Finishing up the embroidery unit at school with my seventh graders. I have to say that while many kids enjoyed doing the project, many of the results I've seen so far don't really reach my expectations. In order to get kids stitching to the level I thought we could would involve more practice time, which we just don't have, especially this year with additional classes in our schedule (frequent shortened periods.) I am happy that kids have gotten the chance to do some stitching but at this point even I am getting tired of threading needles! Onward to the Renaissance and drawing with these artists!
Am looking forward to starting my next projects, and am at the "percolating" phase. Letting my brain almost unconsciously sift through several ideas and the forms these ideas could take. I have many great pieces of digital fabric to use but also have to make more for some of these ideas. I do not want to work too large, but also am tired of mini-pieces and think the sweet spot of 3'-ish is a good size to investigate. I also want to get into fabric book making and have started another "blackwork graffiti" stitch piece. So yep, even when I think I am not "making art," it is all around me. I always want to do more, learn more about what materials and images can do. So fun, so essential.
Clawing away at the routines in my life to secure a little more art time. Indulging over vacation was so good! Soul wants more! Took in a robot vacuum last week that is really helpful so far. One of those things that I wish I did sooner. Can't use it in the bird room as the detritus is too big, but in other rooms it is better than me sweeping (and bending) or worse, hauling a vacuum around. I named my vac Rosie because of the maid on the Jetsons, and other less charitable reasons. Even if it helps a little around here, it will be a lot.
Am lamenting the loss of yet another piece of jewelry. This time it is a silver labradorite ring I just acquired in December. Not expensive, but I really loved it. It's deep blue reflective and sparkly color was so meditative. My hands were sore and inflamed yesterday, and I found myself unconsciously taking my rings off and on throughout the day. I had them on last night and then when I went to bed I realized it was gone. It could be anywhere, and I've learned that no matter how "thorough" I search, it may or may not be gone forever. It will turn up again if it is still here, and a frantic inventory of things doesn't always yield results. Will check the sidewalk and car, but am not hopeful. Oh well -- at the end of the day it is just a thing.
Had a nice time last night with my wonderful friends who pretend that they are "students" in my art class. We investigate creating together, and while I'd love to be able to show them new things all the time, they are so naturally gifted it is a hard thing to do! Love these sweet peeps!
The sun is coming up, the coffee cup is empty, and I have to start gimping around and feeding my little farm-fam. Cheers to another day and another snowstorm.