Songs from the Garden

Menopausal Gals are Back!

2011-11-18T12:24:00.000-08:00

The menopausal gals are back and better then before!

I have three show this Holiday season

The Crocker Holiday Art & Craft Festival in Sacramento November 25 - 27.

Davis Art Center Holiday sale in Davis December 2 - 4

Christmas in the Studio in San Jose December 2 - 4

and have made what feels like thousands of birds. I must say they are smashing! I have learned how to use a glue gun. The gals are even more outrageous then ever.

Check out these lovelies.

Vatrina here is sporting a Busse Original. Inspired from high society tea parties.

Eunice is ready for church - she is one of the original church ladies.

Patrice is off to the opera wearing a simply smashing topper.

Here are a whole gaggle of the girls.

These gals are patiently waiting for their hats to be milled.

This little number on Beatrice was inspired by the wild hats worn at The Royal Wedding this summer.

I've have chickens wearing the Eugenie and Beatrice wedding hats, the Aretha Franklin inaugural hat... and more!

I also have "Little Creatures From the Studio" and wreaths.

All my art is made from almost 100% recycled material (thread & lavender new).

Come say Hello

I will be at:

The Crocker Holiday Art & Craft Festival in Sacramento November 25 - 27.

Davis Art Center Holiday sale in Davis from Dec 2 - 4

Christmas in the Studio December 2 - 4

Home Show This Weekend

2011-04-25T14:12:00.000-07:00

Working like a happy dog getting ready for this years home show. It was so much fun last year. Come if you can, we'll have food, drinks and art. Come and hang out in the garden and enjoy the spring. It is supposed to be a beautiful weekend.

Studio

I've been making lots of blessing/prayer flags. Most are made from recycled linen, silk and cotton dresses. I even have a all wool one. I am really loving ripping up unwanted clothing (poor unwanted clothing) and transforming it into something new and beautiful. All of the blessing flags have wee-little pockets to slip your own blessings into.

I also have been making collage and watercolor pieces. I found a wonderful garden book at the second-hand store and I have been painting the pages and putting it into my art as flowers, houses, mountains, etc. I will have these originals and cards available of these new pieces.

Plus, Jan Schubert of Bee Happy Candles, Trisha Lambert of Colors of Nature, and Yelena of Snoozles will also be selling their wonderful art. Jill Stengel will read her poetry both Friday evening at 5 and Sat and 11 am.

Art and Tea in the Garden - 217 Ipanema Place, Davis, CA

Friday 3pm to 7pm

Saturday 10am to 3pm

New Collage/Watercolor Work

2011-04-13T15:35:00.000-07:00

Breakfast in the Garden

Crete

Gimmelwald, Switzerland

Little Red Hen

Spring Rain

Delight, It's Spring!

Toscana, Italia

Provence France

Mary's Garden

Tea & Art in the Garden

2011-04-13T10:50:00.000-07:00

Cinq Poules Français

2011-04-03T16:50:00.000-07:00

Five new menopausal birds off to the "Tour de Cluck" All french gals - Bridgitte, Cordelia, Esme, Simone and Zelda.

Bridgitte

Cordelia

Esme

Simone

Zelda

All made from recycled wool sweaters, lovingly stuffed with organic cotton and lavender.

The Hatchlings

They look so weird with out their face, legs and hats. Kinda like a zombie chicken. Maybe I should make a line of Zombie Chickens that might be kinda funny.

Hot Hens

2010-11-20T15:40:00.000-08:00

Menopausal chickens are back and they are HOT!

Hatchlings

These beauties are made from recycled wool sweaters (felted) and lovingly stuffed with lavender and organic cotton (grown from friend Sally Fox). Dressed for stepping out and getting into mischief - as all menopausal beings should.

Gaggle of Gals

I love them all, but I think the Old Hippy Chick is my favorite so far.

Old Hippy Chick

Getting ready for the Davis Art Center's Holiday Sale. It will be December 3rd - 5th at the Art Center. I love this show - it's fabulous, festive and fun. There is music, food, great arts and crafts, friends, families, hot coco, holiday candies and treats. What more could you ask for?

Parisian Fowl

Another 15 Minutes!

2010-11-02T12:05:00.000-07:00

pg 2 Davis Enterprise 10/28/10

Davis Enterprise 10/28/10

Yipee Skipee! I got another 15 minutes of fame! Melissa Hiatt The Art Critic for the Enterprise wrote this lovely article about my show "Animal Stories". The show will hang until the end of November. It is at The Mother and Baby Source on 2nd street downtown Davis.

Thank you Universe!

Animal Stories
art & story
Terry Busse

Shall We Dance & Make Art?

2010-09-08T14:01:00.000-07:00

The kids are back in school this week and I get to dance again after the summer break. I feel whole again... ahhh..

Melissa Sweet

I am feeling inspired by a children's artist Melissa Sweet. I love her whimsical flowers and seed pods. She has combined water color with simple pencil sketches.

Melissa Sweet

It even looks like she has added paper cut outs into her art as well. These images have a chaotic whimsy that I absolutely adore.

Ashland Oregon Garden

I lived in Ashland Oregon for a time and one of my favorite things about the town was the chaotic whimsical gardens that the town folk planted in their yards. Heaps of lavender busting out through the fences, plants that others would have pulled out - calling them "weeds" - are left in place to add to the charm of the wild garden. Roses over grown and vegetables tucked in between flowers. The loveliest gardens I have ever seen. I strive to create my garden like the ashland gardens of my past, but I diverge...

Buying books for my children this summer I stumbled upon this book - Day Is Done - by Peter Yarrow. I was absolutely charmed and inspired with the illustrations. A picture book for mama!

My kids are loving it too. They both sat down the day we brought this book home and drew images inspired by the book.

Melena

Keenan

Melissa Sweet

My turn now!

Vision Quest?

2010-08-19T09:23:00.000-07:00

"After months of preparation, hugging her family and friends goodbye, she climbed onto her raft and started down the gentle waters of the Great River. She was excited to finally be on this journey, but also felt surrounded by fear and doubt.

Would she be able to navigate the Big Waters ahead? Was her raft sturdy and strong enough? Had she honed her skills with the paddles to be able to move thru the rapids with ease?"

That's how I felt about the American Craft Council Show. It became something bigger in my head then it really was. I guess I just needed to travel down that path to find the truth for me.

The first day of the show - Friday - was metaphorically like running the gauntlet. My emotions were all over the map. One minute feeling confident, the next like I wanted to throw-up. At one point I thought, "I'll just tell them I have the flu and have to go home now".

It physically and emotionally hurt - all day. I was not having fun. It didn't help that my booth was at the back of the building and the feng shui and chi just swept past my booth like a river rounding a bend - with me on the opposite far shore.

I am proud of myself. I didn't go running and screaming from building. I stayed and faced my demons. It hurt, but I kept moving forward, and in the end I found the peace and joy that was mine. I enjoyed both Sat and Sun of the show and almost made my booth fee. In the end I feel like it really was a big success for me.

Will I do it again? - ask me when the "labor amnesia" kicks in.

