August's Full Moon

I know I am fascinated with the moon especially the full one's ... it was just on the 24th. Apparently, this full moon was the farthest from us, so in theory should have appeared smaller but I couldn't really see any difference. ~ it was still big and bright and lovely ~

Very best wishes ...

New work ~ getting started

Details ~ (and pardon my basting stitches)

OK ~ I think I am back, this is a piece I have started in the last week or so, inspired by lilies in the garden. This is the first of two ... also watercolour on muslin, wool rovings and hand-stitch. I have discovered for myself that hand-stitiching is so very calming, methodical and quiet. I love my machine but find that I have to walk away after awhile as the sound can become too much.

I hope to do a good mix of both over the next few months ...

Will post the finished piece when it is done!

The Faces of Places

The last photos ~ of all the willing participants that would sit still (and some that would not) ~ perhaps just to humour me ... such beautiful faces indeed!

The Colours of Mexico

A few more photographs ... hope no one minds ~ it amazes me for such a warm climate that the music, colours and food are so spicy and alive. The dancers, the roadside flowers and even the tablecloths of a small sea-side restaurant. I loved seeing those tablecloths blowing in the ocean breeze and those dresses and dancers ... so very beautiful!

Beautiful Mexico

Hi, I have been away ... to the western side of Mexico, so very beautiful. The soft skies and ocean, and then the hot, hot colours of the culture. We saw dancers, water, oceans, fish, rain, lightening and beautiful sunsets. And also, had some pretty interesting street food. Driving was fun!

If you will indulge me I will post a couple of pictures and then maybe a few more. I am still thinking about it a lot.

Very best wishes ... Barbara

The Sedum Series

This is the second in the series ... of sedum heads from last fall. I hope you like the colours and the stitches, and the bits and pieces of stitch left behind. The second piece seemed softer that the first ... maybe not so controlled or anticipated.

This is watercolour on muslin, with rovings and handstitch.

June's Roses

I love doing small watercolours ... and now that my first bloom of roses has faded ~ I will wait patiently for a second flush in a few weeks. In the meantime, I have this small watercolour to remind me of the quiet peace of a quick sketch and a beautiful pitcher full from the garden. Maybe a small quilt in the future ...

Thanks so much ...

First, thank you for the comments, emails and help that came from my last request. My work is small, so many things can work! Finding something that for me is easy, not overly time-consuming (as my work is) and then looks good has been a challenge.
I especially want to say thank you to Judy at http://judysfiberart.blogspot.com/ ... she posted a tutorial on her blog based on mine and others requests for help ~ you can find the tutorial on her blog under "Gallery Hanging Tutorial". So, if anyone else out there is looking for ideas ... visit Judy's blog for beautiful work and lots of insight.
I find that even though I am new to this blogging ... I have met and received emails from so many wonderful artists (even those of you who don't think of yourselves as artists but you are)
... I am amazed at the wonderful, warm souls that participate in this platform.

Very best wishes, Barbara

Looking for suggestions !

I am wondering if anyone has some suggestions or ideas to help me out? I am adrift and stuggling with the framing/presentation of my work. I have been doing OK but the framing/mounting is just not what I am happy with. My work is on the smaller side 18" x 18" or less ... I find that doesn't take well to being hung on a rod of sorts as it doesn't have the weight to keep it down well. Currently, I have been mounting the pieces on stretched canvas (either painted or not) and then using a gallery frame to sit the canvas in.

It is fine but not great ... I am not sure if I should fancy up the frame at all or use straight black on the frame. Whatever I am doing wrong has me stumped ... I would be so happy for suggestions, thoughts, ideas ~ under glass vs not under glass ~ open for anything. Or if you know of books or website, or any other resource ~ I would be so very thankful!

Have a great weekend!

Wet Felting

Wet felting this weekend with my daughter and some friends ~ I love all the work and I find it so rewarding to work with young people and show them a few different things. Even if they never chose to pick it up again ~ at least there is a sense of history and the artist ... hopefully it will stay with them and they might choose right path! It is good to keep them close without asking them to stay. I love their company and they enjoyed their day so much!

Wet felted wool rovings !