they spare time after parenting and running my own small craft business and keeping a reasonably tidy house and continuing an amicable relationship with my partner.
So my terriblogging will continue here at www.sewresourceful.blogspot.com as that is what I should be putting most of my spare energy into.
Looking forward to seeing you there!

Update from the Terriblogger

2009-08-26T10:45:00.000-07:00

Yep that's me. I suck at regular posting. But I refuse to beat myself up about it!
I am excited to tell you all that I bought our plane tickets today! The Shark and I will be heading to Berlin via Munich on September 20th and staying until October 6th. We have reserved a small apartment near a friend's apartment so the living will be less expensive and more relaxing.
I'm really looking forward to:
- Seeing two of my lovely German friends. (It has been almost 4 years!)
- Drinking beer in the park with a picnic of German bread and cheese.
- LegoLand!
- Checking out the Berlin craft scene
- This store. It's right in my neighbourhood.
- Rekindling my love affair with the German language. Echt!!

This is some work by my favourite Landshut potter, Meinhild Mielitz. Beautiful glazes and exquisite craftspersonship.

Something HUGE To Look Forward To!

2009-08-05T11:16:00.000-07:00

I have finally climbed down off the fence and decided to take the plunge and take a toddler to Berlin, Germany. It's going to be a challenge but I feel so energized having something to plan for, get jazzed about and it has motivated me to work hard in the studio in order to make money for the trip!

Feeling Down

2009-07-30T06:17:00.000-07:00

So many ideas and so little time. I am terrible at being content. I get so inspired to create and then I am crushed when I realize that I haven't the time to do even half of the things I want to. In moments of peace I tell myself, "Just play now and later when F is in school you can work in the studio..." But I need that creative outlet now. Not four years from now.

Oh, Poor Neglected Blog...

2009-06-18T23:52:00.000-07:00

Well I've been a busy bee, I'll try to fill you in.
I've got a show coming up at The Art Hive and I'm working away on that in every spare moment. I received this gorgeous pile of fabric in the mail the other day and many of these patterns will make their Highlands debut in my show.

At first I wanted to have a theme to my show. It was going to be "Pirates & Mermaids" but things took a turn...so it is simply a collection of my new and recent work. I recently took a very interesting drawing course at Sir Sandford Fleming College called Advanced Individual Drawing Studies. I'm sure that it has informed my recent work with a greater mark making confidence.

The Hive's second anniversary celebration is coming up and it's going to be great.

Please Help Me Name This Creature!

2009-06-04T19:12:00.001-07:00

"you think I look like Ken Dodd.?.HaHa very funny !!", originally uploaded by lilychip.

I'm 30 this Friday.

2009-05-26T17:56:00.000-07:00

Wow, 30. It feels like a big one. I'm wishing now, at the eleventh hour as usual, that I had planned something. Like a costume party or even just a BBQ but there was no time. But happily, I got a hold of a few of my wonderful K-town friends and we are going out to dinner on Friday so that's something.
I have to say that I'm quite happy with where I am now at 30. I feel as though I belong in this funny little town filled with arty farty types. I'm looking forward to a busy and fun filled summer.

Rainy Day In The Highlands

2009-05-14T05:34:00.000-07:00

The Shark and I woke up to the steady sound of heavy rain this morning. I feel as though I've been recently run over due to my enthusiasm at aerobic on Tuesday so all I want to do is lay on the couch!
But the Shark is going to day care three afternoons a week now and it is WONDERFUL! Especially since D is back to driving coaches and is away a lot.
Hooray for uninterrupted studio time, during the day and without the crutch of caffine!

Nostalgic Teacup Pincushions

2009-05-10T19:46:00.000-07:00

Thanks to my lovely friend Lorraine, I have pics of my newest creations!

Mum's Birthday Card

2009-04-22T14:05:00.000-07:00

My lovely Mama has spent her b-day abroad this year so I am posting her card here!

Haliburton Drawing Group

2009-04-19T10:34:00.001-07:00

Here is the poster I made up for the group. We are deciding on dates and then: let the drawing begin!

Hello Again Faithful Followers

2009-04-18T11:48:00.000-07:00

I realize that I am in no way a reliable blogger.
What can I say, I'm a busy lady.
But I do like to keep y'all abreast of what I've got in the hopper these days.
The Shark and I have been fighting a losing battle against a yucky virus. So now we are on Operation Immunity Boost. We're wolfing down the supplements and water and going to bed ridiculously early. Wish us luck.
I am almost finished my Business For Artists course at the college. It's going really well. The teacher is Paul Portelli, who is a very successful sculptor, potter, instructor and speaker.
I've been busy making many many cupcakes. Not edible ones but soft sculptures made from felted wool sweaters and decorated with beads, baubles and hand-stitching. These and some print work are all in preparation for next week's opening of Sweet Tooth at The Art Hive.
Also I'm working on a piece for the "I Found It At The Dump" show/fundraiser. It's a found object mobile. I've been wanting to make some mobiles and this is the perfect incentive.
I've also been making some funny little pincushions which sit in vintage teacups.

As well, I'm always trying to build up inventory to supply the shops which carry my work. Considering how sick I've been, the fact that I have a 15 month old and that I also have to eat, clean the house, wash dishes and do laundry etc. I MANAGE TO BE PRETTY PRODUCTIVE!!!! But I do need to organize a bit more time for myself each week.
Oh and I've started a monthly drawing group for my spare time. And the travelling books continue.
Creating keeps me alive. A bit tired perhaps but ALIVE!
Be well all and until next time adieu!

So Much Inspiration...

