Bird's Eye View Studio

A Stitching Together of History.

2012-01-21T13:18:00.000-08:00

Last weekend I was at Fabric Depot looking for some

fabric to recover our overworn sofa,

and I met this woman who was shopping for a backing

to her Great Aunt's President quilt.

I believe the Great Aunt's name was Mildred

and she had hand embroidered every single Presidents face

on this fantastic quilt. I myself am not a big

"President girl" but I LOVED this stitching.

Here is Woodrow Wilson,

LOVE the glasses.

Mildred was 98 years old when she stitched this,

and is now over 100.

I hope I get to live as long as Mildred,

and create up until my last breath.

Felt Garland.

2012-01-15T11:52:00.000-08:00

At Crafty Wonderland this year Jeanie Lai from Moufelt

was there peddling her amazing felt ware.

She had this fantastic felt confetti that immdiately caught my eye.

It's so colorwonderful and I thought,

I bet I can run those guys through my sewing machine.

I made this fun little garland. It's so festive and full of joy.

A great color splash for a snowy winter day.

Visit Jeanie's website here and her shop here.

Someday I hope I am lucky enough to buy one of her rugs.

Can as much as you can.

2012-01-13T10:29:00.000-08:00

Here's a little corner of our kitchen.

January makes me reconnect with home.

It makes one slow down, think deeply about hibernation,

reading, watching movies, snuggling, drinking tea.

It also makes you look back at the year.

What bounty our garden and local farmers provided for us this year.

We are canners. We simply can't help it.

When the abundance comes in, the canning pot comes down.

This year Kris was the canning master.

Afternoons at farms up on ladders,

taking down the most gorgeous fruit.

Evenings in the kitchen, steamy windows,

music playing, in the heart of our home.

I was the helper this year and the label maker.

I carved stamps while she peeled, chopped, diced and stirred.

It's nice to have a little something to look back at

and say, "We did that together."

And canned goods are never a gift refused.

Like they used to say,

"Can as much as you can."

Happy Holidays.

2011-12-19T23:25:00.000-08:00

Happy Holidays to All.

I hope this wintery season fills you with delight.

This pigeon was photographed when I visited

the Clackamas County Fair.

What a proud feathered friend.

The wallpaper is from my Auntie Diane's kitchen,

and is so dear in my heart.

When I was young I spent every New Year's Eve

with her. I remember waiting sleepily until midnight,

eating lasagna, and spinach salad.

And in the morning watching the parade

and showering off last years dirt.

The smell of her house brings back my entire childhood.

I hope this new year brings you rich old memories,

bright present adventures,

and deep dreams for the future.

Warmest Winter Wishes.

suki

Crafty Wonderland Recap and Handmade NW.

2011-12-14T13:59:00.000-08:00

I had such a blast at Crafty Wonderland this past weekend.

Thank you to everyone who came out

and bought handmade goods.

Come see me next Sunday at Handmade NW,

and we can continue the fun!

It's Crafty Wonderland Weekend!

2011-12-09T21:50:00.000-08:00

Come see me this weekend at...

Crafty Wonderland!

It's that time again when 200+ vendors

pack up their handmade goodies

for you holiday shopping pleasure.

Support your local economy,

and buy locally handmade.

Saturday and Sunday

11-6 both days.

Oregon Convention Center, Hall C

I'm booth 195, just left of the main entrance.

Yipppeee!

Cactus Garden.

2011-11-29T22:18:00.000-08:00

During Thanksgiving in California we visited the

Arizona Cactus Garden on the campus of Stanford University.

It was first planted in 1880 and is an amazing

collection to wonder through and enjoy.

All the textures were so wild and different from each other.

It was quite a treat.

New Necklaces.

2011-11-13T08:41:00.000-08:00

I just dropped off some new pendants at the

Crafty Wonderland Pop Up Shop.

Hop over there to do some fantastic

local and handmade gift buying!

Lewis Elementary Bazaar.

2011-11-01T21:19:00.000-07:00

Come see me this Saturday at the

Lewis Elementary Bazaar.

I have brand new prints of my Collage Blocks

and new necklaces and rings as well!

Lewis Elementary School

4401 SE Evergreen St. Portland, OR

The Observatory.

2011-10-30T13:45:00.000-07:00

Drinking Vinegar at the Observatory = Delicious

Date with the gal you love = Best time ever.

Crafty Folks I Love: Bossy's Feltworks

2011-10-27T21:27:00.000-07:00

Last month when we were on Orcas Island,

I got to meet the great women of Bossy's Feltworks.

Those gals know how to felt!
I loved to see all their creations in real life.

You can shop for all their cuteness here,
and read all about their life here.

