tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-74281930967082552392024-03-14T02:26:35.079-07:00Marie Z. Johansen / ZQuiltsMarie Johansen's love for quilts, knitting, felting, art journaling, pens & inks, historical fiction & whatever else flows through my consciousness stream!mzjohansenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09099656264060749484noreply@blogger.comBlogger758125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7428193096708255239.post-32381147355274273962011-04-25T11:13:00.000-07:002011-04-26T09:49:26.869-07:00BLOG MOVE<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">Dear Friends:</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">In order to represent my eclectic obsessions better I have moved my blog to a new address. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">I would very delighted if you choose to join me, at my new address. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><a href="http://mzjohansen.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: lime; font-size: x-large;"><b> <span style="color: lime;">http://mzjohansen.blogspot.com</span></b></span></a><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;">My book blog blog has not changed</span></div>mzjohansenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09099656264060749484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7428193096708255239.post-5205503494143923102011-01-22T17:36:00.000-08:002011-01-22T17:36:07.909-08:00Please Join Me On My New Blog<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Dear Friends:</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">I have moved my blog to a new address. An explanation of why I decided to do this is on the first post of the new blog. I would be so happy if you will join me, bookmark, and follow me on the new address:</span></div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;">My book blog blog has not changed</span></div>mzjohansenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09099656264060749484noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7428193096708255239.post-52346236912768119062011-01-18T11:08:00.000-08:002011-01-18T11:08:27.813-08:00New From Kandi Corp! DeColourant and DeColourant Plus : Color Remover and Color Replacer For Cloth and Paper<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPdRCkleVwkAZmauBd7X79xO1V-2QbSfKBMp7SP0ctJKLxt9sTYLkLSMrCPZGlk_AJ0YEu12a4GwA-9esVBmVuihXElTIKoSr5Q9NUVLEWzoK6vpizpdXbLoGrzrZrqGfvcCg8zLD0xUOD/s1600/P1000136.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPdRCkleVwkAZmauBd7X79xO1V-2QbSfKBMp7SP0ctJKLxt9sTYLkLSMrCPZGlk_AJ0YEu12a4GwA-9esVBmVuihXElTIKoSr5Q9NUVLEWzoK6vpizpdXbLoGrzrZrqGfvcCg8zLD0xUOD/s400/P1000136.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Those of you who have been reading my blog for some time know what an inveterate gadget girl I am - and you also know how much I love trying new products. I was very fortunate to have been given an opportunity to try two new products from<a href="http://www.kandicorp.com/decolourant.asp"> KandiCorp </a>called DeColourant and DeColourant Plus. These formulas are for use in both removing, and removing and replacing, colors on natural fabrics and papers - an alternative to using bleach.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFf-uZs3nQw6nzVzz6BQeS3pUHMVh1pg_2T-mB41TPs7sUTKqqEaXFl_4SroBMncpRxY1MXM6aWBT9Bh7KiLst57VrhyphenhyphenApMRaUAytJPgXBNfTMRUB-1s9K5Bj6Ho3lOTNM9Jte-lOMk5qC/s1600/P1000130.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFf-uZs3nQw6nzVzz6BQeS3pUHMVh1pg_2T-mB41TPs7sUTKqqEaXFl_4SroBMncpRxY1MXM6aWBT9Bh7KiLst57VrhyphenhyphenApMRaUAytJPgXBNfTMRUB-1s9K5Bj6Ho3lOTNM9Jte-lOMk5qC/s400/P1000130.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>DeColourant is available in(from left to right:<br />
<ul><li>Mist- great to use for creating cloud effects</li>
</ul><ul><li>Paste- I found this to be the best for use with stencils and stamps</li>
</ul><ul><li>DeColourant Plus ( 2 bottles)- this product both removes and replaces color and it is available in a plethora of great colors. My packet contained lemon yellow and neon orange (the person who chose the colors must have bee psychic eh?!)</li>
</ul>These are the product highlights from the promotional flyers:<br />
<ul><li>Ready To Use- Non Messy Formula</li>
<li>More Color Removed From Natural Fabrics</li>
<li>Precision Fine Line Detail</li>
<li>Will Not Stiffen Fabric</li>
<li>Will Not Weaken Fabric</li>
<li>Pleasant Citrus Scent</li>
<li>Safe For Children</li>
</ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_QE3tatiV9booKYsTyKncYYoDWnA22ocIWENXXU-lKmFno9DR4Km0wEzj1-CPqL-_O8L_xgpltInAXS2zS_XcedjoBPCXMpY7QMvLSrOGN2XeTVZcm8azO1YqUel2DOvMaQoxTsQSQSL9/s1600/P1000132.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_QE3tatiV9booKYsTyKncYYoDWnA22ocIWENXXU-lKmFno9DR4Km0wEzj1-CPqL-_O8L_xgpltInAXS2zS_XcedjoBPCXMpY7QMvLSrOGN2XeTVZcm8azO1YqUel2DOvMaQoxTsQSQSL9/s400/P1000132.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvlRZBtwY-mIO8v0HItik1Y0bjwM_9IiodkzDq9hjUg9ToPjb0mfJMpYCt7ncopr35ARDCGJo1nB3f9AlXOKXcDiSoRLkdOAOE8nHhX-sKHLaJfGtV7uIEFcH51hD-aaktBobjkxKse5lr/s1600/P1000133.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvlRZBtwY-mIO8v0HItik1Y0bjwM_9IiodkzDq9hjUg9ToPjb0mfJMpYCt7ncopr35ARDCGJo1nB3f9AlXOKXcDiSoRLkdOAOE8nHhX-sKHLaJfGtV7uIEFcH51hD-aaktBobjkxKse5lr/s400/P1000133.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I decided that I would try the products on a Moda marble in black, a linen in green and a dark green paper. Next I chose a stencil (I ultimately used only the sunflower) and a few foam stamps.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMLnEC4Cj1eyQ7ABxqNA8L5p3ocHlvBFg6IrFey3ojpbEZUL7xxHa7UNYkm_EDeEgaiVRttWdyH6UaTRJylV9Hbi6M1553g6zkAAxhqhN6uCutzwb75VjxELmvfZW20Swh9HU4a3fGv-Ig/s1600/P1000135.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMLnEC4Cj1eyQ7ABxqNA8L5p3ocHlvBFg6IrFey3ojpbEZUL7xxHa7UNYkm_EDeEgaiVRttWdyH6UaTRJylV9Hbi6M1553g6zkAAxhqhN6uCutzwb75VjxELmvfZW20Swh9HU4a3fGv-Ig/s400/P1000135.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The paste product is a very creamy texture and worked, <i>IMHO</i>, the best for both stencils and stamps. It did, indeed, provide good line detail. I tried the mist with the stencil and ended up with a blob - but it worked well as an overall spray to simulate clouds.The product is applied and then allowed it to dry. thoroughly. Next step: you iron - and that's how you remove the color. The simple directions say that using steam removes even more color - and it did.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Below you can see the fabrics and paper right after I finished ironing the color out. Before washing the hand of the fabric is a bit stiff - rather t=like dried soda soaked fabric. Once washed, however, the hand is as soft as ever. That's a very good quality of this product. Additionally, this product also can be activated by the sun - so you can use it to sun print paper, fabric, tee shirts and more.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhq9JaniK6BXAy1fOwZWv_JLpQYeiA3qLRTAKKSDhgmV1BT2FfhgD4AOi1djTpLcb9PQUd9PSMjQXX1LYxCn6HWPYkbcH3VRWVe1_jPH5hEQ9rNaMaB11A0oT6l0zRA4YBEV7ATH8cDyzl/s1600/P1000137.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhq9JaniK6BXAy1fOwZWv_JLpQYeiA3qLRTAKKSDhgmV1BT2FfhgD4AOi1djTpLcb9PQUd9PSMjQXX1LYxCn6HWPYkbcH3VRWVe1_jPH5hEQ9rNaMaB11A0oT6l0zRA4YBEV7ATH8cDyzl/s400/P1000137.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Below: </div><div style="text-align: justify;">You can easily see that the best effect was achieved when I used the paste with a stencil (left). The paste used on a foam stamp was less precise, but wasn't bad either. On the bottom left was the mist with a stencil - it created a lovely blob. I suspect better results might be achieved if the fabric was dampened slightly to allow the stencil to 'grip' the cloth a bit better. The bottom right was a very light application of the mist on stamp - and you can see that not much happened....</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj8A3wy2FFj9jlF7D1b8y96AM90qum_34PdsQLWxAd2d4iVN3v5IO7st18WbKYymlYTGcJ1k3ZTNrgapikY2F285dCgcusp55mgz7bxeybVUStg6bXo-cJEbgg1_iGTPoLx10KnV3kpoVJ/s1600/P1000145.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="380" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj8A3wy2FFj9jlF7D1b8y96AM90qum_34PdsQLWxAd2d4iVN3v5IO7st18WbKYymlYTGcJ1k3ZTNrgapikY2F285dCgcusp55mgz7bxeybVUStg6bXo-cJEbgg1_iGTPoLx10KnV3kpoVJ/s400/P1000145.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> A close up of the sunflower stencil applied with paste using a stencil.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyAQ41qY_M5HrApxRM9sa4rOldbZcedlCh5dSu8nr_BLvGdoSFJzfBVELdQtOVBLUFwX6q-H6w_8mFLfRZC6HRQoeUYMndC6y1INeukRqkjtvVZhOtKS8ifqnGPZrsxvZ3BhJBOH4v7OqW/s1600/P1000146.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="287" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyAQ41qY_M5HrApxRM9sa4rOldbZcedlCh5dSu8nr_BLvGdoSFJzfBVELdQtOVBLUFwX6q-H6w_8mFLfRZC6HRQoeUYMndC6y1INeukRqkjtvVZhOtKS8ifqnGPZrsxvZ3BhJBOH4v7OqW/s400/P1000146.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Close up of the stencil on linen - not quite as crisp detail - let alone the singed fabric! </div><div style="text-align: center;">I used an old iron on the linen setting but that I had forgotten </div><div style="text-align: center;">that this particular iron had the nasty habit of getting very hot!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7qBo2sQ0IWhP-naBsHWqP3iLRVD6h4a360hyphenhyphen4bTmle7dIRt6GaSSrKpl1YbUz3zWe9IvRKIUyFS3oUt1ipMpWA_jGiRwTIyz-1RwApEkMSoFWAX7KyIa1ZBp01yIgPFw0uFOT9DDNFEcX/s1600/P1000150.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="383" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7qBo2sQ0IWhP-naBsHWqP3iLRVD6h4a360hyphenhyphen4bTmle7dIRt6GaSSrKpl1YbUz3zWe9IvRKIUyFS3oUt1ipMpWA_jGiRwTIyz-1RwApEkMSoFWAX7KyIa1ZBp01yIgPFw0uFOT9DDNFEcX/s400/P1000150.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The foam stamp used with the paste on linen... still not as crisp as on cotton. It could well have been operator error though. I think there is a bit of a learning curve with this. As with any paint on a stamp one needs to learn the best combination of product, pressure and fabric.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjbeC958PuNtZMp7oviFH4Uu3ISNd9lyxXurGY1svvg9EW2m36dg2q8hqUx-uriJpNLoeaOLsbfH7tzHZJPeLvM5g1_EZDtdtpzO-nQDDRuhvtESjW76tx9A8UZAPai4aQlvzxJBQCUZAk/s1600/P1000151.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="307" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjbeC958PuNtZMp7oviFH4Uu3ISNd9lyxXurGY1svvg9EW2m36dg2q8hqUx-uriJpNLoeaOLsbfH7tzHZJPeLvM5g1_EZDtdtpzO-nQDDRuhvtESjW76tx9A8UZAPai4aQlvzxJBQCUZAk/s400/P1000151.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">To my nose this product smells rather ammonia-y with a hint of citrus. It is not as nasty as bleach but it IS something that I think you should use either outdoors or with very good ventilation. As you might expect when the dry cloth is ironed it creates a cloud - and that, most decidedly, needs a good breeze to blow the residue out of the air. I have asthma and I didn't go into a paroxysm of coughing or need a rescue inhaler when I used this <i>indoors</i> - but I DID have a fan on high with a back door open to provide some ventilation when I ironed. I think it pays to be cautious. I do believe that this wouldn't be as harmful to fabrics as bleach - even with bleach neutralizer. I believe it has been proven that bleach discharged cloth will continue to degrade at a higher rate over time than untreated cloth will. In that respect alone I think this is an excellent alternative to bleach discharging.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Below: </div><div style="text-align: justify;">using the spray DeColourant on the black Moda Marble. The discharge is comparable to bleach I think...along with the interesting color changes that can occur. Yes, I think this is a great application for creating sky textures.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQn2bQCtrwWr9L7T_DTUiO97PeqHMHFBgWV0vWi2qEgplBwht9NHh12tSfgWpxqmFkKUkMtO30tofopLBDNLjcqQT6RWzcRxbRNoY9-PxbIRIsNu8jZUXhdQ2diTtxtowQPntqCvRw1yw2/s1600/P1000153.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQn2bQCtrwWr9L7T_DTUiO97PeqHMHFBgWV0vWi2qEgplBwht9NHh12tSfgWpxqmFkKUkMtO30tofopLBDNLjcqQT6RWzcRxbRNoY9-PxbIRIsNu8jZUXhdQ2diTtxtowQPntqCvRw1yw2/s400/P1000153.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Below: </div><div style="text-align: justify;">Now, <i>this</i> is the very cool DeColourant Plus in action. I used foam stamps. The top photo is Lemon Yellow on Moda and the bottom is the Neon Orange.I do enjoy the way the product both removes and adds color in one fell swoop. It works quite well - and is a very interesting concept.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeDSF-C3TtllTHf1Lc4Q8NB4PueSZs6_aE3kfI5s2Sg_h7V5rVM0MAXY-nZsfNZns3b55t4-G-TfnfID_UXaXyRMVe7U5Vt15K4MclJxAAwJHAPGy-4A2tHY_91Ho7ivSMmccG4M-rdygQ/s1600/P1000155.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeDSF-C3TtllTHf1Lc4Q8NB4PueSZs6_aE3kfI5s2Sg_h7V5rVM0MAXY-nZsfNZns3b55t4-G-TfnfID_UXaXyRMVe7U5Vt15K4MclJxAAwJHAPGy-4A2tHY_91Ho7ivSMmccG4M-rdygQ/s400/P1000155.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Below:<br />
This photo of the Neon Orange is a bit washed out. What can I say. It's POURING rain and really dark and dank out doors- but it worked okay with my happy light for lighting!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7wng8kOGZ0CqZbtJY2T99U_rNsi1pTk7KG4dBlws0FixKi88v2KbWBiFIYjDrrdy4zCLOqe3pTzEUjcA8shAqFdHYcs-48-0eY6zmkp7AeZmUHYRz_wek-bf6LmLUh0c7EHm7_WgoPygD/s1600/P1000156.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7wng8kOGZ0CqZbtJY2T99U_rNsi1pTk7KG4dBlws0FixKi88v2KbWBiFIYjDrrdy4zCLOqe3pTzEUjcA8shAqFdHYcs-48-0eY6zmkp7AeZmUHYRz_wek-bf6LmLUh0c7EHm7_WgoPygD/s400/P1000156.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Below:</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> Ah! Here's the results on paper. The black bit of paper on the left was discharged with bleach. The dark green paper on the right was discharged with the paste DeColourant and the sunflower stencil. Excellent results!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6cj5_Edj8TbliCbnSyBPyk_pfDwrtzUTM8GSvU_Lct8Mm6Zr3XQfIa4xnfgPntbyotbCukyGApK7A0QQvhEeoKf9wJ3hl61V03JbiKfPbtT6z_THVOXYpDbnyvUC4fsPjX3DgMt3yI_qr/s1600/P1000159.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6cj5_Edj8TbliCbnSyBPyk_pfDwrtzUTM8GSvU_Lct8Mm6Zr3XQfIa4xnfgPntbyotbCukyGApK7A0QQvhEeoKf9wJ3hl61V03JbiKfPbtT6z_THVOXYpDbnyvUC4fsPjX3DgMt3yI_qr/s400/P1000159.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I think this is a good product and an excellent alternative to discharging with bleach. I think that adequate ventilation is a necessity. I like using the paste very much - it does indeed allow for fine detail and is easy to apply with a brush. I love the concept of being able to both remove color - and replace it - in one application. What a cool idea. All in all I think this product provides a lot of very interesting possibilities and is well trying. It works like a charm on paper - and should have wide appeal not only to textile artist but also to mixed media artists and journal-ers. It is available in mist, paste, many colors, and very handy sets of colors that are available as pastes or mists!.Thanks Kandi Corp for developing this excellent new alternative to using caustic bleach!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
