tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22620344386076471522024-03-19T03:21:26.108-04:00Nessy DesignsVanessa is a graphic designer, illustrator, photographer, printmaker, and author. She is an ardent student of life and a lover of beauty. Her passion lies in finding beauty in the everyday, the mundane, in the aged and worn. She is a dabbler, a seeker, a mammalogist, and a zoophile. For more info visit her website vanessasorensen.com.Nessyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09162374688956449698noreply@blogger.comBlogger567125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2262034438607647152.post-51616454178008749152024-03-12T00:00:00.009-04:002024-03-12T12:57:43.450-04:00Mexico Meditation Retreat: Journal Excerpt
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_BKdsD6uPEo3RY8m8PTfuOPwlUaGKtPHJkoYu9suW6xEu0Fj1zRxsML-qsK3fG5jXY25SEIXXjj_gmU7Ktef_x-7iB4iNAMIEjdFCwxnTax3bJSo4_rEfYmaZfs73BW8oidFf2xA7J0t6I5tSD8Ap0TlPxWD6Wq2MFV6l-PSVG-ro5AZPrVYbjz9La7rp/s1000/AldeaMayaHa1000.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="672" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_BKdsD6uPEo3RY8m8PTfuOPwlUaGKtPHJkoYu9suW6xEu0Fj1zRxsML-qsK3fG5jXY25SEIXXjj_gmU7Ktef_x-7iB4iNAMIEjdFCwxnTax3bJSo4_rEfYmaZfs73BW8oidFf2xA7J0t6I5tSD8Ap0TlPxWD6Wq2MFV6l-PSVG-ro5AZPrVYbjz9La7rp/s16000/AldeaMayaHa1000.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica;">“Most of the time, the universe speaks to us very quietly…<br />in pockets of
silence, in coincidences, in nature, in forgotten memories,<br />in the shape of
clouds, in moments of solitude, in small tugs at our hearts.”<br />— Yumi Sakugawa</span></div><o:p></o:p><p></p>
<span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: helvetica;">Listening with the Heart
</span>
<br />
<br />
<span face=""Calibri",sans-serif" style="line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">I believe the universe speaks to us constantly
in a thousand ways. And as each day of
the retreat went by, I could feel myself becoming more present and open to
receiving her messages. After meditation
one day we had a fifteen-minute break. I
hurried back to the room to use the restroom and noticed a spider in the
sink. I have a deep reverence for
spiders and carefully tried to avoid getting her all wet and went on
my way. On my walk back to the
meditation hall I noticed a large spider web glistening in the sunlight. And when I got back to the hall, I stood
looking out the back window where I noticed, yet another spider web near the
ground. It was lit by the sunlight and
kept flashing in the breeze. I quietly noted
all of these things and sat down to meditate.</span><br />
<br /><span style="font-size: 11pt;">
Later during the group session we were describing what we sensed in the space
between us. The spider images flashed through
my mind and I hesitated to mention them.
But then I noticed the walls of the meditation hall, which reminded me
of Indra’s net and felt I had to speak up.
I told the group that in my mind’s eye I saw us all caught in a giant
spider web, like the webs made of vines that composed the walls. Just as in Indra’s net, we all felt each other’s
movements and reflected each other’s brilliance. The group picked up on the web theme and ran
with it going this way and that…weaving together lovely images of our shared
experience. Towards the end someone said
they appreciated my connection to nature.
It made me laugh and I said, “Well, I didn’t think this would go over
well, but I also saw in my mind’s eye that SHE (the spider) devoured us all.” The group laughed and several people
commented further about being devoured by love itself. This was just a small example, but I felt the
universe was showing me how it communicates both to me and through me. </span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica; font-size: 14.6667px;">“I never wanted a quiet, sensible sort of love. I wanted to be devoured.” – Beau Taplin </span></div>
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br />
<!--[endif]--></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEgdfJUIgt4IGDSCg5ru7eWunAF_sfJduwiu5OPkragyfw6IOk4qRGZnTpWGq8EtLZ-lVngETUHRJDVrCFaL0ZWK_tU3hN4G2lhLOwMAaDBjbERyVIXdufKVb9aWFGifw4_ZTKacAvFSw2yPMgXJzyDS041QuntdVbUPhYOn6aK4USlv8oQ1dlk7OQt2Bg/s1000/DonMandala1000.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="746" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEgdfJUIgt4IGDSCg5ru7eWunAF_sfJduwiu5OPkragyfw6IOk4qRGZnTpWGq8EtLZ-lVngETUHRJDVrCFaL0ZWK_tU3hN4G2lhLOwMAaDBjbERyVIXdufKVb9aWFGifw4_ZTKacAvFSw2yPMgXJzyDS041QuntdVbUPhYOn6aK4USlv8oQ1dlk7OQt2Bg/s16000/DonMandala1000.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><div><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica;">Within You is the Light of a Thousand Suns.</span></div><div><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica;">Within You is Unimaginable Beauty.</span></div><div><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica;">— Robert Adams</span></div></div><div><br /></div><div>
Another example occurred the next day when I walked into the meditation hall and noticed something out of the corner of my eye. I happened to see Don, a beautiful, humble man who is an antiques repair person, standing in the middle of the room on top of the mandala inlaid in the floor. He was looking down at it studying the wood, but also feeling the energy of standing in this most auspicious of spaces. It was a quiet and powerful scene. It happened in less than five seconds, but I was awestruck by it.<br /><br />Later, when the group began our discussion, someone mentioned the mandala in the floor and said they felt the energy of it. I brought up the moment with Don and described it to the group. It was like popcorn. After I said that, someone said each of us should stand in the middle to be seen by the group…and then someone else stood up and had their time in the middle…and then another and another. It was so much fun to see how we all built the space together and it was quite a high feeling. To me, it was a sign that indeed, these “small tugs at our hearts” are the universe communicating to us if we are receptive.
