a mothering spirit

Thinking about my role as mother and what it means to be the nest when your babies begin to fledge.

She has tiny wings, seemingly too small to fly. Like a bumblebee.

Rooted and flying at the same time.

I caught her in a quiet moment among the trees.

sleeping mouse

Shh...the mouse is sleeping.

A little project I've been envisioning for a while, tucked inside one of my favorite enamel cups.

I'm going to be the featured member artist at The Crossing Arts Alliance Gift Shop in September. I'll need to bring in some gifty type things so I thought this would be a good place to start. I feel so prepared! Though, if I run true to form, I'll be making the rest of my pieces in mid-August sometime.

an opening sky

A return to self, via a different path.

Like the sky has opened.

Some of you will understand what this means, and what it means to me.

There is a stitched stone on my table, and in my shop.

There is gratitude in my heart.

stitched stone photo shoot

The grey overcast day that was yesterday moved on out and made room for a sunny one today. It seemed a good day to take the couple of new stones I had finished out for a photo shoot. I think I might enjoy these photo shoots as much as I enjoy stitching the stones themselves, especially when Ma Nature leaves lovely props out for me.

These are in my online shop.

Hope you've had a wonderful weekend, all.

a collar of earth

A completed piece that had been in mind for a while, a collar of earth. Part of a larger project percolating in my brain. I'm feeling very proud of myself for finishing this and I'm  even more motivated to get the whole project rolling.

As modeled by my 11 year old.

More to come.

more road trip stitchin'

I'm heading off on another road trip in a few days with a box full of stones on my lap. I intend to do some stitching while riding along, and will have grab bag stones available when I return. There is a listing in my shop for a few now.

These small stones have been good for me, they keep my fingers nimble, and the grab bag format means I don't have to photograph and list each individual stone, which saves me time. That said, I have a feeling I'll be heading towards some larger pieces soon...my next road trip isn't until this fall and I feel a pull towards the other side of my workshop. Maybe some wood and wool pieces? Mushrooms? Bowls? 

I'm making a real effort to get a little balance into my work life/ artwork life, which is affording me a little progress towards my goal of being a (mostly) self-sustaining artist. For those that have access, and similar desires, I highly recommend Springboard for the Arts' Work of Art Series. Most helpful in many ways. This journey is a long haul, but I'm determined.

Have a great day, all. 

a plotting plodder

I've been immersed in work projects as of late, and burning the midnight oil on a project of my own, which has left me little time to do much of anything else. Add on top of that connectivity problems and a head cold. I feel like I'm plodding along.

Something I have managed to do is do a little stitching each day. I have plans, you see.

I may be plodding, but I'm also plotting.

I'm a plotting plodder.

If I owe you an email, I apologize. It looks like I'll be back in email today and will sneak a little time tonight to get to them.

Have a great day, everyone.