3-24-16



...what a strange day this has been... and one I am attributing to the full moon.

I must admit... these past few days I have felt quite depressed, and while I know deep inside that things will indeed get better
... the struggle has been real.
So... rather than sound all maudlin and wanky... I've decided to just post some (hopefully) "pretty" photos
... and I will write more when things turn towards the upside.

See you all tomorrow.

3-23-16



ah coltsfoot.... how I love you.
Seems every year I end up writing about this fabulous plant, as it is usually the first to bloom in springtime. (look here, and here). Often confused with dandelion... it is a happy and bright spot of yellow after a long, cold winter. And although we've had a pretty mild winter... it is no less a welcome sign.

So for today... I am flinging the windows and doors open, cranking up the music, and going to work. See you all tomorrow.


(all the photos for today's post were of coltsfoot plant, blooming in my yard yesterday afternoon)

3-22-16


Feeling exhausted.... but it's a beautiful day out there.
So I took a short walk here on the hill.
I hope you are all having a great day... and I'll see you back here tomorrow.


3-21-16


It's Maker Monday! --- my series of posts on Mondays that feature something I've made, and encourage the "maker" lifestyle.

What a busy past few days! I've been working on a poster for a local group, flyers for a friend's shop, some business cards for a friend ( I love doing design work)... and of course, trying to list things in the Etsy shop and on Ebay.
And this weekend... because I was feeling a bit better... I decided to catch up on the cleaning, the laundry.... and cooked up some things ahead of time to put in the freezer, for those days when I am not feeling up to doing much.
And all of these things are creative... definitely... and part of making a home and being a creative soul. But... doesn't really make for much of an interesting post. And yes, some weeks are like that. And that is ok.
But last night, while I was trying to get rid of a headache... I decided it was the perfect time to sit down... watch a movie.... and make something. I thought about it for a few minutes, and realized that some of the most calming things that I make... are my prayer bead sets. I lit a candle, and set about to make a few things, whilst thinking positive and healing thoughts for whomever finds their way to them.

If you've seen my rosary rings, you know they are my original design. I came up with the idea many years ago, because I thought it would be nice to have a rosary small enough to carry with you at all times. Each rosary ring has 10 main beads; just like a single decade on a rosary... some accent/ divider beads, and a medal on it. Over the years, many folks have told me that they have placed a ribbon on them and used them for a Bible bookmark, attached a pin and hooked them to a loved ones gown (or pillow case) while they were in the hospital, and carried with them through chemo treatments, court trials, travels, and more. That makes me happy. Pictured below, are a few that I made last night.

Keep creating folks... and I'll see you all tomorrow.


for the weekend



It's the weekend!
And we've got all kinds of things starting to sprout up in the yard and in the nearby woods... including leeks! ; so I thought I would share some recipe sites here.... and here. I am looking forward to seeing how many of them will come up this year; as we moved them closer to the little creek near our house so they can spread out better.

And, of course, I've gathered some links to share with you all:

* see the Milky Way
* 9 spooky places in NW Pennsylvania 
* sigh... I love diners
* a Street Cat named Bob
* Radioactive Man
* offbeat things to do in Seoul, Korea
* who knew Michael Jackson stole this from Bob Fossse
* Basil Smith and his Gypsy caravans
* some incredible tiny homes
* artist Steve Casino

and here are some links to blogs on my reading list:


I hope you all have a great weekend, and I'll see you all back here on Monday.


3-18-16


Look what I found out on my walk yesterday!
I am so excited for spring, in spite of the fact that we really didn't have much of a winter.
And late last night/ early this am... I went out and covered up our little lilac bush; as the weather channel was predicting very low temps and the possibility of snow. My lilac bush was one we planted in April of 2014 as part of out Earth Day celebrations.... and it has just started to bud  out... and I was afraid it would be injured in the cold.... but alas, she is ok.

