...... Arts II Crafts

A New Look for Teddy Bears

2012-01-11T11:19:00.000-05:00

Mannie and I had purchased two handmade teddy bears for our granddaughters for la Befana January 6..
Mannie asked their mother for baby shoes from each of them and placed them onto the teddy bears.

Now they are something special and particular to each of them.

The Bedroom "Studio" is coming to completion

2012-01-10T20:53:00.003-05:00

Over the laqst few weeks my son and I worked to complete my granddaughter's bedroom "studio." To get to the room we had to lay hardwood in the hallway and then her bedroom. The hardwood went along alright but it was the finishing touches of baseboards, quarter round, filling, sanding and painting that took the greater amount of time. I helped but my son had to spend the major amount of time to finish things up.

But the results for my granddaughter's bedroom studio are great.

.I took these photos of the desk and shelving because these are the items I had custom built for her some time ago.

Note the chandelier in her studio. I am slightly older than my granddaughter and I have yet to have a chandelier in my bedroom let alone a studio.

We wish her many happy years doing projects in her bedroom studio.

A great job well done.

Pyrographic/Acrlylic Paintng "Fallen" is nearing completion

2012-01-08T12:37:00.000-05:00

This 3' by 5' pyrographic/acrylic painting has been an ongoing work for some time now. As the new season begins I am working to get it ready for display.

Published on

When doing such an art object hoping does not work. Only I can get this done -and so I must.

I found an image of the fallen tree showing the image shortly after I had burnt it into the ply wood.

Basket Making for the new season

2012-01-06T15:51:00.003-05:00

Mannie is working on this year's art work. Presently she is forming these baskets while watching tv.

A surprise gift at Christmas

2012-01-06T15:31:00.001-05:00

Believe it or not

I did and she will.

From Our Home to Yours this Christmas

2011-12-21T13:42:00.001-05:00

At this time of year Mannie and I would like to give thanks for:

Our Family- children, grandchildren, relatives far and wide (in Canada outside Waldemar, Slovenia, Italy, and parts elsewhere);

the Friends we have and the New Friends we have made;

the Organizations we participate in:- the Headwaters Arts Festival Committee, the Riverbend Artists of Grand Valley, the Dufferin Arts Council, the Dufferin County Museum and Archives:

the Art Shows we exhibited in:- at Staples, Alliston, during the Headwaters Arts Festival, as part of the Sesquicentennial in Grand Valley, at Beaux Arts, Brampton, in our new ArtsII studio in Waldemar, and as members of the Riverbend Artists of Grand Valley:

and

43 Christmases together.

And so, from our home to yours,

We wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year,

May you prosper and achieve all you set out to do.

Holiday Treasures -a New Success

2011-12-10T17:23:00.001-05:00

Mannie and I were part of the Holiday Treasures show and sale at the Dufferin County Museum and Archives. The show was well organized by Yvonne DeVille and the show had a diversity of high quality art works for sale. Each day Mannie and I wee there it was busy with people -many left with gifts for self or others. The show lasted 16 days and was financially successful -a percentage went to the museum and this year was a good year.

Mannie and I were really pleased with the venue and met many new people when we were there. I sold most of my animal character boxes and Mannie sold a variety of her works. Within the show our works were unique. We enjoyed the experience and look forward to next year.

Mine and some of Mannie;s

All Mannie's

More of Mannie's


And yet more of Mannie's. She's a really busy lady.

We will need to work hard to get inventory ready for this show and the others we will be going into next year. Twill be a busy winter.

Embelished Embroidary - Arrowhead Plandts in the Bay

2011-11-17T13:23:00.001-05:00

Manuela has started a new picture of arrowheads in the water. She liked the view of the arrowheads as we glided amongst them in our canoe. Then she was looking at some of her lace work and behold she found some that looked like the leaves of the arrowhead plants. And so, another project began.

'God helped me in everything' | Ida Regio| London Free Press

2011-10-08T18:34:00.001-05:00

Ida Regio, who is a guest artist at our open studio. had reporters from the London Free Press come out to interview her in her home gallery. She is over 90 years old and paints well.

Check her video at

http://www.lfpress.com/travel/2011/10/07/18796471.html

Fish Tale

2011-10-08T10:42:00.003-05:00

Sometimes the one that got away should have.

Open Studio Time

2011-09-24T12:57:00.004-05:00

Well, we have opened our studio for business over the next three weekends. Having an open studio was a major reason for buying this property. We will now see how things work out.

We met two new people who stayed for quite a while as we talked about a great many things. What a delight!

West of Orangeville, Ontario, Canada, on county road 109 (remember the Conga Line...), north on 9th Line, left at Station Street and look for the sign on your left.

On another note, we had attended the Headwaters Arts Festival Art Show and Sale gala evening on Thursday last. Great art by 40 artists -it was nice that Mannie and I had both been juried in along with 3 other members of the Riverbend Artists of Grand Valley.

Life has been rushed since we came back from the cottage -picked up work from Beaux Arts, prepared a Marshtoon for publication, finish paintings for HAF show and sale, pick up Ida Regio's art for our open studio (guest artist), make signs, and prepare for our open studio. We have not had much time for anything else.

We hope some of you can make it out to our open studio over the next few weekends.

And, yet, more busy...busy... busy... "Riverbend Artists of Grand Valley" move forward

2011-09-01T11:31:00.009-05:00

While doing our work and being on the Headwaters Arts Festival committee Mannie and I found time to help create the "Riverbend Artists of Grand Valley."
A lot has happened since its founding. We now have 30 members; formed an executive and constitution; put on a successful art show and sale during the village's Sesquicentennial July 1; published and distributed a brochure of our artists; developed a website; determined a logo and come up with more ideas than we have time for. It's a great group of diverse individuals. More on them later.

And the Riverbend Artists are participating in the Headwaters Arts Festival in a village event called "A Village Arts Experience." Wood and iron, sculpture, dance, music, theatre, visual art, etc during the village event and Culture Days Sept. 30 and Oct. 01 & 02.

Look for our Logo (one of two) in the HAF Event section and on our website.

Lots going on in our area and it has kept us busy... busy... busy...

Some Entries into the HAF Art Show and Sale

2011-09-01T11:23:00.004-05:00

Some of my art work juried into the Headwaters Arts Festival Art Show and Sale

Some of Mannie's work juried into the HAF Art Show and Sale

Maybe we will see some of you there. Opening night is at the gala.

And more Busy...busy...busy.. Entry into the Headwaters Arts Festival

2011-09-01T09:28:00.006-05:00

And more Busy...busy...busy..
Mannie and I have been on the Headwaters Arts Festival committee for three years. This Festival lasts 17 days and involves visual arts, literary arts, music, dance, theatre, a Kids Fest of work shops, etc, etc.

I had been juried into the Art Show and Sale in 2009 (Mannie did not apply). Mannie was juried in in 2010 (I did not apply). Both Mannie and I were Juried in this year 2011 (we both applied).
Each year they jury in 35 artists and then there are a few guest artists that are added.

Note the activities. One of the best arts events in the province of Ontario.

The HAF Art Show and Sale. And there we are!!

Our Open Studio lasts 3 weekends. Busy... busy...busy,,,

As well,Mannie is doing a workshop for Kids.

On top of it all we volunteer at the festival and deal with distribution of materials -as do all the other participating artists.

Our work is in this show and just before this we are in the Beaus Arts show and sale.
(see previous postings.)
Busy...busy...busy...

check it all out at http://www.headwatersartsfestival.com/

Enties into the Brampton a"Walk on the Wild Side Show"

2011-09-01T09:21:00.004-05:00

Both Mannie and I were juried into the "Walk on the Wild Side" show and sale.