<br /><br /><span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: helvetica;">The Still Point of Destruction</span><br /><br />One day I had the song, “Love is the Seventh Wave” by Sting in my head. It has great lyrics that were pertinent to what we were talking about in the group. One phrase of the song, in particular, kept repeating in my head. And it was, “At the still point of destruction.” I bring this up because in meditation, probably around the fifth day or so, I had an experience I’ve never had before. I was sitting in meditation and I had a visual come to mind. I saw a “U” shape and there was a ball rolling up one side of the “U” and then down and up the other side. It was a subtle rolling back and forth...until the ball eventually came to a complete rest in the middle…at the still point.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvqLdaLWRDgMvUDkxmUqzTUlsptWka0pAIM3csIgEL90xVpyeO9ci1cias1mBMOnlVBIeGC5or8MoQ5GMPwmy68_feYXMl1xhSJesNPZ0g9rKZ2BLNvJ6pPEO5yeK3AWhepbO3SfA3eBY00tR4A4JWQIP1cTVFwSItpTpo2Iv9_oq7rykNlgSBNzezXqeo/s1600/Uball.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="246" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvqLdaLWRDgMvUDkxmUqzTUlsptWka0pAIM3csIgEL90xVpyeO9ci1cias1mBMOnlVBIeGC5or8MoQ5GMPwmy68_feYXMl1xhSJesNPZ0g9rKZ2BLNvJ6pPEO5yeK3AWhepbO3SfA3eBY00tR4A4JWQIP1cTVFwSItpTpo2Iv9_oq7rykNlgSBNzezXqeo/s1600/Uball.jpg" /></a></div>
In that moment I felt incredible joy…no movement, no thought, utter stillness. After some time, the thoughts returned and I had the feeling that I was at exactly the right place at the right time. I didn’t want to be anyplace else but where I was. There was a realization that I am almost always rushing around. But "at the still point" there was a complete and utter relaxation into the present moment and a sense of deep contentment.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica;">At the still point of destruction</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica;">At the center of the fury<br />All the angels, all the devils<br />All around us, can't you see?<br /><br /></span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica;">There is a deeper wave than this</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica;">Rising in the land</span></div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica;">There is a deeper wave than this</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica;">Nothing will withstand<br /><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica;">I said, love is the seventh wave</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica;">— Sting<br /><br /><br /></span></div></div></div>Nessyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09162374688956449698noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2262034438607647152.post-77422345323812074802023-12-01T09:27:00.011-05:002023-12-06T15:16:07.390-05:00Little Bird and the Quest for Happiness<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7BvtjLTEGsnJtqUfcq2-ezI4aMPI-fx51aLeg0ESRfTDUfI-4i0ueeAaP8-3fc-pGINcnbYzTFuii34PbWvkakslUxnHCWqWUZofySJkcCba4olus0okmUnSmm2njS9Pu17pzWunPI872a2z8sQATbNNVAw7MeT5E2rIX_UQX0bt4MHfgCHAMW0-hjKBe/s800/Cover800.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7BvtjLTEGsnJtqUfcq2-ezI4aMPI-fx51aLeg0ESRfTDUfI-4i0ueeAaP8-3fc-pGINcnbYzTFuii34PbWvkakslUxnHCWqWUZofySJkcCba4olus0okmUnSmm2njS9Pu17pzWunPI872a2z8sQATbNNVAw7MeT5E2rIX_UQX0bt4MHfgCHAMW0-hjKBe/s16000/Cover800.jpg" /></a></div><br />I am so excited to announce that my latest book,<i> Little Bird and the Quest for Happiness,</i> has been published by the <a href="https://emergenceeducation.com/genre/mystery-school-press/" target="_blank">Mystery School Press</a> and is now available on <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Little-Quest-Happiness-Vanessa-Sorensen/dp/173581119X?ref_=ast_author_dp" target="_blank">Amazon</a>! <br /><br /><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica;">INSPIRATION</span><br /><br />As it has been over ten years since I started, the very beginnings of this project are a bit hazy. But what is clear looking back is that two books were my main inspiration. I have always loved folk art designs and when I came across a used copy of Lu Pu's book, <i>Chinese Indigo Batik,</i> I was totally obsessed. The book contains page after page of beautiful illustrations of white on blue flowers, birds, plants and repetitive motifs found in traditional Chinese batik. The illustrations are impressive because they have no shading and only rely on flat, strong, gorgeous design to depict their subjects. I knew I wanted to someday do a book in this style. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgenrJCrQI78791ZSvCG8RrSyp20XXDuFbAn-AflLvUpa3FFVZfa7DMDJ9yCyRHyIQo3xLbDCeUg98ibzL63VI5ogwB2hEo8xsSxtLevbLhL6Boqnv8YQIPndaNnFRWYym8pzDzKhusHvn55UTxwlX5wN5qH5A1bSc0MEFA1xlRNUWWokcj0SzdDobhXDs0/s761/BookInspiration.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="496" data-original-width="761" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgenrJCrQI78791ZSvCG8RrSyp20XXDuFbAn-AflLvUpa3FFVZfa7DMDJ9yCyRHyIQo3xLbDCeUg98ibzL63VI5ogwB2hEo8xsSxtLevbLhL6Boqnv8YQIPndaNnFRWYym8pzDzKhusHvn55UTxwlX5wN5qH5A1bSc0MEFA1xlRNUWWokcj0SzdDobhXDs0/s16000/BookInspiration.jpg" /></a><br />
<br /><div style="text-align: left;">In addition to folk art, I have also always had an interest in quotes and proverbs. I don't remember when I purchased Jack Kornfield's, <i>Buddha's Little Instruction Book</i>. But through the years the book has had a great impact on me. I found myself returning to the book often...especially when I was struggling with something in my life. Somehow the wisdom contained in just a couple lines of text would have the power to soothe me or to help me take a step back and see things from a different perspective. <br />
<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica; text-align: center;">"Learn to let go. That is the key to happiness."</span></div><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica; text-align: left;">—</span> Jack Kornfield, <i>Buddha's Little Instruction Book</i></div></span>