2009-03-31T05:43:00.000-07:00

...so little time!
I don't know if it's the seasonal change or my attitude or the approaching exhibitions in my life, but I am overflowing with creativity these days. Everything I see, I get some flash of project ideas and of goes my imagination. I have collected all sorts of materials for many different creations. Collecting can be done with a child on my hip. Creating cannot!
But I'm finding the time.
I'm working on pieces for Sweet Tooth.

And or "I Found It At The Dump"

And also for my Hand Of The Maker Show at the Art Hive in the summer. It will be about mermaids and pirates. Poster to come!
And ridiculously enough despite all this inspiration I find myself addicted to Flickr, searching for...inspiration.
I hope that you all are finding inspiration and a renewed lust for life in this warming weather!

Ta Ta Ta Taaaah!

2009-03-29T12:07:00.000-07:00

Jessie is the winner of the first Crafty Red Fox Giveaway!
Just send me your co-ordinates and I'll pack up the earrings and ship then abroad!

Nothing Short Of a Small Miracle

2009-03-11T16:59:00.000-07:00

Yes! I have updated my Etsy shop. And there is more to come soon. So many things on the go these days!
I tried to keep to one medium in there but it's simply no use! I am a multi-media artist!
This month I'm going to have my first giveaway!

All you have to do is comment on this blog by the 29th of March. And then I will draw a name out of a hat et viola! You might be the proud owner of one of my handmade earring pairs. This one is made from hammered tinned copper, glass beads and hand felted and embroidered felt balls. Fun without being ridiculous!
So comment away lovely friends!

Inspiration for Journal Exchanges

2009-03-08T13:49:00.000-07:00

So my travelling journals are almost ready to go. I'm participating in 3 exchanges right now and I went into Flickr to see some other artists' journal pages. Wow! There is some amazing stuff out there. I'm reasonably happy with my first entries but now I'm really looking forward to trying out some new techniques.
Check these out:
By Flickr member rightside.

By Flickr member Ann-D

I think I get practicing!

The March Towards SPRING!

2009-03-02T05:39:00.000-08:00

Oh hooray for March! It's just that much closer to warm weather, skirts and sandals and cold beers on busy patios.
Dad and I went to Toronto yesterday and picked up some tools and materials for some interesting new art projects. My future shall be filled with more printmaking, beaded wire necklaces, collaged mirrors and shadowbox dioramas. Oh and parenting, dishes, laundry, aerobics, Art Hive shifts, and building inventory for shops and galleries and shows. That should be enough to keep me out of trouble!

In other project news, I have approached a few separate parties with an ongoing journalling project. Here is the description:
Travelling Journal
Each member of the group gets a small blank journal (Like this one from Chapters for $6)

The owner of each journal chooses a theme for it. Then he or she adorns the cover (the cover need not be completed immediately it could be a work in progress or a collaboration) and three pages with drawings, doodles, paintings, writings, collage, cartoons whatever. And then packs it up and mails it to the next person in the group for the next entry and so on and so forth. Each book should be sent away again within 2 weeks of receiving it. You can use the cheapest mail option available.
Each entry should include the artist's name and the date.
Each time the journal is received the postage from the mail envelope should be cut out and saved to prove the travels of the book and as interesting souvenirs and to see how much it cost over it's life! (So try to use real stamps for the postage rather than the bar codes that the post office seems so fond of these days)
Each book might travel for a few years because we will be using the cheapest method of post as to save cash. But that might even make it more interesting as our responses to the themes will evolve over time.

If you are interested in participating in this project, let me know and we can start a new circle. I am involved in a few but their timelines will all be different so I think I'll manage.

Hooray for collaborative art projects!

Hooray For Etsy Fans!

2009-02-23T20:29:00.000-08:00

I just want to thank my cousin Jessie for including me in an Etsy Treasury. I'm honoured!
Here is the link:
http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list.php?room_id=41579

In other news, I am totally wound up about wire jewellery these days. I spent the better part of the past weekend at the end of my parents' dinner table fussing around with wire and beads, pliers and an anvil. As an aside, when I went to Canadian Tire to buy said anvil I asked two separate employees where I would find an anvil and they both gave me a blank look. I had to repeat myself three or four times and mime hammering. They had never heard the word, to say nothing of knowing where such a thing might be located in a large department store. I found this odd.
Am I way off the mark in thinking that an anvil is a commonly recognized object? Maybe the only anvils these people had ever encountered were those that were destined for the Roadrunner but fell on the Coyote?

A New Game

2009-02-03T14:01:00.001-08:00

The object of the game is to drink at least a whole pot of tea each and then start messing around with this Photo Booth program and see who can go the longest without peeing their pants.

Happy February Peeps!

2009-02-03T13:42:00.000-08:00

I'm basking in the silence of my home. D and the Shark have gone out for a walk.
Last week was spent at Mum and Dad's. I did a boatload of sewing and applied to be a consignee member of Kingston's Made 4 You artist run gallery shop. And I got my response today! I'm in! Very excited to have a sales venue in Kingston.
I also went skiing every day last week with Mum. There are two old railroad beds which intersect, not 5 minutes from Mum and Dad's house so there are lots of skiing options.
Two weeks ago we took the Shark the the Bracebridge Sportsplex for the Parent and Tot Swim. They have a great set up there. One pool has a very shallow slant to the floor like a beach with bubbling fountains and multi-coloured lights. And there is another deeper saltwater pool for lounging. And both pools were lovely and warm as they should be for little ones. The Shark was in heaven. At first he just gazed around with a big grin on his face, perhaps wondering what all these other people were doing in his tub. Then he just plunged right in, no hesitation. It was a beautiful thing to see!

Classic Birthday Cake Double-Fisted Mash

2009-01-06T17:56:00.001-08:00

Happy First Birthday Shark!

