what's going on over here

Just popping in to say "hello" and share some of the holiday goodness that is developing in my little workshop. The Portland Art Collective holiday show is only two short weeks away and true to form, I'm feverishly creating things to fill my space at the last hour. These rag ball ornaments will hang on the "danglie tree" at the show. They're made of muslin and silk sari scraps wrapped around a foam ball.

The inexpensive rubber stamp sets I purchased here makes quick work of personalizing the muslin ribbon; the individual letters snap together...viola!

Some of these little matryoshka dolls will sit in a basket on my table and others will hang on the tree.

Lots of hooky business going on here, too, making crocheted scarves.

And sewing a few totes, as well. Somehow... it will all get done in time.

field trip

A trip to the farm in Hood River, Oregon to get apples...but first, a stop along the Columbia at Cascade Locks for lunch.
Most of the flowers at the farm were a little past their prime but they still looked colorful on this beautiful fall day.

Someone had a little fun with the produce.

Loads of pumpkins everywhere.

And the stuff of pies and good eating.

"Nothing is worth more than this day".

--Goethe

wired!

I came across an article recently written by Inna Gorshtein for Belle Armoire Jewelry magazine (Sept. 2011) on making scarf pins with wire and beads and decided to try my hand at making a few of my own.
Wire jewelry is something I've enjoyed doing for a while. Sharilyn Miller's book "Bead on a Wire" is my favorite go-to resource on the subject.

I seem to be on a roll with these pins...they are really fun to make. They are worked with 16 and 20 gauge brass wire, oxidized in a solution of Novacan Black Patina and water, then put through a tumbler with stainless steel shot for strength and a final polish.

I think they would look nice on a scarf, shawl, or sweater.

flying lessons

Delicious color! Super-talented artist Helen Shafer Garcia was teaching this week at the Art and Soul Retreat in Portland and I grabbed the opportunity to take her "Batik Flora and Fauna" workshop. The colorful, folk art quality of Helen's current work really resonated with me. The class combined watercolor painting and collage, and I was completely hooked!

Helen is an excellent teacher with a fun sense of humor and laid-back style.

There was a pile of inspirational material to choose from in class to get us started.

I almost had this finished by the end of class, which was satisfying. Can't wait to do more!

working on

I've been on a jewelry-making jag lately...getting a head start on some things for the PAC holiday show. Some of the soldered pendants I made a few months ago are now necklaces.

The findings and beads collected in the past year or so are coming together for earrings.

Did I mention that I am the "featured artist" for this month on the Portland Art Collective blog?
If you scroll down a bit there, you'll find my moment in the spotlight. :)

treasures...and oysters

It's been a good summer for treasure hunting...this last weekend in Astoria, Oregon and on the Long Beach Peninsula in Washington was some of the best. Art buddies Paula and Jan joined me this time for a little relaxation and fun at the coast. Our first stop was in Astoria where we visited several shops and galleries. And there were cupcakes, oh yes! But I think our favorite place in town was Dots 'N Doodles art supply store; amazing goods and the shop owners are beyond great!
There were several spots out on Long Beach Peninsula to find vintage goodies, including Raven's Haven and Nahcotta Antiques and Collectibles.

The weather was brilliant...these gulls were catching a few rays on Willapa Bay near Oysterville.

We looked on as bags of newly harvested oysters were unloaded at the dock.

We all agreed that this trip was a perfect way to spend one of our last summer weekends.

city by the bay

Throngs of tourists. The smells of sourdough bread and steaming crab pots along the wharf. The familiar sight of that famous bridge. Barking sea lions and street musicians. One brief day in San Francisco, my birthday. And I enjoyed every minute.

The Golden Gate is more interesting to see from the water below.

The best name in bread.

Need I say more?

An evening stroll along the wharf.

These boisterous salmon-nabbers seem to be much more welcome here than below the damn on the Columbia River.

Watching the sun set behind Alcatraz from the end of the pier. It's corny, and printed on every other tee-shirt in the City, but....I do love San Francisco.