Christmas Stockings!

I have been knitting knitting knitting this winter.  I think that I partially blame Ravelry for tons of patterns and and Addi knitting needles and how much faster I knit on them.  But with more knitting, I have in general become a faster knitter.  Check out this Addi Commercial for a funny example of just how much faster you can knit with them! :)

I was intimidated by knitting socks sometime in Middle School, the double pointed needles, the heel turn, I gave up.  So this year I decided to make new Christmas Stockings to hang by the fire.  You have seen my finished one, so here's the other.  I also am doing these cute mini stocking ornaments!  You can check the pattern out on Everwhelming Liz's Blog.  It was posted on Ravelry.com also.   They're SO CUTE! 

Thanks to the mini stocking I have officially learned "kitchenering" (where you join the toe on a sock).  The directions for the large stocking just said "close the toe."  You can find out how to Kitchener HERE.  I have also knit golf club covers (thank's to Laurie's idea and link on Ravelry).  The green and white is not for me obviously.

Merry Christmas!!!!!!!!!!

Knitting and Beading Abound

The November/December Holiday Sales are over and I am taking a breather from tagging, packing, picking up, driving, inventories, re-tagging, unpacking, forgetting displays and running to the bank for change.

I have finally knit a SOCK! Actually it's a stocking so there's little pressure on making sure it fits.  And I have knit two, but I my first one I'm not in love with and I wasn't paying attention to the pattern when I was supposed to be decreasing after the heel.  It may pose as Danielle's stocking though and it looks good over the fireplace.  Can you guess which one was the first one??

There is snow on the ground, and my fall leaves themed bracelet has been re-started after I didn't like the lime green I originally had in the pattern.  I am finding that my non-repeat pattern bangles take MUCH longer.  But the up-side to it is when I go off-pattern or decide I don't like two beads that are next to each other I don't have to go and rip out two rows to correct it.  It ends up so small I can simply change the original color and blend the "mistake" in.  I think this one is going to have a lot of personality as it takes a life of its own.  I have this and one other bangle to make, then I am free to begin my venture into Precious Metal Clay (PMC)!

Look out 2010, there's going to be some changes made to the bangles in my next line!

Art for the Soul, December 5!

This weekend is my last official holiday show!

Art for the Soul is OPEN TO THE PUBLIC!
It will be hosted at MargaBeth Cibulka's fabulously colorful home at 6177 Zimmer Rd., Williamston, MI.

Saturday, December 5th 2009: 10am-5pm

Check out the flier above or we're on Facebook.

I'll see you there!

Grove Gallery Co-op for the Holidays!

First I would like to thank all of the Gallery and Guest Artists for joining the Grove Gallery Co-op for our Holiday opening.  Second I have to thank all of the friends, guests, family and customers that joined us to make this opening a success!  I believe that Sunday made second place for our top sales day since we have been open, but don't worry, there's still plenty here that will make great presents and hostess gifts, and gifts for yourself!

Here's what we're looking like this year:

From the outside (it's hard to see the display unless you're up next to it).

From the inside, Martha Brownscombe's stockings and beaded ornaments by me.)

We have quite the array of scarves, ornaments baskets, pottery and wall-art this year thanks to our guest artists and the gallery artists.

Anita Brett does amazing watercolor portraits, we've hung Deb Cholewicki's baskets so you can see them better, there's jewelry galore, and tons of fun pieces to get inspired by!

Our hours will stay the same through Christmas: 12-6 Monday thru Friday, 12-4 Saturday and Sunday

Knitting Neck Scarves!

So as I said before with my fingerless gloves pattern, I love to knit to keep my hands busy.  It keeps my mind from wandering away from what I am supposed to be payng attention to.  I even knit when I walk places, which people seem to find very entertaining. 

I have just finished another neck scarf that I've put in the Grove Gallery Co-op.  I was hoping to have it done for the Holiday Open House, but alas, I was amidst ornaments and beads for the front window!  These are great for when you're freezing in your office or end up sitting next to the door in a resteraunt while there's a blizzard going on outside.  Or if you get sit next to the heat vent it's small enough to fit in your purse and save the hassle of what to do with that chunky super-long scarf.   I just made two for a friend and I am thinking I may need one in every color. 