I wrote stories about my pieces and scribbled "Notes From The Field" through out the day. I will share these later. - The kids are falling apart right now and I need to go exercise them - smile.

Waiting for my Wings

2010-08-10T09:13:00.000-07:00

"Faith is believing that one of two things will happen," she said.

"That there will be something solid for you to stand on,

Or that you will be taught to fly."

-unknown author

Over the Falls

2010-08-09T08:33:00.000-07:00

I learned from a wise woman, that when my children are having tantrums do not "get in the boat" with them.

She used the analogy of a river and a waterfall. When your children are having tantrums, it is like they are in a boat on a river. The boat is heading over the waterfall (waterfall being their tantrum). Once on the course of the waterfall, they are going over. At all costs - she says - do not get in the boat with them. Instead stand on the shore and support them in their journey over the falls.

If one does decide to get in the boat with them, you are going over also. You can no longer support from an objective loving place - in fact you will be out of control yourself.

So why am I telling you this? Well, my "inner critic" is having a tantrum and I got in the boat with her and cascaded down the waterfall - out of control. Not a good feeling for someone who likes to feel in control of her emotions.

I can feel myself scrambling to make up all these excuses why I shouldn't do this San Francisco show - The American Craft Council Show. I know I am just trying to escape from this uncomfortable feeling of stretching and growing with my art.

What if no one likes it? I'll be so far from home. What if I get scared and want to cry? What if no one buys my art - Am I OK with that? Can I handle that? What if I freak out and have no friendly faces to support me as I go over the waterfall? Why do I do this?

The one solace I have is, I have another dear artist friend who I have watched go through the same thing. And I know how wonderful and fabulous she is, even if she doesn't always know and believe it herself. So I hang on to that, and know I can do this too. I can stretch, and it is OK if I don't always feel great while stretching. Ya know - sometimes that is the worse part - I beat myself up for getting scared while stretching, like I think I should always feel great and strong and in control.

So, here is to all people everywhere who stretch beyond their comfort zone - You are not alone and I applaud and support you in your journey!

Dream Boogie

2010-08-05T19:07:00.000-07:00

I just finished taking a wonderful online course from SARK called Dream Boogie with SARK . She is having another one in the Fall and I have signed up for it again.

The biggest thing I received from the course was the absolute belief in my dream of making a living from my art.

I have also taken a "live" class from her too. Every fall and Spring she has a class at Starwae, an art retreat and B&B in Sonoma Co.

If you haven't heard of her before, you gotta to check her out. A real treat!

More later

Putah Creek Adventure

2010-08-04T20:53:00.000-07:00

The kids and I hiked along the "wild" section of Putah Creek (as opposed to the arboretum Putah Creek). It was a magical day.

At first they whined and complained, but I kept pushing them until we came to a clear open shallow section of the creek. Ahh the memory still warms my heart. They played in that creek for over an hour. Pretending they were crocodiles, gathering pretty shells and rocks, and best of all they found "Indian Clay" (mud). They gathered lots of the clay and I hiked it out - they wanted to make stuff with it at home.

I sat on the shore, wandered around picking ripe black berries and wading in the creek with them.

A perfect summer day!

I Want My Life Back

2010-08-01T19:37:00.000-07:00

I have just completed 25 new pieces of art for the American Craft Council show since June 15 2010. I started out keeping balance alive and well, but somewhere around number 10 I fell off the teeter-totter.
I started thinking about my life - I used to garden, do fun stuff with the kids, read books and dream of traveling to Italy - I used to have one. I guess what I was thinking of is that I want my dream AND my life. I want to be greedy.

Having just one's dream - what ever it is - is all great and wonderful, but it must be balanced with a life. Otherwise it is hard work.

I think if one has a life along with her dream, the dream feels better. Maybe it's that we are whole instead of parts. We need a "life" to seamlessly connect all our parts together.

So, how do I find this balance? I want my life along with my dream.

Polka dot gal

2010-07-27T09:23:00.000-07:00

Crap Tour

2010-07-20T16:52:00.000-07:00

I am in the crap tour now... sung to the tune of "I'm in the army now".

"I'm in the crap tour now

I'm sewing like a cow

I'll never get rich

sewing like this

I'm in the crap tour now"

Pardon my language but, everything I have been making today is crap. I fought it and fought it and now I must give in and let it go.

So... I chopped it up.

I must say it was kinda fun and therapeutic to take scissors and attack my art. It just needed to die. I gave it a warriors death, I let it attack me too. When I threw it all up in the air - it had it's fair chance to attack me. I had thread and batting in my teeth and a black-n-blue eye when it was all said and done.

Ahhh, I feel good now. I recommend this therapy to anybody who finds themselves in the mire.

I must give credit where credit is due - I did not create the "crap tour" my dear friend and amazing dancer Linda did. She has her own "crap tour" - it keeps us laughing instead of crying

Twinkle Twinkle Little Star

2010-07-17T17:53:00.001-07:00

Twinkle Twinkle Little Star

How I Wonder What You Are

Little birdie on her boat admiring the night sky.

She regularly sails alone at night.

She enjoys the freedom and peace of the night.

This, is what my studio looks like when I am in the groove, and I am in the groove!

I left My Heart in Sam's Clam Disco

2010-06-15T16:43:00.000-07:00

I'm in!

I'll be headin' west this august. Not too far west really, only a couple hours.

I recently found out I got into the American Craft Council Show in San Francisco. I'm excited, a little nervous too. I have basically drained my art business account to pay for this show. Trying to not freak out about that. Just money...right.....

First off I've got to tidy up this studio. Amazing how messy things can get when you are creating, plus my husband keeps putting "stuff" in here that doesn't have a home.

I've also been reading up on Feng Shui. I'm learning not to block the flow of chi - with clutter and objects (the "stuff" my husband keeps putting in my studio) - from flowing into my space.

I tell you, it really makes a difference. When I try to plow through and create when everything is a mess I feel like I am moving through mud.

Off I go...

So Much Fun!

2010-04-29T09:46:00.000-07:00

The Open Studio Show was a great success! People actually came. It was perfect. I really wanted people to come and have fun - and they did. There was food, lemon-aide and tea. People came and hung out - It was lovely.
I am looking forward to the second annual Tea and Art in the Garden.
My family had a blast too. Many people who came brought their children, so my kids had play date after play date.
You should see my house - Wow! It is still so clean. We all love it. Not that we are normally slobs, but that underneath dirt doesn't get much attention.
Thank you everyone who came. You made this a truly special time for me. I am all fluffed up with all the loving support and positive feedback I received. Two blog followers even came (As Shelby says, I'm not just writing to the crickets after all).

I will be adding some of my new flags up on my etsy soon. I have lots!

Happy, happy, wiggle, wiggle.

Home Art Show

2010-04-10T18:46:00.000-07:00

Planning a home studio sale brings back fears from my early 20's... what if I throw a party and know one shows! Yikes. Just have to put my brave self forward and have a party.

I will mostly have my new blessing flags, much more then have made it to my etsy shop. I really enjoy making the blessing flags and using recycled clothing. It feels right.

I will also have my other fiber and watercolor pieces.

I'll keep you posted on the outcome.

