Nice walk, finally

 The weather has been much too cold for me to go for a walk in the woods.  Today was a blessing - over 30 degrees and not too windy.  A special surprise watched me from the tree behind our barn.

Not the best picture, as I couldn't get very close.  From the number of rabbit tracks in the woods, I would say good hunting grounds.

Eco printing: Eucalyptus

 I've wanted to try eco printing with eucalyptus for some time now.  After a wonderful podcast on FiberTalk, I decided to seek out eucalyptus.  It doesn't grow here, but a trip to the florist department at HyVee found a bunch.  I thought it was rather expensive, 11.00 for a small bundle.  I am happy with my results and will continue looking for more.  I would like larger leaves so that I can also do some stitching on the leaves.

I made 2 small bundles.  This one was by far the best.  They were steamed for 2 hours and left in the steamer all afternoon, until I had time to unwrap.  More experimenting tomorrow...

Wanderlust week 2

 I couldn't bring myself to share my week 1 art.  It is horrible. Maybe later...

Week 2 was much easier for me.  We were to work in black and white gesso, creating a landscape. I didn't have black gesso so I used india ink instead. Also... I didn't do a landscape.  Do I follow directions well?  I guess not.  The most important thing is that it was fun.  

Miami: Perez exhibit

 

I was intrigued by a display at the Perez in Miami that was words that ran around the 4 walls above eye level.  There were also photographs of people, but it was the words that made me take a good look.  It reminded me that I hadn't picked out a word for myself for the coming year.

Andante is my word for 2022. A reminder to slow down.  We all slowed down during the past 2 years (not our choice), so now I will continue life at a slower pace.  My choice.  Take time to enjoy friends and family, create, garden, and what ever else comes my way. 

This morning I took time to roast carrots and a butternut squash to make soup this afternoon while Jon is settled into his easy chair for football. While the veggies were in the oven I took time to just watch the birds outside in the feeder.  Slowly.

Miami - animal mural

 I love this mural.  Unfortunately the police were having a "conversation" with someone, right in front of the mural! I couldn't get some of the mural, as I didn't want to photograph the police cars and the woman.  I did manage to get enough to share.  I continue to be amazed at the beautiful work by street artists.

Miami Street Art

I have a new appreciation for graffiti and street murals. I've taken pictures of eye catchy street art for years but now have learned to very much about it.

1 - graffiti is only done with spray paint.  
2 - murals are a combination of spray and brush
3 - the art is to be quick - 4 or 5 days
4 - the Wynwood area in Miami is absolutely amazing!

I was instantly aware of the high energy around me.  I can't even explain how pumped up I was looking at the different murals.

The murals done by Portuguese street artist, Vhils, uses explosives, chemicals and power tools to create his art.  I was blown away...

Miami art

 I got home from a wonderful week in Miami last night.  My head is swimming with awesome images from museums, street art, and just plain being in a new place.  A walk by the bay, on our last day, found a wall with interesting art.

Travel bundles

 Before I go on a trip, I like to put little projects together to work on.  I came across this pic while clearing the last trip's photos off my phone.  Each goes into a baggie and is ready to work on when I have free time. They are light weight and easy to pack in my checked luggage.  This trip was a cruise in the caribbean - such fresh alive colours!  Now it is time to pack for Miami!  I'm thinking, the same colours!

Carve December stamps

 I participated in #carvedecember 2021.  Happy to say that I carved a stamp for each day.  But also have to admit that I carved a few ahead of time when I knew I just wouldn't have the time.