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<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">note:</span></div><span style="font-size: xx-small;">This product was provided to me by the manufacturer for the purpose of an honest review. No other remuneration was provided.</span>mzjohansenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09099656264060749484noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7428193096708255239.post-40840749343590045142011-01-17T12:14:00.000-08:002011-01-17T12:14:04.576-08:00Mapping Happiness<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGkie5C3aoBLNe2TlmsXGk7GrWvz7rZVvFG7pXxVXFzIGDtuo5cjGxQWP-Fnf97XUvZsA2hLh6qGI4Pqzy8JYGs-FQL2-RwxEySdlm9w9PO8oMCeDnIzxkvabt1_C-SCm9I0YT3iFUCfNS/s1600/P1000124.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGkie5C3aoBLNe2TlmsXGk7GrWvz7rZVvFG7pXxVXFzIGDtuo5cjGxQWP-Fnf97XUvZsA2hLh6qGI4Pqzy8JYGs-FQL2-RwxEySdlm9w9PO8oMCeDnIzxkvabt1_C-SCm9I0YT3iFUCfNS/s640/P1000124.JPG" width="403" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Sometimes it pays to NOT rip up something that you aren't happy with. Such was the case with this journal page that I started some time ago. I didn't like it in it's original guise and had been tempted to tear it out of the book and toss it. I hadn't even opened this particular drawing pad in a long time but when I did I decided to rework the page. It looked like a map to me and I wondered what it was a map of....</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">About the same time I happened upon a copy of a poem by John Trudell that I particularly liked. It spoke of things that I have often thought but have not, perhaps, acted upon as much as I should. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdfM9Px2WgAhNcXOuPNv1r-oNdh7PCfqeIxOX41eqoLx752mgw1c9ZLisOyrK1Kherw0QF-rTrQimlMbx6lAN6PKctQvPYpM-Ox1osp6fVi9pwzzsRnqyaQw9QuMXKUEeagN_8fH7aQm7X/s1600/P1000125.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="312" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdfM9Px2WgAhNcXOuPNv1r-oNdh7PCfqeIxOX41eqoLx752mgw1c9ZLisOyrK1Kherw0QF-rTrQimlMbx6lAN6PKctQvPYpM-Ox1osp6fVi9pwzzsRnqyaQw9QuMXKUEeagN_8fH7aQm7X/s400/P1000125.JPG" width="400" /></a></div> It reads like this:<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">we are part of the dreamtime</div><div style="text-align: center;">happiness is one of the colors</div><div style="text-align: center;">there are shadow casters who trick us about happiness</div><div style="text-align: center;">we are taught to wish for things to make us happy</div><div style="text-align: center;"> we are not taught to wish for happiness itself.</div><div style="text-align: center;">we can't buy happiness</div><div style="text-align: center;">we can't sell it,</div><div style="text-align: center;">we can't steal it</div><div style="text-align: center;">we can't borrow it</div><div style="text-align: center;">and we can't capture it</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2KqmRrPga7QpcFEtQiWELALQmY-NnqTH908GWGqwx9R-W5g-1pQWWgyJ-aOv_lYSwSbOsKe-yu2NgXdCFWL2zb8XuaeO3-g2bn8BHAYXpft_fu6gxK9p2mv65fyZ8ng5aYzbV1uROxjf1/s1600/P1000126.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2KqmRrPga7QpcFEtQiWELALQmY-NnqTH908GWGqwx9R-W5g-1pQWWgyJ-aOv_lYSwSbOsKe-yu2NgXdCFWL2zb8XuaeO3-g2bn8BHAYXpft_fu6gxK9p2mv65fyZ8ng5aYzbV1uROxjf1/s400/P1000126.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">but we can create it<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">love can't bring us happiness</div><div style="text-align: center;">but happiness can bring us love</div><div style="text-align: center;"> power can't bring us happiness</div><div style="text-align: center;">but happiness can shoe us power</div><div style="text-align: center;">on the line of what is real and what really isn't</div><div style="text-align: center;">dream for happiness</div><div style="text-align: center;">somewhere between heart and mind</div><div style="text-align: center;">the spirit of life can be seen</div><div style="text-align: center;">happiness comes and awaits dream</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqno0NHrXMTHIuP57wUJ1ACmWLO_YmK_W5LX_udG2_oaL8TzN6HE4lMg-aEvvUen4QSVNLVBMYt7xYT5cYoaOWilouPhVrmQ6snDvu58hFsmfMRlUPuvOcfamYPr_gdTkmZJ3yQycvMlOp/s1600/P1000128.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="341" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqno0NHrXMTHIuP57wUJ1ACmWLO_YmK_W5LX_udG2_oaL8TzN6HE4lMg-aEvvUen4QSVNLVBMYt7xYT5cYoaOWilouPhVrmQ6snDvu58hFsmfMRlUPuvOcfamYPr_gdTkmZJ3yQycvMlOp/s400/P1000128.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Perhaps it is a map to happiness after all. I'm glad I saved the page and found the map. Now I just have to follow it.mzjohansenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09099656264060749484noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7428193096708255239.post-28473129899166941112011-01-15T18:56:00.000-08:002011-01-15T18:57:39.820-08:00"Creative Combos" ATC Swap<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoj2_RBdoBNuna9BL3SGyHq15vpyPJ5QeldSSIxTFsQVHCQYBB8TKlovXItpJSH6avMzbZhn_fMYvuO1RYL_-BrZh_rVXZnbyRJ6xgV-5MAy83vLM530aQADCU_AnnuznU9V6z5Taqx93h/s1600/P1000119.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="276" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoj2_RBdoBNuna9BL3SGyHq15vpyPJ5QeldSSIxTFsQVHCQYBB8TKlovXItpJSH6avMzbZhn_fMYvuO1RYL_-BrZh_rVXZnbyRJ6xgV-5MAy83vLM530aQADCU_AnnuznU9V6z5Taqx93h/s400/P1000119.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The theme of this month's <a href="http://artsinthecards.blogspot.com/">Arts In The Cards</a> swap was "Creative Combos".</div><br />
The task was to choose one material and one medium from the following lists:<br />
Materials:<br />
cotton, metal or vellum<br />
Mediums:<br />
metallic paints, markers, pencils, inks <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhia1NR8R40Ew1RoWnEeS-n97t0tMd-0pkujp985xSv3FCBWl4S8uizjUEAKcvUH-A0cEplHIPvxwgIKzFho9Vk6s6mDgpJr3Mip8S3f20E4qBLV5akaqBOfV8Nfeo5oXyruKdTmp9i1Y88/s1600/P1000120.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhia1NR8R40Ew1RoWnEeS-n97t0tMd-0pkujp985xSv3FCBWl4S8uizjUEAKcvUH-A0cEplHIPvxwgIKzFho9Vk6s6mDgpJr3Mip8S3f20E4qBLV5akaqBOfV8Nfeo5oXyruKdTmp9i1Y88/s400/P1000120.JPG" width="293" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">To assuage my continuing fascination with metal I chose the material metal and the medium metallic paints. To make these cards I first embossed copper foil, torch brazed the foil and then glued it onto a heavy paper backing that I had first painted black. Next I added metallic paints in sage, barn red and lamp black that rubbed into the embossed metal with a soft cloth. I added some Oriental themed papers topped them with an embossed matte black metal square to which I added a hand stamped brass tag. I am happy with the results and I am becoming more engrossed with metal. I'm planning to use similar techniques for some "Valentine themed" Inchies and ATC's for another group.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Unfortunately the very rainy, very dark weather as well as my own laziness in bringing out my light box afforded these relatively poor photos. Hopefully, you'll get the idea!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMrSekZm5CldZ8kS-EXTFu0v5pdQlIM_k7kD5geNsIe7J_brA0c6MFg0sTZBcRQG6w8SosydOQVwahz_npxmRQZ_3sMjih4mav0exYvx9oqWWxn6wYzodcxDSbUhbdZB3NoHHwWj4iIhhn/s1600/P1000123.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="278" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMrSekZm5CldZ8kS-EXTFu0v5pdQlIM_k7kD5geNsIe7J_brA0c6MFg0sTZBcRQG6w8SosydOQVwahz_npxmRQZ_3sMjih4mav0exYvx9oqWWxn6wYzodcxDSbUhbdZB3NoHHwWj4iIhhn/s400/P1000123.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><span id="goog_1457708222"></span><span id="goog_1457708223"></span>mzjohansenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09099656264060749484noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7428193096708255239.post-65915623727441497432011-01-05T13:54:00.000-08:002011-01-05T16:03:59.207-08:00Journal Page 1-1-11This is a New Year's page that I made using a Slice machine. The Slice machine is made by Making Memories and it works like a dream for cutting fonts, words and a wide variety images. It will accept embossing cards and die cuts from a variety of companies. Making Memories had asked me to do a page using the machine last November .... It was due today but I have not heard from them.....so I thought I would just post it here. <br />
<br />
It goes along my "word for the year" = 'simple-beauty'. I would normally add links for the Slice machine and Making Memories, but I am using the app "Blog Press" to post this today and it doesn't seem to have the ability to add links yet. None-the-less it is a handy little app that works well for an occasional away-from-home post like this one. The apps that I subscribe to just keep adding more and more functionality - so I am sure that before too long it allow links to be added.<br />
<br />
<center><a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/28548015@N00/5327732427/'><img src='http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5247/5327732427_b2e99665e6_m.jpg' border='0' width='174'
height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />
<br />
OOPS - I gave you some bum information!<br />
The SLICE machine was used for the words. It CUTS letters, words and images from cartridges.<br />
<br />
I used a different machine for the die cuts and embossed items - what was I thinking....show<br />
you how much trouble I can get by trying to do too many things at once! Maybe it's the lack of sun turning my brain to mush! APOLOGIES for any confusion!<br />
<br />
Judy asked what was done with the machine - and the answer is that the words were made using two different Slice cartridges. <br />
The leaves are die cuts from another company's design (I can <br />
check that later if anyone needs me to) - but I did use the Slice machine to run the die cut. It's very versatile int hat way- it accepts die cuts and embossing plates from companies other than just Makking Memories. Thanks for asking Judy!mzjohansenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09099656264060749484noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7428193096708255239.post-75263855096902665872011-01-02T12:10:00.000-08:002011-01-02T12:10:54.487-08:00The SketchBook Challenge. Highly Prized=Nbr 1 on 01.01.11<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcZC_gXHi1bwqwaZJmW9TrK6q0-t0RH18NgMI_PnZv3G4QU1kvx7KKzhqhW_ZVdHiumr9RK52PMtbNkd9-NprWVxviSgtr3vyfj8kEUYW80AsrbIkzdx9m5_oj0tBUspmTSlwenSOBIUMO/s1600/P1000072.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcZC_gXHi1bwqwaZJmW9TrK6q0-t0RH18NgMI_PnZv3G4QU1kvx7KKzhqhW_ZVdHiumr9RK52PMtbNkd9-NprWVxviSgtr3vyfj8kEUYW80AsrbIkzdx9m5_oj0tBUspmTSlwenSOBIUMO/s640/P1000072.JPG" width="403" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">In addition to the two ATC groups that I am in I enjoy choosing a couple of other artistic commitments for the year. Things that I know will keep me thinking and experimenting and can be done as quickly or as slowly as I choose. This year I am going to do the <a href="http://sketchbookchallenge.blogspot.com/">Sketchbook Challenge</a> - complied under the auspices of some well known mixed media mavens - and open to all I should add. I find mixed media to be fascinating - something that at one time I swore I would never be interested in! What have I said in the past about never saying never?!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">The first challenge was posted yesterday and the theme was "Highly Prized". On my shirt list of highly prized things is the simple beauty and simple pleasure of nature. This journal page was made with a preserved leaf, white birch paper bark, black lutradur medium weight, paper cast face, metal foils, crackle medium, acrylic paints in fine gold and celedon and gesso. Writing on paper birch bark is, by the way, silky and lovely. I need to find a source - since this was bark I had previously purloined from a bevy of beautiful trees on another island. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCj5NIteflaZuoTmQUuYkMKuBjqthyUygvoap6owfWSu8_64i67Uzow-2OvcbyKmwRy1BZltZ8wFwHzPDgwDP67dbEjUsePemd4Nq7GOCAyIEpF_LQuUvI4oiVF6pXeYAsWist2e5_sKMu/s1600/P1000074.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCj5NIteflaZuoTmQUuYkMKuBjqthyUygvoap6owfWSu8_64i67Uzow-2OvcbyKmwRy1BZltZ8wFwHzPDgwDP67dbEjUsePemd4Nq7GOCAyIEpF_LQuUvI4oiVF6pXeYAsWist2e5_sKMu/s400/P1000074.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The other thing that I plan on working through is a series of <a href="http://www.strathmoreartist.com/vj-workshop-about.html">online mixed media classes </a>presented by Strathmore Artist Papers. My friend Sandy mentioned it to me and, of course, I had to check it out. This is also open to everyone and free of charge. Strathmore papers are truly an excellent resource - I've used their card blanks and water color pads for years. I am still waiting for my 'registration' to be acknowledged. Hopefully that will be once the regular work week begins.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihwTzFtJhteYcacrad0GgrZ4mwFKkuFM1K4PTh8tqy2muPGgFHm0JOa0iO0QIywjOx8aRwtq5Tpqm2XFmTbvlAwANu07YlkPdVmcB-mAm9IzC33DLzZ5joj3CV-lgicubzqLjBGVVpNSdI/s1600/P1000075.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihwTzFtJhteYcacrad0GgrZ4mwFKkuFM1K4PTh8tqy2muPGgFHm0JOa0iO0QIywjOx8aRwtq5Tpqm2XFmTbvlAwANu07YlkPdVmcB-mAm9IzC33DLzZ5joj3CV-lgicubzqLjBGVVpNSdI/s400/P1000075.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I want to continue to expand on the fun I am having with metals this year and actually do come more quilting.... I am planning on better health and more energy! The only class that I know I am going to participate in is a color theory class from Gail Harker in the Fall. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">What's on your agenda for this New Year? How will you continue to challenge yourself and your art making? Goals? I don't make resolutions any longer - I find that the concept of setting a goal works better for me.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH6dsA-LZTmf5qLAgMyBvB3ZQAGAKB9OjmWNCuBPMaANn5A-5gtk9-NJtsSz6x5WQBCvM-OQBVNrqzuCTIQW9QWGayxwnSxjjAJg8efClAOCPVirz1l8W691XE-jRqQqRTSxFyXls5VyG9/s1600/P1000076.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="277" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH6dsA-LZTmf5qLAgMyBvB3ZQAGAKB9OjmWNCuBPMaANn5A-5gtk9-NJtsSz6x5WQBCvM-OQBVNrqzuCTIQW9QWGayxwnSxjjAJg8efClAOCPVirz1l8W691XE-jRqQqRTSxFyXls5VyG9/s400/P1000076.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1srrUcXJNGvDNbdrybrlz2BMTtnJ_vOCSJrtfJUh5X7_YHiBLFM6ij5Bj-34CIUrKjH3Oew5FtSgRtOI3FbdUVITlpwIDY9LHXryB5XMGP6h9tZm6YCzBbjNw71S1TeJFOywE-hOEIC8A/s1600/P1000077.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1srrUcXJNGvDNbdrybrlz2BMTtnJ_vOCSJrtfJUh5X7_YHiBLFM6ij5Bj-34CIUrKjH3Oew5FtSgRtOI3FbdUVITlpwIDY9LHXryB5XMGP6h9tZm6YCzBbjNw71S1TeJFOywE-hOEIC8A/s400/P1000077.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>mzjohansenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09099656264060749484noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7428193096708255239.post-69734576872293127632010-12-31T12:31:00.000-08:002010-12-31T12:31:31.689-08:00Welcome 2011<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-249ZBggnGLf5m6cGFGGdpjpZGxbhM1seMYf5Ngx_8l9zNF_S8yhmIPV9fIIZz_AQVzffAmvVCcYNSJc-R3BezlgV48JTumISynYyRk0HZh3bg47cTtfhp8ZnYEs8e_QETtbmUZdE-pYp/s1600/P1000054.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-249ZBggnGLf5m6cGFGGdpjpZGxbhM1seMYf5Ngx_8l9zNF_S8yhmIPV9fIIZz_AQVzffAmvVCcYNSJc-R3BezlgV48JTumISynYyRk0HZh3bg47cTtfhp8ZnYEs8e_QETtbmUZdE-pYp/s400/P1000054.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;">Last night I started thinking about New Year's Eve. What is the history behind this eve that makes for all of the reveling and noise? I was also ruminating about the song "Auld Lang Syne" and wondered where in the heck we had gotten that one from.... so this morning I did I little Googling to answer these burning questions.