Voila!

Burnt images on wooden panel with acrylic paint layers.

Machine and hand embroidery, beading, hand made thread material, basket weaving technique.

(see previous post for show details)

Busy...Busy...Busy...Brampton Show "A Walk on the Wild Side

2011-09-01T08:58:00.006-05:00

Mannie and I have been working like crazy to get work completed for the shows we have been accepted into. As I write we are getting ready for opening night at

Beaux-Arts Brampton, Ontario, Canada
70 Main Street
check out the event at Beaux Arts

the Last Two and then the Painting Begins..

2011-06-07T14:29:00.004-05:00

Except for some tweaking I just finished the last of the Tree series -12 in all and no more.

On the Road to Burn my Final 6 Paintings re: Trees

2011-06-05T21:11:00.004-05:00

I'm trying to get some more work done for the Sesquicentennial in the village of Grand Valley, July 2, 2011. As well, I have another show to send work to be juried. So things are getting a little tight. On top of this work I need to follow through with tasks for the Riverbend Artists of Grand Valley. Busy,,,busy...busy.

I'm posting 4 of the panels I just finished burning today. I like to see them on the screen -sometimes the composition can be out. Then I have to sand and re-burn. I've a couple more to do before I begin painting.

Let's see....

Show and Sale Beginnings and other things...

2011-06-04T20:08:00.002-05:00

Mannie and I just got word this week that we have been juried into the Headwaters Arts Festival Art Show and Sale. Whoo hoo!! Together! The both of us!! Since we have been in the Dufferin area we have been in the show and sale twice each. The actual show and sale takes place September 23 through to October 2, 2011.

On top of that we helped found the "Riverbend Artists of Grand Valley" in March and by this date it has 20+ members. We have art shows in the village of Grand Valley July2, 2011 to commemorate the village's Sesquicentennial -that's 150 years of existence as a village. Arts have been paired up with local businesses o make a village event -along with the other Sesquicentennial events. Despite only being in the area for 2 years I was elected the organization's first president. What a whirlwind time we're having here.

Just last Friday Elaine and Marian (http://crazyquilteronabike.blogspot.com/) came to help me take out gold fish from our pond. I have so many goldfish that they consumed much of the oxygen in the water during the winter and I lost 4 more of my large koi. Many of the gold fish refused to co-operate (getting caught) but I did manage to net a dozen or so for Elaine.

Life is good but the good life is getting in the way of me completing a set of paintings I have started. But, I will put on a push to get them completed soon.

Dowagers on Display

2011-05-02T09:02:00.003-05:00

The burning has been done and the acrylic paint applied. Doing each leaf on this painting almost drove me mad. But, the landscape work has dictated a certain way to create the image -almost beyond my ken.

The two trees look like dowagers with their arms up, displaying their coiffures.

Summer vacation time approaching -Marshtoon

2011-04-25T07:26:00.004-05:00

Summer vacation time is approaching -especially for those who open their cottages after the long winter. (Some do open during the winter -but not me!)

Always when we have opened our cottage we have to deal with those who used it while we were away. I don't know where or when the mice, ferrets, squirrels -even raccoons - come from but we have to deal with them. So as we move in, they move out.

So...

I use a computer program to colour, to place the pictures and to add dialogue.

Dowagers on Display -Fall Maples

2011-04-19T16:30:00.005-05:00

Well I'm on the road to finishing another painting -barring the normal what the...
These mature maples trees are in a lot near our home. Only when mature do the maples present you with the luxurious yellow-red-orange foliage that dominates the scene. The colours fill the canvas.

Once the lines were burnt into the wood panel, I added washes as a background to the painting. At that point the image looked good. The burnt lines have been done heavily so they stand out with all the paint.
The essence of the image is these mature maples showing off their coiffures of oranges and yellows. With arms uplifted they are off to a fancy Ball.

Needless to say, I need to rework the yellows as they appear too green for my liking.

A Redecorating Interlude

2011-04-17T10:49:00.008-05:00

While in the midst of painting (Conga Line, Old Guard) the call came to help redecorate -lay flooring. Mannie and I responded to the call and packed the van with tools. The duplex was being redecorated for sale. The duplex had served its purpose -admirably I might say, but now it was time for other things.

We worked with our daughter and son-in-law to rip up the existing flooring and lay down new in all rooms but the kitchen in the lower unit. Mannie and I also wanted to see, for the last time, the kitchen she and I had put into the apartment when they had first purchased it.

The duplex has a nice face.

A view of the upper unit from the front door through the living room, dining room and kitchen to the decking that leads to the back yard.

Looking back onto the dining room and living room from the kitchen.

The upper kitchen leads to the deck and yard. This unit has two bedrooms. Everything got a cleaning and fresh coats of paint.

Now to the lower level where Mannie and I had put in a kitchen and, as of late, put in two rooms of flooring -with help of course.

A view of the lower unit -note the kitchen to your left. See one room of flooring.
Voila! The kitchen Mannie and I had put together -we see it one last time. The luncheon counter was made by building a base and then afixing sets of upper cabinets, laying on an 18 inch counter top under which one could put two stools, then tiling , wood trim and wainscotting finished the counter off. We only had a small amount of room to build the counter as you can see from the wall and door to your left.

Farewell dear duplex, you did well.

Conga continues

2011-04-13T15:19:00.004-05:00

I was walking to get the newspaper at 7am. The sun's rays spattered the guardians on station street with flecks of gold -not unlike their picture I had finished painting (see April 01, 2011). I looked upon the cedar hedge and saw this thin thin band of orange red and sky in values of yelow leading to blue, This coloration set the tones for the cedars and I could not get it out of my head. I went to the studio and changed the Conga Line. Gee, when doesn't that happen to my work?

The Conga Line took on more mystery with the new sky. And, another day passed by.

Burning and painting the Conga Line on 109

2011-04-10T11:54:00.007-05:00

On the way home I passed this set of trees that danced their way out of the copse at one side and into another copse of trees on the other side. Like dancers in a conga line, the trees writhed and gyrated along the road side and begged to be noticed.

The drawing of them was transferred to a wooden panel, burned with my Razor and then the painting began.

Part way through one of the washes I looked at the work and realized I had made the image muddy. I was concerned I could not fix the image and so left it for a day and worked on another painting. I came back determined to resurrect the image and I think I'm on my way. I now actually like what is happening on the panel.
Every time I go to work, whether drawing, burning or painting, I get into binds and have to work my way out. Such is art -I guess.

2011-04-01T03:59:00.008-05:00

With the rush on I worked some 7 hour days to complete a burning and acrylic painting in 5 days.
I had done the drawings previously on paper and then had transfered them to a wood panel.

I was amazed at the length of time needed to do each stage. Burning took an entire, long day. I was relegated to the workshop to do this as the smell permeated the studio -much to Manuela's chagrin.

Here you see the burning and the drawn lines.

The trees were painted in yellow and then a red applied over. Each colour was done in a wash.

Trees complete -maybe.

Complete -well, maybe a little tweaking to do.

Ahh! Staging the artist.

And only 3 more to go. If life would just stop getting in the way!!

Kappa on da head

2011-03-31T12:25:00.006-05:00

I had been out to a meeting where a number of people wanted to know where I had gotten my Kappa (on da head). "Manuela makes them," I said. Each said,"I like da Kappa on da head.

(I didn't know what else to call it -other than my hat.)

Look at the scowl on that face.

Soooo... Once I told Manuela what had happened there ensued a whirling dervish of activity to produce more. I do not know where this will end and I need to be careful about what I say to her.