A Fine Day in the Garden

2010-04-08T14:51:00.000-07:00

I spent the day getting the garden ready for vegetables and herbs. The kids made fairy houses and fairy people.
This is the food cache for the fairy people. Hung in the branches of the Olive tree.
Here is the sweet little Olive tree with the fairies and fairy homes.
Here is the Panda's home.
A fairy climbing the tree.These two fairies are on top of the bird feeder.
A mermaid swinging.
Kids making grass chairs.

A fine day indeed!

Wool Roving not just for Spinning

2010-03-31T13:55:00.000-07:00

Spring is for caterpillars and butterflies. I made these critters with my sons first grade class for their spring project.
They turned out great. It was a little tougher for the children to make then I thought it would -especially the caterpillars. The butterflies were perfect for them.

We decorated Sam's tree with all the butterflies. Looks great and "springy".

If you want to make these critters, I got the wool from Spinning Awesome Good.

New Flags

2010-03-19T20:07:00.000-07:00

Here is one of my latest flags - Party Hats. They are made from recycled linen and linen/rayon clothing. The tie is also from the recycled clothes, I use the seams and hems to string the flags together. I really like the frayed loose edges. Behind them is another new set made with recycled silk clothing.

Inspired By Another

2010-03-10T11:29:00.000-08:00

Bird nesting supplies arrived from my dear friend Shelby. She has an etsy shop where she sells the most beautiful wool roving. It comes shaped like a flower!

She had a customer order some of her wool who put it up in the trees so the birds could have colorful soft nests this year. You can see her blog here. It is a lovely blog full of color, love and family. I was so inspired by her post I had to create my own nest supply for the birds.

I tied little pieces of the roving onto a sweet little Maple tree I am babysitting for Shelby. I think it looks so lovely. I love this idea. They are also like little-mama-bird blessings floating on the wind.

Just one problem here at my house. Look at the next photo. I didn't notice it until I uploaded the photo. "Hey I tink I taw a puddytat"

Look at that little rascal of a cat. He thinks it is a birdie diner. I am going to have to keep an eye on that guy.
If you are inspired to fly some nest supplies please share your photos or blog.

Happy nesting!

Blooming February - Must be in California

2010-02-19T15:10:00.000-08:00

The miniature peach tree on our front steps is blooming. February here in California has been beautiful. December and January nearly swallowed me whole with all the rain and fog. I am happy to say I am beginning to bloom again just like the plants in my garden. I love how connected we are to the earth and her rhythms.
I am taking a year long herb class - "Cultivating the Herbal Medicine Woman Within" from Kami McBride of Living Awareness Institute . The class has inspired me to transform our backyard into edible plants only. I have been pulling up bushes and such all winter (had to do something outside during all that fog we had).
This little lovely is Sambucus Mexicana - aka Elderberry. Now she is just a baby, but will grow to 14 ft or so. A nice bushey gal. My family has stayed heathy all winter thanks to this plant. You can make a medicinal syrup from the berries and flowers that target flu and cold viruses. It is fun and easy to make and it tastes good.

This fennel is left over from last year. Self seeded this fall and is now taking over. My kids love nibbling on this plant. Good for digestion too.

This pomegranate self seeded from all the pomegranates my kids ate two years ago. They would have contests to see who could spit their seeds the furthest. We have four of them growing all around the house from the kids.
I have two tea roses in the backyard. I can't wait to harvest the petals and make some luscious smelling infused oil from these.

I must say the back yard is looking kinda sparse. We haven't planted the veggie garden yet. But very soon it will be over flowing with lusciousness.
This picture is for Sam. We are plant sitting his birth tree until his family can retrieve it. It is growing happily in a huge blue ceramic pot. It is just starting to bud.

Thanks for letting me share my garden. My friend Shelby inspired me with her post on her garden. Check out her ceramic button and wool roving shops on etsy. She is one of the most heart felt people I know and a wonderful artist.

Rainbow Linen Flags

2010-02-10T15:42:00.000-08:00

Looking for White - I Find a Rainbow

2010-02-09T11:22:00.000-08:00

I love the way linen feels and it's rich texture. I've been thinking of making blessing flags out of linen. I think the weight of the linen will hang nicely and the way it frays so lovely will look great on a blessing flag.

Not thinking I would be able to find all the colors that inspire me, I thought I'd find white or off white linen and dye it. I didn't want new linen, I wanted to use discarded clothes and give them new life as blessing or spirit flags.

This is what I found in my favorite second-hand store - the colors of the rainbow! I must confess, not all of these finds are 100% linen. Some are 50% linen and 50% rayon mix. I just couldn't resist some of these colors. Although, after doing some research on rayon and how it is processed, I think I will stick with the linen. Even though rayon is made with natural fibers it is processed using heaving chemicals.
Plus, I have found it doesn't fray as nicely as the linen. But, just look at these reds and pinks...
yellows and oranges...
greens and blues and teals...and purple and violet...

I am experimenting making linen blessing flags with a little more spirit in them then my last ones. I love my other flags, but I want to focus a little more on the sweetness of life, and feel like I can add some beauty and love and peace into our world.

I will post some of my flags soon. I do have a couple of my new linen ones in my etsy shoppe.

Toot-a-loo

Terry

On Their Way to Italy!

2009-10-12T12:57:00.000-07:00

These four California oak hills pieces are off to Italy. In fact they have probably arrived already.
They were a custom order from a dear friend for her dear friends and family from Italy who had been visiting this autumn.
It was hard for me to get started, but knowing they would eventually be hanging in an Italian home kept me going. The order was to make a California oak hill scene. Wacky chickens kept slipping into the images. I will have to find my original four sketches and show you the chickens. Quite lovely really - Hee Hee.
As you can see the chickens stayed put and these are the pieces that finally made it off to Italy. Hopefully I too, will be heading to that lovely spicy country soon.

Tea Party Lovelies

2009-10-07T12:03:00.001-07:00

Look at these little lovelies I found. The top tea cup and the bottom one are 88 year old treasures. Not sure about the middle tea cup. I ordered these from an etsy store called FabricatedFamily. You should take a look at the lovely vintage treasures she carries. I was just going to order two teacups but....
...got so carried away I ordered six of the yellow daisy ones and just the one of the roses (it was her last). I am so happy I did. these tea cups feel so exquisite in your palm when you hold them. These tea cups are defiantly from a time gone by. But they remind me that life can be slow and lovely, with plenty of time to enjoy the beauty all around me.
Seeing them I just want to take a deep breath and smile. I feel softer looking at them.

Time for a tea party now.

Cute Skulls

2009-10-06T16:12:00.000-07:00

I love these cutie pies. They are made with mostly reclaimed fabric - old skirts, dresses and test pieces for dyeing. The skulls are made from cotton lace that I dyed with black tea.
I got the idea from Kelli Perkins new book - called "Stitch Alchemy". She made some Day of the Dead cards with these skulls.

I love Kelli Perkins work. It is bright festive and whimsical.... hey so is mine. No wonder I like her stuff so much. She however, is a whiz with the free stitching. I still need a little more time and projects under my belt. I am getting there though.
These beauties now have a place of honor in our house, above the piano.