When I was very little, my grandmother had a significantly large lilac bush in her yard, and it smelled heavenly. Many years later, we moved down beside her to help take care of her; and this bush was not far from my bedroom window. Years later, my sister took a snipping of it; and grew one in her yard. When my parents later moved to a different house, there was (and is) and patch of lilac bushes in their front yard. And now, we have one. It's amazing how these sort of things stay with you.


And today is Friday, which means I have some work to finish up.
I enjoy donating things to local causes and fundraisers, and I've been gathering things this week to donate to 3 separate events. These items will be going to a Chinese Auction to raise funds to make improvements to the Potter County Fairgrounds. I've sent 2 jewelry sets, and a matted 8x10 photograph.

The items below; are going to be part of a fundraiser for the Penn Brad Oil Museum. They include a set of recycled paper cards and envelopes set, several guitar picks made from recycled gift cards, a matted original 8 x10 photograph (signed) and a pair of sterling silver earrings that feature aqua aura quartz crystal points.

See you all tomorrow for my weekend post!


3-17-16


Happy St. Patrick's Day!!!

I am so very sorry I missed yesterday's post.... things rather got away from me...
But today, I am up... and working... and ... look what I found on a short walk!
Snowdrops!... so cute... and a definite sign of spring.

I've begun making a "new" style of necklaces. They will all be sterling silver or 14K Gold plate chain in a choker length; that feature precious and semi-precious stones. Sort of minimalist, they are simple in design, yet have a classy, rich look to them. I am looking forward to making similar necklaces in a variety of stones and color combinations.


Here is one I made and took to the show this past weekend.... For this one, I used faceted Peacock blue Apatite stones and a handmade sterling silver bead from Santa Fe. Apatite is an unusual and uncommon stone (technically it's a mineral)... and I love the deep teal color on these ones.

"Apatite's various colors are often due to the presence of rare earth elements or natural irradiation. Because of its wide color range, apatite has often been mistaken for many other gemstones, including topaz, tourmaline, and various beryl varieties.Although apatite is a very common mineral, transparent gemstone-quality apatite is extremely rare and seldom found in jewelry stores. It is, however, very popular among collectors because of its' variety of colors.

At any rate.... I hope you thoroughly enjoy your day... listen to some great Irish music... eat some bangers and mash... have a green beer!
And I will see you all tomorrow...

3-15-16


Sometimes it's hard to know where to turn, and still be true to yourself.
I was reminded today of this gorgeous carousel, that I had taken a photo of at the New Mexico State Fair several years ago. There are days when you feel like you are going 'round and 'round...  and seemingly going nowhere. This is one of those days.

I was talking with a (new) friend when I was down in Ridgway this past weekend. The subject was being self employed... and being an artist... and how it's hard to have people understand that you are indeed working... even though you are home. There are times, when it would probably be much less work; and a more consistent income... if I simply got a regular job at a grocery store or fast food chain. But I think that I would surely die. Especially with having a chronic illness; I would be putting all my energy (as the Lupus allows) into working a "normal" job... and would have absolutely nothing left to give to my art. Which means... I wouldn't be doing any... which means my soul would wither up... and that would be the end of me.  So... do you "suck it up" and get a real job.... and hope that things will be ok ... or that it will be temporary... and then you can go back to art? or do you stick it out and make the best dang art you can; and hope that things pan out there so that you can do what you love... and still make an income? I think you know the answer.

Most of you know that I was a registered nurse, and that I absolutely loved my work as a nurse. But truth be told; I was sick a lot of the time; because I was putting my all into my job. I had to "retire" early, under my doctor's advice... . because it was just too much. I can't imagine that holding down any "regular" job would be any less taxing... and I would simply be repeating history. Gods know, I don't want to let anyone down. But there comes a point when if you can't take care of yourself adequately; you can do nothing to help someone else... much as you would like.

So... for all of you in similar circumstances.... I would say (at least at the moment, while I am feeling the conviction of my thoughts)... hang in there. Do what you love. People who appreciate your work and the talent and dedication that go into it... WILL find you. Keep creating...

...see you all tomorrow...