<br />The last, over-arching idea of this children's book ironically came from struggling to achieve a goal that I thought would make me happy. When one has a goal and attempts to achieve it unsuccessfully month after month, and then year after year, one begins to ask the question, "What happens if I never achieve this goal?" "Can I be happy if I never achieve this goal?" I began to understand that I would be miserable the rest of my life if I depended on external circumstances to make me happy. Ever so slowly, as the months turned into years, I came to a deep and visceral knowing that what I was searching for could not be found by attainment of anything on the "outside."<br /><br />The goal I was trying to achieve was to have a child. And ironically, instead of birthing a child, I birthed a children's book! That is probably simplifying the situation too much, but it is true that the lack of a child put me on a spiritual path and began an incredibly prolific and creative period in my life (and also gave me the precious time for both). I had no idea when I began this journey, the magic and gifts that lay ahead of me. I discovered, to my surprise, an imperturbable presence and inner light so loving that there are not words. And what I was looking for had been within me the whole time! This was my original theme for the book, although other themes also emerged.<br /><br />Looking back on it now, it appears the book was birthed by combining my three passions: my love for folk art, Buddhist quotes, and my own quest for happiness.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica;">"“Each of us is born with a treasure, an essence, a seed of quiescent potential, secreted for safekeeping in the center of our being." <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica;">—</span></span><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica;"> Bill Plotkin, <i>Soulcraft</i></span></div></span></div></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica; text-align: left;">ILLUSTRATIONS</span></div><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: left;">I began working on this book in 2011, and it is now the end of 2023. There were definitely times when I didn't know if it would come to fruition. I looked back at the original files from 2011 and it jogged my memory a bit. It reminded me that I began illustrating the book and had done two very detailed pages when my hard drive crashed. All I had was a print out of the first page. I took me two years to have the stomach to start over again. So in 2013 I re-made the first two pages. I also re-designed my main characters, making them more stream-lined. Below you can see early sketches of both Little Bird and Mother Bird.<br /><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk1NzgihnchNRuRLYW4Op_2zvRN-aTsmCri1jdHe_Rmws6XALt3-1JeLl5_FfGj5ectUBxxiGJygt_n7NBtll63VzrUqk5AOJVFT83DJtpijRYCYxSp_0MnmWfJFrAycH9RV1pzSAst3s0GiKpPDH3O8YKqIrs7bbc1QBVcuRnGzYArSh6oSZlqbSEPvrH/s697/EarlySketches500wide.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="697" data-original-width="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk1NzgihnchNRuRLYW4Op_2zvRN-aTsmCri1jdHe_Rmws6XALt3-1JeLl5_FfGj5ectUBxxiGJygt_n7NBtll63VzrUqk5AOJVFT83DJtpijRYCYxSp_0MnmWfJFrAycH9RV1pzSAst3s0GiKpPDH3O8YKqIrs7bbc1QBVcuRnGzYArSh6oSZlqbSEPvrH/s16000/EarlySketches500wide.jpg" /></a></div><br /></div></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">When I first begin working on a spread, I often do little thumbnail sketches to try out different body positions. Below you can see my thumbnails for the "fish" spread.</div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZBkiHFbybCBRx5-orSzlvmJZencRK54McytlGiuuhHl0s4Z8uM7Cj6zO51mOo4H_C27CcIg58U7j9EUlF8FGfn-OgeJ7v_ftcBj2VcZCSdEY2vR2YQNNUUhhULDP9tYIVtVjpN_jCVK6jUXfpOkVGmEe6trYPNbQ0h5Rae-8xu3cAWHPZ0vMHzzBtZMUd/s775/OctopusThumbnails775.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="561" data-original-width="775" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZBkiHFbybCBRx5-orSzlvmJZencRK54McytlGiuuhHl0s4Z8uM7Cj6zO51mOo4H_C27CcIg58U7j9EUlF8FGfn-OgeJ7v_ftcBj2VcZCSdEY2vR2YQNNUUhhULDP9tYIVtVjpN_jCVK6jUXfpOkVGmEe6trYPNbQ0h5Rae-8xu3cAWHPZ0vMHzzBtZMUd/s16000/OctopusThumbnails775.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">After choosing my favorite thumbnail, I do a larger sketch and then scan it into the computer. My sketches are often quite rough and simple at this point. I think my strength lies in my tenacity to keep working on them in Illustrator until I feel the design is perfect. Below you can see my sketch and the finished illustration.</div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi8ZAXZ1O2SlLH2X9QQdqtaYvs2-cf8yk70fhrTMiHbaj4EdtsT31eBAB2_jf6yLjusXB3HAiiTU-eSI_0O2lfhCupMIlojTUqygkVDD9yyw3UERja-VhNXnh3li25RRxwfowo1lvys1veq9h-zOSgeUZ3XjMom8P6Vch8wOAJvrE-0PaMzwHPMAYSdZiz/s775/FishSketch775.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="632" data-original-width="775" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi8ZAXZ1O2SlLH2X9QQdqtaYvs2-cf8yk70fhrTMiHbaj4EdtsT31eBAB2_jf6yLjusXB3HAiiTU-eSI_0O2lfhCupMIlojTUqygkVDD9yyw3UERja-VhNXnh3li25RRxwfowo1lvys1veq9h-zOSgeUZ3XjMom8P6Vch8wOAJvrE-0PaMzwHPMAYSdZiz/s16000/FishSketch775.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLRXoOd4RazZSSvzvoBSxa7nxzygvZzlN6bWZIrKgDoc4lYAACN0eJQRT52pfKgTQH_RjHi48Ae-251rKWf9LsQmDsH-JmOUfFkcuwOggjnISHdx15ifzK8WLQtmzm4wIudwOuj0nvRjvy6w_RGGmKEyRYk5Nm5_5plQUjOPKdY3cL2yMZr4ecjSG9X-Li/s775/Fish775_234608666.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="436" data-original-width="775" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLRXoOd4RazZSSvzvoBSxa7nxzygvZzlN6bWZIrKgDoc4lYAACN0eJQRT52pfKgTQH_RjHi48Ae-251rKWf9LsQmDsH-JmOUfFkcuwOggjnISHdx15ifzK8WLQtmzm4wIudwOuj0nvRjvy6w_RGGmKEyRYk5Nm5_5plQUjOPKdY3cL2yMZr4ecjSG9X-Li/s16000/Fish775_234608666.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Once all the spreads were finished, I printed them ad nauseum, making edits and changes until I could stand looking at them no more. Here you can see a handful of printouts from my recycle bin. I printed them in black and white so as not to use up all my blue toner.</div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3JaulyiFHOuIRsORcNIrf8xREEFyQLRmatdX-y4TBhkn5kvGFbTa9MPBoBqNRM1U9TqMF5PY9vWYmL7OOdcGU7TYxYxhUzeiVOj4fq0VAnKOQvBypkbqwmXQ6oAEJloT0bdutIXmvMycTBBfLdUU0W3Ed5yHCl_xrbJscV73Gh8jIpyCnMZQ0MgwO_CQu/s735/Printouts735_001727326.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="436" data-original-width="735" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3JaulyiFHOuIRsORcNIrf8xREEFyQLRmatdX-y4TBhkn5kvGFbTa9MPBoBqNRM1U9TqMF5PY9vWYmL7OOdcGU7TYxYxhUzeiVOj4fq0VAnKOQvBypkbqwmXQ6oAEJloT0bdutIXmvMycTBBfLdUU0W3Ed5yHCl_xrbJscV73Gh8jIpyCnMZQ0MgwO_CQu/s16000/Printouts735_001727326.jpg" /></a><br /><br />And a final peek at another one of my favorite spreads..."The Octopus".