I taught a great group to make needle felted birds in September.

It was so fun to watch their little personalities form out of felt.

This month a the class helped grow a plump pumpkin patch.

And next month will be Gnomes!

You can join the fun on November 30th from 5-7:30pm at collage.

Call 503.249.2190 to register. I'd love to see you in class!

happy yellow.

2011-10-23T19:00:00.000-07:00

My dad had a silly pair of glasses that he called his Happy Glasses.

They were just yellow lenses, maybe for fog?

All I know is that he would put them on while driving,

and sway back and forth like Ray Charles

tickling out a great piano tune.

We would laugh and laugh.

Sometimes I think fall is like those yellow tinted frames.

Everything explodes with yellow glee,

and I can't help but thinking

"It's alright."

Poppy's Day.

2011-10-08T16:32:00.000-07:00

Today is Dead Dad Day number 11.

But, I was so amazingly lucky to have a fantastic father,

that today I just like to remember what a

wonderful, funny, silly, kind, caring,

warm and creative man he was.

I wish everyone got to have a Dad as fantastic as mine.

He is missed and loved deeply by all who knew him,

especially me.

Love you Poppy.

Orcas Island Blue.

2011-09-25T18:53:00.000-07:00

Here is a little blue sunset from our Orcas Island

camping adventure last weekend.

I am just crazy about that island!

More magnets.

2011-08-22T21:28:00.001-07:00

I spent part of last week making and packaging up

some more magnets for the Museum of Contemporary Craft.

The Nikki McClure show is in full swing,

I can't wait to go check it out on Thursday!

Clackamas County Fair

2011-08-20T18:17:00.001-07:00

This morning I went to the Clackamas County Fair.

And I fell in love. A trio of my favorite goats.

A trio of spinning.

And a pioneer house I'd be happy to call home.

One word of advice. Go!

Gnomes.

2011-08-09T20:58:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago I taught a group of 17 women

to needle felt adorable little garden gnomes.

It was ridiculously fun.

Little faces out of felt.

Every gnome was so different,

Wonderfully quirky,

And cute.

Even one with glasses!

Class photo from Gnome School, Summer Session 2011.

Farm Quilt.

2011-08-07T08:47:00.000-07:00

Last week I finished this quilt for some

great friends who are having their first baby.

He's a farmer, she's an artist.

An onion quilt felt right.

I secretly like the back the best.

Rows and rows of stitching,

just like rows and rows of planting.

Museum of Contemporary Craft.

2011-08-05T15:07:00.000-07:00

I feel so lucky to be hanging in the Museum of Contemporary Craft.

The museum approached Cathy and Torie of Crafty Wonderland,

to see if they wanted to do a Pop Up Shop in the museum,

and I was picked to participate. So excited!

So head over to the Museum of Contemporary Craft,

check out the show.

Nikki McClure's show opens August 18th,

don't miss it!

My work is even in the window! What fun!

Hamilton Mountain.

2011-07-12T21:30:00.000-07:00

What sunshine we had this weekend.

We took the opportunity to hike to the top of

Hamilton Mountain.

It's an amazing little mountain,

sheer rock cliffs jut out of deep forests,

high mountains meadows are filled with wildflowers,

and there are great views of the Columbia River Gorge,

Mount Hood and Mount Adams.

Did I mention the wildflowers?

They were fantastic.

Pouring Resin.

2011-07-07T21:00:00.000-07:00

Just spending the evening pouring resin.

I'm now using Ice Resin, and I am in love.

No more hours of baby sitting the resin children.

Just mix, pour, leave the lamp on, and go!

3 days later...resin wonders!

I will be teaching an Ice Resin class on

August 24th, 5:30-7:30pm at Collage.

Come learn to mix and pour resin

while creating two pretty pendants.

Winged Friends.

2011-07-06T22:26:00.001-07:00

My mom was here for the weekend

and the three of us went for a walk in Reed Canyon.

We ran into some new winged friends.

I am usually not a butterfly girl,

too many pink and purple cutesy drawings.

But, I have to say that in person butterflies are fantastic.

I will thank my lovely partner for the second photo.

Good eye!

Poppies.

2011-06-30T21:35:00.000-07:00

I just love poppies.

I love that they are vibrant and orange and red.

I love that they open and close

as the morning comes and the evening goes.

I love that they remind me of my dad,

whom I called Poppy.

Who came and went too soon.

Sunny Succulents.

2011-06-29T07:27:00.000-07:00

Beautiful succulents from Gamble Garden

in Palo Alto, Ca. A place I always visit

when I visit home.

Hope your day is filled with sunny moments.

Hike on Powell Butte.