In the meantime this little cutie will be on a shelf in the Gallery waiting for some love.  They're only $25 and are great for that cold person in your life (my husand says my blood must have been replaced with freon at some point).  Also shoot me an e-mail at jennifer@jennybehler.com if you want to special order one before Christmas!

Grove Gallery Co-op Holiday Opening!

We will be pumping out our holiday cheer this 2009 Holiday season by sharing our artist firends with everyone!  We have guest artists coming to Grove Gallery Co-op for a change of pace!

Check out:
Kelly Boyle-Silk Screen
Anita Brett-Watercolor
Marlene Cameron-Dyed Silks
Roger Funk-Photography (past Featured Gallery Artist)
Tom Cannon-Wooden Bowls
Marie Gile-Fiber Art and Jewelry
Jesse Hornberger-Artistic Welding (past Featured Gallery Artist)
Barb Whitney- Painting and Mixed Media (future Featured Gallery Artist)
Jon Whitney-Pottery (future Featured Gallery Artist)

Also our permanant artists are working on some new pieces and some great holiday gifts.  They include:
MargaBeth Cibulka-Fused Glass
Katherine Erickson-Painting
Gretel Geist Rutledge-Printing
Deborah Cholewicki-Art Baskets and Wall Pieces
Jillian Stapleton-Mixed Media
Amy Burns-Pottery
Martha Brownscombe-Fiber Art
Sharan Egan-Fiber Art
Caroline Martin-Watercolor
Jenny Schu. (me!)-Beadwork and textiles

I have been making ornaments for our front window to sparkle the holiday!

The Holidays are Here.

My husband and I were grocery shopping last night and realized it has begun: Christmas songs playing overhead, Halloween has been moved out to make way for ornaments, wrapping paper and middle isles of gift-giving ideas.  Grab some thermal underwear for everyone on your list!

I am starting in on the road to holiday art sales starting this weekend.  I belong to a handful of groups that keep me hopping and I decided to be involved in all of them this year.  This means a few rounds of tagging and re-tagging, finishing some last minute pieces, and where the heck did 3 of my favorite bangles go???  I will be tearing the house apart tonight.

Round 1: Ann Arbor Fiber Arts Guild Holiday Sale, Saturday November 14, 10am-4pm
I will have my latest beaded bangles and earrings including the tiny snowflake staple of the holidays.
The Ann Arbor Fiberarts Guild Holiday Sale at Matthaei Botanical Gardens.

Shop for beautiful hand-made treasures. From wearable art to functional art – all made in Michigan.
Admission is free!
You may have to pay to go into the Gardens, but it's worth it. I spent many days drawing for class there.

Directions:
From I-96 Exit I-96 at US-23 South (Toledo). Exit US-23 at Plymouth Road (exit 41). Turn left onto Plymouth Road. Continue east on Plymouth Road for approximately 1.5 miles then turn right onto Dixboro Road. The Gardens will be on your left after approximately 1 mile..

From I-275Exit I-275 at M-14. Exit M-14 at US-23 South (Toledo). Exit US-23 at Plymouth Road (exit 41). Turn left onto Plymouth Road. Continue east on Plymouth Road for approximately 1.5 miles then turn right onto Dixboro Road. The Gardens will be on your left after approximately 1 mile..

From I-94Exit I-94 at US-23 North (Flint). Exit US-23 at Geddes Road. Turn right onto Geddes Road. Continue east on Geddes Road for approximately .1 miles then turn left onto Dixboro Road. The Gardens will be on your right after approximately 2 miles.

Round 2: Greater Lansing Weaver's Guild Holiday Sale

Friday November 20, 12:00pm-9:00pm, Saturday November 21, 9:00am-4:00pm

At the Edgewood United Church, 469 N. Hagadorn Rd., East Lansing, MI 48823

The Lansing Weaver's Guild is begining to allow Fiberart that is non-woven such as art quilts and other types of surface design.  Come join us! (I will be there on Saturday 9am-12pm).

