More on The Adventures of Epley

Epley was "cawling" to his brethren again today and the same thing happened. They all wondered who the interloper was ! A couple of people are interested in buying an Epley of their very own. How in the heck can I decide what to charge when making the first one took a long time because I was figuring it all out as I went. Any suggestions?

I found the answer to the Blogger issue but scrounging around in the help files. I had to log out of Picasa and then log back in .. it worked! Who would have known ?! Ah ! The wonders and mystery of computers! Happy Weekend to all !

Meet Epley

Meet my new best friend Epley! He is the first of what I plan to be a crowd of crows. Epley is hand made, needle felted using merino wool. I formed his body by building up layers of wool on a wool base. I had to figure out how to make his parts as I went along & am quite happy with the results. There are a couple of things I will do differently on the next in the series. I will be selling Epley look alikes I hope ! Today, I am having issues uploading photos to Blogger. I paid for additional storage space on the 26th but for some reason Blogger is still telling me I am "overdrawn" on storage space. I sent a message to Google - but we'll see what they say. Finding a "real" contact was not easy !

I would love to hear your comments though so please, if you have the time, have a look at Epleys full page on my web site. Click on the link & then click on the page entitled "Epley The Felted Crow". Don't forget that you can click on one of the photos to get a larger view! When I took Epley outside to photograph him today I was shocked to find that he drew a crowd of about 30 of his brethren. The 'caw-l' went out & crows came in from all over town to see who the intruder was! I though that perhaps that it been a fluke - so I tried it later in the afternoon - and lo and behold it happened again ! I am anxious to begin his nest mate - hummm I wonder if crows have mates?! Anyway, please have a look and let me know what you think !

A Peach Of An Almost Local Yarn Shop

photo above is a partial view of the specialty thread section

One of my favorite off island stops is a yarn shop. It's on the mainland in Anacortes Washington. Anacortes is one of my favorite mainland towns.... and if I was ever going to move it would be a highly desirable place to consider (but it is expensive). We are blessed to have a wonderful yarn shop on our island but Anacrossstitch is really a treat. The owner, Kristy, bought the shop from longtime owner, Lois, late last year. Lois is still very active in her old haunt though - as an instructor. Kristy has managed to quickly turn the shop into a knitter's dream come true. She stocks all of the latest & greatest yarns; has many great class offerings (which I wish I could participate in more easily!); stocks all kinds of needles & crochet hooks in all of the needed sizes ; AND boasts a vast selection of embellishment "gotta haves" - threads , beads & buttons to dream about! I can never leave without finding something that I just have to have! Naturally, Janet, Jan & I just had to make a brief stop there on Monday when we went for the glass bead foray. I restrained myself though and only got one skein of dreamy Debby Bliss Alpaca Silk for a hand warmer, a circular needle that I lacked & a magazine with an article on entrelac socks (that I may well not be ready for yet - but they sure are beautiful!!).

Above shows the fabulous entry.

Here is intrepid owner, Kristy, no doubt placing ANOTHER order of the latest yarns on the market! I am eagerly awaiting the arrival of something I just HAVE to try - Flat Feet Sock Yarn from www.conjoinedcreations.com.

Another view of the amply stocked, color loaded shelves.

Is there any way a normal person could resist these colors and textures?? No !

And I wonder why I have become such a knitting fool ! Who would a'thunk that you really can teach an ole' gal (me) new tricks?!! Thanks dear Sarah for setting on this feckless path to knitting addiction! I always have a great time whenever I visit this wonderful shop - the folks who work there are always welcoming, helpful and knowledgeable - and well, you can see for yourself how I just get lost amongst the shelves !

Happy fibering; knitting, quilting & felting to all !