Check out her art if you haven't seen it before. Hopefully I got the links hooked up right.

Tootles

Vintage Treasures Find Me

2009-09-05T15:43:00.000-07:00

I received an intriguing e-mail the other day. A woman emailed me regarding some old fabric she had. She said she was trying to simplify her life and wondered if I had any interest in some old fabric.
Yes, of course! So I hauled the children into the car and off we went. She did offer to bring it to me, but being summer and needing adventures with little ones, we went to her. My children immediately loved her home. They wanted to stay and play in the fields next to her house.
First she showed us some fabric she had collected over the years, projects she had meant to get to but didn't. A beautiful hand embroidered wool skirt, some "way cool" curtains from the 60's or 70's (blue bold fabric below), exquisite fabric from Libya in the 60's, cloth from Mexico and Ireland. An assortment of fabric treasures.
Then she mentioned she did have some linens (pictured above) that she wasn't sure I wanted. Most had belonged to her mom, her mom even made some of them. I am guessing the are from the 40's, 50's and 60's. They are fabulous. I absolutely love them. They are charming beyond charming. When I ironed them I felt like I was in part connected to the times and women who may have ironed these before me.
I really feel so grateful that these vintage treasures have come my way. I am not sure what I will do with them all. I have some ideas. I do know I could never cut up the beautiful linens. I just want to hang them up in the breeze and let their romantic beauty fill the air.
My daughter is eyeing the fabric from Libya. I may give it to her for her birthday.
I have made the most beautiful Wedding Blessing Prayer flags with some of the linen napkins, sewn together with satin ribbon. I added little pockets, from some of the linen napkins that were stained, for the couple to add their own blessing. They are so sweet. I put them in my etsy shop and they sold within 24 hours. The linen's make these wedding flags really something extra special.

I will post them soon. You can also see them over in my etsy shop (button on the right hand side).

Smell the Pachouli dancing on the Breeze

2009-08-23T18:56:00.000-07:00

These are my latest in prayer flags. I made them to be reminiscent of hippy skirts swaying to music.
A tribute to the 60's and the "old hippies" out there. I was 8yrs old when Woodstock was happening. Just missed coming of age in the 60's. I would have loved to be a hippy, but was a "granola" instead. That's what we were in the 70's.

These prayer flags are all made with repurposed cotton and silk clothing, fibers, yarns and green ribbon.
Invite a bunch of old hippies to your next garden party... or maybe new hippies, since the 60's seem to be coming back in fashion again.

Tea-Party Flags

2009-08-14T13:03:00.000-07:00

Notice

Tea-party in the garden

Come along with me.

Butterfly, beetle, and flower.

Spider, songbird and bee.

Gather your finest outfit

and we'll sip on lavender tea.

These are my latest blessing flags. They are made with recycled or repurposed clothing. I made each flag to look like a festive tea-party dress. They are all natural fibers - cottons and silks.

I love these whimsically romantic flags. They dress up the garden perfectly for a sweet little tea-party. My kids love them too - especially when they come with "tea" (iced lemonade).

I put these in my etsy shop and have more waiting to be created on my new oak work-table.

My Soul Has Been Fed - Desolation Wilderness Area

2009-08-03T14:26:00.000-07:00

For Shelby

2009-07-21T11:03:00.000-07:00

I remodeled, reorganized and re-cluttered.

The wool and fabric are up from the floor now. I have them organized by color and size. I love it - I can easily find what I need.

The desk... well... that is where I practice re-cluttering.

New Piece

2009-07-20T13:56:00.000-07:00

I am starting on a new piece for a friends 10th wedding anniversary

First I used color crayons on it.

Then added paint

As soon as the fabric dries I will add more crayon and set the crayon and paint with a hot iron.

I feel so domestic. Other then art I never use an iron

Happy Pieces

2009-07-13T11:21:00.001-07:00

Purple Cat and Pink Balloon

These are a couple of the pieces that I made for the hospital. They ended up taking one piece. It was one of Millie the Cow jumping over the moon.

This purple cat is my favorite of the five pieces I made. The cat is made from recycled wool sweaters. The little confetti pieces are left over wool bits.

I painted and drew (with crayons) on the fabric first, then added the swirly machine stiching to the background. And last added the fabric images.

The Polka-Dot Bird piece was created in the

same way. All the wool in this piece is from old wool sweaters. The fabric is all new in this piece.

Super-Hero's Come in All Shapes and Sizes!

2009-07-13T10:54:00.000-07:00

Garden Song

2009-06-18T14:08:00.001-07:00

I just finished this and four other pieces to potentially go into a hospital. I just dropped off the pieces to the gallery representing the hospital.

I would love to show you the images of the other four, but I forgot to take pictures. I can't believe it.

The others were more children focused - Super hero cats, Dancing cats and balloons, polka-dot birds and a cow jumping over the moon.

When I get pictures (for I will have to go back to the gallery) I will post them. Until then enjoy my garden.

And One Cluck

2009-05-01T12:19:00.001-07:00

Meow

2009-04-29T20:31:00.000-07:00

This is the first of three cats I've made this week.

The cat - Mr. Jingles and his wings are made from recycled felted wool sweaters. The rest is fabric (other then the wooly bits).

I couldn't settle on a piece of fabric for the back ground so I decided to experiment with some fabric paint I had. I love the effect. So... of course I made two more cats and painted a bunch of material to make some more cats.

I think I am channeling cats right now - super-hero cats.

Prayer Flags with Pockets for Your Own Prayers

2009-04-23T09:03:00.001-07:00

I finished these flags yesterday. I put little pockets on them so your own prayers can float on the wind.

I will have them available at the Whole Earth Festival. I will probably put some in my etsy store too.

I love these bright batiks - so joyful.

Blooming all Day

2009-04-21T16:45:00.001-07:00

I bloomed all day today... and now I am tiered.

Need water, fresh air and fertilizer. I would prefer the fertilizer to come in the form of chocolate chip cookies.

yummmmm...

Posted: Hazardous Zone

2009-04-21T13:31:00.000-07:00

This is what my studio looks like when I am getting ready for a show.

Baskets of fabric and wool. Lots of color, lots of mess.

My family is a little afraid to come in here. I must admit it is even getting a little messy for me.

Peace Prayer Flags

2009-04-18T16:21:00.000-07:00

The first go around with the prayer flags is done.

It was harder then I hoped using the bleach resist.

Everything I had read about it made it seem pretty straight forward. I guess I just haven't found the right stuff to use. The products I bought are either too thin or they don't discolor the fabric. So far I have had the best results with a clorox bleach pen. Although they are a little expensive.

Anyone have any thoughts? Has anyone else tried this? Let me know if you have some other ideas.

Package of Color in a Big Brown Truck

2009-04-17T20:00:00.000-07:00

A package of color came for me today!

It came in my dear friend Shelby's favorite truck.

What truck is that you ask?

The UPS truck!

Look at these beautiful colors! I ordered these batik fabrics from Batiks Etcetera . I am going to use them to make some prayer flags for the Whole Earth Festival.

With these colors they are sure to be fabulous!

