Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Beadwork, new designs for 2011


This summer I got a kick in the pants from my favorite hat guys, Rod and Ignatius (Ignatius Hats) while I was wandering around the Ann Arbor Art Fair.  Since I did the fair as an Emerging Artist in 2004, I have only participated with the Ann Arbor Fiberarts Guild and renting street space from the pizza place I worked at in college, New York Pizza Depot. 
It seems that some people are sick of me not having my own booth space.
I have applied in the past (only to 1 of the 4 Fairs that go on at this time), but my work and slides were just ok. So I have come up with a plan. 
I'm going to apologize if my stock for Holiday this year is suffering, or you aren't seeing too many new items.  My beadwork is taking a major shift.  Instead of just working in graphing and peyote-stitching my bangles, I have begun integrating different beading techniques and more than just the delica-seed-bead-bangle that I am known for.
I think the bangle bracelet is still my favorite form, but I'm pushing it.  I also recently purchased a dress form to work on piecing beaded necklaces together on.  The goal is to have 5 amazing pieces that I can then get professionally photographed and entered into the Original Street Art Fair by January.  If you don't see much of me, or I have my beads out while you're around me, I'm not being rude, I just need to get this done.
I'm sure you have seen my recent "Leaves Between Bangles" which will be one (or two) of the pieces entered.  I am working on a larger bangle that is woven together with the stitch I  have been using for the lariat necklaces, here is it's almost-final stage (I am going to order some fun accent beads for it!).

The peacock bangle will be another piece, but in slightly different colors than before, with possibly some bugle bead accents.


I am in the midst of a new inspired graphed piece that is larger (in width and diameter) that I am also really excited about.  If you're following me on twitter, you got a sneak peek on Thanksgiving weekend.  It will be getting it's own blog, look for "Bamboozled" as the name of the piece (I think anyway).

The necklaces are still rolling around in my head and on paper so expect more to come when the bangles are done.  Since the bangles are solidified as what I am doing, then I will have a better idea of what colors and beads to use with the necklace designs so that the grouping looks cohesive.

This is a really fun project for me, it's just the deadline that's killing me, and trying to make the pieces look cohesive, the way in which I work and am inspired never bodes really well as a "set."  We shall see how I do.  Any comments, critiques, suggestions would be appreciated and taken into consideration!

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

Wintergrain Soup Recipe


So whenever the weather starts to turn here in Michigan I crave soups.  This week has been a specific craving for my mom's Wintergrain Soup Recipe.  I can't recall which of her recipe books its from but it is a hearty vegetarian recipe.  It's not a quick soup to make, but it is so worth taking the time, so here it is:

Wintergrain Soup
1/2 cup of whole wheat berries
water
2/3 cups lentils
1/4 cup barley
1/2 cup brown rice
1/4 cup butter
2 teaspoons of thyme
1 1/2 cups cubed potatoes
1 1/2 cups sliced carrots
1 1/2 cups sliced celery
1 1/2 cups yellow onions
1 teaspoon celery seed
2 large cloves of garlic minced
1 tablespoon vegetable seasoning
1 tablespoon vegetable powder
1 tablespoon onion powder
1 tablespoon granulated garlic
1/4 cup parsley flakes
1/4 cup soy sauce
1 cup corn
1 cup peas
3 oz. cream cheese
1 cup sour cream
1 cup grated cheddar cheese

1) Prepare wheat berries ahead of time according to package (bringing to a boil then simmer for a hour)
2) In a 6 quart+ pot combine berries, water, lentils, barley, brown rice, butter and thyme.  Bring to a boil, reduce heat.  Cover and simmer for 20 minutes.
3) Add potatoes, carrots, onions, celery, celery seed, and garlic.  Bring again to a simmer and continue to cook covered until grains and veggies are tender.  Approx. 30 minutes.
4) Stir occasionally, add veg. seasoning, veg. powder, onion powder, garlic powder, parsley, soy sauce, corn and peas.  Reduce heat.
5) Blend 1/2 cup of water and all cheeses and add to soup.
Heat through and its ready! Yum!




Tuesday, November 2, 2010

Holiday Events

As I slowly clean up my place from the aftermath of Halloween at the house I am attempting to get my brain in gear for the multiple Holiday Sales coming up.  I would rather be basking in the afterglow of costumes, glitter, candy, chili and Rocky Horror Picture Show.  But alas, it seems that the wreaths, snowmen, giftlists and christmas sales have been going since August so I better get to it!

Here is what's coming up for you holiday-shopping-handmade lovers:

This weekend! Greater Lansing Weaver's Guild Sale
Friday November 5th, 12:00 noon -9:00pm
Saturday November 6th, 9:00am-4:00pm

Holiday Opening and 1st Sunday Gallery Walk
Grove Gallery Co-op
Sunday, November 7th, 12pm-4pm

Ann Arbor Fiberarts Guild Sale (1 Day only!)
Saturday November 13, 10:00am-4:00pm
(I will also be bead-demoing next to the jwewlry table all day)

Online charity auction in support of the Wounded Warrior Project
with fantabulouslyfrugal.com
Beaded Blob Earrings
Hosted by eBay, November 26th-December 6th

Art for the Soul hosted by MargaBeth Cibulka (at her fabulous home in Williamston)
Saturday, December 4th, 2010
10:00am-5:00pm

Playing with Fire (Small Weaving)

I doodled these matches back in 2015. I had gotten divorced, I was out a lot and "playing with fire" was feeling like the best des...