Category Archives: Natural Elements

Labor Day 2019

Hello,
This week was Labor Day and even though I have been retired for years it still represents the end of summer and the beginning of   fall and school for me. It was a quiet day and I worked in the studio a lot. I got to thinking about horizons as I watched the children walking to school this morning. The Father was sharpening them along toward new futures that would certainly broaden the horizons of those young minds. Horizons are a important part of artists work too. It is a part of many a landscape and a great tool to use to show depth in art work. Just a small shift can change ones perspective and the horizons one sees. It is a way for one to explore even thought we are through with formal schooling.

I did unroll my Eco Dyeing projects from the  Finger Lakes Fiber Artists play day two weeks ago.   I am sorry to say the beets red dye turned black  with time.  But the red silk that I used did transfer lots of its color.      This is the paper.

This is the fabric.

 

 

 

Progress Report: Seven Feathers I have stitched down all the feathers at this point and I am doing reflective quilting to complete this piece.

Tee Shirt Quilt I finished the construction of the back for this quilt yesterday. Now I can begin the sandwich and quilt it.

 

 

 

 

 

Burning Woods It seemed like it took a long time for me to begin pinning on this work. Now it is moving along quickly. I have even started to stitch down some of the parts of this work.

Memories of Mom This work appears and disappears the stack of things to do so progress is slow. I am also unsure about whether I   have pulled together all the items I want to use on it.   I just need to keep exploring.

 

 

Wool Rounds     I am finished with this first batch of circles.  I am now working on a second bunch.

 

 

 

 

 

Childhood Memories- Schoolroom Glacier

This memory is also  of the Tetons. When Dad was a ranger Mom wanted to go to Schoolroom Glacier. It is a classic example of how a glacier pushes rocks to for a moraine and a lake as it moves forward. We never made the trip that summer as it is 14 miles from the trail head at Jenny Lake to the glacier. Farther then she thought we  ( I was 10 and Gene was 7 ) could hike in one day. But when we returned to the Tetons and Yellowstone the year I was a senior, we rented horses and made the trip.  Do to a heat event ( precursor of climate change) the snow at the front of the glacier collapsed into the lake and a lot of water flooded out. This destroyed the perfect V that was usually a part of the moraine. It left a big cave like form in the front of the glacier too. Mom was very excited and took a lot of photos to use in her class.  She also purchased older slides of how it had been before the collapse. While we were there it stated to rain. I had a new cowboy hat as I had out grown my old one,  so my head was dry. But to my dismay the horse I was riding threw a shoe and I had to walk her most of the way down. My hat’s form was ruined by the rain, but I still have the horse shoe.

Keep Creating

Carol

January Joys

 

Hello,

This work Sun Skies 24” X 35”,  along with thirty of my other experimental pieces was hung in the gallery at May Memorial on Genesee St yesterday.   That is why I did not do the post.   I spent all day on Wed preparing for that hanging by pressing, making labels and  fixing my hanging units to work in that space.   I really like more than a week to prepare for a show and that was all I had this time.   IMG_2551  One does need to take the opportunities when they arise .      This work is Ice Crystal Forming.

Progress Report: Totem Fox This work is 20” X 27”.   It is my solution to the Totem Challenge by the Sisterhood of the Scissors.   I tried to keep the color range limited like the native Americans do with their totems and at  the same time make the work my own. IMG_2582I feel like I did so with this machine appliqued work.    I found all the hand quilting to be very calming during all the rush of the holidays too. IMG_2583

 

Rocky Shore- Elements Series I This work is 15.5” X 19” and the first in the Elements Series.    I was following the online class instructions and although the body of the work was done long ago I did not get to the finishing section until last week.   I faced the first one that I finished Gathering Storm  as she suggested.  This one I used the small binding method but could not do the sheer ribbon technique that she suggested because I did not have the materials. IMG_2561 I will apply the technique to a later work. IMG_2562

 

 

 

 Forest Fire- Elements Series 3  This work is 17”X 21”.   With this one the finishing was to be done with a binding that changes color as it went around the quilt.  I  think in this case that was a strong idea as having an orange strip at the top of this work surely would have limited it. IMG_2565I enjoyed using Angelina for the spark in the fire and  the painted organza too.IMG_2566 There is a little silk paper in this work as well.