<br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAQaOeKq5-5bs0M7EzFOoJCMVEIflBaq4IiiUCkEj9JjvTdQFvtnLtO6tyG5_re7huCnDikTmEwYlSFwEUJqFK-pJcTjO_GJ8kjVbjMQPodQ2jbE2cKi0SxXi7BcrqqKOiUlTFm6ohX6kqjbA9HYvlTjnLaJoRsWfmdhZUYQMawiOmn7PMMsaP-h9ULTzZ/s775/Octo775_234626748.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="436" data-original-width="775" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAQaOeKq5-5bs0M7EzFOoJCMVEIflBaq4IiiUCkEj9JjvTdQFvtnLtO6tyG5_re7huCnDikTmEwYlSFwEUJqFK-pJcTjO_GJ8kjVbjMQPodQ2jbE2cKi0SxXi7BcrqqKOiUlTFm6ohX6kqjbA9HYvlTjnLaJoRsWfmdhZUYQMawiOmn7PMMsaP-h9ULTzZ/s16000/Octo775_234626748.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica;">COVER</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">When I had all the spreads completed I began working on the cover design. Working on the cover not only entailed choosing illustrations from the book, but also working on the title font and layout. I experimented A LOT with fonts and title layout. In addition I probably had about twenty options for various illustrations. Below you can see some of the variations.<br /><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLpTYoFxusQzCWkrLHScQYHVejwxQUF6TySsRi_4r8SIYOKCK83d87x065fGAxGp_fdgcZWdHdzENAbs8EX-8-K3d3AHQvrmpo0Up3NI5-K6bHTwwTmVVB20DIV5qpp9kCK3oLg_SZpuwv1BHwxdeoojqruQ8o98nE5wJXRJB0ueCEXqUVjSGFfHP06Hjz/s1600/Covers.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="395" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLpTYoFxusQzCWkrLHScQYHVejwxQUF6TySsRi_4r8SIYOKCK83d87x065fGAxGp_fdgcZWdHdzENAbs8EX-8-K3d3AHQvrmpo0Up3NI5-K6bHTwwTmVVB20DIV5qpp9kCK3oLg_SZpuwv1BHwxdeoojqruQ8o98nE5wJXRJB0ueCEXqUVjSGFfHP06Hjz/s1600/Covers.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica;">SUBMITTING FOR PUBLICATION</span><br /><div><br /></div><div>Once the cover was finished, it was time to start sending the book out to publishers. I looked back at my records and found that I sent my first publisher letter in 2015. I would send out three to four letters and would occasionally get feedback that was positive, but not ultimately a yes. Six to nine months would go by and then I would send out another batch. This went on for years. I remember repeatedly asking the universe to "please find me the perfect publisher!" Earlier this year, I had decided that if I didn't find a publisher in 2023, I was going to self-publish the book in 2024.<br /><br />Little did I know that when I signed up for a meditation retreat in the mountains of North Carolina, I would find my publisher! The teacher of the retreat, <a href="https://jeffcarreira.com/" target="_blank">Jeff Carreira</a>, was not only a meditation teacher, but also a philospher, writer, and owner of a publishing company called, "Mystery School Press." I mentioned to him one day that I had a manuscript for a Buddhist themed children's book. I remember asking if he published any children's books and his response was, "No, but send it to me anyway and we will see." <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl6EfVHffB__mkxuk5tra0doAOB4zg5EUyMWo3QogbcyZSs4F5t5yP7AGOXDWSD4TMlIS6R0hYst2SOvEgKwOD092NiwW3_WkhTBq9k4pOb4JJh6f-fPkI9EZOcfna9aMx59kpqG31_ccjii1y_HgVfRY2UIXJjUlvLCqAD7BsQXAFS7XQRxqgA2o8wzJA/s1600/mysteryschool%20logo_300.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="103" data-original-width="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl6EfVHffB__mkxuk5tra0doAOB4zg5EUyMWo3QogbcyZSs4F5t5yP7AGOXDWSD4TMlIS6R0hYst2SOvEgKwOD092NiwW3_WkhTBq9k4pOb4JJh6f-fPkI9EZOcfna9aMx59kpqG31_ccjii1y_HgVfRY2UIXJjUlvLCqAD7BsQXAFS7XQRxqgA2o8wzJA/s1600/mysteryschool%20logo_300.jpg" /></a></div>
When I returned home after the retreat I sent him the manuscript. A few days later he texted me and said he loved the book and wanted to publish it! I couldn't believe that after 12 years of fits and starts, I found the perfect publisher! So cool to have a book published by "The Mystery School" and so amazing how the timing worked out perfectly! Part of what made me infinitely happy was that I felt he really "got" the book...from playing around with traditional Buddhist themes, to looking inward for answers, to using your gifts. It felt like truly being seen and I thank Jeff and the Mystery School Press for helping me "sing my song!" <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCbJGtRHDVx-SEK3SQQ_xnLOde_18PISleN-mBBB-Q29HnZR7ehDjf1VhFZoGoGB6Q_hQYi_Hwi-IKJFl5yHD7ca_GJ7VQzBdtEd3UGOiDDOqHZL2cjFaj9UCqOXLqfn3SEm1r9aWu_ig6C4rRx8lUZ9EDjkiAm27nC4REOkprQca6CxOpdAwkDXEMB1Hx/s1600/BookInHand_003139898NEW.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="554" data-original-width="775" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCbJGtRHDVx-SEK3SQQ_xnLOde_18PISleN-mBBB-Q29HnZR7ehDjf1VhFZoGoGB6Q_hQYi_Hwi-IKJFl5yHD7ca_GJ7VQzBdtEd3UGOiDDOqHZL2cjFaj9UCqOXLqfn3SEm1r9aWu_ig6C4rRx8lUZ9EDjkiAm27nC4REOkprQca6CxOpdAwkDXEMB1Hx/s1600/BookInHand_003139898NEW.jpg" /></a></div><span style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;"><i style="font-style: italic;">Little Bird and the Quest for Happiness</i> is now available on <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Little-Quest-Happiness-Vanessa-Sorensen/dp/173581119X?ref_=ast_author_dp" target="_blank">Amazon</a>!</div></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnQzIqEaCbvhWZrA_LGm8E0VVXovZLRAWRY7OgxedqXbBWtLgACPOEfpbM-vyrzAe6S11OmLE-PluX_CeFJnlk57c1gaBkF37EA8h4LN5OPGCDf4HAyFJmLCy2GKv_bP7UR-GOsM9qQmpQFuGGvq6yPI-8yt6JMnN3nbZh2Mp1fIftjd7DcgI_uqZajXng/s1600/singbirdquoteNEW.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="319" data-original-width="775" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnQzIqEaCbvhWZrA_LGm8E0VVXovZLRAWRY7OgxedqXbBWtLgACPOEfpbM-vyrzAe6S11OmLE-PluX_CeFJnlk57c1gaBkF37EA8h4LN5OPGCDf4HAyFJmLCy2GKv_bP7UR-GOsM9qQmpQFuGGvq6yPI-8yt6JMnN3nbZh2Mp1fIftjd7DcgI_uqZajXng/s1600/singbirdquoteNEW.jpg" /></a>
</div>