Making Glass Buttons: A Fun Day WAs Had By All

Yesterday a group from Fidalgo Island Quilters went to a place called Johnny Picasso's to have a fun half day making glass buttons. The shop is, perhaps, an odd combination of barrista land (very good expresso) and ceramic and glass shop. There was a fabulous selection of glass, frits (small bits of glass that make a bit of a mottled effect on glass) and glass noodles ( glass strips that look like fettucine) to use for our buttons and the the prices were SO reasonable. Janet, Jan and I went to the mainland for this little foray and we had a great time. I was pleased to find that I can still cut glass easily - it's been awhile since I did fused glass. I may just have to fire up the kiln pretty soon after yesterday! The buttons had to be annealed in the kiln of course - so Janet's husband has graciously volunteered to pick our button up for us when he is on the mainland himself next Monday. I forgot kind of rushed before we left to go have lunch and I forgot to take pictures of the "pre kilned" buttons ! Duh!!! Oh well - I'll post photos of the completed buttons when they get back here. We all enjoyed a very nice lunch at a great all organic restaurant called "Adrift".

DragonFly Girl

Double click to see a larger image

As soon as I saw the article entitled "Collaged Affirmations" by Kelly Rae Roberts in the new issue (March-April 2008 Issue # 17) of "Cloth,Paper,Scissors" I knew that I would have to have a go at making my own. As someone who has long enjoyed using Angel Cards (amazon has them) - I knew that making my own little painting would be fun. I did not know, however, that as soon as I woke up this morning I knew I couldn't wait to paint my own collaged affirmation. So here is my first attempt. I can tell that there are many more in my future - and the next ones will be even more "me".

Making Felted Wool Beads

A few people have asked me about how to make felted beads. I use wool roving for mine - and I have to admit to a a passion for Merino. I suppose that it is possible to use old felted sweaters to make these - but I think it would be far more laborious and, possibly, not as effective. Some of you know that one of my least favorite introductions to a technique is "fast, fun & fabulous" but, dare I say it, these beads truly are just that.

You simply need some luscious wool roving. I have several favorite places to get these supplies -outback fibers, try or designs & pacific wool & fiber. Then you need very hot water (from the tap), a bowl of ice water, rubber gloves (I always loose these pretty quickly though) and some good fatty soap. I use Eucalan Wool wash (I love the scent) or an olive oil soap- but actually even dish soap does just about as well I think.

Gently take some fibers of wool - I like to mix colors . You really don't need much fiber depending on the size of the bead you want to make. This is the amount I general use for a smallish bead.

Gently wet the fiber with hot water.
Add a bit of soap. You DO NOT need much soap. Too much will make the wool too slippery to work with. If this happens - just rinse some of the soap ff with hot water.

By now I have lost the rubber gloves. I just can't get good traction on the fiber with gloves on...it's never works for me! Work the wool into a ball by rubbing with circular motions in the palms of your hands . When it has begun to form a ball - throw it in the ice water for a second or two - then back to the hot water with a tad of soap. Just keep working the fiber, and alternating between the hot & ice waters until you have formed a nice tight felted bead. If it seems that the fibers are not felting - just keep on working it - they will. Each bead will take from 3-5 minutes to get a nice rounded shape. Be patient.

Before you know it you will have a supply of felted wool beads of varying sizes... think of the possibilities! I like to make small beads and dangle them from the bottom edge of small quilts. What will you do with yours??

Surprise In The Mail

I got a fabulous surprise in the mail yesterday from Wanda over at exuberant color. It was a "finder's fee" of sorts- although I told her I did not need a "fee'! I knew the person who was her 25,000th visitor - and got them hooked up. I am in love with the colors - how can you miss with the wonderful orange ?! 25,000 visitors in 7 months (I think it was) is incredible! I am hoping for 20,000 in a year !! Good going Wanda and thanks so very much !

Iris a cat story

Since another site I am on has lots of posts about cats I thought I would post this lttle video. A firnd has a Bengal cat named Iris. She like to sit on the dash of airplanes too - and her "Dad" has fasioned cat sized ear protectors for her - which she actually deigns to wear. If your interested in seeing her with ear muffs - go to You Tube and check out CaptainKruse.