 

Waterfall- Elements Series 4  This work is 18.5” X 22”.  It too has Angelina and silk paper in it.    The big tree on the left is made with yarn, bits of fabric and nylon netting.   Some of the smaller stones where made with squeeze paint on fabric- one of the lesson’s from the class.IMG_2570 The  finishing   of this work includes a  binding with  a beaded element for a bit more sparkle .IMG_2571  I learned some new tricks to apply to my collections of effects and I am glad I did all the projects.

Jeanne’s Quilt IMG_2552 I just keep adding to this work and it keeps growing.  I hope to get to the  side this week and then only the flaps will remain

Forest Flock    All the little red and gray birds are finished for this project.  I have drawing and started the blue and gray ones as well.  ( they are at the bottom)

IMG_25583X3 Challenge   Now that I have finished the Totem project I am ready to move onto this challenge.   The rules include making nine little quilts that go together into a bigger piece that is 3X3.   All the blocks need to contain some black and white as well.   I have decided to make my blocks 20”X20” and use this black and white print.    This will change with time but I think those elements are set.

IMG_2554Knitting  Because I have not gotten far enough along on the 3X3 challenge and I have no other hand work I knitted as my hand project this week.

 

Label Cards: Dream   I had to use this Fortune  Cookie  as it made me laugh.  Dreams do not need to be big ones, but they can grow.  It is most important that one dream.

 

 

 

 

 

 Hope , like laugher and honey is a comedy that we need more of  in this world.

Keep Creating

Carol

End of year

IMG_2457Hello,

I had to add this photo of my grandson’s creation for his mother for Christmas.   I am so very proud of his creative welded  work.

We are reaching the end of 2018 and reflection on all that has transpired over the course of the year seems to be apart of that ending.   I have had a wonderful year with lots of shows and lots of creative work.  I continue to be healthy and the ideas keep flowing out of my brain while the fingers do the work.      My New Years wish for you is that you too will find new beginnings and joy at every turn.

Progress Report:   Gathering Storm This work is part of the elements series from Corrine’s online class book.   I have done all the palmary work and I am now doing the finishing up of the four works  as the instructor suggests. IMG_2498I have learned a lot as I have follow the instructions.  It has revived my interest in Angelina too.IMG_2499

Cockleburs/Noogooras  I thought that this work was done last week, but upon further reflection I realized that it was not quilted enough with just stitch in the ditch work.  So I added more steams in machine drawing.  They add the quilting to make itIMG_2515avoid sagging and a quiet interest.   Do that however meant I had to re-square the work so it has become a bit smaller as well.   IMG_2514I am happier with it now.

 

Meadowlark  This work is 12” X 12” and it too has a felted base with machine drawing on top.    I really like this process and can see more works in this style down the road. IMG_2506  There is a bit of recycling in this piece too.    The fence post is made from some of the leftovers of the rock piece that became   Rain Puddle.  I added brown nylon netting on top to quiet it down a little too.   IMG_2507  I made the barb wire from yarn as it frayed like the little spikes on the wire does.

Waterfall  After adding batting  and backing I am now stitching down the parts and quilting at the same time.   I’ll finish this like Gathering Storm as it too is from the Elements class.

Forest FlockIMG_2455  I built this quiet background this week.  I am making thread painted birds to add in on the top.    I will create  felted  trees to add yet another layer of depth to the work.   This will be the biggest work that I have done using the thread drawing as a part of the process.

IMG_2508  These are some of the birds.  There are two shades of gray and red threads on them.  They need black beaks, eyes and feet to be complete.   That will be my next action.

SandpipersIMG_2519 I also did the research and some palimony drawings for the next machine drawing  bird piece this week.   After doing all the solo birds I want to do groups for a piece or two

Jeanne’s quilt   This work got about an hour’s worth of work every day that I went to the studio this week.   Some rows even got connected to the ones next to them as they got completed.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Totem Fox   I am done with the quilting and I am adding the facings to this work now.  I think I will have it finished by tomorrow.  I have enjoyed this project.

