Weaving Away The Woes
This week, I had an excess of nervous energy, and so I channeled it into a tiny weaving. I had forgotten how calming weaving it is. I used to have the best thoughts while working at my big, floor loom. It’s been far too long …
Tag: Creativity
Summer Quilts
I made this illustration for the postcard for the Summer Issue of Woolgathering, our nature magazine about the seasons and our deep relationship to nature. It’s heavily inspired by quilts (of course). Quilts aren’t always associated with Summer (because of the hot weather), but I …
Artist Janelle Rae’s Meditation Hut
I’m so pleased to introduce our new installation made by artist Janelle Rae! Janelle, a former Artist in Residence at Spring Bird, wanted to construct a place for meditation using invasive honeysuckle and willow. She was inspired by artist Patrick Dougherty who makes large stick-built …
Temple to Self-Reflection
During May and June, I took time off from regular duties to connect more intently with nature at Spring Bird. It was a dreamtime of greeting each day with a question – what needs to be done on the ground? – Who is calling for …
Lots of Pots!
During these last few months, I have been enjoying making lumpy, heavy and clunky terracotta pots. This process of rolling, stacking, and smoothing coils into a cohesive whole is a creative therapy that is very much welcomed and needed right now. In addition, I love …
Trees En Plein Air
A couple weeks ago, I painted over an old painting. It’s been about a million years give or take since I have painted on canvas. I enjoyed reuniting with the process as I painted this stylized tree. It was even more enjoyable to paint en …
Weaving With Willow
We played with willow at the last Earth Hearts Workshop. I’ve always been interested in weaving with willow, and I was surprised to find that it was more challenging than I had expected. Natural materials want to do what they want to do. They have …
Tulip Mania
I love tulips! For me they remind me that good things come for those who wait. They also have been associated with perfect love, rebirth, and financial mania in the Netherlands. I love their colors, their intensity, and their heavy heads. They look amazing in …
“April Showers Bring May Flowers” Workshop
Come celebrate Spring at the next Earth Hearts Workshop! “April Showers Bring May Flowers” Workshop on Sunday, April 24th 10:00 am – 3:00 pm and also on Saturday, April 30th 10:00 am – 3:00 pm, at Spring Bird. What needs to be cleansed in the …
Earth Hearts
Yesterday was the latest Earth Hearts workshop: Let The Power Grow. Unfortunately, I am still recovering from covid and was not able to lead it with my Mom. Fortunately, my sister, Lisa, was able to help with instructing the creative activities. She was also generous …
Rag Dog Doll
Handmade dolls are one of my very favorite things to make and to give! This year, I made some Rag Dog Dolls from scraps, and I shared the directions and patterns in the Winter Issue of Woolgathering. You can get your free issue of Woolgathering, …
Just A Duck
Just a duck with a wreath around its neck. Poor thing! This was a rejected sticker idea for the upcoming Winter Woolgathering Issue – which mails out today!!! (so excited!) Coincidentally, I’ve been working on wreath examples for Sunday’s Earth Hearts Workshop. We are going …
How Do You Label Your Garden?
How do you label your garden? Permanent markered popsicle sticks? Spiked seed packets? Sure, but have you tried spoons? I flattened some spoons and imprinted them for our garden. I shared a tutorial of my process in the recent Spring Issue of Woolgathering along with …
2021 Artists In Residence!
It’s been such a wildly intense year, and we feel that our community of creators need time and place to do your important, creative work more than ever. So, we are happy to award three residencies this year! I suppose this is fitting since this …