3-14-16



It's Maker Monday! --- my series of posts on Mondays that feature something I've made, and encourage the "maker" lifestyle.

This past weekend, I went to my first show of the year.... participating in a "pop-up" show during the Chainsaw Carver's Rendezvous in Ridgeway PA. A fellow artisan in the PA Wilds Artisan Trails will be opening up her pottery studio soon ((photos at the top of this post are of Your Fired Pottery studio; and owner/ artisan Stacie Johnson-Leske))... but opened up her studio space to 7 other artisans (plus her) in the PA Wilds to be able to show and sell their work to this international audience. It was extremely gracious of her, and both the daughter and I were honored to be able to show our work.


((above: work by Lois Crozier of Little Bear Alpacas, Work by Kristin Russell of Mulchkin 
and work by Molly O-Bryon Welpott))

((above: work by Stephanie Distler Artisan Jewelry, artwork by Perry Winkler, 
and work by Deb Ruhf of the Muddy Moose Bath Works))

For this show, I concentrated on making new prints... 21 different Mandala designs created from my original photographs,
6 different prints stylized to look more like graphic posters from the 1930s, and some matted 8x10s and postcards.



Before we left Ridgeway, I stopped in at the ECCOTA gallery. I was juried into the ECCOTA gallery in 2014, and have been sorely neglectful of putting my work there; with the exception of a large printed photograph on canvas that I love. But no more. I now have lots of jewelry pieces, photographs, mandala prints, rosary rings and rosaries, and recycled envelope and cards sets now in the gallery space. So if you are in the Ridgeway area... please stop in and check them out.

((if you click on the photos in this post, they will enlarge to show you more detail))

See you all tomorrow...


(from Left --> right: Lois Crozier, Stacie Johnson Leske, Molly O'Bryon-Welpott, Deborah Ruhf,
Stephanie Distler, Elaine Russell and Kristin Russell. Missing from the photo, was Perry Winkler)

for the weekend


Ok. So, I'm not really home right now... I'm still down in Ridgeway at the Chainsaw Carver's Rendezvous.
See yesterday's post for details... and stop in and see me if you are in the area.

But .. I wanted to continue my usual routine of sharing links on the weekend; as I know some of you really look forward to them.
So... here is what I gathered:

*throw out the "granny" stereotype! Seriously. This is cool.
*this is an interesting site I stumbled across. A little pricey... but offers goods from around the world in an effort to help artisans all over.
*ok. These are weird... but cool... all at the same time.
*an interesting artist profile/story from the website ArtsyShark
*what's showing at different art galleries around NYC this week
*500 years later, Bosch gets a show.
*looking for inspiration/ creativity? here's a book list to check out.
*here's another website I recently discovered, that has me enthralled.
*ok. Here is the book I (finally) finished reading. I think (in this case) that I liked it so much, that I savored every bit and dragged it out as much as I could. This one is next on my list.
*so... one of my guilty pleasures is fried chicken... and I've been craving it for days now. Where is the best fried chicken in America? According to "TheDailyMeal", here is a list.