2009-01-03T16:18:00.000-08:00

My darling boy is a year old today. We had a lovely party here with all of his favourite people. The big event was watching him totally massacre the chunk of banana cake we gave him. It was EVERYWHERE! As his wise Granny says "Kids should be clean enough to be healthy and dirty enough to be happy". I like that. We had to hose him down in the tub, clothes and all, afterwards but he loves the bath so that was part of the fun.
Pictures to follow but we are all a bit wiped for today.

Happy New Year!

2009-01-02T10:49:00.000-08:00

I know I'm a bit late with this greeting, but I have been laying low, nursing an ever-worsening cold for the past few days. I'm also trying to finish a couple of birthday presents for this weekend's upcoming celebrations.

Apropos of nothing, the neighbour's dog has just come up onto our deck and she's looking for our terrier through the kitchen window from atop the massive pile of snow just outside. A funny sight if you can imagine.

So, the Shark will be one year old tomorrow at 6:18pm. What a year it has been! D and I have learned so much about life, parenthood, relationships, the value of our own parents, the joy that comes with baby giggles and more that my congested head can't come up with right now.

In business news, I will be putting some new work in ye olde Etsy shoppe in the weeks to come so keep your bananas peeled for that. Annnnnnd for all of you non-commenters, I'm going to be doing a giveaway through this blog. In order to enter you'll have to comment!
Stay crafty everyone!

Back in the Village Again

2008-12-30T00:10:00.000-08:00

It's nice to be home again. Now that all the Christmas craziness is over I can spend some time reorganizing my workspace, planning new projects and cross-country skiing!
It's way early on Tuesday but I couldn't sleep so I got out of bed for a bit of weather watching. Normally I don't like having a streetlight near my house, but since our room is in the back it's not so bad, AND it's great for nighttime winter weather reports. I often come into the workroom at night and watch the snow fall. Right now it's not falling but blowing around like mad.
The Shark's first birthday is on Saturday. Thinking back to a year ago seems awfully surreal. We were filled with so much anxiety, excitement, fear, exhaustion and happy anticipation. He has so much personality now, so jolly, full of smiles and laughter. One of his latest favourites things to do is, after his bath when he's still wrapped in a towel we all meet at the big bed and pile the duvet and all the pillows in the middle and make a big fuss about placing him on top. He positively quivers with anticipation and then squeals with delight and goes bouncing all over the bed, peeking over the headboard, climbing up the cushy mountain and receiving lots of belly raspberries.

These dolls are the ones that a wonderful friend commissioned for her granddaughters. It was a very fun project for me. Thanks BB!
I'm working on two blankety type projects but they are gifts so I can't say too much about them yet. I just wanted y'all to know that I'm not just sitting on the couch eating bonbons. However, that said, the Shark and I both have colds coming on so we are taking it easy some of the time.
Au revoir for now!

Sunshine Again!

2008-12-28T04:56:00.000-08:00

The Shark was a bit unsure about the salmon at first...
I woke up this morning to a lovely sight. The trees outside my window are all glowing a beautiful peachy golden colour. It has been a bit gross weather-wise in the past few days, so this is a very welcome change.
We have had a wonderful week here in Southern Ontario. The Shark has learned to go down stairs safely and to walk with the assistance of only one grown-up hand. We visited lots of parties with friends and family and I even had some time to work on a couple of new quilts. But I'm missing my workshop and the snow of the Algonquin Highlands so I think we will head back soon.

Christmas Sweetness

2008-12-26T20:21:00.000-08:00

Adorable, yes?
I hope you all had a very Merry Christmas and I wish you a Happy New Year!

Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas...

2008-12-14T15:30:00.000-08:00

The quilt is on it's way to it's new home.

The doll has been performing in the ballet.

My elf work is well underway. There is a jolly little pile of wrapped items and quite a few many more on the way.
The family went to a lovely holiday potluck brunch today, lots of kids and wonderful tastiness.

The Shark has graduated to the next car seat. He faces forward now which is fun for us.
The Art Hive had it's Holiday Bee-zaar over the weekend I hope it went well.
We have a RIDICULOUS amount of snow up here already. If I go off the trail it's up to mid-thigh! It's a bit much for our little terrier!

Holy Winter Wonderland Batman

2008-11-27T09:03:00.000-08:00

This is a shot out my bedroom window.

I now have 48 hours to myself in the house to craft to my heart's content. Big D and the Shark have gone to visit family and the monkeys at the zoo.
Tomorrow at The Art Hive I will be doing some mad silkscreening as a fundraiser for the lil' gallery in the woods.

A New Project!

2008-11-25T07:58:00.000-08:00

I have been asked by the producers of the Nutcracker ballet here in the county to make a doll that resembles this one:

At first I thought the tutu would be the hardest, but the shoes will be tricky as well as the hair. But I'm not complaining. It's so wonderful to be asked to use my creativity.

And...the jogging wasn't nearly as awful as I had expected. The weather was mild. Gentle snowflakes drifted all around us. And the dog was delighted of course.

Jogging Anyone?

2008-11-24T13:58:00.000-08:00

Yup I'm going jogging tonight. My sister-in-law and I decided to start jogging again...in November...in the snow...and the dark. I wish we had gotten it together to start in the summer so that by this time of year our bodies would be simply craving it. C'est la vie. We are starting now and I'm telling all of you so that I can't get out of it so easily.

I went to Mum & Tot Yoga this morning in Haliburton with Lovely Ms.V. It's fun to get out and do something with other Mums and their respective tots.

Our friends in a tiny town just south of here had their second little one the other day. His tiny-ness is named Clare and his Mum and Dad and big sis are all happy and healthy.

Winter Seems To Be Here For Good

2008-11-22T18:15:00.000-08:00

I know this is upside down, but I like it that way.