I would also like to thank my husband George for making this book possible in a thousand ways. His love, cooking, patience, proofreading, and generosity have supported this little bird on her long quest. Thank you.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><br /></div>Nessyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09162374688956449698noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2262034438607647152.post-90720435119049319262023-08-03T08:57:00.014-04:002024-02-29T13:25:47.982-05:00Tathagatagarbha "Buddha Seeds" - Embroidered Linocut<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF3I8sL50b--gwKC1Z4WD0w99AAUD-xxiP9LDprIq4Xlx4mpYqK4ZV3JYgrs3-aUu2IPi8FrAN1-MZFF-jteb4zs8BreHlzvM-4thZNNDJPHzJJNL5sURefl0V-GRYQPia5ThDZC1LeidXJdQf4L9Wdjopy85pS68jdFqLFKuTx6sZdTy4ZibeVgCLcDpP/s1600/StartingImage800New.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="557" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF3I8sL50b--gwKC1Z4WD0w99AAUD-xxiP9LDprIq4Xlx4mpYqK4ZV3JYgrs3-aUu2IPi8FrAN1-MZFF-jteb4zs8BreHlzvM-4thZNNDJPHzJJNL5sURefl0V-GRYQPia5ThDZC1LeidXJdQf4L9Wdjopy85pS68jdFqLFKuTx6sZdTy4ZibeVgCLcDpP/s1600/StartingImage800New.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">"In every moment the universe is whispering to you. There are messages for you carried on the winds. There is wisdom for you in the morning songs of the birds outside your window and in the soft murmurs of an ebbing sea. Even ordinary, everyday events in your life carry communications from the realm of spirit." </span></div><div style="text-align: center;">— Denise Linn, <i>The Secret Language of Signs</i></div></span><br />Some times when you are making art it feels like a little magic is sprinkled here and there. But with this print I felt like the universe went to extraordinary lengths and poured copious magic throughout the whole process. It started with a couple of delightful synchronicities and then packed a wallop of wonder at the end that left me to marvel at the beauty of it all.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpKuYLRXEwu2p2SyHktmKKY3OS9EoyzfzNEfnKYuPiigsSiLvSrWypitTZlbpwDYtz8hKoUGB7qzVF1r3jqcI3UcViEKdxocONc0ICKhqad0whiBM6mttmvlfIUYcwJzsrEsADifd30FuZxdPX_sUAgi0jTY56GRxDugej6Dob3uxvswoInBRHhqa-Htfi/s1600/Finished800_154224957.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpKuYLRXEwu2p2SyHktmKKY3OS9EoyzfzNEfnKYuPiigsSiLvSrWypitTZlbpwDYtz8hKoUGB7qzVF1r3jqcI3UcViEKdxocONc0ICKhqad0whiBM6mttmvlfIUYcwJzsrEsADifd30FuZxdPX_sUAgi0jTY56GRxDugej6Dob3uxvswoInBRHhqa-Htfi/s1600/Finished800_154224957.jpg" /></a></div>
This is going to be a long post so pull up a chair, bring a good strong cup of tea, and settle in for a tale of creativity and coincidence. <br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica;">Inspiration</span></span><div><br /></div><div>I always start a blog post by describing my inspiration. This time, I am saving that story for the end because it is quite a doozy! If you can't wait, then skip down to Part II. </div>
<br /><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica;">PART I - THE PROCESS</span><br /></span><br /><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">Sketch & Transfer</span><div><br /></div><div>I began my sketch by finding a photo I took of maple helicopters and then sized it appropriately in Photoshop. I then printed it out and traced the outline onto sketch paper. I looked at a thousand images of the Buddha for reference and then drew the face, hand and "robes" into the outline of the helicopter. Once I liked that image, I flipped it over and traced it onto another piece of paper.<br /><br />I wanted the left and right sides to be similar, but not exactly the same. I mainly changed the folds in the "robes" to be a little different.<br /><br />Once I had both left and right sides drawn, I flipped both over and rubbed the backside to transfer the images to the Safety-kut plate. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKCfC6PrvWTIMVws7rjh-CswFzDXljH7tPFGQrp0ZB41wsD_qeLdFkxkq-aPgdnJjSVNIlQPKo7weQBEJPAyPXIAaGVVpAzytL81neyILqRF-BbSzuDHyPvr5Q0XyqBD8xezpX0R1QpEL7FH_LMRF6vh8d3swqqaOmqRbXdw3FQRxBzmJBqDqg1GDLS6YT/s775/1SketchTransfer775_214208803.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="436" data-original-width="775" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKCfC6PrvWTIMVws7rjh-CswFzDXljH7tPFGQrp0ZB41wsD_qeLdFkxkq-aPgdnJjSVNIlQPKo7weQBEJPAyPXIAaGVVpAzytL81neyILqRF-BbSzuDHyPvr5Q0XyqBD8xezpX0R1QpEL7FH_LMRF6vh8d3swqqaOmqRbXdw3FQRxBzmJBqDqg1GDLS6YT/s16000/1SketchTransfer775_214208803.jpg" /></a></div><br /><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">Carving</span></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">I then carved the plates using Flexcut v-gouge chisels. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXGYKDOzeK27ze_LfgyZuOLXoo0DbGFokNwhsfcLs6MLGyJLuJiPNnRYClBZ83xYqYj9s1ySWDK8e-TgurZiPzfBrRrKfXzt-ux1BcYbbuzP2hRUBx5bm5WcmThmNrepKN7Hz4oCrhFrIfwM3L86-eoQpY3hBQ2BcgtCAY6Z_PcrODxfN4afUdYnXDjwDt/s1600/2CarvingSingle775_7542.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="517" data-original-width="775" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXGYKDOzeK27ze_LfgyZuOLXoo0DbGFokNwhsfcLs6MLGyJLuJiPNnRYClBZ83xYqYj9s1ySWDK8e-TgurZiPzfBrRrKfXzt-ux1BcYbbuzP2hRUBx5bm5WcmThmNrepKN7Hz4oCrhFrIfwM3L86-eoQpY3hBQ2BcgtCAY6Z_PcrODxfN4afUdYnXDjwDt/s1600/2CarvingSingle775_7542.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">I was carving during December and it was so cold in my studio, I moved into the center storage room in our basement. Otus thought it was weird, but kept me good company.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQzi79HEoGD3UAPcduHFpi92hkSqdkrxCF8ObtPmBmFy_2C-9OMaKlHYBXHBONC9te7XJSFVlbw7BkH944cbrF8bwI3pclsFz7TZ5YD_CMFwoJlz9DLBJVy6cWWeUOUJkkkxRb2LCngEeuL_lj2I60zEaZ-GNy7ItGI2OMfsoU3ROYOsEPeduD7xh2_RQH/s775/4CarvingOtus775_7547.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="517" data-original-width="775" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQzi79HEoGD3UAPcduHFpi92hkSqdkrxCF8ObtPmBmFy_2C-9OMaKlHYBXHBONC9te7XJSFVlbw7BkH944cbrF8bwI3pclsFz7TZ5YD_CMFwoJlz9DLBJVy6cWWeUOUJkkkxRb2LCngEeuL_lj2I60zEaZ-GNy7ItGI2OMfsoU3ROYOsEPeduD7xh2_RQH/s16000/4CarvingOtus775_7547.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">Test Print</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Once the plate was carved I did a test print with a stamp pad. It is a quick and easy way to get a preview of the print.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0V8Pwrbb_IAIw6FR1XA7TMvg1IXxXKr-OvItssmk-08fVtHYHWOKv80_tOJpBk7bYJ93G1Nx6yhS9nSzWO7sd1Y_wYmMj26LNKqN8xglqg7QnjuxqwZYYzftR8iRBEmdLLh-eduxgiWCTZh7RNegRyWO5EEZO_FnUawHEfHhV8XfZ9J9zzHHeXSnvr-Gm/s775/5TestPrint775_185247448.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="436" data-original-width="775" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0V8Pwrbb_IAIw6FR1XA7TMvg1IXxXKr-OvItssmk-08fVtHYHWOKv80_tOJpBk7bYJ93G1Nx6yhS9nSzWO7sd1Y_wYmMj26LNKqN8xglqg7QnjuxqwZYYzftR8iRBEmdLLh-eduxgiWCTZh7RNegRyWO5EEZO_FnUawHEfHhV8XfZ9J9zzHHeXSnvr-Gm/s16000/5TestPrint775_185247448.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /><div style="text-align: left;">This video shows me using the stamp pad to ink the plate and pull a quick print. Turn your volume on!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="540" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/KRsZDtzuUhM" width="650" youtube-src-id="KRsZDtzuUhM"></iframe></div>