Here's to a busy weekend at the rendezvous... and I'll see you all back on Monday.

~~~
((the photo for today's post is another in my series of new prints. 
This one features one of my original photographs from the Susquehanna State Forest))


3-11-16


If you happen to be in the Ridgeway area for the Chainsaw Rendezvous... stop in at Your Fired Pottery Studio; owned by Stacie Johnson-Leske. You can see the shop website HERE.

Inside Stacie's studio space, several PA Wilds Artisans will be setting up a "pop-up" shop. You will find pottery by Stacie Johnson-Leske,  jewelry by Stephanie Distler Artisan Jewelry, watercolor art by Perry Winkler, photography by Molly O'bryon- Welpott, soaps and bath items by Muddy Moose Bath Boutique, mixed media and paintings by Kristin Russell, artisan goods from Lois Crozier of Little Creek Alpacas ( and myself).

---> We will all be hanging out from 11am-6pm; both today and tomorrow.

The photo for today's post is one of my new altered prints that I will have available at the show.

3-10-16


... well... things are sort of coming together a bit... or maybe not LOL... one can never be too sure...

But at least we have Project Runway All Stars tonight... and I've a bottle of wine chilling in the fridge.
Keep creating folks!
See you all tomorrow...

3-9-16


Happy Wednesday!

Time is flying by this week... and I've been hard at work.
One of the things I have been working on; is a new series of prints.
Made from my original photographs, they sort of remind me of old travel posters from the 30s.
What do you think? This is a graphic style take on one of my photos of Lyman Run State Park.

See you all tomorrow.

3-8-16


This week, I am getting ready to do a show down in Ridgeway.

I am looking forward to going to the show... and have been making a few new things to take...
as well as mulling some new ideas 'round in my head of what I want to set about doing this year.
Ideas for things to make... ideas for things around the house here... ideas for working in collaboration with other artisans...
... you get the idea. But alas, back to work.

See you all tomorrow.

3-7-16

It's "Maker Monday"... where I feature something I've made in the past week or so; and encourage the "maker" lifestyle.

A couple months ago, I started working on a way to create mandala-like patterns with my photos.
These three mandala prints, are all ones I made this weekend.
I really like them... and think they have a whole meditative quality to them.
See you all tomorrow...



for the weekend



It's the weekend! ... and somehow, I have managed to sleep through most all of my Saturday.
I can only assume that I really needed to. Good news, my Brina was more than happy to keep me company in my pursuit of sleep; and is still sacked in her bed.

Per my usual weekend routine; I've gathered some links to share with you all:
*science!
*art --humorously suspenseful moments
*Masonic and Odd Fellows Folk Art
*strawberry-kiwi sangria - recipe
*children's doodles of monsters
*free art downloads - Jan Vermeer
*we should so do this here
*cicada invasion ... coming soon?
*photographer Masahisa Fukase
*interesting idea from the folks at Ikea
*60's Fashion -- Mr. Fish... and more HERE
*another neat idea... thinking this might be cool for weaving
*coming up soon here in PA -- and I will be there.

I hope you all have an awesome weekend; and I will see you all back here on Monday for my "Maker Monday" post.

3-4-16


It's been an anxiety-riddled week... and sleep has been eluding me. I would like to say that I am moving past the stress and anxiety that seems to have plagued me since moving back to PA; but fact is... just when I think I have it sort of under control; it's back with a vengeance. I don't know why... but I need to figure out a solution.

Life is often not what we plan... and most times, that is a good thing.
Lessons are learned, lots of times... in the most difficult of circumstances.

But for today... I wish you all peace, love... and rest.
See you all tomorrow.

3-3-16


Ever have one of those days? I think Brina's expression pretty much says it all...
(major bed-head... fatigue... just one of those days when things are kerfloooey)

~~see you all tomorrow.

3-2-16


Like my mother before her, my sister played the violin. 
When my sister passed away in 2007, her violin went to a couple different family members, with the thought that it would be played. But alas, it was not meant to be. And so, it sat in the closet of my mother's house... waiting. After a couple lengthy discussions, it was decided that the violin should be donated to a cause or person who would appreciate it; play it; love it.
And so... as of yesterday; the violin has gone to a new home where it will be played by a young person with a passion for music... who otherwise would not be able to afford her own instrument. 

It is good.
I think my sister is smiling.


3-1-16


Happy Tuesday!
Today I will be drawing a name to win the pair of Fluorite earrings I featured yesterday... which is always fun. And this afternoon... I will be making a list so that I can order a bunch of supplies for the shop this year - business cards, padded envelopes, tissue paper... that sort of thing.

This month I will be concentrating on listing lots of random things on my Ebay account... things to clear out of the house... which is mostly collectibles, antiques and books... and a few supplies here and there. You can follow along if you want to by looking HERE

And hopefully, I will be able to get in some studio time today as well. The photo for today's post is another one of my digital collages... using several of my original photos sandwiches into a single image, with tweaks to the color and such.

See you all tomorrow...