2011-06-26T17:30:00.000-07:00

This weekend we took a hike

on Powell Butte.

It is so pretty up there,

and only 15 minutes from home.

It reminded me of growing up in California,

the hills, the trees, grasses swaying in the wind.

It is so good to get out of the city,

if only for a few hours.

New Collage Blocks in the Shop.

2011-06-26T17:25:00.000-07:00

I've just added a bunch of new

Collage Blocks to the shop.

Enjoy!

Thrifting with Lori.

2011-06-24T22:40:00.000-07:00

Last weekend my friend Lori and I

went to one of our favorite thrift stores.

Look what she found and let me take home!

These tickets are such nice colors.

Who has a great idea of what I should do with them?

Thanks Lori for giving me this super score.

You do truly bring color into my life.

Funny Little Collage.

2011-06-23T21:32:00.001-07:00

Here is a funny little collage

I made last month.

I usually work with my own imagery,

but Mabel just called out to me.

Don't you wish you had an aunt mabel?

Happy Summer.

2011-06-21T18:17:00.001-07:00

Happy Summer Solstice!

It is sunny and wonderful today.

Hope you are somewhere enjoying

the first day of summer.

New Rings in the Shop.

2011-06-18T16:07:00.000-07:00

Resin filled rings are now available

in my etsy shop.

Hope you are having a wonderful Saturday.

14 Hours 'til Crafty Wonderland!

2011-05-06T21:10:00.000-07:00

Only a few more hours until...

Crafty Wonderland!

I'm booth 219,

against the back wall.

Head in the double doors,

walk straight to the back wall,

and find me.

Can't wait to see you!

Squirrel Love.

2011-04-30T16:27:00.000-07:00

"Hey, I'm pretty cute,

how about you put me on a pendant?"

Sure thing squirrel!

These squirrely pendants can

be purchased tomorrow at the

Rieke Elementary Art Fair.

Come check them out!

So close to home.

2011-04-25T11:02:00.001-07:00

It amazes me every time I go

into the Columbia River Gorge.

Only 45 minutes from my doorstep

to the wonders of waterfalls.

Moss showers,

arching branches,

misty canyons,

what's behind the next bend?

waterfalls!

So much rain,

so much water.

This is why I love Oregon.

Rieke Elementary Art Fair

2011-04-24T11:27:00.001-07:00

Hope you'll stop in for a bit of Spring Art

at the Rieke Art Fair.

I have new goodies in store...

New Rings,

Many new Moleskines,

And Hand Carved Stamped

Goodie Bags Galore!

New collage blocks will make their

first appearance as well!

Hope you'll swing by.

Happy New Year!

2011-01-01T11:02:00.001-08:00

The 12 months of 2010 have gone,

and here we are in a New Year.

My year was filled with good food,

great fun, and much creativity and love.

I hope yours was as well,

and that the New Year

brings us all continued

creative adventures together.

The elves of Bird's Eye View Studio

have been busy this week,

writing cards, and baking granola.

We just love Bakers Twine

and Japanese Masking Tape

around here!

Happy 2011!

Pictures from Crafty Wonderland.

2010-12-13T17:14:00.001-08:00

I had SO much fun at Crafty Wonderland!

Here are some Collage Block,

most have found new walls to hang on...

I sold over 200 feather rocks!

And many rings,

which will be available at Presents of Mind

at the end of the week!

Thanks to all you Portlanders

who came out to shop local and

HANDMADE!

New Resin Jewelry.

2010-12-09T20:22:00.000-08:00

Well, the studio was too cold

for resin pouring,

so the bathroom had to do!

It's well ventilated and warm.

Here I am working away,

there are many new styles

of resin pendants and rings.

Come check them out in person...

This weekend at Crafty Wonderland.

Sat and Sun 11am-5pm,

at the Portland Convention Center

Hall C.

Fly by and say Hi.

New Collage Blocks.

2010-12-04T19:19:00.001-08:00

I'm collaging my way to next weekend.

Hope you'll come see the creations.

Saturday and Sunday,

at the Convention Center.

Hope to see you there!

Gnomes.

2010-12-02T21:12:00.001-08:00

Last night I taught a needle felting class

where we made little gnomes.

Thought you would enjoy

seeing them.

Thanks Kari for taking

the picture!

Don't Dwell, Give Handmade.

2010-11-27T23:02:00.001-08:00

Flea Market Finds.

2010-11-18T09:57:00.001-08:00

I am in California helping my mom
recovery from a hip replacement.
(She is doing amazingly well!)
Last weekend my partner came down
to help out and I took a few moments
to visit the flea market in my home town.

I found some great goodies!
Like these old wooden spools.