</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;">It seems, from my brief reads, that some historical types believe that the celebrations of New Years Eve can be traced back to the ancient Roman celebration called Saturnalia - generally held at the time of the Winter Solstice. Apparently this holiday was also celebrated with over indulgence and a general feeling of "out with the old and in with new". Of course the over indulging must have often led to not remembering the old - just as many people celebrate New Year's now! </span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;">The song "Auld Lang Syne" was written by Scottish poet Robert Burns in 1788. The words mean "old long since" - the good ole' days. One writer stated that the words basicially mean "</span><span style="font-size: small;">the entire song's message merely means to just forget about the past and look ahead to the new year with hope". Sounds like a good plan to me!</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;">Lest we forget the noise that generally accompanies the New Year's Eve celebration. The consensus seems to be that this custom of a New Year's Eve auditory assault is a custom embraced by many countries - all meant to frighten the evil spirits and drive them away</span>.</div><div align="left"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYwLfL299rWY9KMZdg_dliIo6ke-7hvwPys_STmF-pp7IdKNtDqWDYML3TAp4zRRwOeEvVasJjT-VpE0sTUyXf9S9YUeburcRcW5VPtmSV9GL-qIRt0HMH1052HMGymjd8rM0O-knQOxzf/s1600/P1000040.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="201" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYwLfL299rWY9KMZdg_dliIo6ke-7hvwPys_STmF-pp7IdKNtDqWDYML3TAp4zRRwOeEvVasJjT-VpE0sTUyXf9S9YUeburcRcW5VPtmSV9GL-qIRt0HMH1052HMGymjd8rM0O-knQOxzf/s400/P1000040.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>View at the Harbor this past Wednesday</i></span><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;">For my part, even in my youthful days, I was not a huge fan of New Year's Eve celebrations. That may be because I tend to feel claustrophobic in large crowds and because I also tend to be noise sensitive. Not that a bit of bubbly (one of my favorite things before I decided to use the money for art supplies instead!) has never passed my lips - but I generally preferred to stay home - or at the most - have a quiet gathering of several good friends. In the early days of my life I would always make a traditional New Year's meal - complete with <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hoppin%27_John">Hopping John</a>. </span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">These days our custom is to be in bed with a good read by 9PM - I can hear the fireworks if I am still reading at midnight - and I am assured of greeting the first morning of the New Year with a clear head and much anticipation. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Oh! Lest I forget - resolutions? I am considering choosing a "word for the year". Do you make resolutions? What are your New year's traditions?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Whatever you are doing this New Year's Eve - be safe. I wish each of you a 2011 that is blessed by peace, joy, health and prosperity - and just a touch of magic too! </span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Thank you all for stopping by the blog - </span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I truly appreciate your readership</span></div>mzjohansenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09099656264060749484noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7428193096708255239.post-44042386972686935262010-12-27T12:16:00.000-08:002010-12-27T12:16:58.270-08:00What Does Trash Mail and ATC's Have In Common?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRCoMuPTxzm3COoo-C7bT666QR-a-WR8koMeax3gIUSPc3FSYnC2OThe5g2x5V69r9FJq1z1IzXLvn7Kv4GwjRryffrvH9k4y-pmPDYYbFAPmyqGcAED6yLUHoG33wHRlgafmEmDeyEgtU/s1600/P1000031.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRCoMuPTxzm3COoo-C7bT666QR-a-WR8koMeax3gIUSPc3FSYnC2OThe5g2x5V69r9FJq1z1IzXLvn7Kv4GwjRryffrvH9k4y-pmPDYYbFAPmyqGcAED6yLUHoG33wHRlgafmEmDeyEgtU/s400/P1000031.JPG" width="293" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I am slowly moving my artistic impedimenta to another, dare I say larger, table in the living room. Scurrying up the ladder to my 'creative space' is not as easy as it was pre-surgery so the entire house has bits and pieces of my tools and supplies scattered about at the moment.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">There are two ATC groups that I always try to keep up with -I allow myself no excuses - so in between the effluvia I managed to make these ATC's during the holiday. The 'theme' was "Trash Talkin' The Mailman"..... using what things that would normally be classified as trash that arrives at your door by way of the mail. I don;t think that this was my best effort - but we try not to have 'do-overs' and so these are what I mailed off.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_1KFJiP-MsmKrko90Teadk5PCssx6-A-_5omoaSpfdftiuXW7-VPlwfFW8zNpQCWfVYeXgloxhHhrkdaoAAc6h02IbHxM3nSZrlblQ6QnDqfxdUTl9bAXvNrfEbx8MJlH1bdfCBEexAjM/s1600/P1000029.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="367" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_1KFJiP-MsmKrko90Teadk5PCssx6-A-_5omoaSpfdftiuXW7-VPlwfFW8zNpQCWfVYeXgloxhHhrkdaoAAc6h02IbHxM3nSZrlblQ6QnDqfxdUTl9bAXvNrfEbx8MJlH1bdfCBEexAjM/s400/P1000029.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">My favorite part of mail is stamps - and colored envelopes - so of course those two elements were the focus of my cards. I painted the ground with black acrylic - and experimented with Art Spectrum's <a href="http://www.dickblick.com/products/art-spectrum-colourfix-coated-pastel-paper">Color Fix paper</a>- which really did make a difference in the way the black paint covered the ground. I have to order some more when I next visit <a href="http://dickblick.com/">Mr. Blick's </a>fabulous art emporium. "Mountains" made from envelope pieces, the "full moon" fashioned from foil lids and the "stars" made from foil cat food lids. I added non-trash items too - the copper foil edges and glitter in the "night sky". </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim_r5Ey5yTqevKolQ-ycQApQeQtK1GXqmB0pt51Lv12HGwlXHZoYAILDbHYeUPRmqWtR3yiQls4dmsSiEXO3YAa8moSBGKWQAjwNTjoZe2vesFyCPOs5SiHcuACsJibYr4b0mrwPPyBIgz/s1600/P1000026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim_r5Ey5yTqevKolQ-ycQApQeQtK1GXqmB0pt51Lv12HGwlXHZoYAILDbHYeUPRmqWtR3yiQls4dmsSiEXO3YAa8moSBGKWQAjwNTjoZe2vesFyCPOs5SiHcuACsJibYr4b0mrwPPyBIgz/s400/P1000026.JPG" width="270" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> I am always curious about different people approach their art making. Generally I have a faint 'seed' of an idea, but I don't know what will happen until I sit down and start working with the various bits and pieces. Most often I end up with something that is decidedly different from the original 'seed' thought. Very occasionally I sketch something out - but I don't seem to work well that way. I have to have the various bits and pieces in hand in order to plan a design. I know many people who are able to sketch out an idea and go with it. It would make life easier if I could do that I think - but it just doesn't work for me most of the time. How about you? How do you approach your art making?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNNh-MSXrJzaAx0vJ7hZEoOHXpRpzUBmTqUtEtWSaBxc5cUBAG8Lh8WxRDV3wo83hJi4ZkORea3uL5FaueClahvAAQxxwUoBR4OUVdrYtezeNaap1x1ZhqXNoi5Ad4qpY_M5XVwg4s3AwH/s1600/P1000027.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="287" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNNh-MSXrJzaAx0vJ7hZEoOHXpRpzUBmTqUtEtWSaBxc5cUBAG8Lh8WxRDV3wo83hJi4ZkORea3uL5FaueClahvAAQxxwUoBR4OUVdrYtezeNaap1x1ZhqXNoi5Ad4qpY_M5XVwg4s3AwH/s400/P1000027.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnW9dg7NtaNVJvnMubiJ49ZW6Ih2c4CbpXs7fJYSDvbll1dxwPw3qAl5IfEP6HdZdZBJoDdMs9M6Rsr-0WW2TKPtWHwYIdW9ythFZssFcxbvkG3xQJSmc0fPLcavQ0Umdc3wjfdL02JvNn/s1600/P1000030.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnW9dg7NtaNVJvnMubiJ49ZW6Ih2c4CbpXs7fJYSDvbll1dxwPw3qAl5IfEP6HdZdZBJoDdMs9M6Rsr-0WW2TKPtWHwYIdW9ythFZssFcxbvkG3xQJSmc0fPLcavQ0Umdc3wjfdL02JvNn/s400/P1000030.JPG" width="281" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">This was a wonderful 'book' year. My friend Janet gave me a wonderful book from an author that I was unfamiliar with. It's a book that I would most likely have not bought for myself - but am loving. Patti Digh's <u>"Creative is a Verb</u>". Have a look at her<i> <a href="http://www.37days.typepad.com/">blog</a></i> for some inspiration!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Sarah gave me another excellent book that I had never heard of "<u>The Daily Book Of Art</u>" - some very good inspirations in the pages of this little gem! Maria sent "<u>Anam Cara</u>" - a book that had been on "must read" list for some time. It went along wonderfully with my calendar of choice for this year "Celtic Wisdom". I think that my friends are hard pressed to surprise me with books - but these were indeed a wonderful surprise. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Hopefully, by the next post my work space - and therefore my mind - will be a bit tidier. I wish I could afford to get some good organizational furniture and bookshelves - maybe this year I will save some money (ah! there's a good concept!). </div><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>I wish you all a very Wonderful New Year - one that is filled with the solace of laughter and good health and the blessings of joy and peace - with prosperity thrown in for good measure!</i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><iframe align="right" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=zquilts&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=1600581315&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><iframe align="right" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=zquilts&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=1599218836&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><iframe align="right" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=zquilts&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=006092943X&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><iframe align="right" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=zquilts&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=1602373701&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe></div>mzjohansenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09099656264060749484noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7428193096708255239.post-24518012090944372372010-12-21T07:18:00.000-08:002010-12-21T07:19:39.824-08:00The Sketchbook ChallengeI have been meaning to post about the very cool New Year's project called "The Sketchbook Challenge. Spearheaded by Sue Bleiweiss, this journey will begin on January 1st, 2011.<br />
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Click on the Sketchbook Challenge button in the right column to get to the information about it or check our Sue's website at:<br />
http://suebleiweiss.com/blog/2010/12/06/the-sketchbook-challenge/<br />
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There are some fantastic artists that will be writng posting and providing direction. A new theme will be posted for each month ... You have a whole month to explore the theme! If you have considered journaling and sketchbooks this might the perfect opportunity to start the New Year out! <br />
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Have a look and join in the fun!mzjohansenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09099656264060749484noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7428193096708255239.post-56399472394202596972010-12-20T12:53:00.000-08:002010-12-20T12:53:39.053-08:00A Stellar Event and An Early Santa<h2 style="font-weight: normal; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">A Lunar Eclipse+Winter Solstice + Meteor showers = one amazing event tonight!</span></h2><h2 style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">For the first time in 372 years, a total lunar eclipse coincides with the winter solstice. On the east coast it starts after midnight, Pacific Standard Time around 9;30 p.m. Across the country, the whole eclipse will be observable before the moon sets in the west just as the sun is rising in the east. Maximum eclipse is at 12:17 a.m. PST. W O W!</span></h2><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiXc-V-cLceKmBYyBQk7r7i-PVh_THY6dz0lElnhPFRvDIPXLOhdaRzKvNsrimF2sg7vGqFJUPXM2T9AXG1-LpCm2Q3fG8x6H7OuFyss9XzaVdQdWo3v8IyOn4bMV9DU36zjAFf1opkSB_/s1600/P1000001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiXc-V-cLceKmBYyBQk7r7i-PVh_THY6dz0lElnhPFRvDIPXLOhdaRzKvNsrimF2sg7vGqFJUPXM2T9AXG1-LpCm2Q3fG8x6H7OuFyss9XzaVdQdWo3v8IyOn4bMV9DU36zjAFf1opkSB_/s400/P1000001.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Here's my little darling Tillie. She isn't too happy about having her photo taken and she wouldn't let me clean her eyes before I took her picture! Her personality is really developing now. It's taken awhile for her to settle in but what a joy she has become. Cleo, our tenacious 17 year old is not terribly happy about sharing her house once again, but there is, for the most part, peace in the kingdom</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjne3DM-ohAaMxzIppF9YaeNfolce8O6l6JhbBA-NFIm_2aXLi_eT3w-d7skH_2tG6wUS6oiIPYqvCYqdk5yz7Sed8E24Gq4hca5JnBG5RGa3sSQLE9V9F02OpU6VjMByoAhxoThifHbjdU/s1600/P1000003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="305" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjne3DM-ohAaMxzIppF9YaeNfolce8O6l6JhbBA-NFIm_2aXLi_eT3w-d7skH_2tG6wUS6oiIPYqvCYqdk5yz7Sed8E24Gq4hca5JnBG5RGa3sSQLE9V9F02OpU6VjMByoAhxoThifHbjdU/s320/P1000003.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> Santa came a little early for me this year. I think we are both trying to cut down on the Holidaze frenzy that seems so difficult to avoid these days. I had been wanting a small camera that I could always have with me - since I don't always carry my Nikon DSLR - especially after the back surgery I am trying to lighten the daily carrying load. I had thought I would get a small Nikon - brand loyalty and all that, but when I got to investigating small digital cameras the Panasonic Lumix seemed to garner praise consistently.... so I got a Panasonic instead. Here is a link to the page about this amazing little camera:</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://tinyurl.com/23w72be"><b>http://tinyurl.com/23w72be</b></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwkXu6PRYs_B1BHb5xdkQp7mRdFh6-a_HqwaTYrFf2w7XPqQsWTUNLyIQHyYaGKnXHqvInaMrGA3_gGM64LzJM_zqu_EioU0RRPCor-fYVGLDbGBwOe1Pd-_aA_hKhmhfxLSNHNnf7t08R/s1600/41mObreJEQL._SL500_AA300_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwkXu6PRYs_B1BHb5xdkQp7mRdFh6-a_HqwaTYrFf2w7XPqQsWTUNLyIQHyYaGKnXHqvInaMrGA3_gGM64LzJM_zqu_EioU0RRPCor-fYVGLDbGBwOe1Pd-_aA_hKhmhfxLSNHNnf7t08R/s1600/41mObreJEQL._SL500_AA300_.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">One of the best things about this little gem is the Leica lens and the fact that in equivalent SLR terms the lens is capable of 25mm to 300mm. That's amazing. The quality and clarity is pretty darned amazing too. If you are a diehard DSLR devotee you may not like the lack of totally manual capability - but for this is a great little camera for all of those times that you think "I wish had my camera with me!"