Needle Felted Cross on Wood

My latest project, in which I needle felted the inner cross and then applied it to the wooden cross.

I painted the cross red, then kicked back the color a bit using a burnt umber wash. Then, using a silver acrylic, I dry-brushed it on the foremost cross piece. Using rub 'n buff (gold) I gilded the larger cross.

Since I took this picture, I decided to burnish the base with black, highlighting it with more rub 'n buff gold.

I'll take another picture of this cross and post it after I'm sure I'm finished with this piece!

Halloween is Coming!

My favorite time of the year is here! Falling leaves, crisp air, liquid gold sunshine...and...HALLOWEEN!

So, getting in the mood, I created this pumpkin. It's made from a craft pumpkin (styrofoam), acrylic paints and doo-dads.

Hope you like it...here it is:

Felting Day!

Today will be a good day.

I'm going to spend the afternoon needle felting, finishing my 'Elf" project.

A few days back, I began my first sculpture, watching it transform from an old man doll to an old lady then to an elf/imp creature. Not by design, however, but the wool just had a mind of its own.

I've had that happen many times before in arts/crafts. What one starts out to create can change before your eyes!

Now, this is how the "Elf" has started out. Since he is my very first needle felting project, it is obvious I have a long way to go to creating a good sculpture!



(This little critter definately needs some changes. I sent this picture to my sister, and she said "Um, don't you think the lips are a bit red?". Exactly. The lips have to go. They appeared when this little guy was a little old lady. HA!)

Working with clay, as a ceramic artist, many years ago, I found the clay would decide to manifest into OTHER than what I had in mind when I started the project - sometimes.

Sometimes that was good, very good. Other times, a disaster. But it's all the creative process.

So. I've found working with wool is the same...it has a mind of it's own!

What fun! I'm delighted to see a project come to life of its own accord.

Today will be a good day.

Free Needle felting instructions to make our bear

Here is a link to a really cute nedle felted bear and very clear, easy to follow instructions! I'm going to make one and will post a picture and comments on how it turns out!

Go to Houghton Avenue at: http://www.houghtonavenue.com/needle-felting-instruction.html

Getting Organized

This past week went by in a blur! I now have a chance, this week, to begin organizing all my crafty stuff, beginning with a new dresser I purchased for storing my needle felting tools and goodies.

Since I work at my kitchen table most of the time, I have placed this dresser in my kitchen! Fortunately, it blends in with my kitchen cabinets and is convenient for me to use. Now, all I have to do is pull out my current project, and be creative!

Putting it all away is even easier...!

Today is a gorgeous Fall day and the temptation is to get outside for fresh air and sunshine. Snow, up here in the High Country of Arizona, is not far away. In fact, we got snow on the San Francisco Peaks the other day.

So. I'm off to do more felting...more later! After I spend a few moments outside...

My Previous Work

Here are a couple photos of my previous work. I did NOT sculpt the bronzes (the sculptor is John Coleman). I DID paint these, while working in John's studio.

A New Diversion

I've spent many years as a professional artist, only to have given up ceramics and painting due to the arthritis in my hands.

However...(isn't there always a 'however'?)...

Needle Felting has peaked my interest and has hooked me good!

Ah, another craft, another bunch of money, more crafty space taken up in my kitchen! But. WHO CARES??? I'm having SUCH fun!

Yes, I said my kitchen - I use my spare room as my arts and crafts storage room! Ha!

So, now, I will begin working on this blog and posting pictures of my little endeavors, however rudimentary they may be. I've seen so much talent out there in this media that I'm a little intimidated. Not enough to give it up, though! Aha

Much to my good fortune, I have found someone I just KNOW I'm going to love...Kathy, from Sheep Thrills Farm...I emailed her and she has been so nice! I'll be waiting with baited breath til the 2009 'clip'...more fiber! More goodies! More More More!!

Ahhhaaaa haaa haaa haaa!

I'm in love with my newfound craft! Art. Both.

Back soon, with more.