 

IMG_2510 Collections V  This piece did not get much attention this week.   I am still collecting things that I think go together  here.   But now that Totem Fox is done I will need some hand work.

Label Cards: Rework    The new beginnings of the season  even became a part of this challenge this week.    At the same time I do not think one can leave the past behind so using some parts of an old project to build upon was a natural way to move forward for me.

The  Thing IMG_2484The future is like opening a door when you do not know what you will find.    What is” the thing “that is in your future  that will change everything that follows.   We can only move forward doing the best with what lies a head.

IMG_2486Another Thing  At the same time I can not think that good things are out there too.

Enjoy the holidays and ay your heart be full of joy.

Keep Creating

Carol

Everson Show

Hello,

The big event in my life this week was the opening of the Everson show: (Re)Generate.   It is a show of women’s work from  gals all over 60 years old.  I was invited to participate and this is my Wildfire piece that is there.   The show is up until Jan 15.   I am very happy to be a part of this show along with so many friends.     The other event this week was a FAB meeting.  We went to Nancy’s new home.  It is wonderful with great views and splendid rooms.   In the basement there is a wonderful old pool table and some very old billiard   balls.BillardsI could not resist this colorful shot.

Progress Report: Noogoora/Cockleburs   All the parts are attached now and I have even done additional quilting in the form of more branches to fill in.  I will add the facing and finish it this week I hope.

Totem Fox IMG_2452I continue to do the quilting on this piece.   I am just about half way done with that step now.

Waterfall   I added the painted dryer sheet for the water fall yesterday and a bit of silk paper.   I will now free motions quilt it all down.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Meadowlark IMG_2444 All the base machine drawing is done now and I am ready to wash out the stabilizer.   Then on to the  felted  base.

Jeanne’s Project    I keep building away on this project.   It is slow because,  I audition a piece of fabric, look and then decide if it should be stitched on.     The if it works I stitch and move on to the next row.   I think she will be happy when it is complete.

IMG_2451Collection VI    I started a new work in this series this week.   There is not a lot on the surface yet but the building is part of the fun of these projects.

Cards: Inspire Be aware and open to the world around you.

IMG_2438 We never Know      One never knows what will spark a new direction or work.

I hope the holidays bring you joy and delight.

Keep Crating

Carol

Quiet Days

IMG_2194  Hello,

We are in a quiet winter week at the moment.     Snow and Christmas prep keep one in the house and busy.    I had several days at home working and I enjoyed them a lot.    Sat afternoon was the opening of the 12X 12  show at the Broad Street Gallery in Hamilton.

IMG_2409Sharon and I went out together and we had a good time.  Several pieces were sold but not our work.

IMG_2410 This piece is in the show along with two more  bird pieces.   I was told by one of my Social art friends that she really liked this one.

Progress Report:    Dickcissels  This felted work is 12” X 12”.    I am having a good time doing little birds.IMG_2430   The felting portion is fun too.   Then adding all the details on the birds as I build them with the stitching is a real learning process.

Solo Blue Jay   This bird work is also 12” X 12”.   ( I have backgrounds built for two more)   I tried to make the background more interesting by putting him in a tree.   The Dickcissels   are found only in meadow settings so building trees for this background was especially enjoyable. IMG_2426 I have been experimenting with putting two treads through the eye of the needle and that makes for a more complex  color mix with the feathers.IMG_2427

 IMG_2422Totem Fox    The fox its self is all appliqued down now and I am to the quilting stage.  I am trying to follow the dye lines and create grass with them.

Jacket IMG_2420The hand work on this jacket continues.    I am still feeling the inspirations from the Slow  Stitch class  I took at the Schweinfurth last month.

Cockle burs- Noogoora’s     The bur heads are all stitched down now and I am ready to do the finish work on this piece.

 

 

 

Jean’s Project

IMG_2417This is the early stage of building this box quilt.   All the little white tags are the centers of the rows and they are labeled so I don’t accidently put them on the   wall upside down when I walk back to the pin wall.  I seem to only be able to add one  or two patches at a time on this work.   Then I must look and decide what to do next.