<br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">Synchronicity</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The night before I pulled the test print I was in the TV room and saw the cats on the couch together sleeping. They had a terrible fight last year and had to be kept apart for six months. So when I saw them sleeping so close, I took a photo.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The next day I pulled the test print and took lots of pictures of the process. That evening I went upstairs, and right next to each other in my photo feed was this!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYLQe04IAeFdjGX0dNMG3GkioGCbBdftCLbsBtiHTw8NOgglXouYUfMMqBwaVuk5DfTEroSa6qXck58NHGHbh1q6FYV05jMl6cX_WFtzuxrJ2jEXhgjVynXAs5QvWQhJhdYAo4ibwN3ZYgti0w83RqxLamLAilbtpM4MKyIUBvP-uW5Ysow26E-4BxzmRi/s775/Synchronicity775.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="358" data-original-width="775" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYLQe04IAeFdjGX0dNMG3GkioGCbBdftCLbsBtiHTw8NOgglXouYUfMMqBwaVuk5DfTEroSa6qXck58NHGHbh1q6FYV05jMl6cX_WFtzuxrJ2jEXhgjVynXAs5QvWQhJhdYAo4ibwN3ZYgti0w83RqxLamLAilbtpM4MKyIUBvP-uW5Ysow26E-4BxzmRi/s16000/Synchronicity775.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">I could hardly believe the coincidence...two orange Buddhas in each photo! And their body positions were so similar! It felt like a wink from the universe. <br /><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">"Every time I have become aware of a synchronicity experience,<br />I have had an accompanying feeling that some grace came along with it."</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica;">— Jean Shinoda Bolen in <i>Coincidence or Destiny</i> by Phil Cousineau</span></div><br />
<br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica;"><span style="font-size: large;">Printing</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">After printing the test print I made some minor adjustments to the plate. I widened the eye and hand lines a bit. Sometimes the lines can close up when using the real ink, and it is better to take care of it before printing.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN8M-Aua688DyDTZU-4XDz6brRs811Fr3-Pzx41LWAjGAppsw41icqqKJ-pjse0H-SNmVLCI51R3iQ01RDTKr9KOhZdTmvqMPG21LvtbbK1Fu82U8Jzoyb6Yt2DhbZVTEGifhqt6RxP4N61UwXHAvjWHqYGjqXSo5t4EMo8KNmpgBblnFxD17YqjXcwrzp/s1600/7GoldPlate600_210834869.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="338" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN8M-Aua688DyDTZU-4XDz6brRs811Fr3-Pzx41LWAjGAppsw41icqqKJ-pjse0H-SNmVLCI51R3iQ01RDTKr9KOhZdTmvqMPG21LvtbbK1Fu82U8Jzoyb6Yt2DhbZVTEGifhqt6RxP4N61UwXHAvjWHqYGjqXSo5t4EMo8KNmpgBblnFxD17YqjXcwrzp/s1600/7GoldPlate600_210834869.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">This video shows me inking the plate with Charbonnel gold etching ink and printing on three different kinds of paper.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="540" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/clEO86Yb14c" width="650" youtube-src-id="clEO86Yb14c"></iframe></div>
<br /><div style="text-align: left;">I really liked the way the tissue paper printed. The wrinkles in the paper gave the effect of aged Buddhas. I printed the dark brown background on the tissue paper before-hand in my chin collé class at Tiger Lily Press. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy8t2sobHT_DEOwCQn3TIE1bqH-LW6Iypds_USe2T6hTh-TMo_-ErHoUq2a4-pmLBRKAYp6gTrU_U0Mi3x8s0pssiCPX0Nlb4X9b0RKm0TRLITWBqfHuG4VhsIH5boaf1mMon3iM_3z2nbcZ9QCOYvJcegMnunJcwGOMIDP7EQo17aDdVbjNvJYgSTkQ6B/s775/8PaperTissue775_182000392.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="436" data-original-width="775" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy8t2sobHT_DEOwCQn3TIE1bqH-LW6Iypds_USe2T6hTh-TMo_-ErHoUq2a4-pmLBRKAYp6gTrU_U0Mi3x8s0pssiCPX0Nlb4X9b0RKm0TRLITWBqfHuG4VhsIH5boaf1mMon3iM_3z2nbcZ9QCOYvJcegMnunJcwGOMIDP7EQo17aDdVbjNvJYgSTkQ6B/s16000/8PaperTissue775_182000392.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">I bought the papyrus paper shown below at Plaza Art store. The paper was very thick and I really liked the texture. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9pHRhx1Lk0dgwfEA94zH4LsTtGRJYdXiowLdhpf0Rf8BEkdIRw3osXys6pE5a5I97JQWll14qt5Cxam-oqTBSBeVmSfMcjbk-EzTRQyaSBcSWjGLjPsIPmuB51X7qrY3JUfOMMvT2ONm7Kwq37qPPWi678jD9tRI22ji0vHrzd9Y1iTqJe6_nx9qj87ZW/s1600/9PaperPapyrus600_194003198.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="338" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9pHRhx1Lk0dgwfEA94zH4LsTtGRJYdXiowLdhpf0Rf8BEkdIRw3osXys6pE5a5I97JQWll14qt5Cxam-oqTBSBeVmSfMcjbk-EzTRQyaSBcSWjGLjPsIPmuB51X7qrY3JUfOMMvT2ONm7Kwq37qPPWi678jD9tRI22ji0vHrzd9Y1iTqJe6_nx9qj87ZW/s1600/9PaperPapyrus600_194003198.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">I didn't think there was enough contrast between the print and the papyrus paper so I watercolored the paper with dark brown. I still haven't done anything yet with the papyrus Buddhas, but I think they will embroider nicely.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhao6S4MfJSTOU4mFDB2zcQcPKZlX8RgPOiKMTgBk711TTGXxulTIRCloASf74D2g5qdgzRnsisZfC0DEyuHR6vrQQOkHpmuCHkKMHRWx1QvsXXiY0nB1CIxEoq8Ngj6rlEh0ksNTzLV92Gnzg7bgtMjT31wvuPjp4jVUduNbuUcgUjDi5WMt0oP-I9ejek/s775/WatercolorBananaPaper775_174941091.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="584" data-original-width="775" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhao6S4MfJSTOU4mFDB2zcQcPKZlX8RgPOiKMTgBk711TTGXxulTIRCloASf74D2g5qdgzRnsisZfC0DEyuHR6vrQQOkHpmuCHkKMHRWx1QvsXXiY0nB1CIxEoq8Ngj6rlEh0ksNTzLV92Gnzg7bgtMjT31wvuPjp4jVUduNbuUcgUjDi5WMt0oP-I9ejek/s16000/WatercolorBananaPaper775_174941091.