</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I had to take some office photos with it to see how it managed light... it did well !</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJtVn3dUdzvFLgFEQIfWfwMH8Ukc7DQyPFSDPgmgNlyzQ7h4spK93fC9MODVOQsNt8ceQeKWHawtg57wr0IeGhTTZZBt5V0UKIug42lFqH5jUIU_dOtPq4bMp7E-xulNlFa-HO-vuYKhAs/s1600/P1000007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJtVn3dUdzvFLgFEQIfWfwMH8Ukc7DQyPFSDPgmgNlyzQ7h4spK93fC9MODVOQsNt8ceQeKWHawtg57wr0IeGhTTZZBt5V0UKIug42lFqH5jUIU_dOtPq4bMp7E-xulNlFa-HO-vuYKhAs/s320/P1000007.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Early morning light from my office windows</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnttqeqCQOaCpQIyKI-eI1vysvd6MXAP3jyn94cx2l7y1Fz1vDNu5ZR44RdearrxWddUiSClGeBiOrp6nbDCEn-GCRjcFnBaBl3kv-fnumKHQ-qpVtimwRBclfSXb_ii8sZIWq1MuN0UB-/s1600/P1000008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnttqeqCQOaCpQIyKI-eI1vysvd6MXAP3jyn94cx2l7y1Fz1vDNu5ZR44RdearrxWddUiSClGeBiOrp6nbDCEn-GCRjcFnBaBl3kv-fnumKHQ-qpVtimwRBclfSXb_ii8sZIWq1MuN0UB-/s320/P1000008.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> My desk</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_16OXIzd7YZ6YR1HhbekDxkOG9NkE_brQwpi2YBUlLH9lvasaCpSY-4SlcOHsM-Lox2HUFYX3XTiPIVSI3zh2KCh814QDlhCC_d0VfaporVzA3oEm-P4qRcG64FRaCGfKmAxLlJLczZVZ/s1600/P1000011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_16OXIzd7YZ6YR1HhbekDxkOG9NkE_brQwpi2YBUlLH9lvasaCpSY-4SlcOHsM-Lox2HUFYX3XTiPIVSI3zh2KCh814QDlhCC_d0VfaporVzA3oEm-P4qRcG64FRaCGfKmAxLlJLczZVZ/s320/P1000011.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> from another view</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCvkoOWXbOIEo42D6Iil_ED0wwdc5_djhTE-gvtl5mNdgATFXkIFmhnyl7BkJawz9QyG01cInQRE0AvYCC1TOZYN3LJAzk-hrpnDZgqU-KOv0n1J06p3vRgpKuD5b89gGssEzsbx1Is5K4/s1600/P1000009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCvkoOWXbOIEo42D6Iil_ED0wwdc5_djhTE-gvtl5mNdgATFXkIFmhnyl7BkJawz9QyG01cInQRE0AvYCC1TOZYN3LJAzk-hrpnDZgqU-KOv0n1J06p3vRgpKuD5b89gGssEzsbx1Is5K4/s320/P1000009.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> One of our clients wife's made this lovely mobile for our office... she even has a dollar bill craftily made as a crane. Many blessing in this mobile!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO2KSOLcnzHrIE3Ytu-evvoWnt-zOHLUiKOapbU_8DFM4CCKHZ70tzyjvdsRl-DakoU8KypvJ8USqJguGGd-q083tUijKIEbYlLvcTlh09vrcufIYcVKylPsC3mh1vp_9JbMmaC_zdlxJs/s1600/P1000010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO2KSOLcnzHrIE3Ytu-evvoWnt-zOHLUiKOapbU_8DFM4CCKHZ70tzyjvdsRl-DakoU8KypvJ8USqJguGGd-q083tUijKIEbYlLvcTlh09vrcufIYcVKylPsC3mh1vp_9JbMmaC_zdlxJs/s320/P1000010.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Prayer flags over the door</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs5fbS7OWTjWxJ-4EhoJ-s31xENU4CrOkizQ3eN5WVYEqThCYhj-JcDXrgnnrvZRJT6J6hq9h0VDCnvaFokSc4VxUAcMgOvLyQlIbDlq4mzI3x8CXVmyEf2N4wFghMoNfKrtpi-eJxE9Ay/s1600/P1000013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs5fbS7OWTjWxJ-4EhoJ-s31xENU4CrOkizQ3eN5WVYEqThCYhj-JcDXrgnnrvZRJT6J6hq9h0VDCnvaFokSc4VxUAcMgOvLyQlIbDlq4mzI3x8CXVmyEf2N4wFghMoNfKrtpi-eJxE9Ay/s320/P1000013.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> This eagle photograph was given to DH by the photographer. Beautifully printed on canvas.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3eNexX0uZxDOHhdevUZ_hRQ_CyI-vs9srXo9sM8jiw9Xq2ttCJnxm2gyMfBcmJK1Br5ToOBv_odswaYP456_Fs7tR0W-QeSj6nMnqanPzJPvut97AHnj4O5i5kT0utBSTP2jg-aIuWR5I/s1600/P1000014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3eNexX0uZxDOHhdevUZ_hRQ_CyI-vs9srXo9sM8jiw9Xq2ttCJnxm2gyMfBcmJK1Br5ToOBv_odswaYP456_Fs7tR0W-QeSj6nMnqanPzJPvut97AHnj4O5i5kT0utBSTP2jg-aIuWR5I/s320/P1000014.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> For a brief quiet moment - the window behind my desk.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC13u0FaoCVEjMt2bWqUZ_cFXYrxFM002tdElqEAiQ9Su7k5aV4xIi-KcaoiPK18dFgkDMUbSzZVx12aIrfpbSMNxlF4v3SIBUlUED3UNWUQXvqwsUSnZ_zLONnnR9hRHAUuRL5UQAe11l/s1600/P1000015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC13u0FaoCVEjMt2bWqUZ_cFXYrxFM002tdElqEAiQ9Su7k5aV4xIi-KcaoiPK18dFgkDMUbSzZVx12aIrfpbSMNxlF4v3SIBUlUED3UNWUQXvqwsUSnZ_zLONnnR9hRHAUuRL5UQAe11l/s320/P1000015.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><h2 style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">The camera performed well in all kinds of light. </span></h2><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBpPn9aNReoYQ1syhgmv7pT0A8XBVGSsgBMZGHeh6zz9fDzZ4ptuIl06C97VkjGqJbXgQ2aAX7HrzPgN0Phj4E0ERLvviK9RC3ehd6TnrszBW5WGWRdQUARuKlMYNkzNk7Ko1wwhkDR6jP/s1600/21vVm4s4OtL._SL500_AA300_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBpPn9aNReoYQ1syhgmv7pT0A8XBVGSsgBMZGHeh6zz9fDzZ4ptuIl06C97VkjGqJbXgQ2aAX7HrzPgN0Phj4E0ERLvviK9RC3ehd6TnrszBW5WGWRdQUARuKlMYNkzNk7Ko1wwhkDR6jP/s1600/21vVm4s4OtL._SL500_AA300_.jpg" /></a></div><h2 style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">This is the other wonderful thing that Santa brought early. I listen to my IPod a lot and have not found a set of earbuds that works well for. I have Bose over the head earphones that I love but they can be rather conspicuous at times. These ear buds are, without a doubt the most comfortable ones - with the BEST sound quality - that I have used. Bar none. I had hesitation because of the little extension on them, but is made of some super soft, pilable silicone or something that makes these fit SUPER WELL. I love these. </span></h2><blockquote><a href="http://tinyurl.com/282xnlf"><b>http://tinyurl.com/282xnlf</b></a><br />
<small>[<a href="http://tinyurl.com/282xnlf" target="_blank">Open in new window</a>]</small></blockquote><h2 style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">That's it for me. I have some very cool new things to experiment with thanks to the kind folks at Kandi Corp.... and in a few days I will be posting the results of my experiments. They should be of interest to fiber folks of all kinds - paper and cloth. I'm excited to try this new toy out </span></h2><h2 style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">In the meantime I wish each one of you the best of all holiday seasons and New Year that will bring you peace, happiness, health and prosperity!</span></h2><h2 style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">HO HO HO!</span></h2>mzjohansenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09099656264060749484noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7428193096708255239.post-37577443430259145522010-12-06T16:02:00.000-08:002010-12-06T16:02:57.965-08:00What Became Of The Mystery Material?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglRUi3Bj4czUBdMzQbFCn0e3jdG2OVu8tg0QeCDzLjRniZsm9D17WG8LRIvug11ESXOCVDrQ2KzGaonWw4hu6jeGe0w9uo_bAByoK40eQi2c_S4T-3Iy1yNrjD1hLV426LFY6dWDaKR_W3/s1600/P1010002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglRUi3Bj4czUBdMzQbFCn0e3jdG2OVu8tg0QeCDzLjRniZsm9D17WG8LRIvug11ESXOCVDrQ2KzGaonWw4hu6jeGe0w9uo_bAByoK40eQi2c_S4T-3Iy1yNrjD1hLV426LFY6dWDaKR_W3/s400/P1010002.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYfhtMhmWyMVG5A-x2M0e99DTxJgT947UKNcu6esRWw3zFNdBisTQJE1bOCTz4gkQMmYn2hSKNRrwKeU-8o09IrRBv0r7gXTrql9EEmNn1_L7GQ4buJZ4M_AEsSVKIHfImAf5tFKPtOl5y/s1600/DSC_0004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYfhtMhmWyMVG5A-x2M0e99DTxJgT947UKNcu6esRWw3zFNdBisTQJE1bOCTz4gkQMmYn2hSKNRrwKeU-8o09IrRBv0r7gXTrql9EEmNn1_L7GQ4buJZ4M_AEsSVKIHfImAf5tFKPtOl5y/s400/DSC_0004.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Remember when I posted the mystery material shown in the first photo? The addition of gesso and acrylic and watercolor paint brought it to the next step in photo two. It's a base of very old cotton, tissue paper in white and light brown, cheesecloth and couched white yarn that is free motioned 'painted'. Photography in the dead of a Pacific Northwest winter is a challenge. I should have taken my light frame out to take the photographs but I was rushing to get these overdue cards enveloped and in the mail for this morning - so I took the lazy gal's way out. Sorry for the highlights !</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW2Dio_nDi2Mgc4-t6RzNhc4ohP4R2zYniIQQyccPgiwPkoE9caWkWUMd3fZwkYGMYjp36Ngk944b44DtEzPSVhi4hfIegVV7-6KfgbaBhwWqUbdtDELz4azYlOVPBT8AS73p_9ZaLdlbV/s1600/DSC_0005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW2Dio_nDi2Mgc4-t6RzNhc4ohP4R2zYniIQQyccPgiwPkoE9caWkWUMd3fZwkYGMYjp36Ngk944b44DtEzPSVhi4hfIegVV7-6KfgbaBhwWqUbdtDELz4azYlOVPBT8AS73p_9ZaLdlbV/s400/DSC_0005.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG0tzN51zwaG2o95qJep3CXOVUJU4Nlbcv-U3ncNInsd4eVoJdAOa5xykniub6E0hyuGbT8Zy1Itdff0-vZfplF6_v1eEC20mayBk7vFu5L3ItqHgY7gEaFHLJa4TV4VCgfqK1stQMaWmT/s1600/DSC_0007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG0tzN51zwaG2o95qJep3CXOVUJU4Nlbcv-U3ncNInsd4eVoJdAOa5xykniub6E0hyuGbT8Zy1Itdff0-vZfplF6_v1eEC20mayBk7vFu5L3ItqHgY7gEaFHLJa4TV4VCgfqK1stQMaWmT/s400/DSC_0007.JPG" width="287" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">One of the two <a href="http://artsinthecards.blogspot.com/">ATC groups</a> that I participate in used a "Typography" them for this month. So the rectangle of this fabric became those cards. I used Tim Holtz grunge board painted with Golden Fluid Marcasite paint to make the letters from a variety of shapes and sizes. Japanese text made from washi paper and then I added a metallic accent. The source of the metal is really fun but the answer to what that material is has to wait until next month - because the next theme just happened to be the perfect venue for this material</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0vP4EU0ut3auvxxUpz47tIdBJaycP7yfYBdqu-ZAvLAL0CxR6Cxwu53dSXD02_AKpqEpzkNZxKaXTi4YeCICPtv8v5SmKXmk0uL09wItUXBrvE0L2tx5Z2EdFESPy_waJGp8BlWlZ3ZOk/s1600/DSC_0012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0vP4EU0ut3auvxxUpz47tIdBJaycP7yfYBdqu-ZAvLAL0CxR6Cxwu53dSXD02_AKpqEpzkNZxKaXTi4YeCICPtv8v5SmKXmk0uL09wItUXBrvE0L2tx5Z2EdFESPy_waJGp8BlWlZ3ZOk/s400/DSC_0012.JPG" width="287" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I used watercolors to enhance - or highlight - some of the places on the cards. It was pretty clear that a dab of a contrasting color really improved the look of the cards. Without it they were softer feeling and, as much as I strive to work with neutrals and soft colors it seems I am always looking for a way to punch it up a bit. Maybe I need to do a study of taupe or greys and get adjusted to a softer palette. That could be my New Year's resolution - that and not seeing any more doctors other than for wellness checks this coming year!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">The holidays are almost here and I am in NO way prepared. I have my cards but they need to be written and addressed. I always try to order them in October - and I was not too late in accomplishing that yearly goal this year despite being almost unable to type at that point in my recovery! A day at time....oh yes, that's another thing I need to cultivate. Patience!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZYnaAT16uTa9PcREeEWNZpVgGsXiVKogNqTJeP0_j8aoeseQpezFSIXbGQ78waCcG6zl81qu5vu9KF0cMqNBhMQsFB0loUZGAzDLPxStlVa9eU7zhBPDky9OCZsJlzk6NGAeFqg4HE5TJ/s1600/DSC_0015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZYnaAT16uTa9PcREeEWNZpVgGsXiVKogNqTJeP0_j8aoeseQpezFSIXbGQ78waCcG6zl81qu5vu9KF0cMqNBhMQsFB0loUZGAzDLPxStlVa9eU7zhBPDky9OCZsJlzk6NGAeFqg4HE5TJ/s400/DSC_0015.JPG" width="295" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5dpOyEGXPI5reeUnhqSuiPWVr3mYn-rk7kSG3ygAkLPGIRLgJnrPvQCzahDx9cDfcO0dbSEAxHglZlG4TBeeMOsWRl9lsZaT0F4tyxVjYnfN0bn0UGWYx93YtO0KjDZCM3L9HPYxZ4utN/s1600/DSC_0016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5dpOyEGXPI5reeUnhqSuiPWVr3mYn-rk7kSG3ygAkLPGIRLgJnrPvQCzahDx9cDfcO0dbSEAxHglZlG4TBeeMOsWRl9lsZaT0F4tyxVjYnfN0bn0UGWYx93YtO0KjDZCM3L9HPYxZ4utN/s400/DSC_0016.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>mzjohansenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09099656264060749484noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7428193096708255239.post-57906919802832719212010-11-28T16:14:00.000-08:002010-11-28T16:14:12.301-08:00"From Print To Stitch" by Janet Edmonds<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtCdL1fxhyphenhyphenHkVNKYh4a12pPdXR3oJcq4U3vCx9y7l-ZhkULBHhvN5QS1_hsy2Q5EZwqJbadRTbBd1MWGxih59FwJQkNbAEGpWN56ohfejMmw4V86d8sUUdwKZgEtNSHSokaOZ2T7-PWLo8/s1600/9781844484591.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtCdL1fxhyphenhyphenHkVNKYh4a12pPdXR3oJcq4U3vCx9y7l-ZhkULBHhvN5QS1_hsy2Q5EZwqJbadRTbBd1MWGxih59FwJQkNbAEGpWN56ohfejMmw4V86d8sUUdwKZgEtNSHSokaOZ2T7-PWLo8/s400/9781844484591.jpg" width="318" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: small;">This is a cross post from my <a href="http://booksbythewillowtree.blogspot.com/">book blog.</a> If you want to read the full review have a look there.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">All photos are double clickable for a larger image</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">"From Print To Stitch" by Janet Edmonds, published by Search Press - is one of those books that you know you will be returning to time and time again. If you love cloth and love to print and stitch (as the title says) then this is a book that should be in your library.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Ms. Edmonds previously published book was called was called "Beginners Guide to Embroidered Boxes" and now I am afraid that I have to get this one too - her work is so exciting. </span></span></div><br />