I wasn't getting too excited about the snow, but it has been here for over a week now and the temperatures have been very cold so perhaps this is it. It would certainly be wonderful for all the people in this area whose livelihoods rely on snow. Dave got the snow tires on the car just in time and we are dusting off our winter driving skills.
Today in the workshop, I printed a series of large plump doll prints. I'm also working on a few Christmas packages for friends who live on other continents.
The season of elf work is in full swing already.

Good Morning And Happy Day!

2008-11-17T05:34:00.000-08:00

My Etsy Shop

2008-11-17T05:30:00.000-08:00

For any of you who have been checking it, it will come as no surprise when I tell you that I have really let my Etsy shop slide. I just haven't made it a priority in the last few months. However in the upcoming Art Hive slow season I'm going to get back into it. So keep your eyes peeled!

A Little Visit Home

2008-11-16T20:10:00.000-08:00

The Shark and the terrier and I drove through the wind and snow this afternoon to come and visit my wonderful parents. Their church here is Harrowsmith is coming along so well.
Mom has been working very hard to set up a lovely sewing room for the two of us. It has bright blue walls, rich creamy pink trim and a butter yellow floor. I have a serious case of sewing machine envy when I'm in there. Mum has a Cadillac and I have only a simple Toyota type machine. Well built and practical without any bells or whistles.
The Shark is snoozing in our cozy room downstairs and we are indulging in the guilty pleasure of Gray's Anatomy on DVD.
I delivered a big batch of new work to the Art Hive today. (I really need to take pictures of these things!) For tree decorations I made about 35 small plush patchwork birds. I carved a blockprint design of a nutcracker for my 2008 holiday cards and I stitched up a dozen funky Christmas stockings.
I'm teaching a few blockprinting workshops in the coming weeks. People seem keen to make their own cards.

And one last thing. Last night in Minden, we went to sleep beneath a cold wet sky and woke up to the magical transformation of our surroundings. Overnight we received over 10 centimeters of snow. Beautiful quiet, clean snow.

Long Time, No Post

2008-11-15T17:43:00.000-08:00

Well I'm back faithful readers after a very long hiatus. I have been doing lots of things and trying to sort other things out. So I will try to update you on the current life of the crafty Red Fox.
My queen sized quilt commission is coming along quite well.
I just sent 50 holiday cards, 8 stockings and 33 Christmas tree ornaments to the Art Hive today.
The weather is pretty gross, rainy and cold.
I think I'll be heading to Harrowsmith soon for a visit and more crafting.
The Shark is moving all around, crawling fast, standing up, crawling up stairs, letting himself down out of the highchair safely and babbling like nobody's business.

From Germany to Canada

2008-09-29T18:19:00.000-07:00

Here is just a quick shot of the skirt that I made for the Fashion Fallies show last weekend at the Art Hive. This pieces is made entirely out of letters from my German friend Anne. A few weeks ago I pulled them all out of their box in the closet and started sewing them all together not knowing what they would become. Somehow this evolved and it was an audience favourite!

Sorry!

2008-09-21T02:20:00.000-07:00

The below piece is by Etsy artist Lulunjay. In my early morning stupor I forgot my manners for a moment.
The Shark is soooooo close to crawling! It's amazing to see all the things he has learned to do just in these 9 short months. Still loves to eat and now that he has graduated to the big tub he is loving his bath more than ever.

Too Early in the Morning

2008-09-21T02:17:00.000-07:00

Why am I awake? I am wasting sleep time! And drooling over darling border terrier art.

Finding Balance

2008-09-10T16:03:00.000-07:00

Wow these blog posts are becoming fewer and further between!
I am actively working on balancing the many parts of my life in order to preserve my sanity. I think in the past eight months I have been trying to do too much. I am torn between wanting to be an active engaged parent and partner and wanting to be an active and engaged member of this creative community. I seem to be giving both of these jobs less attention than they need so I am learning to say no to creative job offers even if I really would like to take them. I'm learning to do some creative stuff that is just for me not for income. I'm learning to be in the moment and enjoy my ever-changing son, who wants nothing more from me than love and attention...and Cheerios.
And I'm trying to cut things out of my life which bring me less joy and more stress.

Back to the Blog

2008-08-31T18:26:00.000-07:00

Ahhh, time to blog. I have been away for too long. It has been a very busy past 2 months. I had a couple of great craft shows, taught a block printing workshop, worked too many days at the Photoshop, fed the Shark many new foods, watched him learn to sit up on his own, was startled when, upon returning to where I had very recently left him, found him to have moved away! He still eats like...well...a shark and is as happy as a clam. Very oceanic!
My work was very popular at the wonderful Art Hive in August, which of course makes me very happy. Now I'm in the final days of prep for the course I'm teaching at the college this week, Drawing For Fibre Arts. Very exciting.
And Fashion Fallies is coming up in a few weeks so I have to start sewing like a fiend.
That's the update for now and I'll try to keep the posts a little more regular in the weeks to come!

spa bento

2008-08-31T18:25:00.001-07:00

spa bento
Originally uploaded by Sakurako Kitsa

I also found this. I think these bento box art pieces are so delightful. I might not inhale my food if it was as carefully prepared and beautifully presented as this.

Coleman Shrimp in Fire Urchin

2008-08-31T18:22:00.001-07:00

Coleman Shrimp in Fire Urchin
Originally uploaded by mandarinfish

I was just cruising around Flickr and stumbled upon this incredible otherworldly image. Oh to dive again!

Busy, Busy Bee!

2008-08-16T04:46:00.000-07:00

So, it's been a bit of a lazy blogging time recently. I made it through my two craft shows with success, meaning I sold some work and made some friends.
I've moved my workspace into the basement, which, although dark, is a great space for me. I've got my tunes, lots of storage shelves and a place to make a mess that I don't have to look at if I don't want to!
I spent the day at the Art Hive yesterday. I can't stress enough just how happy it makes me to be a part of that place! My blockprinting workshop is coming up next week. The first of many I hope!