Buttons and Sunflowers

2009-04-14T19:26:00.001-07:00

My dear friend Shelby has begun making Beautiful ceramic buttons. Check out her etsy shop. She even names her buttons after her friends and family. I believe this green button is called the Terry button. Named after me!

This is one of my new pieces for the Whole Earth Festival in Davis on May 8, 9, and 10.

The blue background on this piece is an old blue silk sari from my friend Jeannie. She just couldn't throw it away (it was well worn) and knew I would be able to reuse it - and I did.

Mia Casa Italia

2009-04-14T18:55:00.000-07:00

My new favorite

"La mia casa di sogno in Italia"

which means:

My Italian dream house.

My studio will be in the barn along side the house and the children will run through the cypress trees chasing the feral chickens.

It's a Spring Thing!

2009-04-12T14:03:00.000-07:00

Amazing and strange things happen this time of year.

Birds are acting all crazy in search of mates.

Grandpas getting on merry-go-rounds!

Otherwise normal adults consuming way to many jelly beans.

Woke up this morning and found these two suspicious characters wandering around the garden.

And the kids, well what can I say. (maybe a trip to the dentist)

And family... spring is a great time to hang out with family.

Happy Easter!

Meet Daisy

2009-04-08T10:14:00.001-07:00

Daisy is the first of the hens to hatch.

She is made with recycled wool sweaters (except for her beak) and lovingly stuffed with organic brown cotton from Fox Fibers.

More hens are on the way...

Receiving Their Wings

2009-04-07T16:55:00.001-07:00

The gals are getting their wings.

They are starting to take shape.

I don't need to feed them at this point. Although every once in awhile I hear a clucking coming from my studio.

Hens in the Making

2009-04-06T17:16:00.000-07:00

I cut out 17 hens today. I think I will probably dream of the fine feathered gals tonight.

The kids and I dragged an old card table out in the back yard and I worked on hens, while they played nearby.

It is the first day of a two week spring break and the weather is beautiful. Perfect for hanging out of doors.

Melena created this cleaver little bird. She added a zipper to the back end so she could put in chocolate eggs or baby chicks.

She took the zipper from a pair of old jeans and sewed in on to the back side. Smart little girl. So creative too.

Chickens?

2009-04-03T10:20:00.000-07:00

These sweaters are getting ready to hatch into full grown chickens.

Went thrift store searching and found these lovelies. I love the colors and they are all nice soft merino wool. Perfect for the birth of my menopausal gals. Although I sense there may be a few spring chickens in this bunch.

I am going to participate in the Whole Earth Festival at UCD again this Mothers Day weekend and the hens will be making a comeback.

I felted the sweaters in my washing machine so I can now cut them up without unraveling.

Stay tuned for further progress.

Spring Fling Flowers!

2009-03-24T18:18:00.001-07:00

2009-03-21T15:13:00.001-07:00

Visions of Spring Equinox

2009-03-21T14:43:00.001-07:00

Dance, Soul, Odyssey, Wisdom, Miracle

2009-03-19T11:27:00.000-07:00

If I described myself with books, this is what I would choose...

To Dance, opening my Soul to the Odyssey, Wisdom and Miracle of my life.

Millie Knew She Could Fly

2009-02-23T18:24:00.001-08:00

This is a piece for my children's school auction.

I love this cow. My mom told my siblings and I a story about Millie the Cow when we were little. Of course it is a story of a cow who wanted to fly.

In my moms story, Millie is a silly cow who ends up stuck on top of the farmers barn. She eventually is helped back to earth by the farmer and his tractor. Millie then says she will never do such a silly thing again.

But not this Millie, no... this Millie knows she is born for flight. While my Millie may have her silly moments, she is not a silly cow. This bovine has all the confidence she needs to heave her two ton body up and over that moon. In fact this cow isn't content with just jumping over the moon. This gal is going to stay awhile and explore the stars, the moons, and the mysteries of the universe!

This piece is made of reclaimed wool sweaters, an old sari, a dress from a second hand store, some new fabric and buttons.

I like her!

Taking in the Day

2009-02-05T12:21:00.000-08:00

A jaunt through the arboretum with the dogs lifted my spirits. Woke up feeling zapped and in need of a little adventure. The dogs thought it was a good idea too.

Spring is definitely in the air here in Northern California.

They'll Get Candy

2009-01-21T09:04:00.001-08:00

Last night as I was tucking the children into bed, my six year old says with concern in his voice,

"Mom, ya know the two girls in the White House?"

"Yeah?"

"How will they get candy now?"

Smile, "They'll get candy, but your right, things will be different for the girls now that their dad is the president."

What a day! It was amazing. I am still so full of hope and excitement for our country. Everyone around me, everywhere I go has been talking about it. There is such positive hope and energy in the air - and everyone feels a part of it. They all want to be involved and feel like Obama called out to each one of us to help bring our country back on her feet.

Exciting times!

Ripe Blue Moon Hanging in the Purple Sky

2009-01-12T12:07:00.001-08:00

Chocolate and Business

2009-01-06T10:28:00.000-08:00

Now that the kids are back in school, it is time to get down to business... a little hot chocolate and a lot of reading.

My career goal for 2009 is to learn the business side of art and to be good at it. I love doing my art and I want to be successful at this. I haven't been very good at the business side of things in the past. My brain doesn't easily think in business terms, it wants to play in colors and textures.

So, if anyone has some great advice or a good resource please pass it along. As you can see I have read a few books on the subject.

What I really need is a business coach or a class to help one walk through the process. Or maybe a group of other artists who are walking a similar path.

One of My Many Dream Houses

2009-01-03T18:35:00.000-08:00

From the upstairs window

you can hear the rolling sea.

If you close your eyes

you can

feel the warm moist air

caress your face.

I love this place. My funky tropical home

I Have a Fairy Godmother

2009-01-03T11:03:00.000-08:00

Early this December I received a call from a Davis Enterprise Reporter - Sharon Stello - wanting to interview artists in the Davis Art Center Holiday Sale.

The article ended up on the front page and it was all about me, my family and my art. It was the best publicity I have ever had. People came in looking for me and my art all weekend long, and most of them purchased something. Thank you every one! I defiantly had my 15 minutes of fame and then some.

Thanks again to my Fairy Godmother who steered the reporter my direction and thank you to all the great people who came in and supported my art over the weekend.

Floofy In - Floofy Out

2009-01-01T16:49:00.000-08:00

We spent a week in Hawaii with my hubbies side of the family in early December. It was great, we had family coming from Puerto Rico, Boston and California.

Wonderful to be together.

This is Uncle "Coo Coo", the kids, and hubby crashing in the waves - or as the kids say, "floofy in and floofy out"

We have been finding sand in the strangest

places for weeks. Uncle "Coo Coo" even had to go to the Doc's to get sand out of his ears! You know you have had fun, when your ears are full of sand!

We spent so much time in the ocean we all have web feet and an unexplainable craving for fish.

The ocean is the best!

Especially when you get slammed by a good wave like this.

Gotta love it!

Now that we are back and the holidays are over, I hope to get back to some art and more regular postings.

I still have the Davis Art Center Holiday Sale to post about. I will share soon.

Happy New Year! May 2009 bring lots of love, joy, peace and sand in between your toes!

