Monday, January 31, 2022

Staying Warm Inside

Our South Mississippi winter isn't nearly as dramatic as what I see on TV on the East Coast. The yard has been covered in pine straw and leaves but several favorite plants have survived and even thrived on the porch or in the garage. This tall begonia will come back after I trim the frozen leaves. The red geranium right beside it just put on a beautiful bloom. The croton and maidenhair fern in the garage are fine, along with the blooming white geranium. The next two plants are loving the cool weather in the garage.






In the warm house I have been enjoying more stitched pictures with these large panels. After stitching I have the framer pin to foam core so they are ready to frame. They are about 19" square. Then I made one more of the 15" x 45" pieces for a color challenge. It is finished all but the facing, so pardon the ruffled edges.


Outrageous Orange, 15 x 45, ready for facing

Elizabeth and Rahrah stay very close to me when it's cold, even sometimes inadvertently sleeping touching each other. If I wonder why I am behind on some personal letter writing, here is my reminder.









Monday, January 10, 2022

Takin' Down Christmas

Advent and Christmas at my church, University Baptist, in Hattiesburg is always beautiful, perhaps more appreciated this year. The crismon tree was literally filled with many new ornaments made during the pandemic.


 I love Joni Mitchell's "Comin' On Christmas" and hear it in my head often. But it has morphed into "Takin' Down Christmas" as I put away my few decorations and rotated some fiber art on the walls after bringing home my exhibit. The poinsettias are finished, but I keep forgetting to move these sparkly trees from the guest bathroom.

I was totally surprised to get a 2nd place ribbon and viewers' choice award for this cheesecloth piece in the South Mississippi Art Association's 45th annual show last month. It was created in a Mary Pal online class, based on a photo entitled "Elderly Woman" by Chalmers Butterfield. Mary's technique uses Dura-lar, cheesecloth, and white glue. I have several other cheesecloth projects in mind and am eager to give them a try. Meanwhile, I will enjoy seeing this piece on my wall.  I named it "Wisdom." 
"Wisdom," cheesecloth picture
It is good to change the artwork about occasionally, remembering making these pieces some time ago. The Atrium at Ochsner's was made after Roy had DBS surgery in New Orleans. The Eagle's Nest is a McKenna Ryan design. Sunday Ties is made from my collection of men's ties in 6" blocks sashed with quilted black faille, framed to 12" x 25".

The Atrium at Ochsner's, 19" x 29"
The Eagle's Nest, 34" x 31"

Sunday Ties, men's ties
Three 6" blocks framed to 12" x 25"
It's time for new work. These pieces are for a SAQA color challenge 15" wide and 45" long using only the colors found on one of Joen Wolfrom's cards from her Color Tool set of cards. These two pieces are in Violet and Chartreuse.
Chartreuse Leaves Springing Forth
Violent Violet