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<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt;">The contents page of "From Print To Stitch" is a good introduction to fabulous techniques that lurk within the book's pages. She thoroughly covers materials and tools, how to develop a theme in your work and a short but very well done lesson on color and color theory. The next section is on printing and the topics include: block printing, lino cuts, mono printing and how to make great impressions from found objects. Naturally the next section is about stitching. Hand stitching and machine stitching. One of my favorite sections in this part of the book is her gallery of hand stitches. Lots of grist for the artistic mill in here.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA8IUMtEVWQeB0aAZjoh9Dd4jT7DSbm4M72qqJmA3CtbMWJNJa82XqlDckU3zgKD2CT_eaTuoU23ZdgGWW_SApR43DERIgkDQTbNRjmGOhTL22hJXW03lnJYJee1QLRsfjiSmPuaISQHXR/s1600/DSC_0002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="247" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA8IUMtEVWQeB0aAZjoh9Dd4jT7DSbm4M72qqJmA3CtbMWJNJa82XqlDckU3zgKD2CT_eaTuoU23ZdgGWW_SApR43DERIgkDQTbNRjmGOhTL22hJXW03lnJYJee1QLRsfjiSmPuaISQHXR/s400/DSC_0002.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlsJZiVe3Fnln-l1MOanLfoGPp8WDHF5D-V23SAhEB7uOBb-CMzf6JnN9v4fEqL3A03itHetCBtl2rK7cm9pQfw9YVO8Kncqs2kp6bhm3JM_TUSh4xyWGx4PbzKfGpDxWAZnXl7H3nx4Kl/s1600/DSC_0004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="243" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlsJZiVe3Fnln-l1MOanLfoGPp8WDHF5D-V23SAhEB7uOBb-CMzf6JnN9v4fEqL3A03itHetCBtl2rK7cm9pQfw9YVO8Kncqs2kp6bhm3JM_TUSh4xyWGx4PbzKfGpDxWAZnXl7H3nx4Kl/s400/DSC_0004.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">The techniques for working with lino, sponges and a host of other easily found printing methods are thoroughly explained and photographed with step-by-step instructions. In this section of the book I am especially fond her use of collagraph prints and I am eager to give this a try. The author describes collagraph as "made from a block that is created from low tech collaged material". Can you spell play day?! This book is just chock full of really fun techniques that are bound to spark your creativity and give your many hours of fun - you may not look at plain cloth in the same way again. Yes. I am really enjoying this excellent book! </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">This book is one of those “must have” addition to your library if you are a textile enthusiast of any sort! </span></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEfaxTUhC6afUEPHtmli3LdHr2okIAEXMfsj8mDI75fQtUYroEp8h9Xmn9721iKdugfiE8OwJjS4MqLpzFAKK69hMcBFs5a4jODOIaGtcbq1yH09t6lh5D-naPowLWDqZqkKHiJuH3W0Wd/s1600/DSC_0006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEfaxTUhC6afUEPHtmli3LdHr2okIAEXMfsj8mDI75fQtUYroEp8h9Xmn9721iKdugfiE8OwJjS4MqLpzFAKK69hMcBFs5a4jODOIaGtcbq1yH09t6lh5D-naPowLWDqZqkKHiJuH3W0Wd/s400/DSC_0006.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">note:</span><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"> this book was provided to me by the publisher strictly for the purpose of an honest review. No other remuneration was received</span>mzjohansenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09099656264060749484noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7428193096708255239.post-72826547601800800852010-11-28T14:35:00.000-08:002010-11-28T14:35:48.708-08:00It's A Mystery To Me<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5dKFlvI7Iqh8ZldCSeGEN_QbRZ72pc4kAOPqCmIKZ4zfty46f9RkCLIkhsPouX57isSIRGsI_ehtzl__WhaOLhOk1WhYEMDwcH-f24e02rsGgtrYrEg3utGKqmwHYpj2NEYvh79-dlvMB/s1600/P1010001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5dKFlvI7Iqh8ZldCSeGEN_QbRZ72pc4kAOPqCmIKZ4zfty46f9RkCLIkhsPouX57isSIRGsI_ehtzl__WhaOLhOk1WhYEMDwcH-f24e02rsGgtrYrEg3utGKqmwHYpj2NEYvh79-dlvMB/s400/P1010001.JPG" width="400" /></a></div> It'd a mystery I am solving as the muse moves me - this should be a finished product tomorrow. What do you think it's going to be?<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpqqWwkiYGFYz1HkvqBDtYiAxAm2c_fGj_4a-caKN8Pd1idLFEvwLxU-aGxxALGF0aNnKxo5kWdKmHV3T4AN_sN_Im5mnj3Q8qevy1qs56oru_vFxe0fMoJeFQ1N1y2bpFiCLL3eg93_99/s1600/P1010002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpqqWwkiYGFYz1HkvqBDtYiAxAm2c_fGj_4a-caKN8Pd1idLFEvwLxU-aGxxALGF0aNnKxo5kWdKmHV3T4AN_sN_Im5mnj3Q8qevy1qs56oru_vFxe0fMoJeFQ1N1y2bpFiCLL3eg93_99/s400/P1010002.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu4z8CuAsD9GaQRtwXsS4bIcCMHZnjHzIdluPWuZ2xplYaKCuJ4PX_Ze5J4TXkvhs5y-6inNEfzoumRS0RLZW9aSRNzTbE-dUYBpWnLjRel7cpqRE2XVvT8YnBdACfEEPukoICyYXzCgw6/s1600/P1010003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu4z8CuAsD9GaQRtwXsS4bIcCMHZnjHzIdluPWuZ2xplYaKCuJ4PX_Ze5J4TXkvhs5y-6inNEfzoumRS0RLZW9aSRNzTbE-dUYBpWnLjRel7cpqRE2XVvT8YnBdACfEEPukoICyYXzCgw6/s400/P1010003.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>I took bits and pieces of inspiration from this wonderful book by Angie Hughes - published by Search Press - that I reviewed not too long ago on my<a href="http://booksbythewillowtree.blogspot.com/"> book blog</a> (October 10th entry). It feels good to be doing something "sew-ey" - or perhaps I mean creative - again. It's taken too long! More tomorrow I hope. I'll be curious to see if you have any thoughts on what in the heck I am doing !<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaMpTbJFCY1f60RFlZRZ9E3fRg0SCWS19dkjN4afINWCYjFwDQuEysu8duMvh7bcpM5H1-asgR-YXq0N1nrJ1Rcemwa0ordbDrrVIi4gYXvGAg-HhY64m50-ZJmMRajEJDLUqOeGofOaV7/s1600/Stitch%252BCloth%252BPaper.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaMpTbJFCY1f60RFlZRZ9E3fRg0SCWS19dkjN4afINWCYjFwDQuEysu8duMvh7bcpM5H1-asgR-YXq0N1nrJ1Rcemwa0ordbDrrVIi4gYXvGAg-HhY64m50-ZJmMRajEJDLUqOeGofOaV7/s400/Stitch%252BCloth%252BPaper.JPG" width="280" /></a></div><iframe align="right" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=zquilts&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=1844482332&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe>mzjohansenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09099656264060749484noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7428193096708255239.post-58839524989418184652010-11-23T14:46:00.000-08:002010-11-23T14:46:51.640-08:00Sometimes You Just Become a Prisoner Of Your Own Mind!<div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvUT-tHygsEG1HZBbv_f0gAsG9TjkbEyP7n-UfcAf472p7siJRmHVfGzhoxC-lrxQONA7-6SteCUXX8Aw5n9BMVcW8y2Yv3pZLBVVwidSfg0bJaJuXbQEPjZIb9p29srAiccHqCHGzHp92/s1600/DSC_0001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="311" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvUT-tHygsEG1HZBbv_f0gAsG9TjkbEyP7n-UfcAf472p7siJRmHVfGzhoxC-lrxQONA7-6SteCUXX8Aw5n9BMVcW8y2Yv3pZLBVVwidSfg0bJaJuXbQEPjZIb9p29srAiccHqCHGzHp92/s400/DSC_0001.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Sometimes you just become a prisoner of your own mind</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Sometimes we really must cultivate patience and for people like me - that is not always an easy assignment! It's easy to become a prisoner of your own mind, carefully building up a wall of fencing around yourself. I know because I am good at it! Yesterday, my good friend Janet poked me and said something to the effect that surely I had something to post about here on the blog - since I have not posted for so long. My last attempt at a post was truncated. My typing was iffy - even with spell check and proof reading, my mood was low and my pain was high - so it did not seem like a great idea to whine on about my newly installed spinal 'hardware' any longer.Now, though, I do feel like I should complete at least a part of that post. If you are bored with it I understand- just skip this post and anticipate some ART in a day or so. If you have back or spine issues then perhaps this is something that might be of interest.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I have to admit to really wondering if I had made a mistake to have this second operation. I thought somehow that I would wake up magically free of the pain. Not so - not at all. It was worse , much worse than the first cervical operation in June- of course this one took twice as long and left a 6 inch incision too. Duh! How could I be so dang naive?! This pain was like nothing I had ever experienced. The Saturday after the operation (which had been the previous Tuesday) I ended up in the emergency room here (we have two rooms that serve as emergency rooms in our clinic)for near 5 hours as they tried to get my pain under control. I should have remained in the hospital for another night - but it was just not a "get better" sort of place". Don't get me started on pain control in this country - it is simply despicable what some doctors consider 'aedequate' or sufficient medication. Yes, trust me, I work for the court and I get the fact that some people use this stuff for things other than pain control- though why they would choose to do that is beyond me. Straight and clear is the best of way for a mind to be - but if you are in pain the doctors should listen to you - not be dismissive and ruse. I am grateful that me primary care giver is someone who does "get" pain - and I was more lucky to be able to to go to our local emergency room to get to a point that i could stop crying from the pain. Familiar faces make a world of difference too I think.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Yesterday at a doctor's appointment I got the okay to return to work on light duty for the next 6 months - which for means only that I can't lift much nor sit for long periods of time in a court room. Work will be, more or less, the same as usual. As I voiced concerned about whether I had made the right decision the doc aid that he thought I had done the right thing. We discussed the success rate for this sort of spinal surgery. I had been thinking I should be feeling perkier by now. He said that it will take 8 months or so to really see what the effect of the surgery will be and that here are. indeed, some success stories (and he hopes I am one of those) but that in general what this type of surgery does is to keep the person out of a wheel chair - and I recalled I had heard that before too. I think in that regard I will be a success story - but I may not be hiking like I used to - though walking is better now than before. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">It is difficult for me to realize and <i>own </i>the fact that I will not be the super active person I once was - but I am realizing that this does not mean that I am no longer me- I am....I just have to gracefully accept my simple restrictions and be most thankful that I am as healthy as I am - and that the pain and memory of this operation will all fade with time. It's been a year for sure but there are SO many others in SO much worse shape than me....I have finally, I think, been able to stop the pity party!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I have been doing a few things. Mostly reading - of course - and knitting - a fabulous shawl. I have also been thinking about ways I want to work in metal some more. I have some ATC's to work on this weekend - they are late - overdue - much the way the cleaning and the house looks overdue for a real "winter snug in". I say that as we have snow on the ground and a temperature of 23F (-5C) with very windy conditions. Yesterday was the first day I had driven since being home - and, as luck would have it, it was near blizzard conditions when I left the doc's office. I was glad for 4WD!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">So there you have it - the whines and the non whines. I am looking forward to making these ATC's and getting going again on both my book blog (also overdue) and to posting something at least vaguely art like here ... leaving time for a nap now and then!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Happy Thanksgiving to all of us here in the US - actually to all of my friend's everywhere. There is so much to be thankful for and there is always someone in a worse way than you are. Be well and be happy and be filled with light.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div>mzjohansenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09099656264060749484noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7428193096708255239.post-60767094372569065542010-11-10T12:08:00.000-08:002010-11-10T12:08:51.953-08:00Life before titanium plates<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFQ1DV6WKotHZuyeFrN7TjWDYTQLPUSBAj7zXns_I0r8wdleoEOxnR9MbHalnaKu4bphlUj6G9fexPv7vsTYWfGHPtWEep8qdhevl5yxUJXlt-hRkkCqg2TL2esef9k66p3jAZ2tK8RVpA/s1600/Scan10001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFQ1DV6WKotHZuyeFrN7TjWDYTQLPUSBAj7zXns_I0r8wdleoEOxnR9MbHalnaKu4bphlUj6G9fexPv7vsTYWfGHPtWEep8qdhevl5yxUJXlt-hRkkCqg2TL2esef9k66p3jAZ2tK8RVpA/s640/Scan10001.JPG" width="489" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Prior to titanium screws and plates<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">This is a post that I have been considering writing since my last operation on my neck in June. My conundrum is that, I suspect, many people will find it boring - and that's just fine -skip over it . The other reason that I have been wanting to write is is that I have met so many people who seem to also be having back issues/problems of one sort of another. It's so difficult to know when to see a doctor, what kind of doctor does one see and, if you are not a Christian Scientist, what sorts of remedies are options for you? I kept thinking that of knowing just one more piece of your large puzzle will help you than this is worth writing. I don't speak poorly of any doctor. They all work hard to give such a complex structure like our bodies good servicing and help.</div></div>mzjohansenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09099656264060749484noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7428193096708255239.post-64844239875350435662010-10-18T21:12:00.000-07:002010-10-18T21:12:46.806-07:00All The Best Plans ... that did not happen this week...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwmMWjJGurvQADPcKzXDNGX6U0S4R0mzcdpTHX_2Na07WkXq_T-Ph8GRJ6Xz-tpQKJTC0CaLlTexej_MExTcX4bhtJxUj75yHcvFSsY2aU2lTi71ic0d3WNh1Gd75mjV99XdyC1hl1WSAd/s1600/P1010056.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="302" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwmMWjJGurvQADPcKzXDNGX6U0S4R0mzcdpTHX_2Na07WkXq_T-Ph8GRJ6Xz-tpQKJTC0CaLlTexej_MExTcX4bhtJxUj75yHcvFSsY2aU2lTi71ic0d3WNh1Gd75mjV99XdyC1hl1WSAd/s400/P1010056.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">These are the steps that I use to go to work ...and I'll be using them again soon!</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I had great plans of storing some posts this week. It never managed to happen! tomorrow I have back surgery and so things will a little slow 'round here for a bit. I promise to post some things of interest as soon as I can put fingers to the keys and write something that won't embarrass myself!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">See you soon!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div>mzjohansenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09099656264060749484noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7428193096708255239.post-90298406650517837142010-10-12T11:26:00.000-07:002010-10-12T12:47:26.123-07:00More About Roslyn Washington<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3MNrY5gcNi3X69RQwst7Ea2sPxY7Eee7_xR7XiP0smYpKdWLsLdWvxqdAsYfIFUzJeohAxSvEcRi0mefo-OeKBcYXfPECrblLFgLZgRZFAIfdsIHKbikJjaySq4OWpclTPyMiRKzJpwY6/s1600/DSC_0013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3MNrY5gcNi3X69RQwst7Ea2sPxY7Eee7_xR7XiP0smYpKdWLsLdWvxqdAsYfIFUzJeohAxSvEcRi0mefo-OeKBcYXfPECrblLFgLZgRZFAIfdsIHKbikJjaySq4OWpclTPyMiRKzJpwY6/s400/DSC_0013.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> For any of you Northern Exposure Fans this is one building that you might recognize. It's still clear and bright but the restaurant was closed the whole time we were there. Ostensibly the building/restaurant is at least partially owned by a member of the rock group U2. No one seems to know what the father of this remarkable landmark will be.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCKOHxzK6x8cunIZAFPPqBhE3ur8OGqB5N7Nr5wQYXbxGsfNH2qWbB2s0tv9nS66Kb5jo62RnuLIM75tqy7IX8tT9_qQoQZO_jTM9uufRtiA6my9iy-YIxpom2SYLiIOGMvYdJbuU3jSBv/s1600/DSC_0026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCKOHxzK6x8cunIZAFPPqBhE3ur8OGqB5N7Nr5wQYXbxGsfNH2qWbB2s0tv9nS66Kb5jo62RnuLIM75tqy7IX8tT9_qQoQZO_jTM9uufRtiA6my9iy-YIxpom2SYLiIOGMvYdJbuU3jSBv/s400/DSC_0026.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> The Brick watering hole may also be familiar from the show. We walked past it and I could not bring myself to go in to eat there as it reminded me of the smell of a local place at home that I won't go into although it does, in fact, make the best burgers in town - and it may well be that The Brick also makes great food!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJDGHcaUGGclDL_Sjhbo40k8QaYnmkyyYekPEfU2Uv60ENyAUPy7KfWxZCvpd3HRN37Tn9NPNmHmSUlT_hk83Pn_4FgYzCjz-iHrLMJtrpHEbJeDOiL4Lyi0wkLv5f_5ErAbl67PeDKqqb/s1600/DSC_0016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJDGHcaUGGclDL_Sjhbo40k8QaYnmkyyYekPEfU2Uv60ENyAUPy7KfWxZCvpd3HRN37Tn9NPNmHmSUlT_hk83Pn_4FgYzCjz-iHrLMJtrpHEbJeDOiL4Lyi0wkLv5f_5ErAbl67PeDKqqb/s400/DSC_0016.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> The main street</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhacMEaYo3cMR9wW8p7JHitSZ_cO62qmyfTiaEOK2OJgCvgPZBOHzbn7LHU3-8-toae1MXrpqMk0d0qIigqw4z4M7P4ZZZy0hjyP6KJKNANB4768Mll1RwF1Pwl9-s9XfEm9vGozxoVX8RT/s1600/DSC_0021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhacMEaYo3cMR9wW8p7JHitSZ_cO62qmyfTiaEOK2OJgCvgPZBOHzbn7LHU3-8-toae1MXrpqMk0d0qIigqw4z4M7P4ZZZy0hjyP6KJKNANB4768Mll1RwF1Pwl9-s9XfEm9vGozxoVX8RT/s400/DSC_0021.jpg" width="260" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Roslyn has long been a mining community - fabulous bits of history of of mixed cultures blending together peacefully (for the most part) and working together.