More breakage

 I wasn't planning on working on any more china tumbling until I used some of my pieces. A stray cat changed my mind. She knocked some of my Christmas china off the shelf in the garage and shattered a few pieces. A pomander and pepper shaker survived. 

The pieces will come out cleaned of the tree design, but I'm already thinking of ways to use them in the quilt series I am dreaming up for 2025. 

Work space tour: Rust

 I'm currently working on some rusting on fabric experiments to present at a workshop  for the local quilt group in March.  Years ago I did some rusting - just need a little refresher and a plan for a group to have some hands on experience. 

I don't need a big work surface. A little corner for making bundles is enough.

After tying the bundles, I soaked them briefly in vinegar water, then brought them to a boil and simmered for about 30 minutes. I let them rest in a plastic container for 3 days before opening my "packages". Next step is to soak in baking soda and then let them dry. The soda is to neutralize and stop the rusting process. I'm not convinced it will actually work. Time will tell. 

These old rusty nails are my favorite. 

When I discovered this pair of scissors in my garden after being lost for a few years, I knew I had a treasure!

This pic should have been at the top of this post! After 3 days of resting, I was excited to open them up.

 

Smashing...

 Before:

After:

This little dish was pretty, but I see much more art potential now! Alcohol inks? Decoupage? Paint? So many possibilities!

Work space tour - Glass

 I was watching Ariane Zurcher on YouTube this morning, while on my treadmill. She was doing a quick tour of her studio showing the different work stations and what she is currently working on. What a fun idea. I decided to follow her example and share.

Workspace #1 is my glass and ceramic smashing and tumbling: 

I always wear safety glasses and heavy work gloves when breaking up my dishes, bottles and other breakables. 

My plan is to use the shards on the quilt series I hope to begin in the spring. 

These lovelies came home with me yesterday from the local thrift store. 

While looking for something else, I found this in my stash. I took the hammer to it and was able to keep the top part in one piece. The blue is so pretty! Tumbling should soften the sharp edges as well as clean up whatever is on the outside. 

Munich

 We hit our first market after leaving the airport

Coming home

 I've had an amazing time in Germany,  visiting numerous Christmas markets. It's difficult to name a favorite, they all had their own personality. 

I taught 3 classes during the week, and toured with the group each day. 

I'm now at JFK, waiting for my flight to Dallas and then home. My plan is to sleep all the way to Dallas. Yesterday was long and my body thought I should be up at 1 am this morning.  

At the gas station 🎄

 The local gas station is looking festive!

Quilt #8 - Football stitching

 Football Sunday = stitching by the wood burner. I'm determined to get this quilt done by the end of December. A reasonable goal - I just need to keep after it!

Quilt #8 - Stitching continues

 It's like Christmas when I deep clean my studio. I have no idea when I purchased these buttons, but they are perfect additions to my fish quilt! 

Quilt #8 / Over fishing

 In 2014, I made this quilt using dyed cloth diapers, pop can punched butterflies and lots of scraps. 

It's never been my favorite quilt. In a bold move, I removed all the elements to begin again. I've been on a mission to reuse, recycle, etc. and this ugly quilt begged for a re-do!

I'm now collecting elements to create an over fishing statement. Or maybe a toxic mercury statement. Not sure where it is going, but I do know that the world's oceans are over fished.  

My collection of fish ephemera is being to grow:

In 1989, I cross stitched this as a Christmas present for my dad

Two antique fishing nets from my dad's stash

Well - this was fun! While scavenging along the shore of Lake Erie this summer, I discovered that one of the other guests at the retreat was busy looking and picking up all kinds of goodies. Yes - I brought home a fish skeleton that was washed up in the rocks. Little by little, I am washing it and plan to use it on this quilt. 

And lastly, I still have a bit of the front of my dad's fishing vest.

 

Age 3 1/2 art

 While searching for information about a baby quilt from years ago, I came across this art work in my baby book!

Earth Fragments: Loss of Habitat

 My current quilt series is progressing. Slowly. I seem to be jumping from quilt to quilt, not finishing. It's ok to have 7 quilts to work on at a time, right?!? I keep seeing places that need a bit more work. This morning I was inspired to add rows of safety pins to the 'elephant' quilt. Holding the earth together symbolism? Now I think I shall hang it and just look at it a few days while I jump to a different quilt.

Into the forest..

 Life has been busy. Too busy. Unfortunately all too often we don't take time for play and doing the things that we seriously need to not get burned out. This morning I took the time. An hour walking in the woods.