 

Waterfall    The tree’s crown is attached to the background.   I am now ready to begin doing the rocks and water in this piece.

 

 

Label Cards -Laughter IMG_2414  This is almost a cheat as I did so little in creating this card.   But when I saw this quote I could not stop myself from using it.

Line of Sight    I enjoy how the eye is lead up and away in this  sculpture.    Lines are strong directors for our eyes.

Keep Creating

Carol

Fall Color

Hello,

IMG_2092Fall is all around me here in central NY.   I love all the color  although it has been very rainy so leaves are being pulled off the trees and there is little full color display here.   One needs to enjoy what is available.

FAB meant on Friday last week and  Sharon shared her completed commissions.  She sure can build a great  depth in her work  and all the seasons are represented.

IMG_2083This week I went with the Associated Artists  to visit an artists  studio.   Chris Baker ( his work is in the photo) was very open and gracious to us answering question after question.   It was a good learning experience.

Progress Report:  Wildfire This work is 33” w X 34” l.   I have so enjoyed working on this project.     I used a lot of the information that I learned in the transparence class at QBL last summer .  IMG_2108 I also used some silk paper that I had created to build up the color.   IMG_2109Everything is sewn  and quilted  together with free motion work.   I enjoyed  working on this one.

Friends- collections 3 This work is 16” w X 24”l.    There are so many little memories for me in this work.   Many of the objects are gifts from friends.   the Artists trading card here is form my friend Sharron  and the black glass button came from Jenny’s button box.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Machine drawing    I did a lot of machine drawing of birds this week.     Two Blue Jays, two Killdeer  and three Cedar Waxwings make up my efforts.     The last Waxwing is about half done.    I want to add them to the felting that I did last week.   Hopefully they will be a part of the  12X12 show at the Broad Street gallery in Dec/Jan.

 

 

Scarp Happy workIMG_2111These are three of the panels that I am building for the back of the scarp happy quilt.   I tried to limit the pallet so it hold together visually.

 IMG_2098Halloween Cards It is the season and I had a good time playing with paint and stickers one  day this week.

New work   The base is all done for this new project.  I want to build some burrs to add on top of this base.

Dyeing  and Indigo IMG_2096   Last Thursday I went to Regina’s and she encouraged me to use her Indigo dye pot.  I did these four  pieces at that time.  I think there is a lot of white because  I am not sure I soaked them in water before  I dipped them.   Mistakes are often made when one is learning.   IMG_2116Part of that learning included the fact that I stitched and wrapped some fabric before I went to Regina’s.   But it was soda soaked and one dose not need  to have soda soaked fabric  for indigo.   So this week I used some premixed dyes from Ethel’ stash on this fabric.   It came out pale again because I did  not know what I was doing.

 

Daily Practice  I keep working  away on this project.  I feel I am  almost  most done with the flow lines  around the outside of the fabric shapes.

 

Keep Creating

Carol

Good News

Calling Crows 49″wX 34″h

Hello,

This work is in the Quilts unlimited Show in Old Forge NY.  I got a letter in the mail this week that told me this work won a Judges Choice award.   I am delighted.

Other events happened this week as well.   Tanya came to visit and we talked of dyeing.  She is working with silk and experimentally dyeing with different materials.   I love the colors she   The big event was yesterday and it was my first meeting with the Sisterhood of the  Scissors.  It was a play day at Regina’s house.    Everyone just did their own thing. 

 

 

 

 

Wendy spent her time at the meeting working on shome stitchery.  Several gals worked on their weaving.

They both had handmade looms.   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

one can see the image of her dog under this weaving.   It will be great.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Regina is mixing her indigo dyed doily and a rust dyed one.I dyed with shaving cream and put a few items into Regina’s Dye pot.  We had a good time and d to the next meeting.

 

Progress Report:   FOX  This work is 25.5” w X 4hhh.   I am finally finished with this work.    I used some of my hand dyed.

IMG_2051The modeled orange red here is that fabric.   The background with the greens is one of the fabrics I inherited from Ethel.   Her influence just keeps going in my life.IMG_2052

Wildfire-  I am now done with the free motion quilting on this piece.  It sure seems to give the work more of a flow  pattern across the surface.