A sweater felted then cut into Kappa shapes from a pattern made. Then other felt or material was felt needled (?) into it. Voila a felted Kappa.

I like them because they are warm and unlike a toque they don't squash my hair and make me look like hmmm when I take the toque off. A fellow artist said he liked it because he cannot wear a hat with a peak when he is out photographing. So there.

And Manuela apparently doesn't have enough to do.

Embroidery Embellished Coral Sea Object d'arte

2011-03-30T13:23:00.004-05:00

Manuela has begun yet another coral sea object d'arte. Shells, beads, made material, lace, embroidery techniques -they're all present in this piece.

Even with close ups the detail of the embroidery stitches cannot be fully appreciated. A tremendous amount of work goes into such an art piece -never mind the time!

The Heat is On -Let the Burning Begin

2011-03-11T11:22:00.004-05:00

The call for entry came for the Art show and sale in the fall. As well Mannie and I have been invited to a village art event in July. I haven't done anything for a while as I have been BUSY!

But now the heat is on to get some new work together. I must get down to burning my boards -pyrographically speaking (is that a real word: pyro...ly?) and painting the images. I have 4 weeks!!

Now, I have just finished the drawings on 4 boards -these may be all I can do. The drawings took some time as the broad strokes I used in my Raven series have been usurped for very detailed images. This was not intended but came about serendipitously as I began to transfer the images onto the panels. The images morphed in order to take in account the grain of the panels themselves. The creative process for this series has became more holistic -despite the infusion of detail. And these drawings will create challenges as I burn the images and then paint them.

A leafy coiffure.

These trees stretch to the sky --to kiss the sun.

These trees writhe at the side of the highway on the way home.

Here the burning has begun.

So now begins my marathon -to complete a series in 4 weeks. Wish me well.

More of Manuela's Fabric Embroidery in the Round

2011-03-09T17:08:00.003-05:00

Mannie received a commission and began to "paint" more garden scenes. Embroidery, fabric creation, lace, beading and whatever else she can find or do to the material are put into her work.Note the detail and craftsmanship in her work -well recognized by those in our area.

"Victorian Lady" wall hanging is entered

2011-02-28T15:31:00.004-05:00

Manuela has entered this wall hanging into the "Stitches across Time" show and sale. Manuela was inspired by the variety of techniques used to embellish the various historical fabric pieces at the Dufferin Museum. She created each piece of material used in the 3 squares by starting with basic white fabric. Manuela then used paint, dyes, free motion embroidery, beading, buttons, lace, punch needle, applique, and shisha work along with a variety of stitches to create crazy quilt squares to incorporate into this contemporary wall hanging.

“Lady Victoria”

(25 1/2” x 58”)

A Reciprocal Partnership in the Business Community

2011-02-13T10:46:00.005-05:00

Most artists maintain their work as a business -products, sales, marketing, accounts, taxes, and more. If you are like us that involves, file folders, receipt books, tape, business cards, brochures, portfolios, etc. Well, we were lucky in that the general manager of a Staples Store who has a store centre to thriving artists wanted to showcase them. We were the first artists to be displayed in her store. Quite frankly this is the first I've heard of Staples taking on such a venture. Our work was installed, Staples produced a banner and a brochure about the venture and our work.

Now, this is a reciprocal partnership in that Mannie and I bought business cards and are looking to have a portfolio or sign boards made and we display our work and cards for one month.

When we have been in the store we actually see Staples customers stop to view our art work and pick up our business cards.

Hopefully, the display in that store will generate business for us as well as Staples.

From small beginnnings...

2011-01-22T11:39:00.004-05:00

Mannie began the next piece of art work with a small drawing which she then translated into her fabric image. This art piece has some similarities to the vintage Victorian garden she had just completed.
And now the embellishments begin.

We had talked about the image not being exact to the image in one's head. An artist can fight to secure that image by the control of every aspect of materials and techniques or embrace the serendipity of the creative process -go with the flow.

Snowmobiling Marshtoon

2011-01-15T13:32:00.005-05:00

A number of snowmobiling trails cut around our island. As I do Marshtoons for the association newsletter, I thought this time I would zero in on the snow mobilers that have become a vital part of the economy in the north. However, it is the balance of man and nature that intrigues me and so the Marshtoon presented.

Each cartoon starts out as an idea which is usually the hardest part -that and making sense and providing some humour.

Then I draw the cartoon -by this time I have the picture I want in my head. Sometimes I stop and play around with the characters of the cartoon until I get what I want. And then I ink them.

I then scan the Marshtoons into the computer and use a painting programme to add the grayscale. I do have to "close off" and spaces in the lines that would allow the colour to bleed. This does take away from those "artistic" freehand lines.

Then I move the images, as jpegs, into a comic program to add frames and dialogue. The finished product is then saved as yet another jpeg and then emailed out to the editor. Hopefully, she gets the cartoon and it gets published. If not ...

This is one of those images that makes you go, "Hmmm."

I hope you get it.

a New Look for a Fabic Art Work

2011-01-11T13:31:00.005-05:00

Mannie is constantly busy with her fabric art pieces. She has begun a new one that has the look of a vintage victorian garden -you know that sepia overtone, especially noted in old photos. The new image utilizes beading and a variety of embroidery stitches.

You really need to zoom in to see the detail of the embellishments to the underlying structure of the tatted lace.

The "Studio" carpentry continues

2011-01-07T11:17:00.003-05:00

Some day our granddaughter will get into her "studio" bedroom.

We've just installed the middle shelving unit. I had to cut the curved top piece and router all trim -but it is now in.
Drawer fronts and doors to make and install -then sanding and painting the whole darned thing.

A Christmas stool

2011-01-05T15:57:00.007-05:00

Now that my granddaughter has received the stool I had burnt and painted for her I can show what work I have been doing amidst the roofing, snow shovelling, building the "studio" and getting ready for Christmas. (This year Mannie seemed to have done all the decorations. I just lugged bins and bins of ornaments and tree parts.)

I bought the stool with a coupon from Michaels' and drew and burnt an image of a fairy amongst the poppies -which is my granddaughter's flower.

And she loves red. She also reminds me of the feisty hummingbirds that flit and fight at the cottage. She sat upon it immediately after she and her father got it out of the wrapping.

By the way, Happy New Year.

Santa and His Reindeer sing"I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas." -yet again, again

2010-12-24T06:19:00.004-05:00

Santa and his Reindeer sing I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas
I can't help myself -I like this fun Christmas card based on a classic golden oldie's version of "White Christmas." I also like the animation from Joshua Held of the UK.

Have a Merry Christmas Holiday and a Prosperous New Year wherever you are.

Peter and Manuela Marshall

life just keeps getting in the way -again

2010-12-17T21:32:00.004-05:00

And the snow did fall. The roofers left on the Thursday and the snow fell -30 cm - the next day. Thus I have spent subsequent days snow blowing and shoveling , snow blowing and shoveling. There seems no end to snow blowing and shoveling. Art work once again is on the back burner.

and life just keeps getting in the way

2010-12-13T10:49:00.007-05:00

We had hoped to get away without doing the roof for one more winter -but it was not to be. Water had wended its way into our home and we could not bear the thought of a spring thaw.

And so December 2 the roofers came and began to reroof with 160 bundles of shingles and who knows how many nails.The front and sides were done and now we were into the home stretch. It had snowed to the north of us. It had snowed to the south of us. But here the sun shone brightly (the temperatures ranged from -6 degrees Celsius to 2 degrees Celsius) and the work moved briskly along.

However, as the shingles were removed from this back portion of the roof it becmae apparent that reconstruction was to be done. And, so, the paneling was removed and low and behold a construction of 2 x 4's held up the roof. Are you kidding me!!!