The Shark is growing like a weed. He weighs 18 lbs. now, has two teeth (bottom front), he says "dada, gaga, lala" indiscriminately, he eats EVERYTHING! The kid is a bottomless pit. And just in the past week he has learned to hold himself up in a sitting position...until his giant cranium pulls him over!

Post Art in the Park Post

2008-07-28T07:59:00.000-07:00

Well I had a great weekend at the show. Sales were fair, weather was bizarre but not cruel, I met some great people and reconnected with many lovely locals I don't see often enough. You really learn a lot at shows. Competition is high so you learn what grabs people's attention enough to get them into the booth. I'm torn now between not liking the craziness that precedes a show and loving the interaction with customers. I think I have to get my work into more shops AND do a very small amount of shows per year just to keep in touch with the people.

Crafty Shots

2008-07-16T20:50:00.000-07:00

Here are a few peeks into my busy little workshop.

The Jumping Bean!

2008-07-12T18:21:00.000-07:00

By Jove, I Think He's Got It!

2008-07-09T10:16:00.000-07:00

Miraculous though it may seem Finn seems to have cottoned right on to this whole sleeping through the night thing already. I couldn't be happier or more proud. I'm waking from the zombie state I have been existing in for the last few months!

ANNNNNND Gryphon is 5 years old today, well 35 for her I suppose. Happy Birthday G! You are a wonderful friend. I'll have to make you an extra special dinner.

Training the Shark To Sleep...Yawn...

2008-07-07T01:42:00.000-07:00

Ahhh, bliss. After more than an hour and a half of fighting it it, he finally fell asleep. We have been catering to his nighttime party plans for long enough. I've done my reading and he no longer needs to eat through the night and he has learned by now that crying brings love and cuddles. So now he needs to learn that we are just in the next room and that we love and adore him AND that he has to stay in the crib and sleep at night. I tell ya, when he's been crying so long it's awfully hard not to pick him up for a snuggle. Just a soother reload and a little belly rub. Then in the morning we can play together totally refreshed from a normal amount of sleep!

Mug Shot #6

2008-07-05T15:57:00.000-07:00

Here is another of my favourite Etsy potters. He goes by the name of khphillips. You can see more of his work here His shop is called Mudstuffing and his tagline is "He throws, he sews" Which I thought kinda applies to me as well.

Crisis Averted

2008-07-02T18:55:00.000-07:00

Ahh, Etsy service has been returned to me. I can breathe easy again.
I have a new blog for you all to check out. Its for the wonderful Art Hive and it will keep you in the know about all the keen stuff going on up there.
Our "One" anniversary party was a huge success and now we members, are looking forward to our respective busy summers. many of us are in the Haliburton Art in the Park Show which takes place in just a few short weeks. Those people are really kinda freaking out trying to get ready. Then after that is over i'm sure we will all find something else to freak us out as it is the deadlines which keep us motivated best!
My great friends were here on the weekend to hangout with the Shark while Dave and I were at work and they took MANY awesome pics of my cutie in his jolly jumper. Is this a happy kid or what?!?

What Has Happened To ETSY??

2008-06-30T14:13:00.000-07:00

My beloved Etsy site has been done for at least three days now. I'm feeling the effects of withdrawal, nervous twitching, cold sweats and frequent checking of the Internet connection.
Dave and the Shark headed to the cottage this afternoon for a few days of maxin' and relaxin'. I shall be spending my days stitching and printing and glueing and Photoshopping, beading and weaving and painting and silkscreening. All of which I enjoy and desperately need to do more of for my big upcoming show in Haliburton!

Mug Shot #5

2008-06-30T14:07:00.000-07:00

I bought this adorable little mug at the Kingston Fanfayr Show a few years ago. It's by a Durham region potter, whose name escapes me at the moment. (If anyone can help me with this it would be greatly appreciated)

Richard Fischer! Thanks Jennifer!

Mug Shot #4

2008-06-27T19:12:00.003-07:00

This mug was a gift from the potter herself, the lovely Lisa Barry of The Art Hive. She was taking the Professional Potter course at the college when I was working there last summer and this was one of her prototypes. It's a darling little thing. Small and sweet, perfect for strong coffee with cream or eggnog in December!

10 Things I'm Loving Right Now...In No Particular Order

2008-06-27T18:59:00.000-07:00

1. The Shark's ear-to-ear jolly jumper grin.
2. Listening to Dave put the Shark to sleep at night.
3. Being a member of the very cool, inspiring, uplifting Maple Lake Artisans Collective.
4. How the front flower garden is positively exploding with lush green life.
5. Being mad-hatter busy.
6. My luscious pile of colourful felt flowers waiting to become brooches, hair adornments, tree decorations and mobiles.
7. The enthusiasm with which the Shark devours everything we offer him.
8. The weather, all of it. Sunshine and heat or tumultuous storm.
9. Iced coffee.
10. Watching Gryphon perform a twister (super happy, super fast figure eights with her tail tucked between her legs) upon seeing her favourite neighbours who we meet on our walks.

What are you loving right now?

Mug Shot #3

2008-06-27T02:59:00.001-07:00

This big beautiful porcelain mug was a birthday gift from my tiny brother. It was handmade in Kingston by the very talented Marc Lemieux of Black Dog Pottery on Queen Street.