Now Showing.....

You can get a much better view of this quilt if you double click on the picture

For some of you this may be "old news" but, since this piece is 'now showing' at our annual quilt show at the theater, I thought I would post some photos of this it. I painted this on a fairly heavy raw linen using one of my photos for reference. The linen worked beautifully as an unprimed surface - though it did "eat" up paint! The hardest part was painting the grid work in the door panels. I used sand in the "brick" paint for added texture and realism. The leaves of the Black Walnut Tree were first painted on silk organza & then individually cut and sewn on for a real 3D effect - though it is not evident in the photographs. The Courthouse is also the building that I work in. To get to my office you would go through the door- my office is the first door on the left. Thankfully the building is a Historic landmark & is currently at the beginning of a rehabilitation & updating project. It is a wonderful place that has a rich history. There are rumors of ghosts in the building - and I added very faint shadows (also not evident in the photos) to two of the upper windows to suggest human forms. The small courthouse step blocks were made using tied donated by the attorneys who have practices here. I thread painted & machine quilted the picture area & hand quilted the borders and step blocks.

Spring Fevered?

I am feeling edgy today. Maybe its the approaching lunar eclipse & full moon; maybe it's the approach of spring; maybe it's because I want to be home working on my wool felt crow more than I want to be at work. I don't know what it is - but I am doing deep breathing to slow it all down - I have to remain focused. I don't know what to write about either - which makes your reading less than interesting ! I'll get back on track as soon as I can absorb some of that fabulous natural vitiman D! Do you realize that we will be able to enjoy daylight savings time again beginning March 9th ??!! The hummingbirds will be back at our feeders within a month too ! Ah !!! Spring is near !

Take It Further Challenge #2 : I Remember The Love of My Grandmother,Thea

The theme for this month's Take It Further Challenge is what are we old enough to remember". I thought about that for some time. There are so many things I remember - so many good memories - along with the bad memories that we all have a supply of ! I thought about the many concerts I saw at the Fillmore East, about Woodstock, and about the lazy days spent at the lake or the old quarry. I remembered the coal furnace we used at my Grandmother's house in upstate New York , the hand pump for water in the kitchen, and the outhouse. I considered the pleasures of roller skating and hopscotch on New York City sidewalks, and exploring China Town, Little Italy & the garment district with my father; the vacations on Lake George when I could actually drank the water from the lake! So many things to remember!

I realized however, that what I remember most and what I am now old enoug to treasure the most is the love of my grandmother. Thea Elizabeth Kavanaugh Ellery. Born December 1898. Died September 1976. She was a red head and had four red-headed children;Ellen (my mother),James (my beloved uncle),John & William. My grandmother once applied for a job in the office at an amusement park & took great affront when she was offered the position of Mother Goose instead ! She had an indomitable spirit and lived through a lot of hard times with much grace and dignity. She helped make my childhood a much better time. I still love her with all of my heart and it is her love that I will always remember the most.

I painted on muslin using using Stewart Gill paints and ink. The photograph that I painted from was taken in 1918 - it is my favorite picture of my grandmother.

Most Inconvenient Notions

I was not sure what to write about today until I saw this YouTube video on one of my favorite photographers photo blog. It is, most definitely, political in nature - as well as a commentary on society I think.....but powerful none-the-less.

Progress & Weekend List

I am making progress on the Silk Garden Sweater. My first large project. The sweater that I swore I would never do! Anything I make with Noro yarn makes me happy! This yarn is Noro Silk Garden #255. These strips are pretty straight forward and there is minimal shaping to do.I love the effect of the three needle bind of that you can see in the photo below. I am using a wonderful green yarn from Dream In Color yarn (100 series color called"Spring Tickle") for the binding.

My weekend projects include:
working on our aunt's quilt
getting my grab bag ready to ship for the grab bag challenge
doing my photo editing challenge for the week
trying the Illustration Friday topic for the week: "theory"
working on the February Take It Further Challenge. The idea is in my head . I am now just
trying to figure out how to make it work !