IMG_2046Friends   I am done with the hand applique  and directive stitch work on this piece now.    The glasses are from my friend Mary and the copper belt buckle is  from my mom.   I now need  to purchase some additional stretcher bars as I did not mark the outer edge of the size and I filled the space allotted.    So I will purchase some 16” bars and finish this work.The wool is from Tanya and  the leaves from  Pam.   I got the buttons from a big tin from my friend Sally.    Folks are so very generous.

 

 

 

 

 

Daily Practice  IMG_2045  All  the fabric pieces are attached now and I am working on stitching to pull them together.

IMG_2054Felting    I went a little crazy when I got the felting machine out and did four bases.IMG_2056    IMG_2057Then I ordered more roving as I did not have as much blue as I wanted.IMG_2058

Birds   The felting lead me to do some machine drawing and the Blue Jay and the Killdeer are the result.   I will build a few more birds to

apply to the backgrounds.

 

 

 

 

 

New  Work   I started a new background using lots of my hand dyed stuff .

Creative Assistants    I watched a little football this week and built a few faces along the way.

IMG_2064Label Cards Thousand Words    I think this is a true and powerful statement. IMG_2066Feed Your Soul    For each and everyone of us that idea is unique.   Color, texture and exercise are some of the things that feed my soul- but I am sure that is not true of everyone.

Keep Creating

Carol

Fall presence

 

IMG_2021Hello

One of the sure signs of fall for me is the appearance of small mushrooms in my yard.   These golden ones looked like little coins  scattered  across the lawn.    IMG_2020   Marty and I made a quick trip to Maine last week  to see Elizabeth and Barbara.   We stopped at our favorite bit of geology wonder on the way home.   We had never been there in the morning when the rock was in shadow.   It changes the color a bit I think.

Progress  Report: Scrap Happy  Being away for five days meant I did not get as much work done as usual.   I am assembling the squares for  for this project now.     I am a little beyond the half way point with that step.    I always love how chance plays a part in this process.

Wild Fires I am in the free motion stitching process on this project now.   The trees are all done and I am working on the fire parts now.

IMG_2025Friends – collection   This work is moving along.   I have most of the big parts attached and I am working on details now.    This   embossed copper piece was a project from my teaching days.   The students made jewelry with this process.

FOX    I just finished all the reflective quilting on this project.   Now I will bind and finish it.

New work-  Curvie cuts  IMG_2029   I made this ripple cut background with the intention of applying all the “cut aways”  from the last few text pieces.   When I tried that I realized it is too strong to support the little pieces.    I have no idea for it’s future  now so I will live with it until inspiration hits.   As to the leftovers- well  perhaps  l will try a quieter base for them.

Label Collages:   Differences    I hope we can all be open to the uniqueness of each of the person  we meet.

Dramatic Episodes Everyone experience episodes of profound emotion it their lives.    Hopefully the sad ones do not last too long.

Keep Creating

Carol

Dye Class

IMG_1946Hello,

I took a dyeing workshop at the Schweinfurth for three days last week.   Pat Pauly was the teacher.      This was my second experience  with this teacher doing a similar class and I learned a lot.   My first class was shortly after I had inherited powered dyes form my friend Ethel.   It was also my first time dyeing where I  had to mix  the dye.  When I dyed with Ethel, I would show up and we would play.  She had done  all the prep work

IMG_1951before I arrived on the scene.   So I learned a lot that first time  about those steps in the process- But not a lot of what the teacher was  trying to impart to us  about application and techniques of using the dyes effectively.   This time I feel I got what she wanted us to learn.    IMG_1953There was lots of variety in what folks did in class as this shot of Jacquelyn with her work behind her shows.

   Up stairs at the Schweinfurth   there is a great show of stitchery and weaving by a Mayan family.   It is beautiful and I would encourage any one at all interested in visiting.

   On our way home Liz and I stopped and took a bunch of photos of this beautiful old barn.    I hope to use it as a jumping off point for a new piece.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I have washed out some of the fabric- 30 pieces so far.   I am quiet pleased at the colors and textures that I got from the class.   I feel that because I had class with Pat before that I managed to put my own stamp on the work I created and did not just mimic Pat’s techniques.

