Handmade Holiday Show

canvas wallets

I did find a couple of photos of the earliest wallets, although the later ones had more pockets and detail. (see next post).

canvas wallets and bags

Also, over the summer, I made a new line of canvas wallets and small bags with applique elements, similar to the images I used for the charms. Unfortunately, or fortunately, depending how you think of it, I sold most of them before I could photograph them. I hate it when that happens, although the sales are nice. I must get a new camera, and learn how to use it better. Anyway, here are a few I scanned the fronts of. Inside, there are little pockets and surprises, with little notebooks I also made.

what I did on my summer vacation

I know I have been a real slug about posting. My camera has been acting up, so I haven't been able to photograph what I have been making. Anyway, I was able to scan some things, so here they are. It has been a busy summer, trying to figure out how to proceed with my various business endeavors, and enjoy making new things. These are small paintings with collage elements. When the camera is working, I will post photos of two new sweaters I made over the summer, mostly while sitting at the pool.

more life and art

life and art

Here are some views of my life and art. A few shots from home and from the studio. Most of the art is mine, but not the lovely trumpeter above the bookshelf, which was done by Bill Stockman, and the stunning egg on the fridge by my daughter, Emma, pictured above.

oh, so charming

I have made some charms from the scraps of glass and bits of art laying around the studio. The main images are from rubber stamps I made ten years ago. I have put them to use with scraps of color prints, etc. I have not invested in chains for them, as I think sometimes people have chains, but it is easier to have it all put together. I may add them later. For now, only a mere $20 here.

sewing up some bags

I have been teaching myself how to put in zippers with these bags. The prints are from my flags printed from lino blocks I carved. The zippers are coming along.

Lake Isle of Innisfree

With spring in the air I am thinking of being in the country. I pulled out this slide of another painting from a few years back. Sadly, I have not had much time for new work lately. This is based on the Yeats poem, "The Lake Isle of Innisfree".


I WILL arise and go now, and go to Innisfree,
And a small cabin build there, of clay and wattles made;
Nine bean rows will I have there, a hive for the honey bee,
And live alone in the bee-loud glade.

And I shall have some peace there, for peace comes dropping slow,
Dropping from the veils of the morning to where the cricket sings;
There midnight's all a glimmer, and noon a purple glow,
And evening full of the linnet's wings.

I will arise and go now, for always night and day
I hear lake water lapping with low sounds by the shore;
While I stand on the roadway, or on the pavements gray,
I hear it in the deep heart's core.

little self portrait

I am pleased how this little sketch turned out. I have been mostly old school, fine art materials, but am finally getting the hang of photoshop. I just scanned an ink brush drawing from my sketchbook, then added the color elements in photoshop. It's like magic, although making it turn out well requires as much skill as any other medium. I am happy to arrive at the 21st c.

Paintings from the archives

I have been drawing in my sketchbook all day; what a luxury! I am generating ideas for a new project that I don't want to show just yet. In the meantime, here are some paintings from the past several years, all around the "Tree of Life" theme which has been a favorite subject for a long time. (See it also in the logo from the last post.) It's one of those ever-present archetypes. The painting at the top is quite large (5' x 7'), the leaves are 2' x 2', and the last is 18" x 18". These were all done pre-motherhood, ca. 2001.

New work

Here is the logo and sign I recently made for the bookstore at the church where I have my studio. I have become their resident Michelangelo. I had the logo printed large on canvas, which now hangs in the store, and smaller versions will be printed on canvas book bags, bookmarks, etc.

remembering Karl Kopp

Happy Birthday to the late, beloved Karl Kopp. He was a dear friend, teacher, and spiritual guide whom I will always hold dear in my heart. Yesterday, I stumbled across this little remembrance of him I made for the service five years ago commemorating his life. And tomorrow marks the date of his birth. Rest in peace, Karl; we still miss you.

Valentine Flags

I have been working on these new flags. I had fun making and printing the images. These are with Valentine's Day in mind, but are not only for that. I am working on many other images, and will post more as they develop. I am excited for this new format, and all its possibilities. You can purchase in my shop, or contact me directly if you are local.



Also, I finished up this little dreamy painting that has been in the studio for a few months.

a couple of things hanging around the studio

Silk banners

I made these applique silk banners for the church that lets me use their big, beautiful building for my studio. I loved working with the silk dupioni, which is the most fabulous vehicle for color I know of. I will add more images to the blank banners as time allows. Also, I want to make smaller ones to hang elsewhere.