Salish Peace

I went off to weave and left my image card in the computer. I snapped pics merrily, and now they are trapped in the camera until I can retrieve the chord that plugs into my camera with USB port to the computer. But there were some juicy pics I can't wait to show you. Meanwhile enjoy this colorful rendition of PEACE

New Show at the Hangin Art Gallery

So besides moving (during a hail storm) and sitting in the middle of a mountain of boxes, I am the featured artist in a show opening on Saturday. Now to stop unpacking and posting, and get busy writing my artist statement. I think I am even going to be in the newspaper. Wouldn't you know that my 15 minutes of fame would come at a time when I can't find where I packed my toothbrush (grin)

Origami Boxorama

In searching for the perfect little square box to house the 72 mini self portraits, I recalled some little folded boxes I learned to make at a Seattle Weavers Guild (hands-on) meeting. Interestingly enough, I brought one with me in my recent move. I must have known I would need to know how to make them, so make them I did. I printed some of my weaving images on regular computer paper, and it worked just fine.

Then I discovered that I couldn't stop making boxes---until I had made over a hundred of them.

So here is my holiday tree (grin). I know there is a reason I have entered into box-making madness, and I will tell you as soon as it is revealed to me.

The looms have been resting up for another round of weaving. The snow continues to pile up, and real winter is setting in. I have selected a word for the coming year---SIMPLICITY. (more on that later). If you are interested in selecting your own word for 2011, click here.

Have a meaningful New Year (grin)

Happy Birthday to Me!

I'm weaving away on my Birthday. (and it is going along really well!). One of the very best things about ikat-like warps in plain weave is the delight in watching a design unfold. Since I never make a sketch ahead of time, I am surprised at every inch, so much so that I savor every moment.
Perhaps the joy in weaving is the gift I have received for having woven for 50 years. I feel that I no longer have to strive to become the Queen of Weaving or compete for time in the "woven mile".

Remember the words in the weaving above LAUGH OFTEN()LOVE MUCH()LIVE WELL. What a gift to be weaving these words on my birthday. It's a party on the loom.

I'm having so much fun blending the computer with my woven images. That is basically what I have been doing since the new year.

Oops, I accidentally erased the picture. I have never figured out how to put a picture back. But I think the blog is all about going forward, so I will put the picture in tomorrow.

Cashmere Stash in Studio

Before I begin the weaving, I decided a complete inventory of my cashmere was necessary. I haven't weighed my stash, but it is juicy.


Since the warp is so busy, I think a neutral would be the best weft. I sent the picture below to Paula, the recipient, and she agreed that perhaps a solid black would be the best choice for weft.
So black it is. (By the way, the largest balls weigh about 2 oz) I know that knitters cringe at the idea storing yarn in balls because it removes the elasticity, but in weaving the elasticity is not a boon. Plus, the tight balls helps remove the crimp that comes with un-knitting.


So let the weaving begin! The looms were restless and decided to move around the room. Now Gary is facing North, and Grace thought it might be nice to be at a jaunty angle. The jury is still out on the move.

Here is a little peek at what I am working on that is not weaving. Since Weaving Spirit is a weaving blog, I am conflicted about posting my non-weaving divergences. Since I already have a second blog, Bonnie Inspired, I am not sure I have the energy to start up another.

Getting Cl;oser

Just a few tweaks, and I think I'll have a picture I will be happy with.


In this one, I altered the color and contrast a bit, but I don't know if it really is an improvement. Irene, of Cotton Clouds suggested I straighten Gary's bow tie. It's funny the things you don't notice when you're focused on fringe.

I've Fallen Into Photoshop Elements 8 and I Can't Get Out

Words cannot express my excitement as I create Conceptual Quilts from my weaving images! Gary and Grace are weeping on the far side of my studio. They call to me, but the computer has plugged into my brain. The "power of repeat" cannot be denied. Resistance is futile.

Photoshop Elements 8 for the Holidays

Breanne, my PSE mentor, did this while I told her what I wanted to happen.


Then she went home, (Breanne is also a knitter. She borrowed my Cricket RH loom--- he, he, he) and then I did this. Layers has totally eluded me for years.


At the Northwest Designer Craftmen holiday party, I took pictures of the hands of craftspeople with this idea in mind.
It seems my holiday is taking an unusual turn.

On Holiday

It would seem that I am on vacation, but I will be back.


Here is a detail of a piece I call "The Results of Having Fallen into a Pit of Chenille", a 60" square throw made from the ends of chenille scarves I wove over a period of 5 years.

Here is my holiday card to you all---A DIAMOND IN THE ROUGH


I would love to tell you I made this with my photoshop program, but I watched my teacher manipulate layers, but this is what I will learn how to do.

I'll be back soon---Happy Holidays to all.