SILK BROOCHES

 From my large stash of ikat dyed silk yarn (some dating back to the early 80's when I first started making the brooches), I meticulously wrap and wrap and wrap. It takes me approximately 20 minutes to wrap each individual unit.  I use archival black core matte board and have my framer cut the board into an assortment of small shapes.

 
Once the wrapping is complete, I assemble the piece by gluing to a matte board backing and attaching a pin back.

 I can't tell you how much pleasure I get from creating these miniature works of art. The fact that I continue to produce a limited number of extremely labor-intense pieces (at an affordable price), speaks of a labor of love.

CRAFTY DAYS ARE HERE AGAIN

START FROM WHERE YOU ARE!
Although many things have happened since my last post, in Blogland one can only move forward--especially with the holidays fast approaching. This is just one of several gifty ideas I will be presently in the next several days.

My friend, John, calls these "smalls". I call them "thrumballs", (thrums are the yarns left at the end of a weaving). When I was weaving with chenille, I had LOTS of thrums. When I was watching a lot of TV, I used to tie my thrums together and reuse the yarn. 

 

The sparkly stuff in just a little bling. These ornaments are fabulous anywhere. Don't they look divine on my collection of mullen.

So for the first time in several years I am participating in a holiday sale---one of six All-Star Artists appearing for the first time at the fabulous China Woods (one day only!) December 7, from 11-5 (click on link for location)

Like snowflakes, each one is unique and make the perfect gift! And there are 108 ornaments to choose from Why 108, you ask (or maybe you didn't ask, but here it is anyway).

PRICELESS PICS OF WEAVING PEACE AT THE GARDEN OF ONE THOUSAND BUDDHAS

Although the 9th annual Peace Festival at the Garden of One Thousand Buddhas happened over a month ago, I JUST got these pictures from my wonderful photographer/artist friend Marti DeAlva!



Imagine my honor and surprise when Namchak Khenpo stopped by my booth to give weaving a try.

"It's really pretty easy " I said.

Khenpo laughs, "Easy!"

 A priceless moment!

MORE PICTURES FROM 53 YEARS AND COUNTING

I never get tired of looking at this wall hanging with reeds and shells, date 1968.

Above and below are walls of work. You'll just have to ask questions if you want to know what you are looking at.  I am still in recovery mode. Tomorrow is back to work.

A GRAND OPENING

I don't have time to write anything, and I didn't have time to take pictures of the show. Well, that's not quite true. I took a few less than adequate images, so I will head over this week and take some acceptable pictures to show you. The Downtown Dance Collective in Missoula is a great place to display one's work. I just love the old brick walls although not all of the walls are brick. More later, she promised.

ON TO THE NEXT THING

108 LAVENDER PILLOWS for the PEACE FESTIVAL

 Begin with LOVE.....

If you want to see all the steps, go here.

I am really too tired to be doing this, but I just had to share.

 

I wish I could say that each of the 108 is different, but alas there are some duplicates. 

 

All ready to go. There are still many little details to wrap up before Saturday, and I hope I don't forget my camera.