Hope everyone has a great weekend. We even seem to be getting some sunshine to enjoy!

Uh Oh ! Tagged!

Stephanie Petingell has tagged me ...I guess this is similar to the Meme craze- but maybe a bit different. Stephanie is responsible for getting me hooked on making Dorset buttons !

Here a the simple 'rules' for this round of tag:

1. When tagged place the name of the person and URL on your blog
2. Post the rules on your blog
3. Write 7 things about yourself
4. Name 7 of your favorite weblogs
5. Send an email letting those bloggers know they have been tagged!

Seven things about me ..... hummmmmmm
1. I used to love to skydive.
2. I became an licensed pilot in 1983.
3. I started quilting in 1976 - before that I was in love with weaving and spinning.
4. My father did not want me to study art.He said if I had to study art than I should be a
cartographer so I could make money.
5. I also wanted to be an archaeologist - he didn't like that idea either!
6. I have a passion for history - especially Elizabethan. Basically 16th to 19th centuries.
7. I love blogging - and that is a true surprise to me !

Now the hard part .... I read so many blogs regularly - and learn so much from them.
I'll chose just a few then: This is a hard decision folks - there are so many great friends that blog - and I read every day......
1. sarah - my friend and energizer bunny who always has something interesting to write. she's up to her neck in alligators - so I am not asking her to participate !
2. LaDonna - her blog is just about nice,gracious living. Just always a pleasure to read!
3. JenClair. I look for her blog - she seems to have similar tastes to mine and is always posting about something interesting.
4. Kim. I love her blog! Her mind is also in tune - and her thoughts, hand work and photos always make me stop and think. Mouse medicine is a good thing in this case !
5. Vicki. I have been a follower of Vicki's blog for quite awhile now. SHe has mondo energy and makes incredible things - she too is a shutter bug and we love birds. I am tickled to be able to call her a firend !
6. Kathy. My fun clowning around friend in Texas. I love the information and fun things she always posts about. She's as good a friend as one can have - and she's really talented too !
7. Deb. I LOVE Deb's blog. She is another kindred spirit - we hail from the same area in the world and I look forward to her adventure every day !
8. Elin. What can you say about someone who has more talent in their pinkie than you have in your whole person?! Her work is amazing.
9. Sandra. A favored friend. She's been having a go with health issues this winter - so I won't expect her to participate either - but I had to mention how much I love her blog. She is a great person that I have to meet one of these days !
10. Teri. Wow ! Is she ever talented! THE most amazing paintings.
11. Sue. Sue is a dynamo - a powerhouse. She makes amazing journals that she sells in her Etsy shop, is an incredible weaver and all around artist. Sue has more energy that I have ever had - and I sure DO envy that !Sue and Teri put together the fabulous publication (though I can't believe that you have not heard of it by now!) called Fibre & Stitch.
12. Waltraud. Her blog is always a treat - lots of good eye candy - and a great person !
13. Gunnell. I love her handwork. I enjoy talking with her - she does some amazing work !

There's a Baker's dozen of the blogs I read all the time. There are so many more though ! Next time for the next round. Thank you all for making my world a much more interesting and friendly place to be !

Angels Among Us or Happy Birthday James Odell Aloysius Ellery

Today would have been my beloved maternal uncle's birthday - He's the stylin' dude on the upper left in the photo (the others are also my uncles). I honor him here for "his" day. He passed on about 7 years ago. I still miss him. My grandmother - his mother- had heard somewhere that people born on February 15th were prone to being a bit fey. Family gossip always said that grandmother tended to treat him a bit more cautiously because of that superstition. Grandmother, however, was also convinced that I had the seem wacky familial fey gene. Maybe that's why I was extraordinarily close to my mother's family while I seldom saw (or thought of) my father's rather bland, conservative side of the family! I digress.