And....

A vintage typewriter that types cursive!

I had been somewhat obsessively
looking for these on Etsy.
Only to cry when I saw the
$200-300 price tags.

But I got these guy for under $30!

Don't you love a good flea market find?!

Give Handmade Sale.

2010-11-17T14:02:00.001-08:00

Hope you'll join me
next weekend for a great sale!
Lot's of new goodies in store,
or should I say in booth!?
10% off all proceeds are
donated to the Oregon Food Bank!

Crafty Wonderland.

2010-11-17T13:56:00.001-08:00

Hope you'll stop in and say Hi.
New prints await you,
as does original scratchboard artwork.
Yippeee!

Unfurl.

2010-11-03T14:47:00.001-07:00

More lovely images

from Orcas Island...

Chapman Chimney Swifts.

2010-10-26T21:12:00.001-07:00

Here's another new one.

We went on our annual pilgrimage

a few weeks ago to see the

swifts fly into the

chapman school chimney.

How do all those birds learn

to circle, soar, and funnel

into that narrow chimney?

This original scratchboard

will also be on sale at the:

Small Wonders Art Show

Opens November 13th.

Many local Portland Artists,

sharing their small scale art,

for under $100 dollars!

Don't miss it!

New Scratchboards.

2010-10-23T18:46:00.001-07:00

I've just finished some

new scratchboards.

Great Horned Owl,

Egret, Hen and Pigeon

will be available

for purchase in an

upcoming show!

I'll keep you posted

on the when and where.

Look for prints for sale

on my etsy site soon!

Happy Weekend!

Autumn Wonders

2010-10-18T18:53:00.000-07:00

Autumn is here...and it's been glorious.

It's sunny, clear and blue here in Portland.

Here are some wonders from

a walk taken this weekend.

Off to make a pumpkin pie...

Support Art Education!

2010-09-16T19:16:00.000-07:00

Last weekend Lori Shippy and I

did our first Flash Mob,

in support or art education.

20+ Portland area Art Teachers

and Artists came together

to create an amazing mural.

Check it out below:

Click on pic to link to

You Tube video...

And here are a few still shots

from the day.

Myself (right) and May (left)

the organizer of the event.

Lori working away.

Love the detail we

achieved in such a short time.

All done.

Thanks Lori for being

such a fun gal to know!

2010-09-11T12:37:00.000-07:00

I just got back from an amazing trip to the

San Juan Islands. My partner and I spend

8 days in vacation bliss...

Sunrise ferry to Orcas Island.

Foggy morning at Mountain Lake.

Heart stopping owl spotting.

Crabbing cove.

Outstanding rock collecting beach

on San Juan Island.

Bulging pockets filled

with future feather rocks.

The twisted red delights of Madrona trees.

Iceberg Point on Lopez.

Perhaps heaven on earth.

Sunset on Lopez.

Just Kris, myself and

fifty or so seals.

If this farms comes up for sale...

I'm moving!

Top ten things to love about Orcas:

1. Taking a ferry to get there.

2. Slower Island life, no stop lights,

top speed 40 miles an hour.

3. Forest, meets field, meets calm sea water.

4. Local food grown on the island.

Whether cooked in a home kitchen,

or eaten at Rose's, a delicious treat

every time.

4. Creative living.

From pottery to painting to

fences made of mattress springs,

creativity thrives.

5. Deer, very cute.

6. Places to climb.

Hikes that take you to spectacular

views and vistas. And moss,

foxglove, and evergreens

along the way.

7. The quiet.

8. Hand painted signs,

no billboards.

9. Orca whales.

10. A wonderous place to

be in love.

9 Years.

2010-08-21T11:25:00.000-07:00

Look what we found on the beach

on our 9 year anniversary!

One rock for each wondrous year.

If you have never been to Falcon Cove

on the Oregon coast,

it's a must.

The sounds of these rocks rolling

in and out of the surf is primordial.

Look forward to new quilt pictures soon!

Pure Summer Delight.

2010-07-26T16:26:00.000-07:00

I have to admit that I am sometimes

not the biggest fan of summer.

It's hot, I wilt, I wallow, I wonder

if it will ever end.

But...LOOK! what wonders

all that sun and summertastic

delight brings!

Our raspberries are the best they have

EVER been, and our sweet pea stand

just keeps going.

With bowls and vases filled with

summer's wonderful delights,

life feels full, fragrant and delicious.

Crafty Folks I Love: Bonnie Jones

2010-07-23T07:51:00.000-07:00

Last weekend I set up at the Craft-In sale at the

Newberg 99W Drive In Movie Theatre.

It was a very slow day...but I met Bonnie,

and that definitely made the day FANTASTIC.