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOex_oIQg8h8PGBBFY6VDTtxCRWUuSO3a9XquOdWqtgZ_pUeLBDDkq0vmFRhj3_6z3xgp3g2nGpGe7geV-0uXTJakaHQTf0dri6CpcUmpV0guApYhyphenhyphenWOabPr-1PGBebmlU8zVE7z4tG0ci/s1600/DSC_0020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOex_oIQg8h8PGBBFY6VDTtxCRWUuSO3a9XquOdWqtgZ_pUeLBDDkq0vmFRhj3_6z3xgp3g2nGpGe7geV-0uXTJakaHQTf0dri6CpcUmpV0guApYhyphenhyphenWOabPr-1PGBebmlU8zVE7z4tG0ci/s400/DSC_0020.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Cowboy time</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSJBuhaiIXCsJeMUazEu3MWbxNSPFWyZQ-TYfQV1F_xyCon_wu9LSXUk4BtK5c_yMANpn1Mr0XeVW2tWxIRLiptIdBuxqoHbeFxmLGwOGLqeA1htH58ELmGIjTAwEW70orNxfkKk7GsZPj/s1600/DSC_0032.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="331" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSJBuhaiIXCsJeMUazEu3MWbxNSPFWyZQ-TYfQV1F_xyCon_wu9LSXUk4BtK5c_yMANpn1Mr0XeVW2tWxIRLiptIdBuxqoHbeFxmLGwOGLqeA1htH58ELmGIjTAwEW70orNxfkKk7GsZPj/s400/DSC_0032.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> The most interesting place in Roslyn is the Historic Cemetaries. I found the following synopsis of them on Wikipedia - and the information is the same as from the book I bought about Roslyn:</div><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">"...The Roslyn Historical Cemetery, actually 25 separate but adjacent cemeteries, was placed on the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Register_of_Historic_Places" title="National Register of Historic Places">National Register of Historic Places</a> in 1978. Clustered on 15 acres (61,000 m<sup>2</sup>) of woods and hills above the main street, the land was donated by or purchased from the Northern Pacific Company by fraternal, ethnic and civic organizations for burial of their deceased members. The Independent Order of Odd Fellows (IOOF); Knights of Pythias Lodge; Soloka Lodge; Wanapum Tribe 28, Improved Order of Redmen; Cacciatori D’Africa (literally Hunters of Africa – an Italian Lodge), Croatian Fraternal Union Lodge No. 56, SNF Lodge No. 79 (Croatian); Saint Barbara Lodge No. 39 (Greek Catholic); and Dr. David Starcevich Lodge No. 56 (Croatian) are among the organizations and ethnicities represented in this cemetery. At least 24 nationalities are represented within the nearly 5000 graves...."</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMWsQA9zs-6rI1dckYSor353e3E6alGzp1bDj4ViQrfmIO3ZvVldmj-TNFq1rpYYm3FcXcX1O-r191U5CRwsGeGGiBksqIZQDqH7hiMNd-_1b_5xGE7omUTF8kZmeksQ_DtjPSVHikEeUc/s1600/DSC_0046.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMWsQA9zs-6rI1dckYSor353e3E6alGzp1bDj4ViQrfmIO3ZvVldmj-TNFq1rpYYm3FcXcX1O-r191U5CRwsGeGGiBksqIZQDqH7hiMNd-_1b_5xGE7omUTF8kZmeksQ_DtjPSVHikEeUc/s400/DSC_0046.JPG" width="327" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Some of the markers were quite amazing - for many differing reasons. I wish I had been able to spend some hours there with a pad of tracing paper - rubbings of some of the stones would have been great to bring home!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4KbrBw_VqgxSHvRRn_SeUbXaNpHOquz42RIj6hLYrv_Cw2nlHLAUK00vqBczvCSHEsQjTi_8PEmBPDwT90PV3nP-D841_WRo1ktD6njkMYokA0SzNAHWHLTv42AfK3cxrRkgEY88KdPSm/s1600/DSC_0047.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4KbrBw_VqgxSHvRRn_SeUbXaNpHOquz42RIj6hLYrv_Cw2nlHLAUK00vqBczvCSHEsQjTi_8PEmBPDwT90PV3nP-D841_WRo1ktD6njkMYokA0SzNAHWHLTv42AfK3cxrRkgEY88KdPSm/s400/DSC_0047.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> I loved this metal, aged cross....</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifVEz0MSEizkb1tK9OL4G0hsgfiSSCBOE97gUOluI5ukTIV-8RSTmh1Ye9tcaapMOZitGJD9pqelwOAJqIwgsrFLc8abFHvGHsQGFoMfTqqnFON5NT0hcLAUNaBNnun-0ZBZjuqpLqvATm/s1600/DSC_0050.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifVEz0MSEizkb1tK9OL4G0hsgfiSSCBOE97gUOluI5ukTIV-8RSTmh1Ye9tcaapMOZitGJD9pqelwOAJqIwgsrFLc8abFHvGHsQGFoMfTqqnFON5NT0hcLAUNaBNnun-0ZBZjuqpLqvATm/s400/DSC_0050.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Interesting inscriptions...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHXtaaA-8N7w_hmQboN1nHUlk7OyylM9NUpu4tizTzy0fElE_NYEqKxzdKKsZwRup_Ok3SopEjSTBber6RMZbJhmFKp5bHUTXJc2qtEQybv8xpnfpFSFLPqX5PXwe3m8XO9xmejuEdLSIy/s1600/DSC_0053.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="372" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHXtaaA-8N7w_hmQboN1nHUlk7OyylM9NUpu4tizTzy0fElE_NYEqKxzdKKsZwRup_Ok3SopEjSTBber6RMZbJhmFKp5bHUTXJc2qtEQybv8xpnfpFSFLPqX5PXwe3m8XO9xmejuEdLSIy/s400/DSC_0053.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> I think that this was meant as a temporary substitution plaque for the beautiful marker. The cemeteries are undergoing a great restoration effort - we all contributed something to their fund</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT1R5suo-w7cqXuTmTTrKmsrrAr1vieQvlGkkCeAE2voMrq6L1TA6TfhN9CnEWul9HbMYtWAaA52u3dbp9wcE58W7uEaKKjRy6rnRyCT2yUm3_TieUQha5pJ2Q2UcIxDNNXp_dHX1xWvUo/s1600/DSC_0056.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT1R5suo-w7cqXuTmTTrKmsrrAr1vieQvlGkkCeAE2voMrq6L1TA6TfhN9CnEWul9HbMYtWAaA52u3dbp9wcE58W7uEaKKjRy6rnRyCT2yUm3_TieUQha5pJ2Q2UcIxDNNXp_dHX1xWvUo/s400/DSC_0056.JPG" width="301" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> I just thought that the old world influence on this marker was lovely</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKPm35RLgmQdIla3TYP0rplqSNi_TDbj41R_-EDhIqSMlZGSzLHOmZ_BcfPAq91Q0vxAPiliyHfMtC_5f5dI-k-mhH-knDtAeZ8KNlTKGWcpn7bdrM5ZcfxGBPFK57dLv_ysrHxKn48FgV/s1600/DSC_0058.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKPm35RLgmQdIla3TYP0rplqSNi_TDbj41R_-EDhIqSMlZGSzLHOmZ_BcfPAq91Q0vxAPiliyHfMtC_5f5dI-k-mhH-knDtAeZ8KNlTKGWcpn7bdrM5ZcfxGBPFK57dLv_ysrHxKn48FgV/s400/DSC_0058.JPG" width="365" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Beautiful gates surrounded some spots - This whole gate was a lovely work of art!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim02oIOGvewugQ7eh13dM1IthI_7dWHUz621xHIC31TIjj3V7tay1S8AJqHAsj62zhyphenhyphenlyDf18g5_Br0RICj3kkvWWH3N3JTdMKEyJ1QeykboWE9MWV2ZZiEv3Nk6FbOHL6kd4nbWChhuz2/s1600/DSC_0063.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="368" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim02oIOGvewugQ7eh13dM1IthI_7dWHUz621xHIC31TIjj3V7tay1S8AJqHAsj62zhyphenhyphenlyDf18g5_Br0RICj3kkvWWH3N3JTdMKEyJ1QeykboWE9MWV2ZZiEv3Nk6FbOHL6kd4nbWChhuz2/s400/DSC_0063.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> This marker just about said it all to me.... a dove flying free beyond the gates</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1UYz3G61vfU6_AKdIaXRVfqZNt5Bw2JWS12pF_xMvEVDCpZKnUKeX0Q3nme5w0b6aOfdO69ZmTp6xxuxaxqPj-JJnZh_0QBFHmNVp_4aLctxXhjiTXvrANWF3ZLuXBHTMilYnidoYI5CZ/s1600/DSC_0067.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="331" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1UYz3G61vfU6_AKdIaXRVfqZNt5Bw2JWS12pF_xMvEVDCpZKnUKeX0Q3nme5w0b6aOfdO69ZmTp6xxuxaxqPj-JJnZh_0QBFHmNVp_4aLctxXhjiTXvrANWF3ZLuXBHTMilYnidoYI5CZ/s400/DSC_0067.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Primitive but moving - and obviously old</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh790H7bJ6YrVAmm2tuBjNY0eyjA70AOKPLnvFuzh-CFWUs1P5bP7J6oyCUR8u1uajg_kazuOElNgtAbrP8Mbi5PGlL1lLXn7S-4wvzoG-nggl_lVT21vM5hvmG5Fa_aAkpFqVQEsIojiE0/s1600/DSC_0071.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh790H7bJ6YrVAmm2tuBjNY0eyjA70AOKPLnvFuzh-CFWUs1P5bP7J6oyCUR8u1uajg_kazuOElNgtAbrP8Mbi5PGlL1lLXn7S-4wvzoG-nggl_lVT21vM5hvmG5Fa_aAkpFqVQEsIojiE0/s400/DSC_0071.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Simple and cared for</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWlJoDQs0-wLns1XIqmyqCFJCaufFZk9Z1PBz9Yr5xZnmYaHtvGHkG4kXl8-UIThVTY3iOw59APxbU8hLgRzMENZwAzqKk-5vYcLzefY2kApr9ziEOaDTNydL-Ws4n4Wgn5F1-YShSyStH/s1600/DSC_0075.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="398" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWlJoDQs0-wLns1XIqmyqCFJCaufFZk9Z1PBz9Yr5xZnmYaHtvGHkG4kXl8-UIThVTY3iOw59APxbU8hLgRzMENZwAzqKk-5vYcLzefY2kApr9ziEOaDTNydL-Ws4n4Wgn5F1-YShSyStH/s400/DSC_0075.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Fancy, newer but lovely. There were, unfortunately </div><div style="text-align: center;">many, many markers of infants and very young children in this acreage.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Epidemics were rampant I gather an many died in the Pandemic Flu season of 1918.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Most of the children's markers included lambs</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAfdjSzZAtR-zhulM3OkgtH9ilcv4M5Vb9FMYjxV3vMmJvXhbeS_gtCz1yGlmKGmZYztzvKI6wPZOIKEZDjTpzTYYF5sV6Tz73vpE4a-5Pblc1hcNRS1OKZjW0tfkeiMc4dLQZfdDssB29/s1600/DSC_0076.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAfdjSzZAtR-zhulM3OkgtH9ilcv4M5Vb9FMYjxV3vMmJvXhbeS_gtCz1yGlmKGmZYztzvKI6wPZOIKEZDjTpzTYYF5sV6Tz73vpE4a-5Pblc1hcNRS1OKZjW0tfkeiMc4dLQZfdDssB29/s400/DSC_0076.JPG" width="400" /></a></div> This garden was absolutely unbelievable. I couldn't believe that there was so much color left at this time of year. The woman who lives in this house is not only a master gardener extraordinaire but also a fan of Halloween I think!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbXexutjZeiu_gq9hsniz-GCO3N11oJGigmE-LWFx99E7Md4_pF2ocBq_K0ff_q6tn3_MIzXApa5x6NAfl0Vu-c-XmJz4Ff9bsvZyfpAL37Z7q2YMkATE3TDJuhXCnOKkXnolk2kmOQKka/s1600/DSC_0077.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbXexutjZeiu_gq9hsniz-GCO3N11oJGigmE-LWFx99E7Md4_pF2ocBq_K0ff_q6tn3_MIzXApa5x6NAfl0Vu-c-XmJz4Ff9bsvZyfpAL37Z7q2YMkATE3TDJuhXCnOKkXnolk2kmOQKka/s400/DSC_0077.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit-qT3sQnHvVy8Adq25ArpS1gtrnlHeokDmRox6QA70y46FHTBT0FwOjYmldqUumqJJa0KBRSmfRpjBe8u6eQaHDoE1m-OC9CwgsFtkyPwj8sZyZCnQPfsJaFMLa7XMgkLaLUjlIzmxCPd/s1600/DSC_0081.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit-qT3sQnHvVy8Adq25ArpS1gtrnlHeokDmRox6QA70y46FHTBT0FwOjYmldqUumqJJa0KBRSmfRpjBe8u6eQaHDoE1m-OC9CwgsFtkyPwj8sZyZCnQPfsJaFMLa7XMgkLaLUjlIzmxCPd/s400/DSC_0081.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigv9soR49VQ_z6Ydpjwjilub6x0sV2RHAAsY6h5k8o8eKOa_DISmAl6iUvuZpcILWtYL0Y3BJaL3zYfPDtVOLgWdZ-1Ga1CXu1WpwCJ_WkIqKVpEQmfCSId0IZUrm9roL7ZihBvQBqMxmL/s1600/DSC_0083.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigv9soR49VQ_z6Ydpjwjilub6x0sV2RHAAsY6h5k8o8eKOa_DISmAl6iUvuZpcILWtYL0Y3BJaL3zYfPDtVOLgWdZ-1Ga1CXu1WpwCJ_WkIqKVpEQmfCSId0IZUrm9roL7ZihBvQBqMxmL/s400/DSC_0083.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Even the sign post by her property was decorated!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDu7r92Sfq_-7HeHnTC8hbHZqRuFCtFTIYKrGCtF4iQ2RYwDCbHm9MUdbmSD546j7zhlqTwYjOmQnV0pOBQSuObTY3wanvlCCPWSMAiBjjh8v-uRR66PsbHecdTW4YkNhzUz8gqoKty3s4/s1600/DSC_0086.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDu7r92Sfq_-7HeHnTC8hbHZqRuFCtFTIYKrGCtF4iQ2RYwDCbHm9MUdbmSD546j7zhlqTwYjOmQnV0pOBQSuObTY3wanvlCCPWSMAiBjjh8v-uRR66PsbHecdTW4YkNhzUz8gqoKty3s4/s400/DSC_0086.JPG" width="400" /></a></div> This building was one of my favorites in the town. It did not seem to contain anything but it enchanted me. Next store is a wonderful little art galled called, simply enough, Smith Art. The wonderful woman who owns the gallery wanted to buy my shawl of many colors - my simple triangular shawl made from my Noro Kureyon scraps. Maybe I will make her one one day!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3k30b3jVODDJnr1u_mh9u0EAMPr46odCtsswzEdr32W0XxoaY9iS9Rf9_gZgSQICnBNNX09t9iDhDFT8MjMUj0rf6aGF09ixrudAw7y8FA08YFemND2WD5M4PTDpGdDEdVIrGMTyZnGdp/s1600/DSC_0089.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3k30b3jVODDJnr1u_mh9u0EAMPr46odCtsswzEdr32W0XxoaY9iS9Rf9_gZgSQICnBNNX09t9iDhDFT8MjMUj0rf6aGF09ixrudAw7y8FA08YFemND2WD5M4PTDpGdDEdVIrGMTyZnGdp/s400/DSC_0089.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPXcfVcq1ZTMt1kwXhsMFESST_-kj1kGgdy9bVrimBQg8cTes0rk_M707WET7r4tqaVtZvCPzc5FdxdSTnmqTYZWGbB-JB_UYgjPsLidMb46WeLrWDzzMqKvwVAOnasKnoFDkkyZyQuDzy/s1600/DSC_0090.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPXcfVcq1ZTMt1kwXhsMFESST_-kj1kGgdy9bVrimBQg8cTes0rk_M707WET7r4tqaVtZvCPzc5FdxdSTnmqTYZWGbB-JB_UYgjPsLidMb46WeLrWDzzMqKvwVAOnasKnoFDkkyZyQuDzy/s400/DSC_0090.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> This necklace was at the gallery and I have to say that I have never seen silver work as mind blowing as this. No, I was so thunder struck that I did not even get the artist's name. Apparently she works full time but creates these fantasies in her spare time. I wanted this necklace so badly I could scream --- along with a pair of her earrings. I think I am too short to be able to carry off the regal flair of this piece but it was just so awesome that I had to at least have a photo of it to drool over at home !</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLSlfmqnKTpERM31sg14dfZ7oyVvvC_gmo6DL9IA8Cc-DaqnF4SHjPbvClx0pHYRaAGoh_EcjoYNAwy0_Yra0zHdq00WywyCGTf-QXjBKx8JQesCKvWj0n3CUuAdEQuCrKRaR7f0p1E-lC/s1600/DSC_0093.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="371" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLSlfmqnKTpERM31sg14dfZ7oyVvvC_gmo6DL9IA8Cc-DaqnF4SHjPbvClx0pHYRaAGoh_EcjoYNAwy0_Yra0zHdq00WywyCGTf-QXjBKx8JQesCKvWj0n3CUuAdEQuCrKRaR7f0p1E-lC/s400/DSC_0093.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> If I can find her card I'll post the link later. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhajAUCij4oUqAhKr0x_2flGqLGXaYDAJRTj1L_rnJgfoEeBvqL2CaYR4K94-RCUXh8of-6NlBJXkYBpT-dmETR6lJMTcERPOU-pXY4cK89SWYv8b9NJfmuxTJGJo3G3OP-W7zD7msgnbHe/s1600/DSC_0094.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhajAUCij4oUqAhKr0x_2flGqLGXaYDAJRTj1L_rnJgfoEeBvqL2CaYR4K94-RCUXh8of-6NlBJXkYBpT-dmETR6lJMTcERPOU-pXY4cK89SWYv8b9NJfmuxTJGJo3G3OP-W7zD7msgnbHe/s400/DSC_0094.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Next up - finally - will; be some of the new metal worked cards and "inches" for a swap. I have been working on...and a fabulous, simple shawl pattern from Berroco that looks way more difficult than it really is! I am running again against the clock. Surgery a week from today- and then time to get out from beyond the ether when I can get to work again !</div>mzjohansenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09099656264060749484noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7428193096708255239.post-33795264235948891792010-10-10T16:56:00.001-07:002010-10-10T16:59:14.704-07:00'Stitch, Cloth, Paper and Paint: Mixed Media Ideas and Inspirations" by Angie Hughes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn08M5LqbFxCVAwzkeie1bruj3jmD3npGEAZRJBj0Ad6GU3WKs4ApuuueZsKEFfvgjqfXcp77f9plVu11J1w3tmPjjmAdVD6Er0B0nxu8-LVMniKBDAAtVhDyJm_Dj8m6vnrmuS5GySXbc/s1600/Stitch+Cloth+Paper.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn08M5LqbFxCVAwzkeie1bruj3jmD3npGEAZRJBj0Ad6GU3WKs4ApuuueZsKEFfvgjqfXcp77f9plVu11J1w3tmPjjmAdVD6Er0B0nxu8-LVMniKBDAAtVhDyJm_Dj8m6vnrmuS5GySXbc/s400/Stitch+Cloth+Paper.JPG" width="281" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: lime;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">I am very fortunate that Search Press sent this book to me for review. I say fortunate because I get to drool over the book but also because, when I stopped to look at my own library, I was astounded at how many books I own that are from Search Press. Their books are lushly illustrated and always so well done. </span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: lime;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><u>"Stitch, Cloth, Paper and Paint"</u> could not have arrived at a better time for me personally. I was feeling somehow 'unfaithful' to my quilting roots by becoming so enamored with paper lately - this book happily combines all of the things I love working with.....cloth, paint and paper.</span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: lime;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><a href="http://angiehughes.com/">Angie Hughes</a> is a name I have known - she writes often for a favorite magazine - Cloth, Paper Scissors. Her work is dynamic, colorful and terribly well executed. She describes herself as an embroiderer. The book opens with a thorough description (with photos) of the material selection that she utilizes most frequently - both what she calls 'base' fabrics and 'decorative'. Next up are great descriptions, that I especially appreciated, about paper and cardstock. A section that is chock full of information about her use of embellishments and paints is included as well. I really enjoy reading about Angie Hughes process - a section that is well illustrated and contains a full of description of her techniques for reparing the base fabric, and then layering tissues and other fabrics round out the first part of the book.</span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: lime;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">Other sections of the book - all equally well done include:</span></span></span></span></div><ul><li><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: lime;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">machine stitching</span></span></span></span></li>