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">Of all three papers, the "Mesquite" banana paper was the most smooth. So I thought it would be wise to try the embroidery with it first.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisezBi2mG_omqw_1GMxwp5dq1CCAx6qgLpF_ObRSmkfaqhIdSvjPJTvEe5sf93GIkpu4LkLAApb70G7ivn0Gyer7HcexlP5wXKK29ODdWObQzesfztvrKe6qxD8zcEDhUmfaFy7yxRxGBs9ZrjdkSOW1GRmwEtzQJOsKkM55jvQA7nU2RvkgkRpG4xDaav/s775/10PaperMesquite775_231140872.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="436" data-original-width="775" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisezBi2mG_omqw_1GMxwp5dq1CCAx6qgLpF_ObRSmkfaqhIdSvjPJTvEe5sf93GIkpu4LkLAApb70G7ivn0Gyer7HcexlP5wXKK29ODdWObQzesfztvrKe6qxD8zcEDhUmfaFy7yxRxGBs9ZrjdkSOW1GRmwEtzQJOsKkM55jvQA7nU2RvkgkRpG4xDaav/s16000/10PaperMesquite775_231140872.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Below you can see the banana paper cut out and photographed. These were some of my favorite photos of the whole process.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiagWsboLdZ8Vp6EfAyrBuJqZTc-izqg9Ogj6TXLUA7mlBbpmcq8Bo8fgpyWpg-clTIMwNIdTOmcI3vvmlvLSM4Hle_va7omNF6hVVGsEe2748wEGg9vGKTusLm8uhEMVDjwbKQzT-czUA7v50ZYU_8Lb6KWhRtEI0ZmmxfT9Vc5cIehjLK99E-vSCIXVbc/s800/11PrintonChest800_193055280.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiagWsboLdZ8Vp6EfAyrBuJqZTc-izqg9Ogj6TXLUA7mlBbpmcq8Bo8fgpyWpg-clTIMwNIdTOmcI3vvmlvLSM4Hle_va7omNF6hVVGsEe2748wEGg9vGKTusLm8uhEMVDjwbKQzT-czUA7v50ZYU_8Lb6KWhRtEI0ZmmxfT9Vc5cIehjLK99E-vSCIXVbc/s16000/11PrintonChest800_193055280.jpg" /></a></div><br /><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">"Life itself is alive...and wise beyond our comprehension."</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica;">—</span><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica;">Vanessa Sorensen</span><br /><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ_7sx-GRH_nsnjHLv_ciwbguKMAqWiFO-gUL_4uNdp6TAahTWM6bfO9_qIjTQbqJ50_9J-87Tav43f0LlEmcKoWqzOUmb4_uxoTs0cG0FQ6IoFQLrcge3etRzzopacuxWFHgradZiMFfA3fqQkx1RzeE6eqzoly9hNfwZPt7svcpL4fNxhJHF7Tb0qvjw/s800/12PrintsOnChest800_193043167.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="579" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ_7sx-GRH_nsnjHLv_ciwbguKMAqWiFO-gUL_4uNdp6TAahTWM6bfO9_qIjTQbqJ50_9J-87Tav43f0LlEmcKoWqzOUmb4_uxoTs0cG0FQ6IoFQLrcge3etRzzopacuxWFHgradZiMFfA3fqQkx1RzeE6eqzoly9hNfwZPt7svcpL4fNxhJHF7Tb0qvjw/s16000/12PrintsOnChest800_193043167.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica;"><span style="font-size: large;">Making Holes</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Once I had my cut-out Buddha seeds I was ready to figure out the embroidery holes. I scanned the Buddha seeds into the computer and figured out where every hole should be using Illustrator. Here you can see the Illustrator file before I printed it onto a transparency.<br /><br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ9P1AUJncc2i7AJUP74nrc3Jqk2qpJlpGtXea31yD99B9oDdrXerGLW6DRjhAI3ewbYSF7GXS-tkO5kODemzOulLHC-g5uMuw2Q59FISiudsHXFobzdqLSlbpCi98-1eKm57qQWM9wIdPMEUzmJ-cvTome4MGsbr14zTTLPlnFVAVymJUecb3LDYMwU0e/s596/13Transparency.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="596" data-original-width="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ9P1AUJncc2i7AJUP74nrc3Jqk2qpJlpGtXea31yD99B9oDdrXerGLW6DRjhAI3ewbYSF7GXS-tkO5kODemzOulLHC-g5uMuw2Q59FISiudsHXFobzdqLSlbpCi98-1eKm57qQWM9wIdPMEUzmJ-cvTome4MGsbr14zTTLPlnFVAVymJUecb3LDYMwU0e/s16000/13Transparency.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Once I had the transparency ready, I taped the seeds down exactly where I wanted them on my paper. I then lined the transparency up perfectly and taped it down.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjihvohRyNkTdJTtHKt8tXPJIaru9DWlJ-m4ukBYCjeP82eBA6suD0PNHTLeka64T1lYV0whNPU8hiQofWAiKXBjAc97WZJ1XUYhg1jul0vSSKqbas1mD04B4Mh8u5Ennb2vaxyHloqXIZOgadB3x9hm2g4PwUAvXElmDyTuUFNg2NGokDV558BwSu9TSBx/s800/13Transparency800_223754042.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="503" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjihvohRyNkTdJTtHKt8tXPJIaru9DWlJ-m4ukBYCjeP82eBA6suD0PNHTLeka64T1lYV0whNPU8hiQofWAiKXBjAc97WZJ1XUYhg1jul0vSSKqbas1mD04B4Mh8u5Ennb2vaxyHloqXIZOgadB3x9hm2g4PwUAvXElmDyTuUFNg2NGokDV558BwSu9TSBx/s16000/13Transparency800_223754042.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Once everything was lined up and taped down, I hammered the holes with an awl. This photo shows the holes nicely.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMHXVkvyLQv5v7N_sYg95l6U9Ju9hLm3U4zkpmosjhPGQ8ImOYQsoHx7bkib3oujlCChwz2K_5O26KmP6QtdRYAiwKawq3tdZCsEf_5Wl-NsV3QtzGfOZEn8pQs6_FLKKmvCfN2m2a42YcpJqR4OWt6ob4MapUvpMOra0yv4Ky2nieNfWiWhfNbORcZ07m/s800/14Holes800_163106430.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="613" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMHXVkvyLQv5v7N_sYg95l6U9Ju9hLm3U4zkpmosjhPGQ8ImOYQsoHx7bkib3oujlCChwz2K_5O26KmP6QtdRYAiwKawq3tdZCsEf_5Wl-NsV3QtzGfOZEn8pQs6_FLKKmvCfN2m2a42YcpJqR4OWt6ob4MapUvpMOra0yv4Ky2nieNfWiWhfNbORcZ07m/s16000/14Holes800_163106430.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica;"><span style="font-size: large;">Sewing</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Once all the holes were punched, it was time to sew!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3mvSLHLk6VbyfwLaSmQ1zEHuLQMF9iIvQM-hqA_jm8re3f81nJfMHEZ4TwHtkAci3dbxjeSXSfuK2ENNMpK6EGthnvCRhlDPLJrIT5brZtfnFXx5PQ1kMZQpDBg6ct1-YnTQHjUQPHfw74xtZ7CCnqeSW4Sg_d3DcKaxjyz8I8zn9GqRphQkW7UOfad6r/s800/15Sewing800_194639345.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3mvSLHLk6VbyfwLaSmQ1zEHuLQMF9iIvQM-hqA_jm8re3f81nJfMHEZ4TwHtkAci3dbxjeSXSfuK2ENNMpK6EGthnvCRhlDPLJrIT5brZtfnFXx5PQ1kMZQpDBg6ct1-YnTQHjUQPHfw74xtZ7CCnqeSW4Sg_d3DcKaxjyz8I8zn9GqRphQkW7UOfad6r/s16000/15Sewing800_194639345.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">I finally had to buy readers for all this embroidery work. They took a little getting used to, but helped a ton.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6AZ_gmwAG6pBqJq5R_-2L_krxbZQmD1GSvQAvzdzG5SQvJEL6lbjGd527oHdsmFESK2HT0ps0Y7GPJUqWTzN2hA3HctFUW45q3il2yvbS1xk4qLnjTTjASaNVJ9n36Wr2gcXRt0Z9hdQovo4qJN4VJzUB5OZNX9ILRBhUEIFkPYZwQkIR_HormC2ENArw/s775/15SewingMe775_175144975.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="436" data-original-width="775" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6AZ_gmwAG6pBqJq5R_-2L_krxbZQmD1GSvQAvzdzG5SQvJEL6lbjGd527oHdsmFESK2HT0ps0Y7GPJUqWTzN2hA3HctFUW45q3il2yvbS1xk4qLnjTTjASaNVJ9n36Wr2gcXRt0Z9hdQovo4qJN4VJzUB5OZNX9ILRBhUEIFkPYZwQkIR_HormC2ENArw/s16000/15SewingMe775_175144975.