Here is some of her work:

She finds old Journals and notebooks to

put in luscious settings,

full of color and beauty.

Aren't these hankies filled with

spooky wonderful delight?

I am an handkerchief collector,

and would love these above my dresser.

And all seems right in the world when you

look at something on a clothesline.

Can you believe that when I was in the

7th grade, a girl in my class

had no idea what a clothesline was!?

I was flabbergasted to say the least.

Find more of Bonnie's work on her website:

www.bonniejonesphoto.com

and on her blog,

which is full of inspiration:

www.exploredaily.typepad.com

Quilt.

2010-07-12T20:01:00.000-07:00

Just finished this little quilt

for a baby on the way.

Great friends of mine are

in the final few weeks count down

until their baby is born.

The big question...

Will he have red hair?

Can't wait to find out!

Go visit the wonderful women at Bolt

to find the yummy yardage

used in this project.

LOVE this video

2010-06-28T08:15:00.000-07:00

Moss pads from the roof this winter.

Enjoy this video by Artist Jeana Sohn.

It perfectly and wonderfully describes

the beauty of the coast

and and creative

wonderful day.

Click here to find it!

Show of Awesome was just that...Awesome!

2010-06-21T17:14:00.001-07:00

Yippeee! I had a blast at The Show of Awesome.

There were so many fantastic vendors,

it made my head spin,

and my art and craft brain go haywire.

I found these amazing folks out of Washington,

you can find Scott and Jacqui's terrifically

wonderful work at slide-sideways.com.

I am in love...

Show of Awesome.

2010-06-16T16:20:00.001-07:00

Come see me this Saturday,
at the Show of Awesome!
The Doug Fir Lounge,
June 19th, 10-3.
Drinks, Crafts, Awesome folks,
What more do you need?

I love Poppies.

2010-06-11T16:46:00.000-07:00

Does early summer get more beautiful?

I don't think so.

The bash.

2010-06-02T07:52:00.001-07:00

I just got back from the Bash...

What is the Bash you say?

It's the best camping this side of the Mississippi.

My families fantastic friends Steve and Janet

own the beautiful Yellow Dog Ranch

in Northern California,

where 75+ of their closest friends

come to camp every year,

and revel in good food,the gorgeous hills,

camp fires, jeep rides,

a big hill flying over swing,

and fantastic folks.

Biggest of thanks to Janet and Steve,

love you guys BIG.

This year the wild flowers were outrageous.

Here are some wild Iris.

Fuzzy Cat's Ear.

And the star of the show,

an organic origami wonder...

Diogenes Lantern!

Silver Spoons to Garden Markers.

2010-05-24T10:05:00.000-07:00

This week, I taught some amazing women

how to turn silver spoons

into garden markers.

Here is a little peak at the final product.

First you pound pound pound your silver spoon flat.

Here are the tools you will need.

You can get metal embossing alphabets at Collage!

You use these to stamp the letters in next!

Everything is more fun in a group!

Look at these gals go!

We had a blast...

When you are done you can use alcohol ink

or a sharpie to fill in the letters

and give them more definition.

Look what they made!

Check out the Collage blog for more info

on Green Craft Classes.

I teach them every month,

and we use something old to make something new!

A busy few weeks...

2010-05-10T19:49:00.000-07:00

Phew...What a busy few weeks it has been!

Here's my little shop at the Rieke Elementary Art Fair.

And my shop at Crafty Wonderland.

Both were very fun sales,

and I loved seeing all my crafty buddies.

I also got some amazing trades.

Go see my new friend Leah at

RustBelt FiberWerks for some screen printed treats.

Then I taught some "beginners"

how to carve and print linoleum blocks.

I think they were faking me out

when they said they had never carved before...

look at these awesome images!

I was SO proud of them!

And then my partner and I threw a surprise party

for our friend Saskia, who is finishing her

first year as a high school principal.

We spent a few days readying the yard and house,

I was in heaven.

I don't think I love anything more than making

our yard and home beautiful...

with my partner at my side. Love you Kris.

And I also love a table of good food

and good friends on a warm spring evening.

I think it might be magic.

New work at a the Art Fair.

2010-04-23T09:47:00.000-07:00

Come see me at the

Rieke Elementary Art Fair on Sunday,

and check out these new Bird Blocks from

the Lock and Key Series.

There will also be new Scratch Board prints,

but those are a secret until Sunday!

Hope you'll swing on by!

Another inside look...

2010-04-21T22:59:00.000-07:00

Here's another little snoop session for you of my studio.

I love to take a full french press of tea

into the studio while I work.

