I am still basking in the victory of last months craft club.  I usually have a friend who is a GREAT helper, but she was unable to make it.  I used my entire reserve of patience but had all seven girls finger knitting by then end of the hour.  I love the directions posted on creativebug. We used super soft chunky yarn, in bright colors.  This first picture just steals my heart, aren’t they just precious   knitting in the “round.”  

We also worked on two group hula hoop looms, using yarn, ribbons and cut up strands from old t-shirts.  They loved it so much I had to pull out paper plates for more “practice.”  I am going to miss this little group when we break for summer!

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

spring break whirl

butterfly gazing

swan geese chase

stripes versus solids

birthday sparklers

wave pool

cousin sleepovers

car drive

re-entry

I have been wanting to try out some shibori designs and mix up a vat of indigo for sometime.  I decided to test out some different tying techniques on cotton napkins.  It took several tries to get the indigo dark enough but resulted in a new little set of six unique napkins and a new table runner!  I threw in a few wooden beads for fun overnight and stung them on a natural leather cord to wear.  Hummmm what to dye next…

Happy Easter.

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

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.

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.

I got a call from a local shop “can you make some new stuff for spring?” Nothing like a little pressure to get back to the wheel. Therefore, I am hatching some new swallowtails and monarch tumblers in the next few weeks. How many should I make? I can’t stop carving new print blocks, I may have to add a few new species. Can’t wait to glaze these.

This weekend I get to celebrate 38 with a special somebody, we’re celebrating with a little SanctusReal and JJHeller tonight LIVE.

Also In addition to MORE SNOW DAYS…and SICK DAYS, I have been getting ready to take over a gymnasium with crafts for our upcoming womens retreat.  I love testing out new DIY ideas. This week I made these giant 10″ crepe flowers! Just a few more ski days and I’ll be ready for spring…