hold me near

This weekend I got away on a little retreat, well really I was taking a class but I was alone for the six-hour car ride.  I found myself thinking, praying and singing (very loudly and badly…) to pass the time.  Of the little music  I had with me this song was from one of the cd’s I listened to repeatedly, “hold me near” by Karla Adolphe/ enter the worship circle.  It is based on one of my favorites, psalms 73.

Hold Me Near

Hold me near when I’m restless

Hold me near when I’m bitter

Hold me near when I”m rebellious

Hold me near until the end

 

Hold me near when my heart is broken

Hold me near when I’m ignorant

Hold me near when I am jealous

Hold me near until the end

 

But as for me my feet almost gave out I nearly sold my heart

It’s good to be held by my Father it’s good to be where you are

 

We are creating these theme/scripture paintings as one of the spring crafts for the women’s retreat.  I just had to try it out ahead of time with some left over supplies I had at home and the lyrics from the song & psalm 73.  I love reading into the phrase,  it just has layers for me.

easter praise

 

Happy Easter.

I finished my vases in time… they didn’t make it to the gallery but this one made it to my table.

Hope & Friendship

This afternoon I went to a community Good Friday service. What a sweet thing to see so many of our local churches and families worshiping together.  We were able to walk there in the sunshine, as a family.  I needed that, sunshine, walking, family, friendship, hymns, hope, and sacrificial savior.

Also today, I was able to catch up on a few pieces of “homework.”  Using mishima technique I created these two raised tiles.  A daffodil for friendship and Iris for hope.  I can’t wait to see how these fire – I think I like using white clay.

spring light box

 

Today I am using my ipad as a light box.  (pressing VERY lightly with a mechanical pencil)

The sun is shining and I am diving into some projects from my clayer mishima class.  I have a kiln to fire, that I have been putting off because I like to cram as many pieces as possible in it. Two half finished books, two rich bible studies, half baked meals, a dozen phone calls to make… and a slew of posts that are partially written in my drafts.  My daughter had her spring concert last night, that I dragged her to in tears because she didn’t want “100 eyes” on her.  We were overtaken by spring mud last week and this week a fresh blanket of snow to cover it all.  The spring dance has arrived.  I have been drawing slews of daffodils, iris, peonies, ferns, hacianths, and a whole swarm of butterflies.  They will be awakening on fresh beds of white clay soon.

  

pocket full of posies…

I am sure you watch cool shows on TV.  I watch Jeopardy  - What it’s cool!

Last week I learned a 4 letter word for a bouquet of flowers…. What Is posy.

I typically do the best on the teen week questions…  even though I couldn’t name ONE of Taylor Swifts songs.  Were you watching this day?  Best answer EVER!

This week we had our THIRD craft club meeting.  We made paper-craft poppy flowers.  Using a crayon and watercolor resist for the background we talked about “contrast,” pattern and resist.  The girls cut “monochromatic” poppy flowers (well some of them…)  If it’s not overdosing on glitter it’s gobs of glue – I am loving my time with these ladies!

cont edu…

I think our kids school district is trying out a year-round calendar unknowingly through snow days…  we have surpassed the alloted days, so every day from here on out will be tacked on in June.   Oh joy!   While my kids are happy to be out of school, I am eager to jump back in.

I tried to get into this class at Hollanders last fall but it sold out too quickly.  This past weekend I had another shot,  Barbara Brown did an excellent job teaching us how to make these gorgeous leather wrap journals.  See those paper signatures all those pages were torn by hand and using a paper knife… not my favorite part, but I love the sewing!  I thought this design would be a great use for some of my buttons and beads.  Beyond that I just always feel a boost of creative energy whenever I take a class,  it helps me beat the winter blues…

A few other folks in the class let me take some photos of their work,  I am always amazed to take part in classes with such talented people.  It wasn’t too long ago I just longed for this kind of experience but failed to follow through, paralyzed by insecurities, scheduling, and fear of costs. Have you taken a workshop in something you are interested in lately?  It was an investment worth while,  here I’ll give you my top 3 reasons.

1. It builds your resume and confidence in your craft.  Taking classes often leads me down new paths.  I have gained confidence in my artwork and exploring creatively.
2. It is a source of entertainment.  There are a ton of classes/workshops out there to fit every budget.  I got on my computer and searched for classes in my area and online.  I am excited to start this clayer class next month, I get to participate from my own studio!
3. It is cheaper and more effective than therapy!  It is hard to stay in a funk when you are learning something new that you are interested in. It typically gives me a jolt of productivity as well (who couldn’t use a few tons of that!)

Cheers to learning!

k

 

mud pies & tea

We had THREE snow days last week and planned on going skiing up north for the other two, so my girls had a FULL week off of school, crazy.  With school cancelled, we had to make up our craft club as the roads were too treacherous even for clay!  I debated like crazy about splitting the group in two for this one, since the lesson was a bit more hands on,  it ended up happening naturally as a few were missing due to sickness.   It was sweet to work with a small group (six) and get to help the girls a bit more individually.  I’ll have to schedule a make-up for the make-up…

This month we made clay tea cups from coil pots and some fashionable clay beads.  This really counts as two different 4-H crafts, since clay is one category and jewelry is another.  I figured I would teach the a little early multi-tasking!  My hands were too messy to snap photos during the process but they turned out great. Can’t wait to see after they are glazed and fired.

I have enjoyed watching my girls grown in friendships with other girls from their class and school.  How fun to make art and invite these cuties in our home once a month. 

jan 8

 

Two days of sunshine in a row… hope it continues.  I love seeing the sparkling snow and the birds happily about.  New little cardinal block.  What to put him on?  Perhaps I need a little mixed flock…

minerals & gems

I ooed and awed my way through this part of the museum.  My camera didn’t like the glass protecting each one – but aren’t they just beautiful!  It was a very informative display but really I was in it for aesthetics.  I have been collecting a little ge0/gem board for quite some time on pinterest.

 

 

a little somebody wanted to be in every shot!

craft club!

This week we held our first craft club meeting.  Since our school no longer has art class I was missing this for my girls (as were their little creative souls).  Sometimes you just have to make the opportunity when there is nothing available around.  So we started a club,  I also thought it would be an excellent way to meet my kids friends and their parents.  I picked up 10 VERY excited girls after-school and brought them to my home.  This week we worked on Charlie Harper cardinal collages.  We talked about pattern, shapes and lines, they turned out super- adorable!  I was so thankful for a great friend who stayed to help!  I can’t wait until January when we meet again!