Needless to say, everything was torn out and redone. But one area that over hung the deck in front of the studio door created a problem for repair. They wanted it gone -Mannie did not!!
While I was out and about inspecting the work, the roofers and framers closed in the roof to make one straight line across the top of the roof. And, I noted, there was some strange activity at the studio door overhang.
They had come up with an awesome dormer for the overhang that not only complimented the other peaks on our roof but helped to divert watershed that had been creating its own problems in the eaves trough system (which we also replaced as the company doing the roofing and re-framing work also does eaves troughs.)

But, the roof and all it entailed did take up time form art work as decisions were constantly being made and plans revised. Nevertheless the work was completed within one week -AND THEN THE SNOW FELL!!!

and the "studio" decor continues ....

2010-11-30T12:01:00.004-05:00

My son and I wrestled with the top for the desk and work space -all 11 feet of it. We built the tops in three pieces and secured them with L brackets to the underneath of the cabinets.

Note the "step" pattern. However the illusion exists that the shelves are the same depth as the smaller portion of the working surface. But, there is a difference of 4 inches. The shelves were made at a depth of 12 inches to accommodate the various music boxes and large collectibles my granddaughter owns. All in all, the total working space does not dominate the room and stick way into the room.

Note, too the trim around the window almost touches the shelves. We made use of just about every inch of wall space for storage.

Now I'm off to router the trim in a design they have picked out from the various router bits I have.

Home decor continues

2010-11-29T10:54:00.005-05:00

Little by little the desk, shelves, "studio " is taking getting done -none too quick for our granddaughter. (Yesterday would be preferable.)
We floated the bookshelves in order to give maximum work space across the room for "projects" , and aquarium (?) or whatever. Her the second cabinet has been added to provide a larger surface for a desk. We have built this in a step configuration -12 inch shelves, 16 inch cupboard with doors and a 20 inch desk surface. All must have trim, too. This is becoming no easy task as each member of the "building committee" always asks, "May I ask a question?".

Along the way my son removed the trim around the window and so another task was added to the mix. All will be good in the end -but all takes so much time.

And on to a new decor

2010-11-28T18:04:00.004-05:00

I had been asked to build a desk and shelving for my granddaughter who had just moved into a new bedroom. After working with Mannie and I in our studio, she "needs" a studio of her own. And so I begin another project -one that had been requested in May 2010, I think, and if not I will be corrected. Nevertheless, I have begun the project -after many discussions and drawings.

And so I began by building a base cabinet out of maple plywood. Here I am putting a spacer at the wall before attaching the first base cabinet. Note the dazzling wall colours that my granddaughter chose and helped her dad to paint.
Mannie had to get involved and while I was away to cut more spacers she wielded the handy dandy cordless drill to afix them to wall before the first cabinet was installed..

Here is the second cabinet shimmed and attached to the wall. One side is a mirror of the other side. It is amazing how much time it takes to do these things -at the same time I'm no longer working the 8 to 12 hours I once worked to complete tasks. Lucky to get 6 out of me.

However, our granddaughter will get quite a "studio" in her bedroom where she can work on her many "projects" -just like her nonni and nonno.

Hunting for Hidden Art Treasures -sometimes in your own home

2010-11-05T13:14:00.009-05:00

Found again!

Mannie began doing some cleaning up around the house and studio. She came across a set of artworks we had put away before we had moved -good grief almost 2 years ago!! (They've been hidden away for at least 10 years -and some for upward to 19 years.) They were a delight to see again and Mannie began scouring the studio for frames -she wants them up!

We spend time treasure hunting at flea markets, antique shops, bazaars and garage sales. Many items were picked up for very little. Other times we find artists in our travels whose works are fresh, colourful and well crafted. The fun is in the search and then the acquisition.

These works can often act as inspiration for our own work. (My new series on trees is a case in point.) I do like the way artists compose their images and mix their colours to achieve different effects.

And, Mannie has just found another treasure trove. Good grief!! It'll cost me more to frame them than I spent to get them!

By the way, good treasure hunting to you all

moi at work

2010-11-03T12:17:00.002-05:00

Having put work into two shows now and Mannie preparing and being in 4 we have been kept busy. Here I'm endeavouring to work on the next series of paintings by working on my drawings prior to transfer.

But --life just keeps getting in the way. What with visitors from Europe and others near by, and the list of 22 things (mostly physical tasks) I have to get done this month, I'm not sure I'll get to my paintings.

And then there's Christmas !!!!

Georgetown Art Exhibition and Sale -drop off

2010-11-01T16:44:00.004-05:00

Mannie and I were up early and into the studio to finish framing the last of our works for the art show in Georgetown.

Glen, the roofer, came over to determine a quote for re-roofing our home and studio. He thought the way the previous person had done the roof was most artistic -though not properly constructed. (Maybe I'll show you what he means.)

Nevertheless, Mannie and I completed our framing and set out for Georgetown.

Now, I had been working on this last painting in the Raven series fof ten paintings for a year - with unsatisfactory results. I had painted and sanded out the paint a number of times. However, on Sunday, October 31, 2010 amongst setting up for Hallowe'en and raking up the leaves while snowflakes landed all around I was able to finish the last of the raven paintings "Light Brigand: Legend of the White Raven."

"Artists Among Us' -another art show and sale

2010-10-31T16:58:00.003-05:00

Mannie had finished her show and sale at the SGI near Alton, Ontario, Canada -which was part of a larger Headwaters Arts Festival lasting 3 weeks. Twas rather spectacular -literature, dance, crafts, theatre, music, fine arts, etc.

We were at an event when we were asked to go into yet another art show and sale.

Join us if you can.

Mannie at the Headwaters Arts Festival Show and Sale

2010-10-02T18:55:00.004-05:00

To see closer views of Mannie's work see previous posts.

More for the show

Entries for the show

Character Boxes -one more time

2010-09-30T17:52:00.000-05:00

On our island this fellow nattered at us from a tree limb above us when we were packing to go home. Apparently we had overstayed on his island. For most of the summer we did not hear from him, only toward the Fall when seeking refuge became an issue. I'm sure he was requesting that we vacate the cottage in order that he might take up residence for the winter. Independence is characteristic of the weasel -a loner when it comes to foraging and taking on others.

If food was left outside for the birds it was not too long before a squirrel appeared. I had put up aluminum pie plates to ward off the squirrels' attempts to land upon the bird feeders and strip them of seeds. The plates worked for a while but the squirrels found a way around them. The winter was a constant battle of wits -to which I had been reduced to half ---

Nevertheless, I had to admire their resourcefulness -although not with great pleasure.

An old boy lived beneath the boathouse, I am sure. He was a huge turtle without fear. Two years in a row I had moved him to another location on the lake but each summer he would drift by the cottage. I could count on his return as I did this year. And sure enough old reliability once again floated by. I swear he even smiled.

As a boy I made a number of ant farms and watched as they busily set about to build, farm, feed, care for others, defend etc. Although they were unwelcome guests at picnics and in the house, I could not help but admire their co-operation -even when I had disturbed a nest and a swarm of them would climb all over me and bite. Co-operation had a more negative aspect when that happened.

Do check the gallery -Peter, the boxes are for sale.

And even more Character Boxes

2010-09-29T11:30:00.001-05:00

We had an opossum living under the the shed in our back yard. It fell down a window well and could not get out. I was able to herd it into a garbage can after it had played dead and then hissed and reared up aggressively. Whatever would work it tried. Nevertheless I packed it into the garbage can and removed it to the farm. The opossum displayed its practical and pragmatic traits; changing tactics to suit the situation.