The book "Secrets of the Nest"

is a must on my drawing table

Here are two little paintings I did a few years ago,

with some friendly stamps and such.

Don't you LOVE the tiny chair?

More visual inspiration on my tack board.

Make your own tack board with a sheet of homosote.

Available at most lumber yards.

It's made of pressed paper fibers,

and I covered mine with some mustard colored linen fabric.

Spring in Coastal California.

2010-04-17T17:45:00.000-07:00

Beautiful oceanside blossoms,

Natural image finders,

Bits of beauty from the sea,

And these silly rascals...

I am still thinking of Pacific Grove.

Here comes Crafty Wonderland!

2010-04-16T19:13:00.001-07:00

I'll be there,

Will you?

Hope so.

Front Page Goodness.

2010-04-15T19:18:00.001-07:00

Oh boy, my feather rocks made it

onto the front page of Etsy.

What fun!

I would love a visit from you too...

here's the way!

Rieke Elementary Art Sale!

2010-04-14T22:13:00.000-07:00

Come see me...

Sunday, April 25th from 10-3pm

at Rieke Elementary's Annual Art Fair!

I will be there with bells on,

and new scratchboard prints in tow!

1405 SW Vermont,

right by the Hillsdale Farmers Market.

Check out their blog for more info

on fellow vendors and such!

Jellyfish Love.

2010-04-09T21:05:00.000-07:00

I spent last weekend with my family at my Mom's

amazing little beach cottage in Pacific Grove, CA.

I was THRILLED to finally go see the Jellyfish

at the Monterey Bay Aquarium.

I think I'm in love...

They are so blobby, and wiggly and wonderful.

Some were amazingly see through...

And some looked like they couldn't possibly be real.

They are spectacular!

Carve your own Stamp Class.

2010-03-30T22:03:00.001-07:00

Come learn to carve your very own stamp!

Wednesday April 7th, 6-8pm.

At the Alberta Street Collage Store.

Call 503.249.2190 for more info and to register.

I will teach you all the tricks of the trade!

This picture is from the last class...FUN!

Lino Printmaking Class.

2010-03-24T22:42:00.001-07:00

I just got home from teaching Lino Printmaking.

It was an awesome group of women.

It was a full class, and we all had a blast!

If you missed it, come join me May 5th from 6-8pm,

at the Alberta Street Collage store for another session of fun!

Carving...

and Printing!

New Stamps.

2010-03-23T12:39:00.000-07:00

Home sick with a cold.

Watching British dramas and carving stamps.

Felted Furry Fun.

2010-03-22T15:44:00.001-07:00

I sat in on Maggie Kearns' Needle Felting class

at Collage a few weeks ago.

I hadn't ever really felted...it was SO MUCH FUN!

I made this little guy...I think he needs a name,

any suggestions?

I am teaching two more classes this month,

Lino Printing is full,but there is still room in

Recycled Stationary on March 31st

from 6-8pm at the Alberta Street store.

Visit the Collage blog for more info and sign on up!

An Award!

2010-03-14T09:42:00.001-07:00

Wow! Diane just gave me this Award for my blog.

Thanks Diane!

Here are the rules for receiving this award:

1. Post an image of the award.

2. Thank the person who gave it to me.

3. Link to the person who gave it to me.

4. Tell ya'll 7 things about myself that you wouldn't know

5. Chose 7 great bloggers to give this award to.

6. Link to their blogs.

7. Leave them a message on their blog.

Sooo...here we go!

#1: I love chickens. I love how they sound,

I love their feathers, I love how they walk...I love them.

I used to have chickens...and my Mom was known to have said,

"I have Grand-Chickens!" We don't have chickens now,

but in a few years on the Dream Farm, we will.

#2: I also love eggs. I love the shape, the idea that something

can grow in a little shell, and plus chicken eggs are yummy.

Note I am not an adventurous egg eater, I only eat chicken eggs,

get those enormous Ostrich eggs away from me.

#3. I am a reluctantly joyful hiker.

My partner is an outdoors person.

She is always running, farming, gardening, and hiking.

She always asks me to come, and I do out of this sense of

wanting to be outdoorsy, but with a shadow of laziness

covering the whole thing. But once I am in nature,

I feel more alive than anywhere else,

even more than being in my studio.

I am SO lucky to have a motivated partner.

I have reluctantly but joyfully climbed South Sister.

(Of course motivated by my partner.)

#4. I am either crazy messy, or insanely clean.

Sometimes I don't let people in my studio, because it looks

like a paper bomb went off. And other times EVERYthing

is put away, labeled, tagged, sorted (by color), and in it's place.

#5. My mom is fantastic.

She loves to camp. She loves to garden.

She loves roses and sweet peas.