Terry

Lynnie Penny Popcorn

2009-01-01T15:19:00.000-08:00

I made this piece this past summer, but noticed it wasn't up on my blog, soooo...

"Meet

Lynnie Penny Popcorn

She lays golden eggs.

And when her eggs all hatch

Her chicks have golden legs."

I made this piece thinking of my mom and my aunt, both who died to soon. But this is a joyous piece, celebrating their humorous loving sides.

I learned that my aunts and uncles called my mom "Lynnie Penny Popcorn" when she was little. Something to do with the fact that she was a majorette-baton-tw

irling-gal who got them to all the parades in town.

With the holidays just passing and the new year arriving I have been thinking of my mom. She was great. Not to say she didn't have her stuff - because she did - maybe even more then her fair share.

She was funny. I loved her wacky sense of humor. She was so beautiful. Her heart was so big. She had space for all my friends. Many of whom called her "mom-two" - meaning their second mom. The kids of the neighborhood - we all hung out on our front porch, my mom feeding us all and putting up with all our teen drama.

I keep a photo of her next to my art space. She was an artist too. I show her what I am doing, and smile at her image.

I love you Lynnie Penny Popcorn - mom

Thanks for my golden legs

Tis the season to be jolly...

2008-12-17T09:16:00.000-08:00

Peace on Earth

Joy to the World

Three Sunflowers Once in a Blue Moon

2008-10-23T14:49:00.001-07:00

Harvest Moon

2008-10-23T14:38:00.001-07:00

When I think of this piece I remember warm autumn days gone by. Where the shadows are longer and a crispness begins to fill the air in the late afternoon.

The smells are of drying grasses and apples that drop to the ground.

Warm aromas drift out from homes in the neighborhood.

Lights within come on earlier and radiate a comforting glow.

The rustle of leaves already fallen fill my ears.

The moon too seems bigger. The big orange moon we always called the harvest moon.

Magic Under a Rock

2008-10-17T10:29:00.000-07:00

She found her magic

under a rock in the garden.

When had she lost it

she wondered?

She cried for the time spent

without her magic.

and then she laughed

for the tears had reminded her

she never really lost her magic.

But she had carefully wrapped it

and placed it under the rock

for her future self to find

knowing she would need

a release of tears

and to be reminded that magic

is everywhere, everyday.

And she smiled

and filled her heart

with the song of her life.

Flowers and Houses - Metaphors for Self Exploration

2008-10-08T14:23:00.000-07:00

The full moon bloomed once a month

from the moon flowers

she carefully tended in her garden.

She had no idea that when she planted her seed of Joy,

it would bloom so wonderfully.

Sword of Light - Meteor Stars

2008-09-25T12:10:00.000-07:00

We are entering the Michaelmas season. While I am not a traditionally religious person, I am a spiritual person and I love to take the metaphorical meaning of the old stories to heart.

During this time of year we are reminded to take the light of the summer (Michael's golden sword/truth) into our selves to tame or slay our inner dragons or the darkness of the winter.

The following is a description of Michaelmas from my son's kindergarden teacher (for the parents). The children hear stories of Michael and his golden sword of light and how he slays the dragon and protects the village. They have also been busy dying silk capes with walnuts (makes yellow) and carving out little swords of oak. It is so exciting to be a kindergardener. Sometimes I wish I could go back to that simple nurturing time.

"The heavenly iron (stars/meteors) sent to earth by the sword of the Arch Angel Michael is an image that says-While the physical world (the dragon) is a necessary stage for the human being the spiritual qualities of courage and responsibility are essential to lift humanity from self centered egoism, exploitation of the earth and others, and materialistic thinking. It is the spiritual iron (stars/meteors) of Michael that gives us courage and strength to develop selflessness and service to do what is right by our world and our neighbor."

Green Gulch Zen Center

2008-09-23T10:19:00.000-07:00

The journey of transformation isn't always easy. Maybe it never is. We get comfortable in our life. We know what to expect. Then we feel the wind tug at our heart, "come, this is the way". There is a great gratitude for this tug, but sometimes it is difficult to have the faith that this whisper will guide us to a higher place.

and so the wind called to my heart this fall. "Come...this is the way"

Ahead I see a fork in the path. I know, even before arriving at the fork that my path will lead to the right. But I feel a longing, a sadness for not taking the left road. The left road is my past, my younger self.

I am not sure I want to leave this path. As exciting as it is to journey and explore, the right path holds the unknown.

Where my higher self, my universal self knows this path leads to the garden of my heart, my human self wants to hold on to the worn and comfortable trail.

And so I take the first steps towards the unknown. I try to walk with grace, but I stumble... and the wind caresses, she whispers, "it's OK - we all stumble". The wind reminds me to open my eyes, open my heart, let go of the fear - I am not alone.

and indeed when I open my eyes I see I am surrounded by a community of women - some who have traveled this way, others who traveled yet another path, but they are all there to remind me I am not alone.

And so I found myself at Green Gulch Zen Center. A class I signed up for 6 months ago, not knowing how perfectly timed it would be.

The class was called The Art of Pilgrimage. It was a meditative hike in the Marin Headlands and through the Green Gulch Farm. The photos are all from the gardens at the center.

The wisdom I received from this experience was to open my heart and body to the journey - to be present to the feelings washing over and through me.

I was reminded of the births of my two beautiful babies. Both of my children were born at home. My first labor was hard. I was scared and I held my body very tight and closed, hence the labor was tight and closed. Not much room to expand into what was happening and allow by body to open naturally and let my little one flow out. Instead it was a little more like pushing her out - holding her in - pushing her out - holding her in...

My second birth I did a lot of prep work. I wanted to be fully present and to be open to the pain. Feel the pain, feel my body open. I had much more faith, because I had done this before. I thought of myself and all the mothers before me who had done this. I felt my whole body open. I actually remember that feeling of opening and following my bodies rhythm. I allowed myself to unfold.

So I take that same metaphor into this next phase of my life. To trust in the natural rhythms of life and to open my heart and body. I am learning again to allow the feelings to wash over and through me and to be present with this journey. I don't want to wake up some day realizing I spent my life as seaweed - yes, gently flowing in and out with the rhythm of the tide, but having no direction of my own choosing. Instead I strive to be more like the turtle who also lives within the natural rhythm of the sea, but she can propel her own direction within the flow of the sea.

The pilgrimage was amazing and I hope to do it again next year. I encourage any who may have an interest to check out the leader web site. He is an amazing person, and had so much to share about the sacredness of pilgrimage.

http://www.stevenkharper.com/

Sacred Tree

2008-09-22T12:34:00.000-07:00

I spent the week end at Green Gulch Zen Center
It was a weekend of reflection on self, family and community. I also got to spend it with my dear friend Andrea. I have lots to tell, but I see it is time to pick up my little on from kindergarden.

I'll be back.

The Wall Street Two-Step?

2008-09-16T12:13:00.000-07:00

Ouch... Spent Saturday in Napa for the annual "Napa Wine and Crafts Faire". I think I was on Wall Street, while the other artisans were on "Yipee-Skippy" Street.

