hello autumn

The summer has come and gone, and autumn is upon us. My favorite time of year. Felting came in ebbs and flows. I participated in the Sint Rosa Art Fair in August for the very first time, so the days leading up to that event were a whirlwind of wool and water. Things quieted down after that with the arrival of my mum. I had hoped to get a chunk of my mental felting projects completed when she was here, but sadly, no such thing happened.
I'm dying to get back in the studio though. It's takes a bit of planning and preparation nowadays with little L keeping me busy, but when she naps, it's astouding how much I can get done. Warm weather gear is on my mind. Merino cowls, scarves, pillows, throws, rugs, anything warm and inviting. I've also got a few clothing pieces on the brain and in my sketchbook which I'd love to try. Friday, friday, friday. Come sooner please.

View of the procession from my stall. (Sint Rosa Art Fair, Sittard)

Let's see; we've got necklaces, rainbow mobile, egg cosies, table runners, brooches, large pebbles, hearts, acorns...

it was the best of times, it was the busiest of times

That's the best way I can put it. My December to-do&make list stretches off far into the horizon, but dang, it sure does feel good, even if I have been hitting my pillow after midnight the past few days.

These thoughts have been keeping me happy lately: new shipment for Lola, compliments from One, (see links) and getting our Christmas tree this weekend. Have you realized that the big day is almost only 2 weeks away? I haven't! There is no sign of Christmas in my home yet, as opposed to last year, when I started counting down the days in July.

Well, as least there is some Christmas cheer in my studio. I made this ornament for hanging on doorknobs, but I'm sure you can use it in a multitude of ways.

Keep well, friends.

new ideas

Even though I have lengthy lists of to-felt items in my notebook/computer/miscellaneous scraps of paper littered on my desk, it's not that often I take the plunge to make something daring. Is it the frugal part in me that dreads wasting precious art materials? Is the self-conscious part in me that fears the outcome? That the finished item may not turn out to be what I had envisioned? What does this say about me? That's I'm a nervous wreck, that I'm a perfectionist, that I'm normal? I've always kept other people's opinions and possible reactions in the back of my mind whenever I did something artistic, and it's only recently (a few years) that I've been consciously trying to break that habit. It's harder than it sounds, but I feel like I'm a good way ahead.
Today was one such day. I made two of my largest felted items to date, and I don't think I'll stop there.

My words to you; Shake it off, and take the plunge.

Signing off....