Now, we have not seen this fellow under our dock -just from afar as he slipped into hiding. For the most part we have just seen the leftovers of his voracious appetite for clams all over the dock and in the water. The otter's ingenuity at feeding and hiding and playing are endearing.

When the leaves are wet and clumped you can find the salamander on shore away from the actual lake. They are unusual creatures with mystical, intuitive qualities.

They're everywhere -and drive me nuts. Mannie who works with threads and fabrics has used the spider in her works -especially crazy quilt squares- to recognize the spider as a weaver. The spider demonstrates creativity in weaving and even in snaring its food.

Please note that the photos had been taken at the Hidden Treasures Art Tour venue and do not really do justice to the actual work.

And more Character Boxes

2010-09-27T10:42:00.001-05:00

Now we have no badger at the cottage home or farm, I just remember them from stories read to me in England. I liked their look and their courageous disposition. Do not corner them. (Someone told me that our raccoon is the Canadian version of the badger -ummm- not so sure. )

Now, what could be more Canadian (-besides hockey)? The beaver has always been connected with industriousness, but also with orderliness. On our island many birches have been ringed with mesh to deter these fellows from denuding the property of its tall birch trees. You can hear the odd slap of the tail in the marshland beyond the low marshes at the end of our bay.

Now these fellows scamper every where at the cottage and at home. They are cheeky but also exhibit the quality or preparedness as they run about gathering for the winter. Chipmunks certainly invest for their future.

The eagle denotes power in its stance and in its predatory nature. My son was kayaking with a friend on a lake by his house and they came across eaglets and eagles nesting. This rare sighting made the day.

The groundhog, woodchuck, whatever, symbolizes diligence as noted with its care for family and community. Gathering food, making a home, determining escape routes and being vigilant attest to this quality.

Note that I have taken liberties with lines, and colour and even animal structure to present a slightly more dynamic look to the animals as I try to fit them onto these small boxes.

More Character Boxes

2010-09-26T10:04:00.004-05:00

Self reliance is characteristic of the snake. No pack to hunt with, no one to have his back; no arms, no legs. The snake has only self.
Keen perception is the characteristic of the raven. That and a mischievous nature have put this creature at the heart of many myths and legends.

Well dexterity is characteristic of the raccoon. But, being able to use his paws so well -along with a bent of curiosity- does not endear this creature to many.
The frog symbolizes transformation as its life cycle stages move through environs of water and land.
As the dragonfly predator darts from one area to the next it demonstrates decisiveness in its movements and reactions.

Now I have gone back to look at my character boxes and not that I draw and burn and paint creatures not necessarily on the front burner of cuteness or adorablenss. But each has its place and I want to recognize those qualities that have been interwoven into the fabric of many tales.

Peacocks Hidden within a Doilie

2010-09-23T09:52:00.000-05:00

A doilie -something old and used under planters or on tables or on armrests. I remember them from my sojourns to the "elderly" aunts' homes on those obligatory visits when I had to "behave."

Well my wife has found a new use for these tatted pieces and spends time embellishing them with beads, thread, fabric, etc and different sewing techniques.

These two pieces were at the Hidden Treasures Art Tour.

Look closely and you will see how she reconstructed the doilie and utilized the peacocks in the pattern to produce a new vignette.

As was noted at the Headwaters Arts Festival Art Show and Sale the photos do not do justice to the actual pieces. (The judges said Manuela had to show her works without glass in the frame. in order for viewers to really see the craftsmanship.) (As well, our camera does not flatter them -either that or is my unstable hand.)

Character boxes -fauna I have known and liked

2010-09-22T12:00:00.002-05:00

I drew fauna that have run across our property at home and at the cottage. When interacting with them, I woud attribute "human qualities" to their behaviours. (Doing so seems to have been done throughout the ages.) I have also been an avid reader of folk tales and folk lore. Animals and characteristics we place upon them are rampant throughout such readings. Fables and legends, sagas and tales of all sorts abound with creatures interacting with humans and having particular qualities or attributes ascribed to them. Even cartoon movies play heavily upon the use of human characteristics to move the animal story along.

So, I did some research and then added a quality to the boxes -only one and one I could relate to when dealing with the creatures on the island or at home.

Now we have a number of these rabbits living under the gazebo at our home in Waldemar. They sit and exude vitality.

This fellow walked along the road in a most amiable manner, shuffling without a care in the world -or so it seemed. An unselfish fellow, denying no one his/her place in the landscape but requesting without aggression, to be left alone.

Along the lane Pepe strolled as we, too, were out for a walk. He stopped with a little hop, then stood and watched as we walked by. He did not turn and run nor present an aggressive stance. He respected our presence, as long as we respected his.

Now I never really understand the look an a toad's face but it is as though he's seen it all and so, to him, most things are just passe. Over time, in much folk lore the toad has been roughly treated. Yet through it all the toad has persevered and thus his character.

Longevity is ascribed to bats. (Think of Dracula's alter ego.) And these fellows swoop through the trees at the cottage and around the barn and ponds at home, zeroing in on a multitude of insects flitting about.

(Please, excuse the photography as I took these pictures in the barn at the Hidden Treasures Art Tour with the bright sunlight blazing through the windows.)

I had 25 Character boxes for sale and I have drawings for another set. Each box took so much work that I'm not sure I will complete the other set. Sometimes doing something for the love of it is not enough.

The Hidden Treasures Art Tour

2010-09-19T20:27:00.002-05:00

The weekend for the Hidden Treasures Art Tour came to a close. New sales, new clients and new contacts.

The entrance to the artists' booths was in a large room in a large barn, The open maw of the entrance looked dark and deep ... boding what, one did not know.

Ah! Once inside things became more inviting ... and a hint of mystery was in the air. This is horse country and we were at Blithe Hill Nurseries where the family finds and grows varieties of trees to determine which ones will weather our growing zone and that they will then grow and sell. Tis quite the estate property.

You are viewing less than 1/4 of the large room. This one room held 7 artists' booths. Each artist at this venue was different-box maker, portrait painter, abstract artist, still life and scene artist, equestrian photographer, stone sculptor and us, fabric designer and artist and pyrographic and acrylic artist. And still there was room left over for an 8 legged snooker table and reception area.

Our work tucked away in the corner was the first booth you saw as you came through the doorway from the entrance.

Our work was varied, with many small items as well as some of our larger art works. We filled our space.

And there's the other half of Arts II tending as always to the small details of our set up and sales.

The people who bought our work as well as those who were browsing commented upon the uniqueness, variety and excellent craftsmanship of each piece. Our weekend was successful as, in the words of our "business/tech" son (who brought the family to see the wares), "we met our fixed costs and had some revenue as well. "

Character Boxes -pyrography and acrylic painting

2010-09-16T07:09:00.000-05:00

I have been pyrographically burning and painting character boxes throughout the summer. What I had thought would be quick work ended up consuming a great deal of time. Drawing, sizing, transferring to the small wooden boxes, burning, painting and cutting out letters to be individually placed around the boxes the work just seemed to go on and on. I completed 23 boxes (I had worked on more but ...) for the Hidden Treasures Tour coming up this weekend.

I added gold metallic paint to many areas of the boxes and when urethaned the boxes sparkle.

Geez Louise!!!!

2010-08-25T16:06:00.002-05:00

Geez Louise!!! It's been some time since I posted to this blog. And to boot, on August 24 I missed our wedding anniversary. Life just keeps getting in the way!

We have not had many days at the cottage due to -life gets in the way!

When we had made it to the cottage we noted this humongous barge tied up at the marina. It was the septic tank removal barge with huge holding tanks aboard. There was enough hose to suck up a cottage!