</ul><ul><li><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: lime;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">hand stitching</span></span></span></span></li>
</ul><ul><li><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: lime;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">adding paints</span></span></span></span></li>
</ul><ul><li><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: lime;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">making your own embellishments from many varied materials</span></span></span></span></li>
</ul><div style="text-align: justify;"> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: lime;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">Detailed instructions are provided for several really good projects that combine all of the techniques covered in the book. They include a "Sunflower" book wrap, fabulous "Indian Artifact" and one of my favorites a "Sundial Triptych" that I want to try making soon - and it somewhat unusual for me to want to make something directly from a process sort of book</span></span></span></span>.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">If you get the idea that I <i>really</i> liked this book, you are correct. It is worthy of the 5 stars I gave it and it is a book that I don't think any artist or mixed media aficionado would regret adding to their library.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: justify;"> <div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Note: this book was provided to me by Search Press for the purpose of an unbiased review. No other remuneration was received.<br />
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</div>mzjohansenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09099656264060749484noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7428193096708255239.post-54950803673168068222010-10-10T12:54:00.000-07:002010-10-10T12:54:03.486-07:00Roslyn Washington Get-A-Way<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCemynRcQn_1MZrYfkyg5fxWzstsLPBCHux64x5uvJCWmvJzTpGZ2h0VGtVUulfAnHMTBKynBntuHEQO8AkcxvUkHf4uVEOelBVvCXlgDfAPzMTNBELZUMspsjolDuVUTT-AIQt2yvG132/s1600/DSC_0045.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCemynRcQn_1MZrYfkyg5fxWzstsLPBCHux64x5uvJCWmvJzTpGZ2h0VGtVUulfAnHMTBKynBntuHEQO8AkcxvUkHf4uVEOelBVvCXlgDfAPzMTNBELZUMspsjolDuVUTT-AIQt2yvG132/s400/DSC_0045.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>This first two photos are of the studio area in the <a href="http://thecrazyquiltshop.com/">Crazy Quilt Shop</a>, happily run by owner and "hostess with the mostest" Nancy Bronk. She is one of the most welcoming shop owners I've come across.</i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I had planned to present these photos in order but was not prepared for the new upgrade to Blogger - so they are scrambled now. This was the second time I uploaded the photos since I gather one now has to "add selected" all at once - requiring the need to upload in order and also to add them in order. Oh well. we'll get by and you will get the idea! </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Good friend Janet ran across this lovely little spot earlier this past summer when she was on a trip with her DH. Thought she - ...'wouldn't this make a great place for a retreat...' Several of us took her up on the idea and we planned our little jaunt for the first week in October. There were to be 5 of us originally but one had unexpected surgery and another caught the flu as we were preparing to leave. The minimum in the cottage was four and thankfully one of our number agreed to allow her share to remain "in the kitty" making our trip possible really. There is a lovely little 85 year old cottage just steps from the shop that is rented for retreats. It was run as a Bed and Breakfast so it is perfectly set up with period furnishings and comfy beds and baths - and a fully equipped, beautiful kitchen. Nancy provides retreaters with a key to her proverbial kingdom - leaving the studio area open for all hour creating. The three of us, being of an age, were content to leave by 5 or 5:30, have an early dinner and then sat and gabbed while watching a large flat panel TV (better than the TV I have at home!).</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Roslyn is the place the "Northern Exposure" was filmed. The 'Cicely Alaska' of Washington State. There are still many vestiges of Northern Exposure in the town. The "radio station" still is there and in full view. I will be posting all of the Town history photos in my next post. Ahhhhh! a lovely get-a-way. Thanks Janet for making it all happen. We are all looking forward to making this a yearly thing! Yeah!</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3xgNkuCP-Wts48ejSxTyzExB5J1oHp-kIEiW5zmJ2_tarNnrEKr-aa24520lLPrVIbGrMJujgCGo0MJ3fJEQGS-DF_iyZtFF1UydYpspNAVrzQcfztzKiVWz-fgTD7UQLWj0eXVWSXK39/s400/DSC_0044.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another view of the huge, well stocked studio area!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3xgNkuCP-Wts48ejSxTyzExB5J1oHp-kIEiW5zmJ2_tarNnrEKr-aa24520lLPrVIbGrMJujgCGo0MJ3fJEQGS-DF_iyZtFF1UydYpspNAVrzQcfztzKiVWz-fgTD7UQLWj0eXVWSXK39/s1600/DSC_0044.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx1waTA8tMiQU_HeDoT8L5khHRy5UT6iSuy9AovfF3jc2ApdzJbxiRIQQ8xOnOKuJjfHPaPyjzAmEHlIytVjA7ZFuqOzQBtpuB0IOnvfIbX_zQddBSbTnqwQMuZhDnM7ah5-REa-kRYaGf/s400/DSC_0003.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A beautiful line of trees that at the lunch rest stop Janet knew about from her earlier trip.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="235" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFchq6jrlcGID1lFkfpw5PO9fL0DpWeYMLlRWG_Q8nJg8Bn9YYpYfugHgX4rKogC27kO1GYljGsvj7ZTPD7crsIF29MTuu2lrG-J6P5TsSPkLUPkp3iwdiQ80vK-XFA0Wz_pDOEqePNQrQ/s400/DSC_0006.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heading up the highway on the first leg of the trip. Look at those glorious clouds!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx1waTA8tMiQU_HeDoT8L5khHRy5UT6iSuy9AovfF3jc2ApdzJbxiRIQQ8xOnOKuJjfHPaPyjzAmEHlIytVjA7ZFuqOzQBtpuB0IOnvfIbX_zQddBSbTnqwQMuZhDnM7ah5-REa-kRYaGf/s1600/DSC_0003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFchq6jrlcGID1lFkfpw5PO9fL0DpWeYMLlRWG_Q8nJg8Bn9YYpYfugHgX4rKogC27kO1GYljGsvj7ZTPD7crsIF29MTuu2lrG-J6P5TsSPkLUPkp3iwdiQ80vK-XFA0Wz_pDOEqePNQrQ/s1600/DSC_0006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXyqpvDlmQGy7GY2RurJdwNH3evRevxjsEk_hV7VWYhQhSrZrlJLgxd-icR3XKmD6yVFughrP8q3jJq91K1Hbxw4Tmsy7yWi2ytqORL2iEhA_sqJQV2vtpCGAVteg2MJfkbNl5Nb0tos8V/s400/DSC_0008.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the fabulous sign at the door to the Crazy Quilt Shop.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXyqpvDlmQGy7GY2RurJdwNH3evRevxjsEk_hV7VWYhQhSrZrlJLgxd-icR3XKmD6yVFughrP8q3jJq91K1Hbxw4Tmsy7yWi2ytqORL2iEhA_sqJQV2vtpCGAVteg2MJfkbNl5Nb0tos8V/s1600/DSC_0008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4zRyJ30-zVzWnRZG2aQ25KO_8e9d0Ba346dpyOBBojr_GiFD5sBc4_L2_SvVnjFHGHpAwUcekh1sbut7ZV6pFZbfRZWdVAARIMb9MRYbY0YrmC0U-dDqDI51qr7aMFlWxhE0OqoFTVSXg/s400/DSC_0011.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shop owner Nancy Bronk .. not the best of photos -- but she is a delight! </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4zRyJ30-zVzWnRZG2aQ25KO_8e9d0Ba346dpyOBBojr_GiFD5sBc4_L2_SvVnjFHGHpAwUcekh1sbut7ZV6pFZbfRZWdVAARIMb9MRYbY0YrmC0U-dDqDI51qr7aMFlWxhE0OqoFTVSXg/s1600/DSC_0011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj635qDZMqcI6wSJseYGmfaDMg7a09Ev31mJlhimwXHa9btm1yK_V4C7nZM49BnmqM_nqxuatmKHQIF7BvhyXtRmNCUwzDD2SLYmBel5K5R7UyHWXHBQ9Lr9dhE-DHxuL9-AtWz5LriHM9A/s400/DSC_0027.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the top where the huge studio is. My work area was behind the OPEN sign!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj635qDZMqcI6wSJseYGmfaDMg7a09Ev31mJlhimwXHa9btm1yK_V4C7nZM49BnmqM_nqxuatmKHQIF7BvhyXtRmNCUwzDD2SLYmBel5K5R7UyHWXHBQ9Lr9dhE-DHxuL9-AtWz5LriHM9A/s1600/DSC_0027.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTCoykHFBOP-vGYnuSwSTAzO-qEqn1O-YBlKGBYCwmpwMO50W1GTewj1_V8BYojIX76o4HKASztLIS4QRVQYuO1rFmeNmuHVhaAAiatoXwHxrrTk62-CPikigwCmM665k5FDZqYg3yv-s1/s400/DSC_0028.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The view from my work area over the 'open' sign!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Linda and Janet in front of the wonderful retreat cottage.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Part of the main street ... isn't it beautiful and authentic!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA59YZRCR9aWFruXp-bAyJWhjKRyYjzS5L_05zsvNpUY9zQG_LQbIaaZnSvgWFzFh_mLdWPdIjugsShAH2rpARzqyDZt_Bcm6aYYA4-og-Bn05UY7hCS6L0VGwey5jhqQdLdbuP3zuviR-/s400/DSC_0004.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another view of the foggy route up to Roslyn.</td></tr>
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<span id="goog_227241544"></span><span id="goog_227241545"></span>mzjohansenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09099656264060749484noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7428193096708255239.post-40298278770191637392010-10-09T16:37:00.001-07:002010-10-09T16:37:41.947-07:00Trying To Get Back In Gear<br />I'm trying to blog this from my IPad - so it's a bit of a test of the program. I am also feeling lazy. I'll be happy if it works and will post the name of the app if it does !<br /><br />Two friends and I went to Roslyn, Washington of "northern exposure" fame last Saturday. We had a lovely time. The Crazy Quilt Shop there, run by a lovely person named Nancy is the perfect getaway. The cottage next to the shop that is used for retreats is an old, beautiful cottage of 85 years.<br /><br />Since returning home the weather has turned rainy, windy and cooler - typical late October weather for us. Dh is home also and so I added the rest of the week to vacation and have been enjoying resting, napping and not getting much done.<br /><br />I did take a lot of photos. The town of Roslyn has a very interesting history and some amazing cemeteries that I could have spent hours in. I just got the photos uploaded on my 'real' computer so I will be posting lots more about the this lovely jaunt I enjoyed.<br /><br />I was really pleased to get this rest before surgery this month. It's been a lovely respite. Hopefully I will get some cards in the post and finish up a couple of projects before I have to go back to work next week. I have not taken such a "do nothing" little vacation and it feels so nice for the moment to not 'have' to do anything but knit, doze and enjoy listening to the rain!<br /><br />What 's your favorite kind of vacation? What relaxes you the most?<br /><br /><br /> <br /><br /> <br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad<br />mzjohansenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09099656264060749484noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7428193096708255239.post-33702420058770699622010-09-28T16:02:00.000-07:002010-09-28T16:02:19.527-07:00I Just Can't Stop! Metal and Cards!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQaphYXywPC7r4h2Y000UMCJV5n4isPTIJGhYJo1Y6r5XgxencVvribNIHiPMRLlkftiXnbFDyHXjGd56LgB9fINYg5ez4ufA7JmBhi1pmhSRlBHBMZ5R5n2QXg20V-cSygZd46cbC1e2s/s1600/DSC_0015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQaphYXywPC7r4h2Y000UMCJV5n4isPTIJGhYJo1Y6r5XgxencVvribNIHiPMRLlkftiXnbFDyHXjGd56LgB9fINYg5ez4ufA7JmBhi1pmhSRlBHBMZ5R5n2QXg20V-cSygZd46cbC1e2s/s400/DSC_0015.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> I seem to be making lots of ATC's lately - but the two groups I am in are just the best and I enjoy the challenge. These cards are made for <a href="http://artsinthecards.blogspot.com/">Arts In The Cards </a>and the theme for the month is, what else - "Halloween". We had brilliant sun today - which was wonderful .. but made the cards look a bit more washed out then they really are.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOLA7cPKIso7AvSO5igpNnQsyLS9be-p2DRPh_vZ2ZvGUE1I6aEq4eBWwYIRuTZIJt14LIPeqRGkjDbuAn98NJ8Pg-b95rqVbijjD-VSsg-htZjujmCasz_Nt94omgvSBGV0YyAPYqjSrN/s1600/DSC_0017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOLA7cPKIso7AvSO5igpNnQsyLS9be-p2DRPh_vZ2ZvGUE1I6aEq4eBWwYIRuTZIJt14LIPeqRGkjDbuAn98NJ8Pg-b95rqVbijjD-VSsg-htZjujmCasz_Nt94omgvSBGV0YyAPYqjSrN/s400/DSC_0017.JPG" width="286" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> I will be away for a gals get-a-way this coming weekend - home on Tuesday. We are going to a retreat cottage at <a href="http://www.thecrazyquiltshop.com/">The Crazy Quilt Shop</a> in Roslyn, Washington - of Northern Exposure fame. Have a look under the "retreat" tab. I am so excited. I am bringing knitting, journaling stuff (metal included) and hand sewing. I had thought to work on my large bed quilt but ended up just wanting to relax and not lug a machine. If you look at the cottage you will see why I say this!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixyoYZ1_iijnSPaGroKv7bA9kFBcgvsREXjyCOGqtkk45zYK_JngwfxB1eKTgTtewNoYGMjJT3Ko9wY7iy09QALlCZJCRC0NQ9FsipX9xcElLcSXMmHSo9XMhpTSztkefUU1iJm__vZn8S/s1600/DSC_0018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixyoYZ1_iijnSPaGroKv7bA9kFBcgvsREXjyCOGqtkk45zYK_JngwfxB1eKTgTtewNoYGMjJT3Ko9wY7iy09QALlCZJCRC0NQ9FsipX9xcElLcSXMmHSo9XMhpTSztkefUU1iJm__vZn8S/s400/DSC_0018.JPG" width="295" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOOnuJloYqui_s9VbQYVNliFdZobjp7RQJJ2IgpfBeqRrPspxL9T5Nquozj7qSujDICmf0Pkxf2tQrKXIE3EP2PBOgfO34YfHvAzH5GfDl4yoG9sybHOxQ_82WrOjNLBPHBwxir0heUuw5/s1600/DSC_0019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOOnuJloYqui_s9VbQYVNliFdZobjp7RQJJ2IgpfBeqRrPspxL9T5Nquozj7qSujDICmf0Pkxf2tQrKXIE3EP2PBOgfO34YfHvAzH5GfDl4yoG9sybHOxQ_82WrOjNLBPHBwxir0heUuw5/s400/DSC_0019.JPG" width="287" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Below: the back of the cards</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-JMYMN36_KgUOBMg00HWM3DGgaVKiAMAHxToYdxT-jemlDRYv8ne13qHJMT0_vnPbHHqMvNjibss-2O4pBFixxvMBp_rP005K_SWzGrjAiI2JxkEWsUOmwachpbaszxykQXnFUTEO7jCG/s1600/DSC_0022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="229" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-JMYMN36_KgUOBMg00HWM3DGgaVKiAMAHxToYdxT-jemlDRYv8ne13qHJMT0_vnPbHHqMvNjibss-2O4pBFixxvMBp_rP005K_SWzGrjAiI2JxkEWsUOmwachpbaszxykQXnFUTEO7jCG/s320/DSC_0022.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> This is a card I made - in metal of course! - for a friend who recently was married. She is originally from Barbados and he new husband is from France - so of course I used the three flags in the card! I am becoming so besotted with working in metal - makes me chuckle to myself!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrxx-2Xy01PEzG3LI-5b3DZL_39yrmxu9-kJ1jq8W_UyfWBxaOZaxVGaQZP-CGtoPNfnijWQ5DgnCJZzr_QzKkQLytCb864S0rumweHZId-7SAy71QoDA0gB0XUFQq7yecZ_fQ0Gapnvl0/s1600/DSC_0008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrxx-2Xy01PEzG3LI-5b3DZL_39yrmxu9-kJ1jq8W_UyfWBxaOZaxVGaQZP-CGtoPNfnijWQ5DgnCJZzr_QzKkQLytCb864S0rumweHZId-7SAy71QoDA0gB0XUFQq7yecZ_fQ0Gapnvl0/s400/DSC_0008.JPG" width="310" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzV-7vGiHOzDSiylRnMMBr3IT3HeQIf-G5a2IVanr5l4Xna4B87xznkw6KUzCCgMLGy1FchO-dx39gIJS2jalB9GrTQtK4pZ4djVLv3pEIPG0kRcBvNtA3gmV38AKFJ3e18tPP8-xzIXQr/s1600/DSC_0007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="273" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzV-7vGiHOzDSiylRnMMBr3IT3HeQIf-G5a2IVanr5l4Xna4B87xznkw6KUzCCgMLGy1FchO-dx39gIJS2jalB9GrTQtK4pZ4djVLv3pEIPG0kRcBvNtA3gmV38AKFJ3e18tPP8-xzIXQr/s400/DSC_0007.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>mzjohansenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09099656264060749484noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7428193096708255239.post-5419139886308297742010-09-27T14:06:00.000-07:002010-09-27T14:06:22.202-07:00Too Fun Not To Post!<div style="text-align: center;">I saw this little video on the <a href="http://classiceliteyarns.blogspot.com/2010/09/happy-friday.html">Classic Elite yarn blog</a> and just had to share!</div><br />