IMG_1995 FAB meant here yesterday.  It was good to see everyone again.   Sharon shared this   nearly completed quilt that is part of a triptych that she is making for a friend.    I lone how she added just a small amount of snow on the branches.

Progress Report:   Wildfire   This work is going forward.  I feel I am ready to now add batting and backing and begin to add the free motion stitching to give detail to the work.

 

 

 

 

 

FOX    All the parts are now stitched down with nylon thread.    It is pin basted and ready for the satin stitch work to unite all the parts and move toward finishing the work.IMG_2010

Collections- Friends IMG_2006   I am adding the individual  parts to the surface of this work now.    I called this work Friends because I am putting little gems  that friends have given me together in this work.   This  trading card is from my friend Sharron.

Daily Practice   I m still adding the satin circles to the surface of this piece.

 

 

 

Creative Assistants  IMG_2015  It is football season so I am working on Creative Assistants.   These are ready for pin backs and  squeezie paint embellishments.

IMG_2003New work  I am ready to start a new piece and I have pulled these fabrics to cut and sew together to be my new base.   I want to use the cutaways from several of my text  pieces in this work.

Label Cards

IMG_1999   Dance – Life is movement so thinking of it as a dance is a normal reaction.   Sometimes we forget there is no real pattern that fits everyone.   This is a reminder that  we need to relax and go with in our  personal direction listening to our unique theme.

Dream  Dreams change as we grow and change with the events that shape our lives.   We need to keep revising and believing in our dreams.

Keep Creating,

Carol

PS-  I will be traveling next week so there will not be any Blog for Oct 4.

First Opening

Hello,

The fall is a beautiful time and I am enjoying it.   I went to visit with my friend Chris who has a camp on Kuaka  Lake this week.    This wall work is by her late husband and one of the new items she has placed in her cabin.  

This week was also the opening of the Broad Street Galley show.   This is a shot is of two of my smaller works  along with other  gallery work.     Sharon and I shared a pleasant evening talking to folks. 

On Friday Liz and I spent the day painting on fabric.  It was a new experience for Liz and she did lots of experimenting.   I painted organza for use in my Wildfire piece.

 

We had fun.

I am off to a three day workshop at the Schweinfurth Art center with Pat Pally on dyeing, tomorrow and so I have been packing.  I hope all this stuff fits into Liz’s car along with her collection too.

 

 

Progress Report:  Label Block   When you are a part of the Quilts =Art = Quilts show one is often asked to contribute a small work to be sold to raise funds for the gallery.   This is my contribution for that cause.

 

 

Mulberry Memories 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This work is 38″ w X 23″ t.    It is part of the memorrie map series about my childhood.   The town represented is Carroll Iowa and we lived in this town for 5 years.   

Playing marbles and learning to ride a bike were important events in those years.      Gene and I also spent a lot of time climbing the mulberry tree in the front yard.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FOX    At this point I am attaching the words to the background with invisible thread.  I plan to cut away the back and then I will be ready to applique the words down and quilt the piece.

Wildfire     This work is shaping up now.    I used some of the organza that I painted on Friday in this piece and I added some silk paper from my stash too.   I need to build a foreground  now and then I will be ready to stitch the work together.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Scottie block   Lori’s new granddaughter has an eye disability and she asked us to make a square with lots of texture for her.   This is my Scottie that I made with a soft velvet and an old towel for the grass.  I want to add a eye made with a doll eye to give another texture too.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Collection III- Friends   I have been working away on collecting more elements to add to this work and doing a little stitching too.   I feel like there are enough items on the surface now and so I will concentrate on the handwork from now on.

 

 

 

 

Daily Practice This work is moving forward.  I only have a few more circles to add to the surface and then I will be able to go forward with stitching designs.

 

 

 

 

 Label Cards:This card is obviously a travel card and it is nice to go on journeys.   But there are lots of potential trips just outside one’s own door that are journeys too.   Be open to adventure.

 

 

 

 

And this adventure is one of the immigration.

Enjoy

Carol