Round 3: Holiday Open House at the Grove Gallery Co-op

Saturday, November 22nd, 12-6pm

Join us for snacks, wine and glugg! (Don't know what glugg is? You'll have to come over to find out :) )

We will be having guest artists in to join the Co-op for the Holiday Season so that our visitors have more variety!  Come see what we're up to!  Many of the artists will also be there on the 22nd. (More info to come.)

Round 4: Art for the Soul  December 5.  10:00am-5:00pm

Hosted by MargaBeth Cibulka at her home (which is just fun to come see the fabulous colors in her house!)

6177 Zimmer Rd., Williamston MI  

Cookies provided, art to buy. 

Whew! Is it January yet??  You know what I'll be doing!

Long Fingerless Gloves

I started to knit these gloves from a pattern on Ravelry.com, but I kept on messing up the lace pattern.  Ultimately I enjoy knitting as something to keep my hands busy, not something I have to concentrate too hard on.  So after two bad starts on the original pattern I made up my own quick, cute and easy version.  Now I'll be much warmer in my office!

What you'll need:
US Size 2.5 Double-Pointed Needles
2 balls of Tree Frog Alpaca Wool (Fingering Size)

Cast on 48 stitches.  Join in the round being careful not to twist the row. Place stitch marker to help you pay attention to where the begining of your row is.
Row 1: K1 P1 entire row.
Rows 2-30: Repeat Row 1.
Row 31- 60: Knit all rows.
Row 61: Stop knitting in the round.  Pearl backward through the row, drop the stitch marker while you are not knitting in the round. (This is your thumb hole).
Row 62: Knit.(Flat).
Rows 63-84: Repeat rows 61-62. (Stockienette).
Rows 85-87: Re-join in the round and knit.
Row 88-100: K1 P1 entire row.
Bind Off, sew in ends, wear your new gloves everywhere!


Just a sidenote for how I work when knitting this, I break it down into sections:
cast on 48 stitches
30 rows ribbed (K1 P1) in the round
60 rows stockinette in the round
24 rows flat stockinette
3 rows stockinette in the round
13 rows ribbed in the round

bind off.

Fuzzy and Warm for Winter!

October and Halloween at Our Place!

Since October has been upon us here in Michigan, it's gotten cold, I have green tomatos all over my kitchen counter waiting to ripen, the heat has been turned on, Halloween Costumes are being made and I've gone on a beading sebatical for knitting warm things.  Oh, and I dyed my hair red.

Candy Corn Knitted Pillow

Dining Room!

Top of China Cabinet in Dining Room

Danielle veto-ed her leg warmers for her Halloween Costume, so I didn't knit a second one.

Mantel

Part of my Halloween Costume....LOVE my iron and ironing board!

"Birdhouse in your Soul" Finished Necklace!

Ok, so I finished it right before I had a booth at the Old Town Lansing Blues Festival, but I just took a picture of the piece actually finished.  It's lightweight and easy to wear.  I'm having a lot of fiun wearing it, I'm not sure it's going to end up ever being for sale. I suppose I'll have to see what everyone else thinks of it!

Jennifer's Potato Sauerkraut Soup

It's gotten cold and rainy here in East Lansing. The leaves are starting to turn color and fall to the sidewalks. We have our Fall/Halloween Decorations up all over the house and I want to eat soups and keep the kitchen warm with baking. (Canning tomatoes doesn't count).

I've got a list of things to do today and I decided to get the crock pot out to stew all day today. I was given this great recipe by Jennifer Kottke whom I used to work with at Chico's in Madison. I'm not into mushrooms much so I swap out the cream of mushroom soup with another "cream of" and skip the fresh mushrooms, but for the sake of keeping the recipe in tack I'm putting it in for anyone who'd be interested.

Potato Sauerkraut Soup:

4 cups of Chicken Broth

1 can of Mushroom Soup (10 3/4 oz.)

1 can of Sauerkraut, rinsed and drained (16 oz.)