<object height="385" width="640"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/CD7eagLl5c4?fs=1&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/CD7eagLl5c4?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="640" height="385"></embed></object>mzjohansenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09099656264060749484noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7428193096708255239.post-82458885849170030172010-09-19T13:39:00.000-07:002010-09-19T13:39:03.873-07:00The Art Of Book Marks<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEd_IuNHxn_dZM3VGP75er_ArQ9FncyyOZGb1gn6vji5LPAmgvxfk_w6VRecPOVidgpJSUhUFYfvLUDHkT-7-lPA6CtLSZ8SQs1wFiP7iYc3YwRw7X1w4T0i_Og36ZptCg3-lBhQI2lohk/s1600/DSC_0003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="247" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEd_IuNHxn_dZM3VGP75er_ArQ9FncyyOZGb1gn6vji5LPAmgvxfk_w6VRecPOVidgpJSUhUFYfvLUDHkT-7-lPA6CtLSZ8SQs1wFiP7iYc3YwRw7X1w4T0i_Og36ZptCg3-lBhQI2lohk/s400/DSC_0003.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span><span></span></span></span><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">The <a href="http://pagekeeper.com/">PageKeeper</a> is my current favorite - simplicity itself - but it works very well</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span><span>As a life long bibliophile I have, on occasion, purchased or been given some lovely </span></span></span>book marks that transcend the droll roll of marking your place in a book but rise to the level of Book Mark Art. Some markers hold memories, others are simply markers that work and work well, while others both work and are eye candy. I love book markers and think any true reader should experience the joy of having at least one beautiful marker. In case you are wondering - no I have not lost a marker - amazing but true and I AM knocking wood as I write that!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">The <a href="http://pagekeeper.com/">PageKeeper</a> noted above is simple and effective. It's my current favorite and I had to have at least two - that is a record for me - generally one of any kind is enough - but this one works so perfectly that I had to have more than one! I mean who reads only one book at a time?!</div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhInE8ddNbNw1G_iFHP7ijdttycz7GXdkeFKj3xYMgEtPvCnwDuk9_ZFmhEkjlp3WvygffNkOFp9VmTS5yioJtxx7O3a4npC68cXCzb_8K27mQLKu7qop83bjljy96xCMtK6RJVtSQpOCpK/s1600/DSC_0005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhInE8ddNbNw1G_iFHP7ijdttycz7GXdkeFKj3xYMgEtPvCnwDuk9_ZFmhEkjlp3WvygffNkOFp9VmTS5yioJtxx7O3a4npC68cXCzb_8K27mQLKu7qop83bjljy96xCMtK6RJVtSQpOCpK/s400/DSC_0005.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">This is a "memory collection" and I love gracing the pages of my books with these beauties whose memories make me smile. The beautiful lace bookmark is from my friends Jim and Louise Lane. It's from Hampton Court Palace - a place I want to re-visit so much! I have never been able to take it out of it's wrapper! The "Creation" book mark was designed and made by my friend <a href="http://wildmandesigns.blogspot.com/">Julie Wildman</a> - whose calligraphy is utterly spell binding - she is (can you tell?!) a calligrapher and graphic artist). The eagle book mark was given to me by Cathy Pike in 1992 when I left American Airlines to venture into an unknown life and re-invent myself. The plane was from when I got my pilot's license in 1983, the "No Puffin" marker is from a trip to Alaska and the Z is because it begins my last name - my maiden name I mean.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSAjpPg2V9aF43J9BmZwIYw5UvI2IYH9s3MS8LL0peOgIOCfgpFCTRoDeIxHq5BrvcLuU21Qq5rwQqdej5vLT9babm3P6ML4zf6-haul1R2SypG4_8pnQUcPh9GUw_E3KxnifzW3dUiawe/s1600/DSC_0007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="253" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSAjpPg2V9aF43J9BmZwIYw5UvI2IYH9s3MS8LL0peOgIOCfgpFCTRoDeIxHq5BrvcLuU21Qq5rwQqdej5vLT9babm3P6ML4zf6-haul1R2SypG4_8pnQUcPh9GUw_E3KxnifzW3dUiawe/s400/DSC_0007.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The group above is of the more "normal" flat variety, Alaska was from another trip to that breath taking state. The face is a favorite painting and was given to me by friend, Lauren Franciosi, The lighthouse just arrived on Friday from friend Karen. It's a lighthouse in Greenport, New York where I lived long ago.<a href="http://exaclair.com/"> Karen</a> lives there now and a group has had the lighthouse restored so she sent me this lovely reminder of another page in my life. The poem next to the lighthouse was sent to me by my adventure buddy, <a href="http://sarahannsmith.com/">Sarah Smith</a> - she moved away to to the East Coast and this small bookmark always keeps her near. Next is a marker that is from a salmon recovery project -my DH was involved with the recovery project in his own way for many years and this makes me think of those days when he went and feed 30,000 salmon babies twice a day until they were big enough to release. Next in the row is from author <a href="http://brandypurdy.com/">Brandy Purdy</a> who writes historical fiction that I am quite fond of. She sent this with a book for me to review. The two markers on the bottom are from our local library and I just happen to fancy them a lot! Can you begin to imagine a world without reading and books? I sure can't!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7KDDwas3vGPX5_Rc2Z9sHlfFFFw_oVy7OQl2PrHeOPdd67ns5dz5NPMccU5x0lts764HaHxQzycnwjNLiY2EzxKMw_JIlYMwJe43PXEc-m8eqOhpeN6scc-6g9H3DjBCG2lyZnNIBm5Qx/s1600/DSC_0008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7KDDwas3vGPX5_Rc2Z9sHlfFFFw_oVy7OQl2PrHeOPdd67ns5dz5NPMccU5x0lts764HaHxQzycnwjNLiY2EzxKMw_JIlYMwJe43PXEc-m8eqOhpeN6scc-6g9H3DjBCG2lyZnNIBm5Qx/s400/DSC_0008.JPG" width="391" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>A close up of the lighthouse and the friendship poem</i></span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieLxXlaSrmSxkyNI30LHNFLcNKMJsADzulBKgqhKrbwTU7n2AfwyNN6ddh6iqXAt4QIVxV8lTmN1bOENSaVhYVDIlae8dTwxGdrwF7gdgKMBdx26BhA3UVs5ZzgimdmKLElxgc9kazUI8i/s1600/DSC_0009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="252" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieLxXlaSrmSxkyNI30LHNFLcNKMJsADzulBKgqhKrbwTU7n2AfwyNN6ddh6iqXAt4QIVxV8lTmN1bOENSaVhYVDIlae8dTwxGdrwF7gdgKMBdx26BhA3UVs5ZzgimdmKLElxgc9kazUI8i/s400/DSC_0009.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">AHHHHH</span></i><span style="font-size: small;"> - the two markers shown above are truly works of art. The are made by <a href="http://hookmarks.com/">Hook Mark</a></span> and they are very special. The one on the left is from friend Jim Lane. It was a Christmas gift one year. He gave his wife, Louise a cross - the Buddha for me. I had bought the less precious one on the right just because I loved the green glass. These are wonderful marks and make very special gifts. Lots to choose from.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Below on the left is some gizmo that works okay but more often than not manages to just get tangles on things. It works alright. I don't even remember what company makes it - but I did get it at a bookstore. I remember that much. On the right is a very efficient. lovely and usable maker made by <a href="http://levenger./">Levenger.</a> This is the largest size they make and it has a place for two pens - or a highlighter and a pen or pencil on the top. Beautifully well made and a good bargain to boot! They come in a smaller size for regular mass market small paperbacks - this one is more for trade sized books. They come in other colors and it's a very efficient marker!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">That it for my short stroll through the Art of The Book Mark - at least those that I have. Odd how something so small can hold memories, be a work of art or elegantly hold your place in a great book. Yes, I do love book marks and am always open to trying out a new one!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxsTwEZ8BgUe4BhGV-LRF9Ef_26uhCXlM2rU24mO_JLHWQDfHwT0fqaE9PhLlVSAnU-LyUrAgu5QrcthXE47hIj6lSS_oj5h90mOUYojL6JEJOne-Ar98UqRcook_9_euwI_HcpnCmX8e1/s1600/DSC_0011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="357" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxsTwEZ8BgUe4BhGV-LRF9Ef_26uhCXlM2rU24mO_JLHWQDfHwT0fqaE9PhLlVSAnU-LyUrAgu5QrcthXE47hIj6lSS_oj5h90mOUYojL6JEJOne-Ar98UqRcook_9_euwI_HcpnCmX8e1/s400/DSC_0011.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>mzjohansenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09099656264060749484noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7428193096708255239.post-37670407775767857702010-09-08T08:00:00.000-07:002010-09-08T08:00:01.405-07:00Tales of Papers, Inks and Finding The Perfect Journal. Thanks Exaclair!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3xZwYZkDKkjDk2SXKSCFApW-Er97ZcYIt0Guven5aZtBIR6TXYmZOpbrLqja3gV4vxuJ7TktQVkr-T0U8ES5x7mXqn3MtAyOpGK3HnxVv360MTVyfc8exHmF_l-R4upYnTQQXfUG4jKwU/s1600/DSC_0001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3xZwYZkDKkjDk2SXKSCFApW-Er97ZcYIt0Guven5aZtBIR6TXYmZOpbrLqja3gV4vxuJ7TktQVkr-T0U8ES5x7mXqn3MtAyOpGK3HnxVv360MTVyfc8exHmF_l-R4upYnTQQXfUG4jKwU/s400/DSC_0001.JPG" width="392" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Note: gray fonts indicate links - fort some reason I have not been able to change the color in this template. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I have reviewed the Quo Vadis Habana journal in the past. It has become my favorite journal for general use. When friend Karen from <a href="http://exaclair.com/">Exaclair </a>asked if wanted a new colored plain <a href="http://quovadisplanners.com/">Quo Vadis Habana </a>journal I say "of course". She asked if I wanted raspberry, lime, red or black. Of course I chose Lime. What I did not know until it arrived that it is so much better than just lime. The color is called <span style="font-size: large;">anise green </span>and it "the" green that makes my heart sing. This plain paper journal is 6" X 9" and contains 80 sheets of Clairfontaine premium 90 gr paper. Totally yummy stuff to work on! Clairefontaine makes - IMHO - the best of the best papers for writing, drawing, painting, sketching etc. They are also, in a world that sometimes seems mad with unending waste - very environmentally correct. They manufacture their own papers made only from sustainable forests. and are <a href="http://www.pefc.org/">PEFC</a> rated. The Habana journal's cover is made from a silky smooth material that feels warm to the touch. I love it!. The corners are rounded- another small detail that I love, it has an elastic closure (color coordinated of course!) and an expandable pocket in the back of the journal for all of those little bits of ephemera that you always seem to find along the life's way</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1-HEmeM3YyBJNv5Tbcc2YEUhr7OZy3H6JTejIvi1uPavqJoOhFwnFMYX9C5eBZQ2pcJUF516-HE_BbfVnwbcowuqmKDvw2swi9Y4JDNA4ubf1xeozV0YZhVO34YcJEAQcJT1Y1xUwnV8D/s1600/DSC_0002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1-HEmeM3YyBJNv5Tbcc2YEUhr7OZy3H6JTejIvi1uPavqJoOhFwnFMYX9C5eBZQ2pcJUF516-HE_BbfVnwbcowuqmKDvw2swi9Y4JDNA4ubf1xeozV0YZhVO34YcJEAQcJT1Y1xUwnV8D/s400/DSC_0002.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Knowing that I go through sketch pads at a sometimes alarming rate Karen also graced me with a chance to have a look a Clairefontaine sketch book too. This book (8.5" X 11") is filled with 160 pages of 90 gr lovely white paper - it's great for all general sketching and mediums and even will handle a light wash with something like watercolors - which I am know to spritz about with wild abandon at times - who needs hair color if one has a watercolor spritz?! (only joshing!). While it is true that I am indeed grateful to be able to review Exaclair products my being enamored of them has ONLY to do with their superiority and excellence. My opinions on not biased - if I found anything wrong or inadequate I would chime in....I just have nothing but praise. If you are looking for fine art papers - go with Calirefontaine. Need a new journal, blank, lined or day planner style? - go with Rhodia, Quo Vadis or Exacompta. For any paper need Exaclair offers a superior product that will suit. They also market my favorite fountain pen inks - J.Herbin. Who can;t get excited about glorious colored inks made by a French company that has been in business since 1670?! </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHTcy-zR560ojyL9zC-66Ssx5QWfj1x915NLUnPH_ylOwsxZOyzcXIoMIwPBIsnjkT7J94e29uPdZyWhAlBcz40Ddnjb6ARdogWWvC6hheK2DNpVlfSF-u83uWc89S5uJlcFIUK4G8-INq/s1600/DSC_0003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHTcy-zR560ojyL9zC-66Ssx5QWfj1x915NLUnPH_ylOwsxZOyzcXIoMIwPBIsnjkT7J94e29uPdZyWhAlBcz40Ddnjb6ARdogWWvC6hheK2DNpVlfSF-u83uWc89S5uJlcFIUK4G8-INq/s400/DSC_0003.JPG" width="386" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Speaking of inks and<a href="http://www.jherbin.com/index.html"> J.Herbin </a>- here is their newest ink - an anniversary issue called, simply enough, 1670. It is a deep rich red. I could not wait for it's release here in the states so I had to order it from France directly. Problem is that I hate to break that authentic looking seal! Think of all the history that this company has endure and prospered though. Amazing! Unusual and wonderful! </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbjP9qEjrC6sZ8SLoBecOXjXoiG9_emK_6bWL1YxHGK3Vv5LAAb6V3qUEFY-wCtPrID5L8XLofRsN6bOvVpQ1ZKhOlZntn6trCydtuLrfirIBropCsNIl5GFlne7gWHGnvIf2IDXrmbqeZ/s1600/1670.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbjP9qEjrC6sZ8SLoBecOXjXoiG9_emK_6bWL1YxHGK3Vv5LAAb6V3qUEFY-wCtPrID5L8XLofRsN6bOvVpQ1ZKhOlZntn6trCydtuLrfirIBropCsNIl5GFlne7gWHGnvIf2IDXrmbqeZ/s400/1670.jpg" width="303" /></a></div>mzjohansenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09099656264060749484noreply@blogger.com4