Mug Shot #2

2008-06-23T16:26:00.001-07:00

I found this wicked wonky mug in a student sale at the Emily Carr Institute of Art and Design many years ago when I myself was a student there. It was at the end of the semester when I took Intro To Ceramics with Paul Mathieu. He may be one of Canada's greatest ceramic artists but he is an uninspiring teacher. I can recall numerous occasions when he answered my questions with "You don't need to know that yet" Hmmm... THEN WHY AM I IN SCHOOL! Fortunately I had many other, much more positive ceramic training experiences.
This mug always reminds me of that beautiful hoity toity school on Granville Island, where craft was looked down upon.

Mug Shots

2008-06-19T06:30:00.000-07:00

I had an idea this morning as I made my cup of tea. My lovely mug collection spends most of its time hidden in the dark of the cupboard. I've always thought this was a bit of a shame, so I'm going to photograph them and tell their stories here on my blog. To get things started I'm posting one that isn't yet in my collection but I think it wants to be!

This is by fellow Etsian Nathan William of Hijacked Ceramics. You can see more of his work here.

Just A Pic 'O The Shark

2008-06-17T14:33:00.001-07:00

Here he is, the party animal himself. This child functions on VERY little sleep these days. But at least when he's awake he's usually a happy little camper. Loves his jolly jumper, loves his new foods, loves his big hairy sister Gryphon!

Rested and Rejuvenated

2008-06-13T07:26:00.000-07:00

I have very happily had the last 2 days all to myself. I really desperately needed to catch up on my sleep. That was my number one task. Any waking time was spent creating inventory. Right now I'm making decoupaged gift boxes, button necklaces, small matted ink & watercolour paintings and bizarrhinos.

I've also been eating more cereal than anyone really should. God, I'm lazy when it comes to feeding myself these days. When feeding my family or guests I'm far more energetic and creative, but when it's just me, I'd really rather spend that time in the studio.

Custom Birthday Present

2008-06-12T13:42:00.000-07:00

Okay I know you are all sick of hearing about my birthday, but this birthday post is actually not about me. I commissioned a special piece for my brother and it came in the mail today. I wanted to show it off before I send it away again with some other little goodies for him. He's the big 25 this year.

This was made by SilverPie.

Dahlia & Me

2008-06-12T13:38:00.001-07:00

Meet my new friend Dahlia. She arrived yesterday from Indiana and she is here to stay. I was having a right crummy day yesterday and she cheered me right up. I'm hoping she will be my motivational muse here in the workshop. The Shark and Dave are in Peterborough so I am resting and recouperating and crafting like mad while they are gone.

A Bit of Birthday Happiness

2008-06-12T13:20:00.000-07:00

This is just a little snippet of the lovely birthday lunch I had a few weeks ago, luscious raspberry buttercream frosted chocolate cupcakes and darling handmade gifts. My german friend Carolin who now lives in New Zealand made the mug and the little felt bird was made by Kazahkstani women living in Berlin where my other german friend lives.

I just received these beauties in the mail yesterday, a little surprise from my Mom. The are made by Figs.

And this very cool ring by PollyAnnaCowgirl.

Flickr Game

2008-06-11T02:32:00.000-07:00

I'm awake at all hours rocking a very active baby to sleep so I surf in order to stave off insanity. I've come across this little game on a few of my favourite blogs.

The concept:
a. Type your answer to each of the questions below into Flickr Search.
b. Using only the first page, pick an image.
c. Copy and paste each of the URLs for the images into fd's mosaic maker.

The Questions:
1. What is your first name?
2. What is your favorite food?
3. What high school did you go to?
4. What is your favorite color?
5. Who is your celebrity crush?
6. Favorite drink?
7. Dream vacation?
8. Favorite dessert?
9. What you want to be when you grow up?
10. What do you love most in life?
11. One Word to describe you.
12. Your flickr name

If you are curious, these were my answers:
Darby
Bread
Sydenham
Red
Luke Wilson
Coffee
New Zealand
Tiramisu
Artisan
Freedom
Tired
Crafty Red Fox

Birthday Weekend

2008-05-31T21:11:00.000-07:00

I have been away from the blog for a few days because...well do I really need to justify that? Anyway I had a lovely birthday on Thursday. Mom & Dad drove all the way up here with an incredible picnic and a car full of wonderful second-hand outdoor rec gear! Including a lifejacket for the Shark! EXCELLENT!
I received some very cool gifts such as the first season of Flight of the Conchords! If you are unfamiliar with this hilarity, check out some clips here.
And Mom had this lovely piece by AnnabellaDesigns sent to me in the mail.
Tomorrow we are hosting a potluck BBQ for many lovely people. I made a very lopsided chocolate cake which I think suits me quite well!
Hey I was carded at the beer store. It totally made my day!
Okay, must sleep...much work to do in the morning...

Recent Trades

2008-05-28T09:27:00.000-07:00

I've been trying to limit my Etsy acquisitions to trades lately, to keep my spending down and I'm really enjoying it. You get a little more contact with the artists that way because you chat with them a bit and get useful feedback. Here are a couple of my recently received lovelies.
popartcafe

dippylulu

jellyignite

Last day as a 28 year old...

2008-05-27T21:57:00.000-07:00

Hmm, that sounds as though I am really depressed about aging. I'm not. I'm actually looking forward to seeing my friends and family.
What IS stressing me out is the fact that I have such a lot of things to do and not enough time to do them. I can't do creative work when there is the ever present threat of interruption. Please understand, I love my son very much and he and I have a lot of laughs together. I can do housework while he plays and gurgles, but I can't do artwork.
I'm not overly verbose at this time of day so I'm going to just let this one go.
Here is the birthday present I gave to myself!
Nichol Brinkman made this Pillow Monster for me. Her name is Dahlia and I love her. Well I haven't met her in person yet but she is on her way here by the grace of many helpful postal delivery people!See more of Nichol's work in her Etsy store.

The Jolliest Jumper!

