Thursday, April 29, 2010

My Friend, the Raven!

We have had a pair of ravens hanging around our backyard for years, they know when it is the dogs dinner time. The pair get the dogs leftovers.
This beauty, who I call Bird, or Biggie, came for a close up visit while I was out this afternoon photographing my new corduroy rug. Wow what a treat! They are such magnificent birds!!

raven

biggie..bird

Blue Birds and Blue Corduroy

I have been working on this blue, grey and black corduroy rug for a week or so. I was sidetracked by the Green Tradeshow here in town last weekend. I happily got back to my loom earlier this week.
I was not pleased with my first cord rug from this loom, it lies in my back hallway. It is a gorgeous rug, but it is woven too loose for my liking. It is two years old and is very durable, and stands up to abuse.
This is my third corduroy rug on this loom, I packed in the warp threads, maybe a few too many, as it is a warp faced weave, but I do like how dense and tight it is, It is such a thick rug, so cushy underfoot!! I am very very pleased with it.
I am not pleased with how many hours it takes to weave and finish a cord or denim rug. I will have to work on a different finishing technique, it's a challenge for me.
I got a new packet of enameled beads in yesterday,
I love these little blue birds!




Monday, April 26, 2010

I've been drilling pebbles!

It's been a long while since I drilled pebbles, I had run out of bits, and when I bought more I couldn't get into the room my drill press is in, as Mark was insulating. Yay for getting back to it, I must say I am a little obsessed with beach pebbles! They're so beautiful each and every one!




Thursday, April 22, 2010

Earring Appreciation! Yay!!

Miss Baylee sporting her new recycled rubber tire bead earrings!!
Thanks so much for the photo!

Tuesday, April 20, 2010

Fruit Dumplings

This recipe was my gram's, it is old, and was very vaguely written. It has been a family favourite forever. I made them for lunch today and have loosely written down ingredient amounts. Loosely, there is always room for play, or for getting things to the way you would like them. I find them to be comfort food,
a very simple easy recipe.

Marcella's Fruit Dumplings

4 cups water ( I had to add a little extra water once I added the dumplings)
500 g mixed dried fruit, such as raisins, currants, apples, apricots, peaches, prunes, cherries..
what ever you have on had, cut into bite sized pieces
Boil together

Dumplings
2 eggs
1/2 cup milk
1/4 tsp salt
2 1/2 cups flour, enough to thicken the dough
Mix together. Form into a 1" to 1 1/2" roll or log. My dough was a little sticky so I rolled the dough log in flour. Cut into small pieces and drop into the fruit mixture.
Add water if need be, so that all the dumplings are in the liquid. Boil gently for 10 minutes. When done add some milk to the mixture. I added less than 1/2 cup.

Serve, and I hope you enjoy!

Monday, April 19, 2010

Spring Colours

Yay, I am weaving again!!
It took awhile to get back into weaving brain,
but I am happy to say I have arrived!
Gorgeous t-shirt rug,
bright happy colours that remind me of spring!


close up

Sunday, April 18, 2010

Saturday, April 17, 2010

First Ship of the Season

We saw our first ship of the season this afternoon, heading east towards the Sault. It was very windy so it was hugging the shore, in the channel between the mainland and the Slates Islands. It's always a thrill to see a freighter out on the Lake!

Friday, April 16, 2010

Circles in the Sand

We have a lot of wind here, on the north shore of the Big Lake. It's not my favourite thing, the wind. It does however make pretty circle patterns with the grass growing in the sand. It always delights me to find these circles in the sand!

circles in the sand

Wednesday, April 14, 2010

Big Sky Pretty

love this gorgeous sky
I captured it while we were out on a dog walk

Smoked Blueberries

I recently completed this custom order, to match a pair of earrings that I had for sale in my shop. I do love the earthiness of the oxidized silver. I am pleased with the set, and I am hoping that my customer will be pleased as well!

smoked blueberry necklace
oxidized silver and pearls

smoked blueberries bracelet
oxidized silver and pearls

Monday, April 12, 2010

Spring Has Arrived!!

I spent a little time outside yesterday enjoying the gorgeous spring day!
Here's a sampling of what I saw in my backyard!

downy woodpecker

rhubarb is growing!!

"biggie" came for a visit
I love ravens!

Mark has been building up our woodpile for next winter

Sunday, April 11, 2010

Recycled Glass Beads

I got a new bead order in last week, recycled glass beads made in Indonesia and Africa. At first I wasn't sure how to use them as they are pretty heavy, but I got to thinking and playing with them, and with some chain and voila! I am very pleased with the results. My photos are pretty good, but do not do them justice.


Saturday, April 10, 2010

Snow Showers Bring May Flowers

big fat flakes were falling this morning
now we have a mix of snow and rain
true April weather

Iris Leaf

I am love, love, loving my new jewelry supplies!!
I am pleased with my new creations!
Best of all I am having fun!



April Sunset

We have had the most glorious sunsets this month!
Just look at this fabulous colour!
Gorgeous!

sunset over lakeview dr.

pretty sky!

Thursday, April 8, 2010

Grey Brown Aqua

I am lucky enough to have had some great supply packages come in, in the past week. I am really enjoy working with the new beads, chain and findings, plus adding the new supplies to what I had.

aqua grey

greyed brown

I have been working with recycled beads, recyclable metal and recyclable glass. I am building an eco friendly line of jewelry for the green tradeshow. I will admit I really wrestled with what constitutes "green" in jewelry. Can one component make the piece eco friendly or does every component have to be earth friendly? I am still not really sure, but I think if it feels right in my heart, then it will be okay.
I hope.

Tuesday, April 6, 2010

Swirled Harvest

Today I got four packets of jewelry findings in the mail! Lots of fun! I am excited to have some new sterling silver chain to work with. It's very pretty!

Lampwork glass, Czech glass and oxidized sterling chain and leverbacks


Sunday, April 4, 2010

Easter Sunday

We had a very quiet day today, peaceful!
We took the dogs out this aft, in the rain. The forest was gorgeous, all the colours are heightened when things are wet. It was a beautiful walk.
I am having our big dinner tomorrow, we have invited some friends to join us.
It'll be nice!
jack pine

old mans beard

bean and noje hunting for mice

the forest floor

black spruce woods

Saturday, April 3, 2010

Friday, April 2, 2010

Rubber and Glass

I have been playing with beads again. I should be up in my loom room as I do have t-shirt strips just waiting to be warped onto my loom. One of these days!
For now beads are winning out, how can I resist these bright neon rubber beads.
I will always be fascinated with clear hollow glass, it makes my heart sing!