OWL's Weekend Weave

 

I spent a relaxing Saturday at the OWL's (Outdoor Women's Life) 10th anniversary retreat.  Old and new friends came together to enjoy the country vista and participate in a variety of workshop offerings.  The sun was shining and there was a gentle breeze throughout the day.  It could not have been a better day!

Some ladies choose to weave a basket.  For many it was their first experience weaving. The morning group wove a rib basket with a found twisted wooden handle. Participants choose the colors and designs for their baskets.   The afternoon group wove around a glass vase form finished off with a matchstick rim. 

Art in the Park

 

It's time to emerge from our long hibernation and enjoy the crafts, music and old friends this Saturday, June 5th  at Art in the Park.  

I always look forward to seeing everyone after a long winter, but this years event is extra special since it wasn't held last summer. 

I will have baskets for all of your picnic needs - 

a utensils basket, watermelon basket and ice bucket are shown below.    

Come by to view my display of many other baskets and say "Hi".

Easter Basket Fun

 

Baskets have many uses.  They can be woven from a wide range of materials in a variety of styles and techniques.  I am often influenced by the seasons and holidays as to what baskets I weave.

When spring arrives, I can't help but be in a playful mood with my basket weaving.  I use pastel colors, and painted attachments to make baskets ready for Easter eggs, bunnies and flowers.  

New Year - New Technique Learned

Last year I spent a lot of my time wrapping balls in the style of  Japanese Temari.  I found it very enjoyable and gave many of the balls as gifts this past holiday season. 

 

This month I shifted to making Japanese Koma ornaments.  They, like the Temari,  stem from children's toys - Temari a colorful wrapped ball and Koma a spinning top.

The colorful designs appeal to me. I like experimenting with different colors, threads and patterns. Some have tassel tails, while others have beads hanging from the wrapped ornament. 

Gallery of Gifts

 

2020 has been a tough year for artists and craftsmen.  I am very thankful for the Carroll County Arts Center for hosting the annual Gallery of Gifts once again this year.  There is one week left to support the artists participating in this showcase of high quality art suitable for gifts.  Come check out the displays

I am featuring baskets, gourds and vessels using natural materials.  Naturally shed antlers are incorporated into some of the pieces.  Pine needles and sweetgrass are woven into small bowls. Small bells are fashioned from the tops of gourds.  

Small Gourd Bells

 After a long season of cancelled craft shows I will be participating in three upcoming holiday craft shows in November and December. To make some holiday ornaments, I used the tops cut from  gourds of other projects to fashion small bells.  The edges are rimmed with pine needles, seagrass and/or jute.  Wooden beads were used  for the clanger to keep the natural look. 

Mobius Strip

 

I spent the past few months experimenting with mixed media sculptures and vessels. A twisted vine knot found during a walk through the woods was the starting point for the piece shown.  Using basketry reed and seagrass I woven a undulating shape that starts and ends at the knot as it twists into a type of mobius strip.  Color and texture was considered and repeated throughout the piece.

This sculpture will be part of the Carroll County Arts Council 18th Annual Members Show.  The exhibit displays a variety of mediums made by local artists.  The show is open to the public from September 28 to October 31, 2020.