And so, another marshtoon gets created for the Cecebe Waterways Association.

the Hidden Treasures Art Tour in September

2010-06-07T10:11:00.009-05:00

Mannie and I, as ArtsII, are now in an art and craft show for September 18 -19, 2010.

Check us out at the Hidden Treasures Art Tour website, along with the other artists.

Mannie's in the show

2010-06-06T10:19:00.007-05:00

Mannie answered the call for entry into the Art show and sale that is part of the Headwaters Arts Festival in September. And she was accepted - as one of the 35 artists chosen from over 100 entries. Congratulations!

She presented her embroidery work and the judges said that her work was exquisitely crafted but the photos presented did not do her work justice (I may need to buy a new camera.)

The art works she will exhibit can be seen in postings

More for the show and Entries for the show

Drawing for burning

2010-05-15T22:13:00.003-05:00

I've begun a series on trees. This is a preliminary drawing I did of a row of trees along our street during the winter coming into spring. They seem to stand on guard -ever vigil of what goes on in the neigbourhood.

More for the show

2010-05-11T08:30:00.003-05:00

Mannie has prepared another two fabric art pieces to be submitted to the juried art show and sale in September.
Here she has used a doilie as the initial ground to begin her work and then added punch needle work, beading, and other embroidery embellishments to create gardens of colour and texture.

Entries for the show

2010-05-09T08:03:00.005-05:00

Mannie created her Fire and Ice I, II, III by embellishing the fabric she makes from loose threads with beads, crystals and whatever is at hand. These three are her entries into the juried art show for the Fall.

Mannie has composed these pieces creating a serene, wintry stillness, yet a push and pull tension.

A "Preparing for the Cottage" Marshtoon -and other things

2010-04-27T11:03:00.003-05:00

I have another venue for my marshtoons -the Lake Association newsletter. Preparing for the cottage starts well in advance of the actual time spent. This Winter we have been dealing with diagrams and applications for the rebuilding and extending of our boathouse and rebuilding the cribs.

Suffice to say I did little work on my own art work -although I do have a number of drawings completed to be burnt onto wood panels.

Mannie has a number of fabric art pieces that she is reading for a juried show.

And then I found a moment for a little cynical humour.

Burning and Painting Frosted Tree

2010-02-01T17:53:00.007-05:00

Burning and painting this frosted apple tree will be a challenge. My wife and I were out for a drive in a landscape where every tree and tree branch were coated in rime. Even the frozen apples twinkled. Twas a glorious sight to see in the crisp air. The sun sparkled across the fields of snow. Shadows were deep blues and purples.

And so the challenge will be to burn an image into a wood panel and add paint that will do justice to that frosted image.
Here the drawing has been burnt into the panel, Some colour was added before I took a picture.

I have begun to block in the underpainting and then the layering will begin.

Wall Hanging of Crazy Quilt Squares

2010-01-27T09:39:00.010-05:00

Mannie has been putting finishing touches to a wall hanging of three crazy quilt squares. She has stitched in spiders and put cobwebs onto the hanging. And, at the bottom of the hanging sits Arachne -in Greek Mythology, a weaver who acquired such skill that she ventured to challenge Athena to a weaving contest. Enraged at the perfection of her rival's work, Athena tore Arachne's work to shreds and changed her into a spider.Cobwebs and spiders added.

Note the outline of large spiders embroidered into the green.
And Arachne rendered helpless by Athena. Mannie emboriedered the image and appliqued it to the bottom of the hanging.

White Christmas song -yet again

2009-12-25T11:14:00.003-05:00

Santa and his Reindeer sing I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas
I like this fun Christmas card based on a classic golden oldie's version of "White Christmas." I also like the animation from Joshua Held of the UK.

Have a Merry Christmas Holiday wherever you are.

A Great Time at the Headwaters Arts Festival

2009-10-16T07:28:00.005-05:00

My family came to see my work at the Headwaters Arts Festival and my son-in-law took a couple of pictures of yours truly with my work. (He had placed these photos on his blog where I retrieved them for mine. Thank you Malcolm.)

Of the 5 entered, 4 sold. I was most pleased with my sales and with meeting a couple of the purchasers.

The diversity of styles and techniques, the scope of the work and the individual craftsmanship was excellent throughout the Festival and especially at the Art Show and Sale.

And the poster -without me.
Now I need to get to work on some new pieces. As I had said to a number of patrons, I produce only about 10 items in a series based upon a theme. Then I move on to the next theme. I have at least 3 themes rolling around and that does not include the furniture and boxes. We will see what this winter produces.

a Cap Embroidered for the Cottage

2009-10-01T08:28:00.007-05:00

At the cottage I asked Mannie to make me a cap and embroider it. She did.Gold threads on a silk cap is my idea of cottage life -after the work is done.

Raven Series to the Arts Festival

2009-09-20T09:10:00.010-05:00

Just moved in. Entered a juried art show and sale. Accepted. Here are the entries.

Art Show in the Headwaters of Ontario

2009-09-06T07:40:00.006-05:00

Since moving into our new home I have been busy preparing for a rather large area art show and sale. The Headwaters Arts Festival runs from September 25 to October 4 and involves theatre, music, crafts, studio tours, and the Art Show and Sale that I was invited to display mypyrographic/acrylic paintings (the Raven Series)

(click on the images to make them larger)

My name, Peter Marshall, is in there somewhere.

Check it out if your are in Ontario, Canada near Erin or Orangeville -quite the haven for artists.

Crafty Acorn People

2009-09-04T22:26:00.007-05:00

My wife had gathered a collection of acorns for doing crafts. Our granddaughter came over and wanted to work in the studio. Ergo Acorn people on a boat going to their island. (hmmm)

Our 4 year old granddaughter painted the boat and facial expressions; I hot glued the googly eyes; my wife sewed the clothes. Co-operation was the word for the day.
Now the acorn people could be taken out of the holes drilled in the boat and moved around. Our granddaughter had fun and the acorn people off sailed to their island in the sun.

Old work found

2009-08-29T08:00:00.006-05:00

Midst the work done for others, moving and settling in, the birth of a new granddaughter and preparing to put work into a large art show (Headwater's Arts Festival -more later) I found a couple of old drawings I had done years ago.

After looking at them and then the Raven series of pyrograghic paintings being submitted to the show I realized how similar they were.

Never the less, here are two old drawings. Note the paper has faded and the lighting has created unusual effects that I just left as part of the image.

Note now an image from my Raven series.
- a little on "the dark side", as one dealer said.

Good intentions...but life just got in the way...

2009-07-05T15:10:00.007-05:00

Just when I was making a stab at the "to-do list" at home the cottage beckoned to be opened. However, before we could even do that, I was commandeered to build a shelving unit at my son and daughter-in-law's home. So my wife and I -and my son- built this eight foot high, five foot wide unit to house twelve baskets to hide -oops, store - whatever. Adjustable shelves finished it off. My son wanted time to determine trim and colour, so as of this moment the unit is unfinished.

After opening the cottage (and there were a few days spent cleaning, starting up the water, blah, blah, blah) my wife and I returned home to assist my son in rebuilding his daughter's outdoor play set that had blown down in the high winds that frequent this area.

Yet, somehow, through it all my wife was able to complete her punch needle scarab with a circle made of nacre attached. Me I can barely drag myself to a sofa to lie down.

So, as much as I have tried to blog life just got in the way.

We're Back!!

2009-06-18T15:17:00.007-05:00

Well, 5 weeks of packing and two twenty-six foot trucks (which became 3 trucks) later we moved into our new abode.