8 oz. Fresh Mushrooms sliced

1 medium Potato, cubed

2 medium Carrots, chopped

1 medium Onion chopped

2 stalks of Celery chopped

3/4 lb of Smoked Sausage cubed

1/2 cup of Cooked Chicken Chopped

2 tablespoons of Vinegar

2 teaspoons of Dill

Throw it all together in the crock pot for 10-12 hours on Low.

I was very wary of making a soup with sauerkraut in it for a while, but this soup is AMAZING.

Now I can get back to my list for today! I am drawing up a pattern for a sweet Fall Leaves Bangle, it's going to be really wide! I'm excited about this next one!

Plaids Incoming!

I've been keeping my eyes peeled for new prints, designs and colors that are coming out for this Fall and Winter as I make new bangles.


Luckilly there's ton of purples, berries, and jewel tons coming out, which is what I love!


My most recent new plaid is a two-tone similar to this cute top from PacSun.



I'm thinking my next plaid I will be pulling some inspiration from this Anthropologie top with edges in black, silver and grey.

In the meantime, enjoy!

(Berry Plaid Bangle is available for sale at Etsy.com)

Granger Meadows Park: Rollerblading!

Have you been to Granger Meadows Park???

A favorite past-time of mine has been rollerblading. It started off with dry-land training for ski team in the summers. There was a group that would get together in the parking lot of Pine Knob, set up cones with "gates" (poles you ski around) and go downhill on cement through various course settings.

This was great except I never learned how to stop or use my brake. I fell in love with rollerblading and specifically going to Indian Springs Metro Park to run the loop. 12 miles was nothing when I was out on the smooth trail through the woods with Jessica Vance or with my Walkman blaring the Matrix soundtrack (which is FUN to roller blade to). I never really had to stop on these trails either.

Then I went to college and had to learn to stop! My first two years I lived in the dorm I didn't have a car so I got around on my roller blades in the fall and spring EVERYWHERE...this continued on through the last two years when I lived in an apartment on North Campus too. Ann Arbor was a fun place to roller blade, but as anyone knows, sidewalks aren't the best. I took some really good falls, one in which I busted my face open and had to have nine stitches by a wonderful plastic surgeon. Note: don't roller blade on sidewalks at break-neck speeds.

One of the BEST places to roller blade is definitely the Bike Path in Boulder, Colorado. It runs along the river and you can get anywhere noteworthy in Boulder from this path. You don't have to stop for crosswalks because it goes under the roads and I loved it. I paranoid some of my co-workers at Chico's out there when I would roll into or out of work...I never biffed it on those wood floors though!

I eventually moved back to Michigan and thought that East Lansing would be a good place to get around on my blades. Unfortunately I found that traffic doesn't stop behind the sidewalk line or driveways which is dangerous (maybe I'm getting old). So I picked up biking and commuting that way. But I missed rollerblading!

I had heard that Granger Meadows Park had some paved trails but I had a hard time getting information about it. Today I packed my blades, google-mapped about where it's supposed to be and headed out with determination since it's probably been 2-3 years since I put my blades on.

What a great spot! It's quaint, quiet and had a few walkers there. It has a loop that goes past the Koi Pond, picnic area and playground, and you can go through a woodsy area that connects the loop to the inline skate arena. It was dry in the open area but I wouldn't suggest going right after a rain. But its supposed to rain tomorrow hence my determination.

The best info I found about Granger Meadows Park is http://www.dewitttownship.org/web/pr_cp.htm. There's a clearly marked entrance on Wood Street over in Dewitt.

Grove Gallery Co-op Makeover & Update

Grove Gallery Co-op is starting off the new fall season with a face-lift! It was a fairly quiet summer in the studios and some of the artists got sick of looking at all the white walls. We have a fresh scene of greens and purples popping through the Gallery this year, and a more inviting back hallway.

The our visiting artist for the month of September, Jesse Hornberger is an amazing welder and has transformed the look of the main gallery and featured artist gallery as well. His tables with concrete or stone tops are a sight to see!

All of our artists are bringing in new work and are gearing up for the November holiday storms!

Come on by and be some of the first to check out the new look!