2008-05-21T16:54:00.000-07:00

Check out my little Shark here on YouTube

A Commission For Nichol Brinkman

2008-05-20T18:32:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago I posted an illustration I had done of another artist's doll.
Well, I showed her the illo and she loved it and bought it right away. And then we developed a bit of a rapport so I decided that for my birthday birthday present to myself I would commission her to make me a pillow monster (which is how she refers to her creations). The only request I made was that the creature be wearing an undersea creature suit.
I'm so very excited! I've never commissioned anything before.

Still SICK!!!

2008-05-20T18:13:00.000-07:00

This is very unusual for me to be sick so long! Mostly I just sound horrible. I almost completely lost my voice and it still has a way to go on its journey back to normal. And I've got a crazy cough. Whatever.. it could be a lot worse. I'm just happy that the Shark seems only very mildly affected. Breastmilk is truly magical.
I spent the last few days at the cottage with Mom and Dad trying to get better AND continue working on some of my design projects. I made a lot of progress with the Freedom Farm design and made about 6 new blockprints for my next big batch of cards.
M&D bought a Jolly Jumper for the Shark and he LOOOOOOOOOOOOVES IT!!! I've never seen him half as happy! He's the jolliest jumper that ever jumped a Jolly Jumper!
And he's eating solid food every day now too. When we sit down to eat dinner he does too. And he's really into it. He opens his little mouth so wide when he sees the spoon and he swallows the whole bit down, he's not just playing around!

Oh, Blech...

2008-05-13T10:24:00.000-07:00

I woke up this morning with the cold Dave has been struggling with for a week. I really don't know how I can possibly fit a cold into my very busy schedule.

I've been asked to design a new logo for the Haliburton School of the Arts. Here is the one I like the best, but it's still up to the judges. It might be completely wrong.

Holy Busy-ness Batman!

2008-05-13T00:42:00.000-07:00

Wow, I honestly can't remember ever having as many projects on the go as I do right now!

Design Work:
Haliburton School of the Arts T-shirt logo
Freedom Farm Logo
Art Hive Member ID Badges

Commissions:
Queen Sized Dragon Quilt

Upcoming Events Requiring Inventory:
Haliburton Summer Art & Craft Show
Newfanglers Festival
"one" - The Art Hive's First Anniversary Celebration
Items for SSFC Display cases

Inventory Includes:
Many new cards
T-Shirts
Dolls
Upcycled Baby Clothes

Home Projects:
Plant my garden
Paint my studio
Put my veranda chairs back together
Make copious quantities of granola

ANNNNNNND...try to nurture the Shark, cook reasonably tasty food for our family, keep the house in some semblance of order, fit in a few monthly shifts at both the Art Hive and The Photo Shop, periodically visit my parents, go twice a week to aerobics and try to keep in touch with friends and family.

Whew! I guess I had better rest up and then get to work first thing tomorrow eh?

Happy Mother's Day!

2008-05-11T06:01:00.000-07:00

Oh my little ones!

My happiest wishes go out to my Mom, my Granny, Barb and Audrey. And of course to all of my wonderful girlfriends who are mothers, Anne, Ali, Joleen and Sandy. Oh dear I feel as though I am doing a big speech and am sure to forget someone important. Happy Mother's Day to ALL the mothers in my life AND the aunties, Kelly!

Art Hive Membership!

2008-05-10T01:25:00.000-07:00

Oh, I am just so tickled to be a newly minted member of the Art Hive and Maple Lake Artisans Collective!

I went to my first function tonight, the grand opening of the Cash Cups for Cancer Fundraiser. Artist members and local craft dabblers have taken pre-loved bras and incorporated them into all sorts of art pieces to be auctioned or sold to raise money for Cottage Dreams, which is an organization which helps families affected by cancer to spent a summer week in this beautiful area.

For my contribution I made a person shaped pillow doll, clad in a black and pink bikini that had a former life as a cool racer-back sporty bra.
We're having a lot of camera battery issues right now so you'll have to use you imaginations for now.

Shark Report! (As the boy shall henceforth be known)
My boy is a happy little beast! Loves to ram both fists in his mouth and he has recently begun a hilarious quest to eat his feet too. It's gut-busting to watch him open his mouth so wide and try, with both hands, to pull his big toe into his mouth.

Oh, at the hive tonight I drank a coffee...at 8pm... needless to say that is why I am wide awake at 4:38am. I'll pay for it tomorrow but I had a blast in the studio. Four uninterrupted hours of music and blockprinting! I might have to have an evening coffee once a week to catch up on all my projects!! And then take the rest of the week to recover!

This isn't one of mine, it's by an Etsian who goes by the name of pillowmonsters. Awesome eh?

Hooray For May!

2008-05-03T08:05:00.000-07:00

One of the Artist Trading Cards I have been making lately.
Yay! It's my birthmonth and the weather is becoming lovelier every day. However, Finn is teething which is hard on all of us...well, the dog doesn't seem too upset about it, I guess.

I have been accepted to the Haliburton Art In The Park Show (http://www.railsendgallery.com/) and the Newfanglers Show (http://www.candormedia.com/newfanglers/).
And the Maple Lake Artists Collective has accepted me as a member of the Art Hive. So today I am gathering up my work to take up there!

A Dark Day...One For Venting, I Think

2008-04-25T14:46:00.000-07:00

Both outdoors and inside of my head.
I had no idea parenthood was such a marathon of stress. Or that the labour and delivery were so easy compared with the exhausting months to follow. Or that a tiny person could drive two people to the edge of their sanity.
Once the baby falls asleep even if I am not asleep on my feet I am often so emotionally drained that I can do very little beside dishes or laundry.

And tax time always gets me all cranky too because I never seem to have all of the right paperwork in the right place.

