a return to stitching stones

I've been missing my daily stitching. A lot. I'm eager to come back to this work that I find so meditative. If you would like a stone of your own, I would be happy to put one in your hands. You can decide approximate color and let me know of any particular stitches you'd like, or if you'd like beads included. I will add my own creativity and send a sweet parcel off to you.

Each stone has been hand-gathered and felted with wool I've dyed myself. The wool cocoons the stone and becomes a canvas for stitches and beads. The act of creating these stones is soothing, almost healing for me. The finished object becomes something that has a pleasing heft in the hand, and reminds the viewer of patterns and textures found in nature.

Each of these stones will be 2.5" - 3" long and fit nicely in the hand.

The process of stone-making takes several days - I must felt and dry the stone before I stitch, and stitching may take a week. Because of that, your stone may take several weeks to arrive. I will fill orders on a first come, first served basis beginning in January 2018.

I've limited the number of stones I'll make for now, but hope to open up more orders in the future if there is interest.

I'm on Instagram now

I'm a little late to the game, but I've finally joined Instagram. 

I'm looking forward to figuring out my way around there. I've already run into some old friends I don't see on other social networks, so, so far so good.

If you're there, you can find me HERE.

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.

a vacation and a grab bag

Vacation!

I have the week off, spending time with family at the lake.

Since the weather has been fluctuating between sun and rain, we've been finding ways to keep ourselves busy when we're not able to fish or kayak.

Yesterday I taught my gram how to wet-felt with the assistance of my youngest.

We've also been playing cards and talking, and just being together.

The rain has also allowed me some time for stitching.

I'll have a handful of small stones done by the end of the week which I'll have in my shop as grab bag stones. For those not familiar, these are small stitched stones that are purchased unseen. You aren't able to pick a certain color or design, but hopefully the right one picks you.

To make it fun for everyone, I ask that only one stone per person is purchased.

If you're interested, head to my shop and have a look. 

a blue stone

A blue stone as repayment to a friend for kindness rendered.

Deep, strong, beautiful blue for someone who shares those attributes.

thank you

Thanks all who took home a stone yesterday, who had a look, who helped spread the word, I'm so grateful.

For those that missed out, I hope to have an offering for you soon.

an intention for the new year

A walk in the woods this morning, on a mission.

Stone in my hand, wrapped in colors I coaxed from nature.

Time for an offering. Sowing a seed of intention. A prayer.

When I stopped at my usual tree I found it was already occupied with a clump of leaves and twigs that looked as if they'd been placed there. I dared not disturb it. Not my place.

Down around the corner another tree would act as nursery. An older oak with two split limbs like praying hands.

I placed my stone, said a few words, and walked back to the house.

Live.

Had there been more room on my stone would say "Live this life. Live it well and good and full. None of it is promised, so live." 

But since this stone is just wee, there it is.

Live.

a new stone

A late work start today gave me time to stitch a stone. Inspired no doubt by the number of bug egg casings I've been looking at lately. Is that weird? Maybe. But mantid oothecas are pretty cool looking.

I brought the stone to work with me and it is now residing in the TCAA online shop. 30% of the sale (if it sells) will go to support TCAA's mission of promoting and enhancing the arts in our area.

You'll also find a number of pieces from talented Minnesota artists there with new things added weekly. If you'd check it out and keep it in mind for your gift-giving needs, I and the other artists it supports, would be so grateful.

TCAA ONLINE SHOP

November grey

I had the most glorious day off of work.

I dyed some wool, ate a colossal omelet, and stitched on this stone.

I find this shade of grey not at all sad and dreary, like November can sometimes be.

In fact, the sparkly red and slate grey is a combo I think I'll explore for a little bit.

Or at least until these four grey stones in front of me are stitched.

After that, who knows.

chilly kitties and stitched stones

A pile of blue sky stones await me on this decidedly grey and chilly November day.

I snuck some stitching time last night and my hands were grateful for the task. I plan to give them a little more time today.

Mother Nature sugar-coated the woods last night.

The kitties aren't as happy about as I am.

This guy refused to follow me out on my walk, mewing his complaints at me from the yard.

"I is displeased right meow"

Have a cozy day, all.

rather, autumn

No dandelion seeds showed up in my stitching. Rather, autumn. I think I'm ready.

In my shop today.

a stone in a tree

A nearly-dead poplar by our driveway, and a stone that hadn't turned out quite right, met this week.

The woodpeckers have already been at work on this tree and no doubt it will fall in an upcoming wind, as poplars are wont to do.

I'm not so sure the carpenter ants were that thrilled with the art piece I offered them. (you can just barely see them on the left side, checking it out)

But there it is, until the wind or the saw decides otherwise.

pre-order stone grab bag

I'm finding I need a little extra motivation to keep up with my stitching so I'm trying something new. To keep my fingers moving, I'm offering a limited edition of middlin' sized stones, on a pre-order, "I like surprises" sort of situation in my shop with staggered ship dates over the next 3 weeks. I'll have a deadline to meet and you'll be motivating an artist AND have a new stone in your hand.

This is a grab bag sale, so you will not be able to pick a specific stone, but they will be indicative of my general style. (those above are examples only)

If you're interested in a stone, and willing to help my fingers stay stitching, please stop by my shop and have a look.

Thanks all!

we have a winner!

Thank you to everyone who entered my giveaway, we have a winner.

Julia in Canada, please email me at lilfishstudios@gmail.com with your mailing address so I can get this stone off to you. Congratulations!

To all of you who shared your latent dreams and ambitions, thank you. I felt a real sense of connection knowing that so many of us have things we want to do outside of what our daily routine allows. I hope you all get to read that book, do that knitting, help others, get to the ocean, or whatever else you might be yearning for.

xo

Lisa