It has me thinking of how I sell my art. I love doing this and I really want to make this work for myself and family. There was a wonderful leather artist (Jessica Zoutendijk) next to me who had some good insight - about weathering through these economic times, because the larger market for hand-crafted, quality items is on the upswing.

I think I also have noticed that people want to buy arts and crafts, but with these tough times are choosing functional arts and crafts pieces. My pieces, though I love them, aren't real functional.

I must say it has me a little nervous about my upcoming shows in October, November and December. Not sure my ego can take another hit like Napa. As it was, my hubby had to send me out of the house for a time-out. At least the movie "Mamma Mia" was still playing and I got to have my time-out in Greece.

So off to the Studio to figure out just how I am going to pay for our Italian farm house. (actually I'm off to pick up my little guy from Kindergarden)

Ciao Bellas

Gathering Myself Up Again

2008-08-31T06:58:00.000-07:00

I am back after a month hiatus. I didn't mean to be gone so long from this blog, but I was really wiped out after the DAC show. I forget how much of myself gets put into each piece. It wiped me out.

I loved the show. It was so wonderful to do this show with Jan Schubert. We had a lot of fun hanging the art together, hosting the reception, and finally taking the art down.

I learned something about myself at the reception - I have an inner troll. Jan did a puppet show of the "Three Billy Goats Gruff" (she is a wonderful story teller). I was the troll. All I had to do was "man" the strings on the marionette troll. I didn't have any lines - but afterwards many people commented on my troll facial expressions when ever my troll was on stage. I didn't know what my face was doing because I was concentrating on not tangling the trolls strings - but it must have been pretty funny. One of the dads said to me, as he was leaving the reception - "I will never forget that troll" (head shaking, quirky smile playing on his face). -I think I will stick to the behind the scenes making of art, and let my inner troll play with the sewing machine.

Fall is quickly approaching. The light has changed, the air smells of drying grasses, and my children will be headed off to school again. I am enjoying this change of season, and looking forward to doing more art. I hope to learn the business end of art this year, (I need to make enough money to put a down payment on my italian dream home -a rustic fixer-upper farm house).

Ciao Bellas

Teresa (said with an Italian accent)

Heart Felt Opening

2008-08-01T16:55:00.000-07:00

I have finished my pieces for the DAC show. Although I didn't get the last one done or even started. It's is called "Polka dot Undies" The kids would have loved it. I'll save it for the next time.

I am really excited about this show. I really love these little characters I created. I will hang my art tomorrow morning with Jan Schubert. Her stuff is beautiful. She recently published "The Sun Seed" a sweet story about the life cycle of a sunflower seed. She illustrated her pieces with needle felting. She does amazing work.

Come check it out if you can. The show will hang until the end of Aug. (27th).

Maybe I Can Fix It

2008-07-28T09:56:00.000-07:00

I took my handy dandy sewing machine to camp. I had three pieces yet to finish for the up coming DAC show and, well...

It broke!!!!

Ahhhhh!

I tried to fix it. I even called my sewing machine man to see if he could walk me through it. He said it would take hours...

Alas, I guess I was meant to play and not sew at camp.

Back From Camp

2008-07-28T09:09:00.000-07:00

Camp was great - as always. We even got a little rain, which felt great, coming from the heat of the valley.

Every year we go to Standford Sierra Camp (for Standford Alumni - my father-in-law is the alum) It is a camp for the whole family. We stay in sweet little cabins. They have adventures for young and old. Hiking, art, lectures, singing, disco bingo, kids groups....

This year there we a lot of bears in camp, due to the Angora fire from last summer. It burned all their home lands so they were over the ridge on the same side as the camp. Quiet exciting for some of the campers. Unfortunately we never saw a bear. We kept hoping too, but I think we went to bed to early for bears.

We found some great swimming holes up in the falls above camp. We had a great time until I noticed little leaches on the kids, then we were a bit grossed out. "Don't freak out guys, but there are little creatures all over you." "AAAAhhhhhh!"

It was worth it though.

A great time was had by all.

Off to Family Camp

2008-07-18T20:50:00.001-07:00

We are off to Sierra Camp tomorrow. We go every year with hubbies folks. I will check back in a week. I am taking my sewing machine and materials. I will upload my new creations when we return.

This is the family last year leaving Sierra Camp, saying goodbye to the grandparents.

Desert Beat

2008-07-17T16:38:00.000-07:00

Coyote sings to the dipping moon

A song so soft and sweet

Cricket begins on his leg violins

and mouse keeps time with her feet.

I Get To Drive Next

2008-07-16T16:36:00.000-07:00

This piece was inspired by my walking the two doggies (Manni & Marley) one night, and thinking that they need a story too.

I used to tell the children that our dogs knew how to drive and that they would take off and drive our couch when we were out and about. At the time they believed me, but now, at five and eight years old it's a little tougher to fool them.

Although my five year old will come up to me later and ask, "Mom, do they really drive the couch?" "No Sweetie, but they do know how to drive the car".

My honey-bunny husband also used to have a VW bus and did the whole surfer scene thing. I even used a picture of his old bus to design my bus from.

This piece has a lot of recycled materials in it. An old dress of mine for the sky old wool sweaters for the bus, dogs, road and board. The ocean and the border are new materials.

I Get To Drive Next

When the family is not about

The doggies they do roam

They hop in the V.W. bus

and head out far from home.

Our Closest neighbor

2008-07-11T12:29:00.000-07:00

We have a little friend living in our pine tree. I really love her.

She hangs out in the tree most of the day resting, then around twilight we can hear her twittering as she flies overhead in search of her dinner.

Usually when I go over to have a peak at her, which is fairly often, she too is checking me out. I am a little surprised that she hasn't found a new home, for our family isn't the quietest one.

But I am glad she stays.

Longtime Pals Finished

2008-07-10T15:13:00.000-07:00

I finished "Longtime Pals" - except for the final backing piece. We left the smoke and heat behind and went to Pacific Grove, and while the kids and hubby were running around playing soccer I sat and finished this piece.

I love these two birds. They remind me of a my longtime pal Andrea and I. Although to be fair to Andrea, if this chicken was to truly to depict her, there would be a rooster in the picture and she would be taunting him with her strawberry. And of course she'd have a long golden mane.

Working on "Longtime Pals"

2008-07-07T11:52:00.001-07:00

Hedgie McDoodle

2008-07-06T20:06:00.000-07:00

Hedgie McDoodle scooters on home

Not wanting to be late for his meal

Grasshoppers, beets, and dandelion greens

Things that would make you squeal.

Heart Stone Ceramics

2008-07-03T15:51:00.000-07:00

These are my friend - Shelby's beautiful plates.

Aren't they sooo lovely.

I want some.

Her website is still under construction, but you can still see some of her wonderful art.

heartstoneceramics.com

Check it out

Longtime Pals

2008-07-03T12:06:00.001-07:00

This is going to be my next piece for the DAC show, although it is more of a story for "old birds" rather then the bambinis. I am excited to make this one.

These pieces that I make for women/mamas are the ones that really nourish my heart. I suppose these are the ones that I make for myself, about my self, and about all the great wonderful women and mamas out there.

