Almost Ready!

Whistle of many shapes and sizes

 Circle Craft and the craziness of the winter craft markets is fast approaching. Here are some of my products for this year.

Barrettes large and small

Inro - Made to fit a small USB stick.

Click pens that take a Cross refill

Stitch markers and knitting needles

Trinket boxes bot cute and elegant.

Week 42 - Purple Passion

Week 42 - Purple Passion

In the new year I hope to have time to make more biologically correct canes, but for now simple can be just as passionate.

Uncooked sheet - translucent shows and white

Better Bears for Fred

When I made the "soapstone" bear buttons for Fred, it was a moment of inspiration and the need to do something. Indeed I made more and more bears as pins and zipper pulls - my way of grieving. I think that they are getting better – thanks Fred.

Step Away From the Clay

Pokeweed - Birds dine mammals die

Japanese Anenomes - Just a pretty face

Chayote - A cucumber in drag

Datura - A deadly damsel

Knot Weed - Charming but invasive

Hardy fushia - Pretty and edible

I am trying to get outside every day – even for a few minutes. Family events and trying to make interesting items to sell at holiday markets can leave me so focused on my own interests that I loose touch with nature. After a fifteen minute walk in the neigbourhood I had to run back in side and get my camera. Nature is an inspiration and a balm.

Week 41 – Soapstone Bears

Many years ago, when my husband Hugh was a child, he found a polar bear carved in the butter on the kitchen table. His father Fred had found something to do while he was having his morning coffee. Creative hands cannot be still.

Last Friday Fred passed away. Sunday he had Thanks Giving dinner with the family and by Friday he was gone. I have been wondering if I should say anything about our loss in my blog and decided that I had to.

Fred Tayler always encouraged me in my art. He was and artist too, though he never settled on one medium. He made – pottery, soap stone carvings, sumie paintings and more.

So hears to you Alfred Maxwell Tayler, a wonderful person, and great friend.

Fred in his kitchen a couple of years ago.

Week 40 – Crosshatch

This is definitely a mark one. I should have left more space between the pieces so the red backing would show through. I will revise it when I am not in such a hurry. They do have a certain charm, perhaps I will let them be.

WYSIWYG – Not Always

I am always surprised, delighted or annoyed at how much translucent colour change when they are cooked. I try to always cook a sample before I commit to a project. Here is a sample sitting on top of the raw clay from which it was made. Not only do the colours become brighter but what ever you place behind the cane slices changes the look of the veneer. I would like to spend a few days playing with this. - Something to look forward to in the new year. Now back to work.