My New Favorite Cup + Tea + Veracious Cold

Dear Jone gave this wonderful little cup to me this past week, along with a terrible cold. The cup is my new favorite, which is unusual for me. I am usually a big mug kind of gal, but this little cup just fits my hand perfectly, I love the detail and the shape; perfect for a strong cup of tea. And since Jone shared her cold with me, I am drinking a lot of tea with honey in it. Tastes so good when I can taste it.

My booth buddy Christee raises organic sheep, feed, pasture, hay, all organic, all wonderful! She is breeding for a long silky staple length and she is so achieving that goal! The fleeces that are shown here are from her flock. They are a cross breed-Teeswater-Coopworth in the raw.

I've used Christee's fleece for my bags, some for spinning, love to dye the stuff!!!!! and have used it most frequently for the birdpods. It felts tightly, lock structure is long and strong and soft. It remains a course wool, naturally, but it does have a wonderful hand to it. I am hoping to send some off to a friend today, and then perhaps begin a bit of fiber play myself today if I find the energy. (I hate colds!)

Christee has about 10 white fleeces left. If you are interested in purchasing any of them, please let me know. They weigh about8.5 pounds and the cost is 10.00/pound raw. Working with this wool is pure delight!










Okay, just writing this little bit has exhausted me. Going back to bed now. I really want to play in the wool today, not schlep around on the sofa. Oh well....tomorrow is another day Scarlet.
Successful felting!
Shalom,
Suzanne

Briefly, Bouquet

Been teaching a lot of private classes lately and working on the wedding bouquet. This is the bouquet, so far. I am planning on pulling the centers of the flowers together with pearl beaded stitches, three per flower. I've got to make three tulips yet and then begin the work on the greenery.
I was thinking of trying to put it all together myself, but have decided that I will take all of the elements to a professional florist to help me with the final product. Making all of the spiky sprites is tearing at my shoulder a bit, so I've had to slow it down...pacing myself...something I'm not really all that good at.

What are you all working on? I'd love to know.

Happy Felting!
Shalom,
Suzanne

The Round Rectangle

Elis Vermeulen had asked a question of the the feltmakers list and on FaceBook: what we were doing this year? I did not answer on the lists, but I will here. I had already decided that I want to focus on two basic shapes this year. One is the circle, orb, round, the other is rectangle. Much of what I do is already in these two shapes, but I want to push myself to explore more, deeper, find meaning new to me, in them. I used to do a lot of vessel work early on and in re-exploring "the round" I think I will be doing a few more of them in the future....though not all vessels are round, right? I love it when a friend challenges me to push farther, look deeper. Thank you Elis, I am looking forward to the year of the round/rectangle.

While at Art Hop I had a gallery owner ask for some of my work in her place. Honored, yes, of course. But then again, I am faced with the percentages given to the owner. When I price my things I take into account many things to come up with a price. When it is given over to a gallery, the losses become significant for me. It's great to have the exposure, no doubt, but the losses are hefty. Since I will still be on the road this year going to art and fiber shows, I think it will be okay to have a few galleries carrying my things, but it will definitely not be something I seek to expand in the future. I think that the ones that are already carrying my work is enough for now. I have trouble keeping up for them as it is.

One thing I've wanted to post and keep forgetting to do is this:
CREATIVE FELT GATHERING info

Time	Monday, September 19 at 9:00am - September 24 at 6:00pm
Location	Dainava - Manchester, Michigan
Created By	Creative Felt Gathering
More Info	September 19 - 24, 2011 Chad Alice Hagen - resist dyeing Elis Vermeulen - raw wool and prefelt projects Jone Rakoski - glass fusing Pam MacGregor - fused glass and loop and toggle cuff $450.00 - earlybird price $500.00 - March 1, 2011 $10.00 per night for 9/18/2011 or 9/24/2011 payment by check or Visa/Mastercard after August 31 2011 - no refund after July 31, 2011 - 75% refund after June 30, 2011 - 90% refund Catering by Marilynn $100.00. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner for 5 days. Simple and healthy comfort foods. Catering is optional. July 31, 2011 is the deadline for ordering. Sheets are provided limited blankets and pillows available. Dormatory style sleeping arrangements. 4 to a room, 90 beds, but since we limited the Gathering to 30 you can spead out. Contact: Jone Rakoski - spectralglass@hotmail.com phone - 517-456-6066

It is an incredible event, priced so reasonably.
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I am trying to get my camera to download some photos of the bouquet that I am making for my friend Holly, but it won't work. I'll mess around with it later and see if I can show some photos of the work in progress. Until next time, Happy Felting!
Shalom,
Suzanne