There is something very lovely and sacred about being a woman and the journeys we travel. Especially when children are in our lives.

For me, having children opened doorways within me that I would not have otherwise discovered.

These doorways have rarely been what I expected and sometimes they have been downright scary. My children have brought me to such a beautiful place in life.

Here I have been going on about the journey of mamma-hood, I forgot about my picture. They story that goes with this one is:

"Longtime Pals"

They spent the long hot afternoon in the garden.

Laughing and eating strawberries in the shade of a giant sunflower.

Millie and Tally have been bosom buddies since kindergarden.

Each has seen the best and the worst in each other.

They have held each others hearts in joy and pain.

Roosters have come and gone.

Their chicks are all grown.

And still, these old birds are the dearest and the best-est of friends.

My Own Little Chair

2008-06-27T20:51:00.001-07:00

Auntie Bligh's Chocolate Cherry Pie (tart) Recipe

2008-06-26T17:57:00.000-07:00

This is Donkeys blue ribbon pie recipe. It is adapted from one that I found in an "old" Bon Appetit magazine - circa 1993.

I wish I could say it really came from my ole' Auntie Bligh, but I don't have an ole' Auntie Bligh. I do on the other hand have a wonderful Aunt Margaret who gave my mother a subscription to Bon Appetit years ago, and my mom passed them on to me. The original recipe was a raspberry almond mousse tart.

Blue Ribbon Pie

2008-06-26T17:09:00.000-07:00

Donkey has a secret recipe

From her dear ole' Aunt Bligh

Mix chocolate and sweet cherries

Add crust and call it pie.

This beautiful donkey is inspired from Pino a real donkey who can really bake pies. He even has his own blog. He and his people are baking pies and selling aprons this saturday - June 28th - to raise money and awareness for Pino's not profit organization to help those who are isolated or ill. Please check out his blog to learn more.

donkey-dreams.blogspot.com

This is another piece for the DAC August art show. The donkey and the pie are all made from recycled wool sweaters that I felted. All the cotton fabric on this piece is new.

I love this little donkey gal. I think she is an italian donkey, by the coloring of the background and the fabric her apron is made from. Plus, I have been dreaming italian lately.

Ciao Bella Donkey

Chicken's Walk

2008-06-26T17:00:00.000-07:00

Chicken walks her pet coyote

Out upon the range

Proud of her new cowboy boots

Though they do feel a little strange.

Andrea's Art

2008-06-23T19:33:00.000-07:00

My dear friend Andrea sent this to me in the mail today.

I absolutely love it. Reminds me of the years we spent traipsing around together in Ashland, Oregon - either on bikes, feet or skis - always with our hearts.

"End of the spring; trail in the siskiyou's"

I think I'll rest awhile

2008-06-22T20:12:00.000-07:00

Casa da Sogno - Dream house

2008-06-21T14:04:00.000-07:00

It just needs a little fixing up...

I could easily see myself living here.

Tending to goats and chickens in the morning & evenings.

I could put a little art studio out back, near the lavender fields. There might be some wild sheep out there too. My kids could spend their days roaming the fields and chasing the feral chickens.

My husband, he too would have a

studio, he could spend his days writing poetry and novels, and of course he'll need to tend to the fixing up of our little abode.

Aahhh, yes this is good. Oh, one more thing... we'll all speak Italian.

Murphy's Midnight Dance

2008-06-18T17:43:00.001-07:00

The sweet goat with the long floppy ears

Loved to prance by the light of the moon.

Each round moon that brought a new season

Had Murphy dancing to an ancient goat tune.

This piece was inspired by a real goat that I read about, that likes to dance at night when his people are tucked into bed. Apparently he entertains the other goats with his ancient rhythmic moves.

I was so amused by this cute goat that I just had to capture his story in my art for an upcoming children's art show at the Davis Art Center in August 2008.

Actually, it was a Peach

2008-06-08T18:16:00.000-07:00

She Sings the Morning Awake

2008-06-06T16:23:00.000-07:00

Every spring the mocking birds return to our part of the earth.

To me the mocking birds song is perfect. I can close my eyes and imagine I am on a tropical island somewhere. Or somewhere romantic - like a small tuscan village.

I created this piece while the mocking bird out my studio window sang the morning awake.

It was a beautiful crisp spring morning. The children were tucked lovingly into their waldorf school. I had a delicious cup of black tea with cream and knew the morning was mine to create.

I use a lot of recycled materials in my artwork. Most, if not all, of

the materials for this piece are recycled.

The background, bird and stems are from felted wool sweaters and the flowers are from

old dresses. The "doo-das" hanging on each side are scraps of felted wool from other art pieces.

More Felt and Fiber Art

2008-05-27T13:53:00.000-07:00

Her Moon Garden

Cowgirls for Peace, Love and Flowers

Felt and Fiber Art

2008-05-21T09:48:00.000-07:00

Walks on Water Actually, It was a Peach

Songs from the Garden

Menopausal Gals are Back!

Home Show This Weekend

New Collage/Watercolor Work

Tea & Art in the Garden

Cinq Poules Français

Hot Hens

Another 15 Minutes!

Shall We Dance & Make Art?

Vision Quest?

Waiting for my Wings

Over the Falls

Dream Boogie

Putah Creek Adventure

I Want My Life Back

Polka dot gal

Crap Tour

Twinkle Twinkle Little Star

I left My Heart in Sam's Clam Disco

So Much Fun!

Home Art Show

A Fine Day in the Garden

Wool Roving not just for Spinning

New Flags

Inspired By Another

Blooming February - Must be in California

Rainbow Linen Flags

Looking for White - I Find a Rainbow

On Their Way to Italy!

Tea Party Lovelies

Cute Skulls

Vintage Treasures Find Me

Smell the Pachouli dancing on the Breeze

Tea-Party Flags

My Soul Has Been Fed - Desolation Wilderness Area

For Shelby

New Piece

Happy Pieces

Super-Hero's Come in All Shapes and Sizes!

Garden Song

And One Cluck

Meow

Prayer Flags with Pockets for Your Own Prayers

Blooming all Day

Posted: Hazardous Zone

Peace Prayer Flags

Package of Color in a Big Brown Truck

Buttons and Sunflowers

Mia Casa Italia

It's a Spring Thing!

Meet Daisy

Receiving Their Wings

Hens in the Making

Chickens?

Spring Fling Flowers!

Tweet

Visions of Spring Equinox

Dance, Soul, Odyssey, Wisdom, Miracle

Millie Knew She Could Fly

Taking in the Day

They'll Get Candy

Ripe Blue Moon Hanging in the Purple Sky

Chocolate and Business

One of My Many Dream Houses

I Have a Fairy Godmother

Floofy In - Floofy Out

Lynnie Penny Popcorn

Tis the season to be jolly...

Three Sunflowers Once in a Blue Moon

Harvest Moon

Magic Under a Rock

Flowers and Houses - Metaphors for Self Exploration

Sword of Light - Meteor Stars

Green Gulch Zen Center

Sacred Tree

The Wall Street Two-Step?

Gathering Myself Up Again

Heart Felt Opening

Maybe I Can Fix It

Back From Camp