Time was then spent unpacking and even buying more furniture. And unpacking and unpacking and unpacking!!

Snow gave way to spring rains and breezes. Now Mannie and I had to deal with the outside which had not been tended to for 3 years and had lain waiting under white blankets.

The driveway and front yard needed work. (click on the images to enlarge)
Two cupolas were erected on the back deck and I put together a vegetable/wild flower garden.

Two ponds emerged from the ice and snow and the large one was huge! Koi of 20 inches had survived and they flowed through the schools of goldfish. I had to buy and install new pumps and deal with the water that had been dormant over the long winter.

Each day I have something new to deal with at the house -my list is beyond 76 items to do at this time.

And so, no art work for me, although Mannie goes into the studio each day and works at something for our kids or for our new home.

We are enjoying our new life in this small hamlet, and the ideas for art pieces are popping up all around us.

And on and on... the packing never stops

2009-02-09T08:49:00.005-05:00

Actually the end is near -of packing I mean. Fourteen days to go before the movers come. Our home looks like a warehouse and has been is a state of disarray for six weeks now.

Manuela's work area.
Our beloved dining room
Our living room -once a place of quiet dignity.
And my studio -once.....
The chaos of moving has been a tad tiring, irritating, and ............. I can see why it stacks up as one of the most stressful events in life. I don't know how those people who move around a lot do it.

But, there is a light at the end of this tunnel and we are looking forward to the new place and studio. So see you there when we get settled in.

A New Studio

2009-01-30T18:22:00.005-05:00

We had been in a dilemma having sold our house with no where to live. However, by New Year's eve, we had put in an offer on a home and by the new year had gained a new home and a STUDIO!!!

A studio with its own separate facilities, fireplace and deck from its sliding glass doors.
This home is closer to our cottage and 200 kms from our present home so the move is substantive.

The interesting part is that as we had been out looking for a home in the area 3 years ago. My wife had seen this home for sale but at the time we were in no position to purchase it. The one home of all the ones we had seen in our 3 year search in the area that she actually liked. This home must have waited for us.

And so, back to the packing as we must be gone by February 27.

And the Packing Just Goes On and On and On...

2009-01-03T22:50:00.006-05:00

Now that we have sold the old homestead, we must pack -despite no house to go to.
And packing is what we are doing. Each room in the house is a disaster.

My studio is piled high with boxes -even the books are now packed.

The hallways are lined with empty boxes awaiting filling.
Even the kitchen table can no longer be seen amidst the debris.

The dining room, although appearing rather neat, is strewn with tissue paper and the walls are lined with filled boxes of china and crystal.
Even the living room has not escaped the willful hand of the "packer."

Packing now consumes our time -or getting boxes to fill. To date I have obtained in excess of 200 boxes. Most are filled with the 1000 + books, and collectibles and china and crystal, and... There seems to be no end in sight.

And we haven't even started to pack Mannie's embroidery materials and fabrics!!!!

So, no time for art or crafts or a life; we're packing, packing, packing.

2009-01-01T08:56:00.002-05:00

Happy New year to you and your family.

We are on the Move

2008-12-26T21:06:00.004-05:00

Good grief!! We've sold our home of 30 plus years!!

December 12 we received an offer, although we had not even put it on the market, and by December 18 we were done!! And, with no house bought to move into.

Needless to say, with 45 days set to pack and get ready to move and find a home to move into, we might not be posting many of our art works on this site.

Today, while others went about scooping up bargains at the stores, Manuela and I packed and went and got more boxes and packing paper, and packed and picked up some groceries and packed.

I started in my studio, which appeared quite small, but the number of packed boxes just seemed to grow and grow. I did not even get to supplies on my desks nor to the books.

These boxes are stacked in front of my two stacked credenzas. Note the books.

The closet of art supplies was cleared out. Note the books.

Despite my efforts the art supplies not boxed spilled over the desks and onto the floor. Note the bird who keeps cooing as she does not know what is going on. I should coo, too.

And the spillage just took over all the working surfaces of my(?) studio. Note the books.

Even the linen closet in the hallway was commandeered for storage.

Our year, 2008, has ended on a different note, more so than Manuela and I had intended. The New Year should thus be rather exciting as indeed we start a New Chapter in our lives. We are on the lookout for studio space for the two of us in our new, not-yet-found home. Once established we will be back at work with renewed vigour and we will return to blogging when we have more to share.

Manuela and I wish everyone a new and exciting 2009.

"White Christmas" Song Revisited

2008-12-17T14:55:00.013-05:00

A Warm Sweater and Family

2008-12-17T10:31:00.007-05:00

The winter storms hit and I put on my knitted sweater -knitted by my daughter's mother-in-law for me. How talented she is at knitting.

As I sat snug in its warmth I thought about the artistic enterprises of the family - which goes beyond Manuela and me.

My mother-in-law has made jewellery, built amoires and carved tables, painted pictures, sculpted, cast bronze, and dabbled in other artistic pursuits -and all after the age of 60.
My daughter has been involved in advertising and directs productions for a television corporation. Her husband photographs some of the most beautiful landscapes and animal pictures (you will have to hunt for them at http://theadventuresofmadmalandhobbes.blogspot.com/)
My son uses his art degree to think outside the box as a director in a computer company that provides a range of telecom and IT in-building services that meet the changing business needs of their clients. His wife, as a manager of a large retail corporation, puts together marketing displays in her store to attract the customers as they walk about. And their daughter, my goodness, she was mixing her paints like a pro at the cottage this year and painting pictures of trees in a storm -and she's 3.

I feel warm and secure surrounded by my well knit sweater and such a talented family -who actually understand Manuela and me as we continually work on our next new artistic endeavour.

Punch Needle Potpourri

2008-12-16T06:26:00.003-05:00

While Manuela watches TV she often keeps her hands busy doing punch needle work or knitting ...or continuing any one of a variety of crafts projects that she has on the go. This punch needle potpourri of different fabric embellishments is typical of her handiwork ..this one is in continual progress.
Her she has combined a doily, beads, stones, punch needle and more.

Further Ponderings on "the Craft"

2008-12-11T15:56:00.002-05:00

Just pondering while I work....

2008-12-10T22:49:00.003-05:00

Details of the Fallen Tree Pyro painting

2008-12-09T23:05:00.004-05:00

I have been out in the garage finishing up the pyrographic burning of the fallen tree image on plywood. It was a chilly -3 degrees Celsius out there. I had to put a glove on my one hand as it had begun to tingle with cold. Two sessions of 45 minutes each was enough and then my legs began to feel numb. It was time to come inside.
Nevertheless I finished up the pyrographic detail for the picture. I was looking to accent rhythms in the plywood and the fallen tree image.
At sometime the painting will begin!

Return to the New Pyrographic/Acrylic Painting in the Works

2008-12-08T23:11:00.004-05:00

The drawing of the fallen tree that I had penciled onto plywood had to be burnt. I could not do it at home because the fumes were too much for me in my small studio and so I waited until I could go to my son's home where I could use the huge work area to burn the image. And, I bought a mask.

The work was painful -literally. My back strained while bending over the plywood. Usually I have worked on smaller pieces that I could burn while holding on my lap. Not so with this 48" x 30" plywood piece. I could only work for 30 minutes at a time and then rested the burning tool - and my back. And still I worked from 10:00am to 4:30pm (half hour for lunch).

Despite two days of working I still have burning to do -and then there's the painting.

Manuela's Fabric Works -Another Example

2008-12-08T09:22:00.007-05:00

Manuela has even used her hand-made, thread fabric to cover this box embellished with drift wood and thread-knot moss.