My uncle was my "champion" - never thinking that I was looney - always supporting me and my crazy life adventures - both artistic & otherwise. He was always there for me with unquestioned love & approval - or sometimes maybe not approval - but with positive suggestions. James was eccentric to be sure. I loved that quality about him! Maybe that's why we got along. He tended to fly in the face of modern conventions & he eschewed keeping up with any sort of Jones' lifestyle. He always signed his letters with "illegitimi non carborundum"- it was a saying that kept me going once or twice! I never heard it anywhere else.

On the day that I got the call about my uncle's death I was at work & became (duh!) rather upset. My friend , Lauren, took me out for a bit of fresh air. We walked to the store down the street and entered through the back door. When we left the store, we went out through the front door. Right in front of me -scrawled in large letters with fat chalk - on the sidewalk were the words "illigitimi non corobundum "! I knew that my uncle had managed to find a way to come to see me after all. His love will always sustain me - on his birthday and every day. Happy Birthday Uncle Jim ! There really are angels among us !

Happy Valentine's Day

"Friend:

One who knows

all about you

& loves you

just the same..."

Elbert Hubbard

This morning DH surprised me with Dove DARK chocolate (yes, I am a chocolate snob), flowers & a sweet card in which he enclosed the little poem above. I think it is a perfect sentiment. He is, certainly, my best friend simply by way of being with me day in and day out - and he knows my angels as well as my demons. My closest friends know those sides of me as well ! I have been 'blog blessed' to have developed some cyber friendships that are, truly, meaningful. Although you cyber friends cannot know the sunshine and shadows that are my life, you are an important part of my life none-the-less.

Kim, who has one of my favorite blogs, presented us with the "Biggest Heart Award". I love the graphic and will happily display it. My friends are the people who give me the gift of lessons of the heart - because of my friends (both cyber and real) I have grown and begun to flouish - albeit at a later age than many ! Thank you Kim, for including me on your blog roll. I am honored.Kim's is one blog that I look forward to every day - there is always something inspirational on her pages. I would like to do as Kim did & pass this lovely "heart award" along to those who are on my "Eye Candy" blog roll - please display this beautiful graphic if you would like - and know that your blogs enrich my day.

I am blessed by the love of dh, of course, and by the many blessings that friendship brings. Thank you all! Happy Valentine's Day - from the heart.

Sweets For The Sweet

I could not resist this book. Ever since my friend, Maria, and I went to this fabulous "cupcakery' in Tacoma , Washington last Fall I have been in love with cupcakes. This is a wonderful, reasonable priced compendium of sweet treats. Well worth the cost, it's a little bit of heaven in a sweet pink cover. It's short and thick- just the way I like icing to be !The cupcakes at Hello Cupcake! were special - and I wish we could get them where I live. They sell only cupcakes , coffee, tea and few simple, delightful gift items. You'll be delighted with this book - and if you are lucky enough to live in or near Tacoma - get on down to this fine cupcakery. It's right across from Union Station & it's retro flavor and fine, sweet fare will not disappoint you !

"Warm Fuzzies"

This book, by Betz White, made me wish that I had kept every wool sweater that I could not wear because they gave me rashes - and every sweater that I tried to wear & later shrank in the wash ! Most books about felting & fulling are written about newly knitted or felted items. This book, however, is eco-friendly and has a wealth of projects that utilize old,worn out sweaters and other knit goods. Some of the projects are perhaps more suited to a younger crowd but there are a few that are just plain fabulous. I ran right out to our local thrift store - but found that the sweaters there were too costly to invest in for craft projects - and would be better served leaving them for people who need to get warm! I am showing the pages of two of my favorite projects from the book. A Cupcake Pincushion (shown on the cover and in the photos below) and a bowl that I have shown in the last photos(yes, I really do LOVE bowls!). I highly recommend this book for anyone who loves crafting and has (or can get) a supply of old, worn wool sweaters, mittens, or scarves. If anyone has a great source for them - let me know ! I want to make 'cupcakes'!