Okay now I'll try to be more positive.
I have made 15 sales on Etsy.
I am not sick.
The house is relatively tidy.
My family is healthy.
I have enough good food and a safe comfortable home.

For Carolin

2008-04-23T12:26:00.000-07:00

Oh I received a lovely letter in the mail today (have I mentioned how much I love getting and receiving mail? LOVE IT!!!) from my most far away friend Carolin in New Zealand! (See her in action here)
It makes me so happy to know that so many of my very creative friends are finding space in their lives for...well, creating.
Sometimes I get a bit bummed out about the business of being an artist. I love to make things, work with my hands, sew, draw, paint, carve, cut, paste and on and on. But then what? Does anyone want to be my manager or agent or something? I can create and you can direct my target market to me? No? Okay I guess I'll have to figure something out.

Dave has taken Finn with him on the bus this afternoon. I hope F doesn't go berserk.

For Anne

2008-04-21T06:02:00.000-07:00

Apparently my blog was missed so here I am back again! It's a gorgeous day in Minden and there is craftiness in the air. Yesterday while my boys were in Peterborough I made 2 owl plushie pillows. (I'll take pictures of them and the 3 dolls from last weekend soon)

I've obviously fallen off the Drawing A Day wagon. I was having a tough time adhering to the topics. I've actually been doing a lot of drawing, mostly patterns for projects and artist trading cards.

I have an exciting quilt commission that I'm working on. A woman who saw my work at the One Of A Kind Show has asked me to make a full sized quilt for her husband. She wants it to have lots of manly purples and fighting dragons! (One of the previous posts has one of the preliminary drawings) I've done the silkscreening now and collected the fabrics, now I have to put it all together into a wicked design!

This is just one of the card designs I've been working on. I've got to get cranking this stuff out as I have been accepted into 2 shows for the summer!

April Fool's

2008-04-04T07:20:00.000-07:00

I was working in the school kitchen on Tuesday and this is what I wrote on the board.

Dragon Fight!

2008-04-01T17:25:00.000-07:00

This is my I hate Mondays drawing. I don't hate Mondays, but this image is for a job so it sort of fits the topic. I'm turning this drawing into a silkscreen for a custom quilt I've been commissioned to make!

Things Are Happening...

2008-04-01T16:41:00.000-07:00

You know how things don't seem to happen until you genuinely aren't looking for them? Maybe it's just me, but when I stop feeling sorry for myself and find myself content good things just happen. I'm not sure I'm explaining this very well but anyway, basically I'm trying to say that things are good. Opportunities are popping up everywhere. I finally feel the motivation to create and craft the business of creation and craft. I'm entering shows, joining organizations, taking orders, selling and producing. Amazingly, having a new baby has actually focused me onto this path. It's wonderful!
Here are a few things I have been working on.

2008-03-29T20:13:00.000-07:00

I was up early this morning, carvin' up some tasty lino!

Whatever Day

2008-03-28T19:29:00.000-07:00

I'm not sure which day I missed but this will take its place. I had a lot of fun with this one and I'd like to try some more like this. So we'll call this Matyroshka #1. I think it looks like a graffiti-ed concrete wall.

Friday?

2008-03-28T04:42:00.000-07:00

I was so sure today was Saturday.

Feeling Inferior...

2008-03-27T20:29:00.000-07:00

These illustrators on IF are A-MAZING! I would have been mighty embarrassed to post my piddly little pet peeve drawing with most of those. I just have to remember it's all about practice. And I have found some incredible blogs to follow, so thats a bonus!

IF - Pet Peeves

2008-03-27T19:24:00.000-07:00

THIS IS NOT A QUESTION!!!!!!! Where did this start!?!?!? It drives me nuts! And graphic designers are probably driven nuts by the rampant overuse of Photoshop filters! Teehee!

Dollhouse - Day 9?

2008-03-27T11:55:00.000-07:00

It's amazing how even after all these years of drawing I still can't get close on paper to what is in my head! Oh well, that's what practice is for I suppose!

Day 8 - Beetle

2008-03-26T09:53:00.000-07:00

Mom gave me a big box of old books, which I have no intention of reading but re-purposing for drawings and prints.

Day 7 - Gryphon

2008-03-26T09:50:00.000-07:00

Drawn with pen and mildly Photoshopped.

Monday & Tuesdays Drawings

2008-03-26T06:40:00.000-07:00

I'm going to choose "Gryphon" for Monday and "beetle" for Tuesday. I was so out of the loop when I was at Mom & Dad's, I have no idea what the topics were.
Kiley, what do you say to picking the topics for all the odd numbered dates in April and I'll pick the evens? Then we don't have to have net access to know what to draw.
Annnnnnnd...here's a random picture of my boy!

Veggie Firecracker

2008-03-26T03:41:00.000-07:00

Aries! March 22

2008-03-26T03:33:00.001-07:00

Heavy!

2008-03-26T03:27:00.000-07:00

On My Way Back Home!

2008-03-25T10:04:00.000-07:00

I've been here at Mom and Dad's (aka Dial-Up Ranch) for a few days and I'm looking forward to getting back into my little studio room. The OOAK Show was madness! But it was a good experience. I'm a little bit small town for that place just yet...

Getting Behind!

2008-03-23T06:42:00.000-07:00

I have been doing my drawings, but I'm at Mom and Dad's now and they only have...egad...DIAL-UP! So I'm having a few technical difficulties. Fridat's "heavy" and Saturday's "Aries" are finished and awaiting upload.

One Of A Kind (Otherwise Known As Day 3 Of The Challenge)

2008-03-20T20:34:00.000-07:00

Okay, I had greater goals for this day's drawing but this has been a very long day and this actually took me a stupidly long time to make in Photoshop. But I consider playing in Photoshop to be useful playing.
The show is going well but it is making me sleepy!