From Manuela-Made Thread Fabrics to Art Objects

2008-12-01T23:43:00.011-05:00

Although Manuela's thread fabrics are lovely to look at in themselves, their incorporation into the art work and embellishment of utilitarian art objects is quite the challenge.

Manuela takes this

to make this

And other pieces have been added along with other material and embellishments to make

and...

and so on...

Manuela-Made New "Thread Fabric"

2008-12-01T09:15:00.005-05:00

(Click on the image to get a larger, clearer image)

Fabric Created from Loose Threads

2008-11-30T09:34:00.014-05:00

Manuela has found a use for even her loose and leftover threads. She arranges them in flat panels and then sews randomly over the threads to bind them into a fabric she uses in just about all her works.

Look closely and you will see metallic threads, sequins, and other items embedded into the fabric.
examples:

I will show Manuela creating the loose thread fabric in another post.

The 3 Crazy Quilt Patches Together at Last

2008-11-25T05:29:00.006-05:00

After many hours working on each crazy quilt patch Manuela finally brought them together. She will probably make a wall hanging of them so stay tuned for the final installment because I don't think she will be able to leave the background alone.And the next project will be???

A Crazy Quilt Patch Revamped

2008-11-24T09:19:00.005-05:00

Manuela's first crazy quilt patch used a corner pattern and had been her first attempt at the style and technique.

Note the traditional stitching at the seams, etc.BUT!! The patches Manuela made next became more and more elaborate in their embellishments such that they over shadowed this original piece.

And so!! Voila!! A revamped crazy quilt patch to complement the other two.
No area left undone, unembellished, untouched by her creative hand.

A Final Crazy Quilt Patch -Fan Pattern

2008-11-23T17:01:00.004-05:00

Manuela continued to add embroidery and beading techniques to her crazy quilt patch in the fan pattern. She pushed herself to add more and more. Every inch is covered with some form of embellishment -beading, fabric reconstruction, hand dying, lace, mirrors, covered rings, ribbons, embroidery stitching, applique, etc. Each aspect delights the eye with its craftsmanship. The overall patch delights the senses with its profusion of colours, textures and techniques.

Can you find Arachne skulking in the dyed lace doily?

A New Pyrographic/Acrylic Painting in the Works

2008-11-21T11:21:00.007-05:00

A fallen tree, uprooted by more than usually strong winds became my inspiration for a pyrographic/acrylic painting I am rendering. Sketches and photos were used to capture the images I need -before the tree was cut up and carted away.

My pyrographic /acrylic paintings have been on hold lately. I have been hard pressed to get to my art work what with traveling to do renovation work, shoveling snow, cleaning the yards of fallen tree limbs due to a freak snow/ice storm, as well as other maintenance chores. Did I mention I've been tired.

Nevertheless, I printed a photo and squared it off.

Next, I squared off a plywood sheet to match the number of the squares on the photo. However, the plywood dimensions were different than the photo dimensions and so... I had to look at my sketches and make adjustments to the drawing in order to get the right "feel" for the image.

As well, I took into account the grain and markings of the plywood when I drew in the branches, textures, etc and thus the image was transformed. If you look closely some of the texture tines of the tree trunk flow along the grain lines. (You may need to enlargen the image here to see what I mean.)

And, in some areas I had to draw lines that go contrary to the grain lines in order to create the image I want. Even the lines of the bark that I drew do not correspond to the actual photo of the bark but there is a flow to the whole piece that goes beyond the mere replication of the photo.

The drawing is near completion and once done will be burnt and eventually painted.

Crazy Quilt Patch -Finished and Explained

2008-11-19T11:13:00.007-05:00

Manuela finished one of her crazy quilt patches/squares. She has worked every square inch of it with a variety of stitches, embellishments and "renovated" fabrics.Just a little closer view of her finished work.
(click on the image to see a more detailed look.)

Here is a detail of the different embellishments she has put onto her crazy quilt patch. (click on the image to get a larger picture.)

At some point when the three experiments in crazy quilting have been completed Manuela will find a way to enhance their presentation. I am usually pleasantly surprised.

Water Soluble Oil Paints -an Attempt

2008-11-13T07:54:00.009-05:00

Water soluble oil paints were new to the market and at one time I gave them a try. these are a few I found lost amongst a myriad of projects in my studio. I could get the subtleness of oil and good definition but I found I could not control them as I could acrylics. Possibly because I like to layer thin washes to build up depth of colour and could not control that aspect with these paints.

Nevertheless, there is a beauty in using them -and without the smell of the oil in the regular oil paints and their solvents.

A Spider in Crazy Quilting

2008-11-09T12:28:00.009-05:00

Mannie's crazy quilt squares contain a spider motif somewhere in the design. Her flair for beading just adds to the spider's look.
I had mentioned its existence is to be found somewhere in the square as a tradition in crazy quilting. (See Crazy Quilt Square -a Continuation)

And now for the myth that relates to the tradition of the spider in the work of embroiderers, spinners and weavers -and crazy quilters.In Greco-Roman mythology, Arachne was a great mortal weaver who boasted that her skill was greater than that of Minerva, the Latin parallel of Athena, the goddess of arts and crafts. Offended Minerva set a contest between the two weavers. Arachne, the mortal weaver, won with her beautiful tapestry -which apparently upset Minerva... and Arachne. Ultimately, the goddess turned Arachne into a spider.

And ultimately, Arachne is to be found somewhere in the work of a crazy quilt.

As well some quilters believe that embroidering a spider on its web will bring good luck to the quilter.

Crazy Quilt Square -a Continuation

2008-10-30T08:21:00.006-05:00

Remember when Manuela had begun the "crazy quilt " square that had its starting piece at the corner?
(See "Now It's Crazy Quilting")

Well, here it is done -except for its application as a pillow or a wall hanging. (Stay tuned for the decision.)
(click on the image to see a larger version)
Note the spider. Apparently its placement on the crazy quilt is one of those "crazy" traditions in crazy quilting.

Wii mote for Marshtoons

2008-10-29T09:27:00.010-05:00

I create cartoons when I have the time -never mind the other arts and crafts I do. But the use of a Wii mote to create an on-computer screen-drawing tablet was too good to pass up. I could then bypass pen and paper, inking, scanning, colouring in a program, texting, sizing, etc in order to ready a cartoon to send for publishing and draw directly on the screen of my computer.

My son, who is into all things "I T-ish" or computer-ish, found a demonstration by John Lee on TED Talks at http://economics.com.au/?p=1428 that shows the use of such a pen, a Wii mote and a computer screen. Check it out!

I used the make-shift LED pen to choose paint brush sizes, colours, etc on the drawing program by touching the pen to the screen and pushing a button on the pen that activated its infra-red LED bulb.

Despite the awkwardness of the pen and the tendency to block the Wii mote from focusing on the computer screen with my body, I was able to draw these cartoons.

Look past the crudity of the line and the coloration. Look at the potential of such a technological procedure using a Wii mote and a LED pen (and for under $60).

My son is going to look at further improvements for me to use to draw and paint; he's also looking to applications in the board room.

More Crazy Quilting

2008-10-23T10:22:00.005-05:00

Manuela set off for the Embroiderers' Guild this morning clutching her embellished crazy quilt square and her bag of stash treasure for the next "fan" square. After picking through her studio for an afternoon she finally found hand-made fabric, hand dyed fabric, punch needle images, tons of thread and what else? -buttons and beads.

Can you see her hand-dyed doilies? Do you see the colour scheme? Do you see her hand-made fabric? Can you find Waldo? (Not really.)

I hope she has a good time at the Guild. I know she will create a well crafted object that will also stretch the crazy quilt "fan" concept.