random thoughts on a thursday

I was recently challenged to work on a stone in the color pink. You might have noticed that I don't work much in pink, but I spent some time thinking about our wild roses that stubbornly grow around the stumps in our back woods, and gave it a try. I was happy with the result and because of that, decided to try the other colors that I've been denying. This week I worked in black, and I'm kicking myself for not doing it sooner because I loved the effect. This stone was inspired by my favorite birds, the corvids (crows, ravens, jays) . Next challenge...red.

I gave up working on a to-do list, instead adapting a "to-do tomorrow" list, and that little trick of giving my brain time to think about what needs to be done has been really helpful.

I've rented a classroom at the building where I work for the weekend and am hauling lots of wool and supplies over. I'll be teaching a class on stone-making in the morning on Saturday, sharing wet-felting with friends later that day, and then working on whatever felty thing I might like on Sunday. See, I work at the kitchen table at home so having a whole room with a tile floor, tables, and a sink to myself is an amazing thing.

I watched my 7 year old make a tiny grill out of a bottle cap and aluminum foil last night, stuff it with tissue and light it on fire, and "grill" tiny shavings of carrots and peppers. It makes me proud to see her playing with sharp knives and fire, as weird as that may sound. But I admit it gave me pause when she looked up at me yesterday with a glint in her eye and told me that tomorrow she would make one that's BIGGER.

I should be in the shower by now, getting ready for work. Instead I'm tapping out this post and watching a slug make trails in the condensation on the window glass. Last night I was entranced by the wee frog who was trying to catch mosquitos on the same window. The day before, when I was having a particularly stressed-out moment, I noticed a bee on the sunflower by our door and I stopped to marvel at his pollen-laden legs. Nature is good medicine.

Up and at 'em.

Have a stellar day, all.

xo

upcoming workshops

Sat. July 30, 2016

10:00 - 12:00pm

wet-felted stones

$20

Held at the Franklin Arts Center

1001 Kingwood St. #127, Brainerd MN 56401

Contact Lisa at lilfishstudios@gmail.com to register

Mon. Aug 29, 2016

5:00 - 9:00pm

needle felted pincushion in a cup

$25

bring your own cup or choose a teacup from Lisa's stash

Held at the Franklin Arts Center

1001 Kingwood St. #127, Brainerd MN 56401

Contact Lisa at lilfishstudios@gmail.com to register

Thurs Oct 13, 2016

5:00 - 8:00pm

needle felted otter

$25

$5 discount for those bringing their own needles and mats

Held at the Franklin Arts Center

1001 Kingwood St. #127, Brainerd MN 56401

Contact Lisa at lilfishstudios@gmail.com to register

Mon. Nov 14, 2016

5:00 - 8:00pm

wool fairy workshop

$20

$5 discount for those bringing their own needles and mats

Held at the Franklin Arts Center

1001 Kingwood St. #127, Brainerd MN 56401

Contact Lisa at lilfishstudios@gmail.com to register

stones on the go

Stitched, packed, and on their new adventures.

Thanks to everyone who gave one a home.

gathering memories and stitches

We're back from our road trip. Mostly.

We had the pleasure of a visitor at our house late this week so our travels are not quite over. We're exploring nearer our house, but still exploring. 

We spent some time in the southern part of MN exploring caves, gathering fossils, and watching a doozy of a thunderstorm.

I spent some time in the prairie breathing it in and soaking up the beautiful marks ma nature has made, and hope to turn that inspiration into stitches. Maybe you can see some when you look through these photos.

The kids did some nature study, and we all learned a lot.

These happy days are salve for my soul and I acknowledge that many among us are not in a place of happiness or peace. Photos of flowers don't solve the world's problems by any stretch of the imagination, but there is something to be said for invoking happiness, even in small amounts, even in one person.

Right now, I am happy.

For those that ordered stones, I will packing them up and sending them early next week. I want to get a photo of them all together before I mail them off. I hope they bring with them a little of that prairie happiness.

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.