She loves to read fiction, poetry, and the morning paper.

She is wise, beautiful and kind.

I feel so lucky to have her in my life.

#5. I love to swing, but I hate heights.

#6. I don't like snakes. I do like tulips.

I like to take walks at dusk and spy in lit windows.

#7. And I am a little addicted to Halva.

Seven blogs I adore and award...

Go visit: Rachel Austin, Golly Bard, Alicia at Posie Gets Cozy,

The lovely Maya at Maya Made,

Abby Try Again (for colorful inspiration),

The Design Alphabet, and last but not least, Stephanie Levy!

Thanks to all these folks for their Art, Craft,

and fantastic blogging inspiration!

This Year's Calendar.

2010-03-07T17:19:00.001-08:00

I am a planning kind of gal.

I like to know what I am doing, and when I am doing it.

So, I have used a calendar forever, tracking my movements

and activities. Last year I was overwhelmed with inspiration

by Geninne's Calendar. I am a frequent checker of her blog,

I mean with all her beautiful birds I would be a fool not to,

but her Calendar...a true delight.

So this year I drew out all the weeks, hand stamped

each day, date and month, and tada!... I have my own Calendar.

At the end of each week, I do a little sketch over the

"to do's" and "have dones." So far I'm in love.

Day Runner, I'm sorry, but I'm never coming back.

Remembering him.

2010-03-05T13:51:00.000-08:00

Today was my Dad's Birthday. I like to remember him on this day,

and think about all the happiness, joy, beauty, laughter,

and adventure he brought into my life.

I am so grateful to have had such a terrific father,

even if for too short a time.

My parents grew Zinnias each year in front of our

old dilapidated greenhouse.

It was something colorful and spectacular to watch.

This image of me was taken around the time my father died.

I hope where ever he is filled with Zinnias,

Cosmos and Rainbow Chard.

I hope there are tomatoes growing big and red in the warm sun,

I hope there are oceans to be found,

and the perfect golden light for pictures to be taken.

"Far in the plots, I see him dig,

Old and serious, brown and big."

-Robert Louis Stevenson

A Spring Walk.

2010-03-01T09:08:00.001-08:00

Have you ever smelled one of these amazingly fragrant Magnolia Trees?

I went on a little spring walk this weekend and popped my nose into this bud.

I am pretty sure it is the best thing I have EVER smelled...

And all the cherry trees make my heart do cartwheels,

backflips and even the splits, because spring is here.

And spring means color against the grey sky,

shoes with no socks, and creeping minutes of more daylight!

10 Tiny Tags

2010-02-28T14:22:00.000-08:00

10 sets of 10 Tiny Tags have been added to my shop, check them out!

10 Tiny Tags-Tree

10 Tiny Tags-Dandelion

10 Tiny Tags-Modern I

And 10 Tiny Tags-Trees

Go visit the shop to spy on the other 6 designs.

Feather

2010-02-25T08:47:00.000-08:00

A feather is a letter from a bird.

Anybody know who's feather this is?

I found it last summer and was instantly in love.

Hello Spring.

2010-02-22T09:23:00.001-08:00

"Hello sun on my face"

-Mary Oliver

Hello Green Shoots...

Hello spring yellow...so glad you are here.

New Items in my Etsy Shop!

2010-02-21T12:51:00.000-08:00

I just finished adding a bunch of new goodies to the shop.

Check it out, pendants and magnets, Yippee!

New Bird Blocks at Elsa + Sam

2010-02-21T11:28:00.001-08:00

I've got some new Bird Block's up at Elsa + Sam's, a delightfully beautiful and simple dishware boutique on Hawthorne.

This block is inspired by a day in kindergarten when my mom told me I couldn't wear red and pink in the same outfit. Later a painting teacher told me that no colors clashed in nature. I think of this story often when I wear a magenta shirt and red shoes!

Elsa has so many beautiful items, all made by wonderfully creative people, go check it out!

Hand Carved Stamps

2010-02-19T09:23:00.000-08:00

I love to carve stamps. I think maybe I'm a little addicted...

Fun little tags I made for the holidays this year, with hand carved stamps of course!

A jumble of some of my faves.

Lino Carving Class Coming Up!

2010-02-15T20:20:00.001-08:00

Come learn to carve and print linoleum blocks.

Wednesday, March 24th 6-8pm at the Alberta Street Collage Store.

$20 All Supplies Included.

I'd love to teach you how to create beautiful prints.

Spring in the Studio

2010-02-08T09:15:00.000-08:00

It's spring in the studio! I love how your vision changes when the sun comes out.

Everything seems so colorful and alive. Here are some sneak peeks into my studio,

for everyone who loves to snoop. I know I do!

Wall of inspiration.

Shouldn't everything be organized by color?

I think so.

October 8th, on the wall.

Post Craft Sale Relaxation

2009-12-19T17:33:00.000-08:00

Phew, Craft Sales are done for the season. And what a season it was!

Thanks to all of you who supported your local crafting community!!

This is a picture of me at the tail end of Crafty Wonderland.

It was an amazing day,

filled with zillions of shoppers and awesome fellow crafters.

In the foreground are my good friend Lori Shippy's birds.

Again, I can not say enough about how amazing her work is.

Now it feels like time to rest and renew...

Although... look for some fun new items on my Etsy site next week!

2009-12-08T21:36:00.000-08:00

Come by the Convention Center this Sunday,

and find me and 199+ other super vendors selling our wears!

I will be in a booth with my very talented and amazing friend

Lori Shippy.

Look at her amazing birds and bowls!

Find her website here: www.lorishippy.com

Her blog here: www.underneaththebaobab.blogspot.com

And her etsy site here: www.lorishippy.etsy.com

Hope we see you Sunday!

Hawaii, A Love Story.

2009-12-06T12:03:00.000-08:00

Oh Hawaii, I miss you. I miss your splendidly warm days,

the tropical breeze, silly amounts of fresh fruit,

swimming in your salty sea with turtles and fish galore.

You are a magical vacation land...

Here is the coast on the way to Hana...

can you image an ocean more beautiful in color?

Waterfalls just seem to appear, like magic.

And red birds as well. This little fellow wanted to

join us for some appetizers one evening.

I feel a new scratch board coming on!

2009-11-28T17:47:00.000-08:00

Just back from Hawaii. It was amazing.

I swam with turtles, hundreds of yellow fish,

and was warm for days and days!

Come see my tomorrow at the Secret Society Sale,

and I'll tell you all about it!

Sunday, November 29th 11Am-5pm

116 NE Russell (Next to the Wonder Ballroom)

And look forward for some Hawaii pictures as soon

as I unpack the camera!

New Bird Blocks are on the way!

2009-11-16T08:55:00.000-08:00

I have a HUGE amount of new Bird Blocks

to unveil at the Secret Society Sale...

November 29th, 11am -5pm.

Secret Society Ballroom

116 NE Russell (Next to the Wonder Ballroom)

Hope to see you there!

I am working like crazy to have lot's of lovelies

for that sale. I should be in good spirits that day,

as I will have just returned from Hawaii!

We are celebrating my mom's 65th Birthday a bit early.

I feel incredibly lucky to have such a wise, beautiful,

and loving mother. And she'll beat your socks off at poker!

Come see me this Saturday!

2009-11-05T08:14:00.000-08:00

Come stop by the Lewis Elementary School Bazaar

this Saturday, November 7th, 10am-3pm.

4401 SE Evergreen St.

Just a few blocks south of Woodstock Blvd.

I am excited to support my local neighborhood elementary school.

And can't wait to see you there!

Crafty Folks I love: Rachel Austin

2009-10-29T21:25:00.000-07:00

Rachel Austin's map paintings are lovely, whimsical, and filled with birds!

Love 'em!

Find her work on her website:

www.rachelannaustin.com

And discover her blog:

www.paperandplanes.wordpress.com

On her blog you will also find me. Thanks Rachel!

Carve Your Own Stamp Class

2009-10-26T20:59:00.001-07:00

This weekend I taught a Carve Your Own Stamp workshop at Collage.

On the left is one of my students busy carving away,

on the right are some of my recent stamps,

inspired by the blossoms and seed pods of summer.

In the Studio.

2009-10-24T22:10:00.000-07:00

I've also been busy in the studio.

Winter is on the way, which means...

Holiday Sales!

This year I will be participating in:

Crafty Wonderland's Super Colossal Holiday Sale

The Secret Society Sale

and the Lewis Elementary School Sale.

Hope you Portland folks will swing by!

Can as much as you can!

2009-10-24T21:53:00.000-07:00

Having a partner who's a farmer means the joys of the summer bounty.

This year we canned more than ever.

Here is a look at the last few weeks of activity.

I also decided to hand carve stamps for all our labels this year,

I have to say...I love how they turned out.

Looking back on Summer

2009-10-18T16:03:00.000-07:00

A little look back at a summer trip to California.

Gamble Gardens, Palo Alto.

Autumn is upon us in Oregon, leaves are changing,

the chill has set in, the Juncos in the yard are busy eating

seeds and fattening up for the long winter ahead.

It feels like it's time to cozy up with tea, a wool blanket,

and a good book. Any reading recommendations?