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Below you can see the embroidery on the robes was almost done.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYR4W7Ch9aTnholvUE91WZb84Qib3klk_u0O8tvyTC2BpEQdpGM_AFRTpLv-dLSQmunnJLUyjVZR2c6DyHrC5LbGnLspjW6C37EQva8Ckgeo_HR65Vbm7K9f_R6ndaPtZdTW5d6YGkP0HowbjLYxLmxm9IJ6VnMTS27LEhs1v4154BkSXs2DsoX4EX74C0/s800/16Sewing800_201729310Crop.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="495" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYR4W7Ch9aTnholvUE91WZb84Qib3klk_u0O8tvyTC2BpEQdpGM_AFRTpLv-dLSQmunnJLUyjVZR2c6DyHrC5LbGnLspjW6C37EQva8Ckgeo_HR65Vbm7K9f_R6ndaPtZdTW5d6YGkP0HowbjLYxLmxm9IJ6VnMTS27LEhs1v4154BkSXs2DsoX4EX74C0/s16000/16Sewing800_201729310Crop.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica;"><span style="font-size: large;">Beadwork</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I was so excited to find these gold Heishi beads. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnbXTzBacKS3qK8L9MEiCw2c7W059n-_bSPlxiIu52pIAuArlP5CC2xuHFdPDyE-_nqHYFG_edKlEQ6l9zTR0LZL9dmVFCl8H-GAikeVMUT8qNpbsj-HoWLwt3vLbGdcNS3wiIphioHDQAFHnJlZcXQjTYJHDXLYqwpza5nuOjdAgCwR44Lyc4EyfvnNRV/s800/17BeadPlay800_152453877.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnbXTzBacKS3qK8L9MEiCw2c7W059n-_bSPlxiIu52pIAuArlP5CC2xuHFdPDyE-_nqHYFG_edKlEQ6l9zTR0LZL9dmVFCl8H-GAikeVMUT8qNpbsj-HoWLwt3vLbGdcNS3wiIphioHDQAFHnJlZcXQjTYJHDXLYqwpza5nuOjdAgCwR44Lyc4EyfvnNRV/s16000/17BeadPlay800_152453877.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">I bought three sizes of beads so it took me a little bit of play to figure out how I would place them. I really liked the below photo of the beads. It appeared to me like magic rising off the Buddha's head.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDGvlSBuwIR2U_55e_o9G719QPBYVmEknhBmB8Ifs3WYjDpRpA8XUfIjv7n9Gsb9N9ZBg2MuQtY-mM1HA4MEnrZiZW7K_FcKfleNmsFzXQm0gKowLPoHQCGBBlKBRjxRYf93V-tg18qhMhaEFyGL8AajZ3VO9EQndkG0syVfansdu8nfMp2dGOlU4H-WTH/s775/18BeadPlay775_152703505.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="436" data-original-width="775" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDGvlSBuwIR2U_55e_o9G719QPBYVmEknhBmB8Ifs3WYjDpRpA8XUfIjv7n9Gsb9N9ZBg2MuQtY-mM1HA4MEnrZiZW7K_FcKfleNmsFzXQm0gKowLPoHQCGBBlKBRjxRYf93V-tg18qhMhaEFyGL8AajZ3VO9EQndkG0syVfansdu8nfMp2dGOlU4H-WTH/s16000/18BeadPlay775_152703505.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">I wasn't sure how I was going to attach the Heishi beads and did a couple tests. I experimented using both gold seed beads and knots to hold them on. In the end I chose the seed beads. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyObofHOmG6VuJr9e8vTwtBT5_X4_SDhxNMcwGMyxcd-iv-s5V2DASaBuxXR7h48LwRPycMJeIIamy9_h8nDrzIMn4uhFaBbR_rYLRiP7AO-VZb_pqqpr7MJCIyJWXShR7pU3OJlSBmxEdbH6N5U1uJQEkRQi0M6sUMgsn9OHNMBKnar94Z8lBkxlFyT_L/s600/19BeadTest600_183035026Crop.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="486" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyObofHOmG6VuJr9e8vTwtBT5_X4_SDhxNMcwGMyxcd-iv-s5V2DASaBuxXR7h48LwRPycMJeIIamy9_h8nDrzIMn4uhFaBbR_rYLRiP7AO-VZb_pqqpr7MJCIyJWXShR7pU3OJlSBmxEdbH6N5U1uJQEkRQi0M6sUMgsn9OHNMBKnar94Z8lBkxlFyT_L/s16000/19BeadTest600_183035026Crop.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">I bought so many beads for this project that I had to buy a bead organizer! </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZPqYqoZoEQvYLiKqLaUXqevKClh_w77BKrhOlW_B_CY5XdG2lscIK8Ddd3DipmcuUcJzbSiWdyrO_kxXyzjqP-W30Yz-6ybTj7SsoAxasvJGxLEPJb6IAAYF_-Ux8XxxA-F4nQho7ECiIRBVY7O565EyiH5Hh2rYsh7yksGH03mYJKVmC033wvOwcDyu1/s800/20BeadsSewingLeft800_184709712.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZPqYqoZoEQvYLiKqLaUXqevKClh_w77BKrhOlW_B_CY5XdG2lscIK8Ddd3DipmcuUcJzbSiWdyrO_kxXyzjqP-W30Yz-6ybTj7SsoAxasvJGxLEPJb6IAAYF_-Ux8XxxA-F4nQho7ECiIRBVY7O565EyiH5Hh2rYsh7yksGH03mYJKVmC033wvOwcDyu1/s16000/20BeadsSewingLeft800_184709712.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI4LxxkT5iQx3tXVR2LgXFDmuoBBfV7MkBy2yytyvNBApBo1O5jhS1kSUpFVmMZRWj2TNs_KBte_V2EMILj-tgsklsRkscU5dKju4PXTkdSZV05B-1M2DNA5Ph4NLiUl0Bawu06vtdoOLd4Ov5NslATE3TQpEvW6D32Xqe4dOv2vN8MXfjC2rYT2blh2lv/s775/21BeadsSewingHor775_184312436.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="436" data-original-width="775" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI4LxxkT5iQx3tXVR2LgXFDmuoBBfV7MkBy2yytyvNBApBo1O5jhS1kSUpFVmMZRWj2TNs_KBte_V2EMILj-tgsklsRkscU5dKju4PXTkdSZV05B-1M2DNA5Ph4NLiUl0Bawu06vtdoOLd4Ov5NslATE3TQpEvW6D32Xqe4dOv2vN8MXfjC2rYT2blh2lv/s16000/21BeadsSewingHor775_184312436.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEUZLvNoh1kg21tv6iQly3TzQOxu46DvDWE1Yrajt2tt67zFSldU_U2MVfIwB5Y6D8gI_dS9rgPPNWBQzDyUNJ0VNJcAZth5_cbomDN8XUX3KshS80LT6VxUHEi24r7ubq9o2T8lGslcA4N1Zl3v20KHjb1hCTwr3qnja5pRmsUuWyveAcBFdQz5uPXeQI/s800/22BeadsSewingBoth800_184609037.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEUZLvNoh1kg21tv6iQly3TzQOxu46DvDWE1Yrajt2tt67zFSldU_U2MVfIwB5Y6D8gI_dS9rgPPNWBQzDyUNJ0VNJcAZth5_cbomDN8XUX3KshS80LT6VxUHEi24r7ubq9o2T8lGslcA4N1Zl3v20KHjb1hCTwr3qnja5pRmsUuWyveAcBFdQz5uPXeQI/s16000/22BeadsSewingBoth800_184609037.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica;"><span style="font-size: large;">Synchronicity</span></span></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica;"><span style="font-size: large;">“Synchronicity is an inexplicable and profoundly meaningful coincidence that stirs the soul and offers a glimpse of one’s destiny.”</span><br />– Phil Cousineau</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">In September 2022 I started a six month "Deeper Callings" course with <a href="https://marilynhardy.com/" target="_blank">Marilyn Hardy</a>. The course was about "living a rich embodied life with a soul-infused purpose." The course met two times per month and I was in the middle of the course when I began making the Buddha seeds.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">We had assigned reading and/or videos. One night when I was sewing the Heishi beads onto the Buddhas, I was listening to a video of Jonathan Gustin interviewing Adyashanti. I had just run out of embroidery floss and had to cut a new piece to thread the needle, when I heard Jonathan say:</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">"Once we find this golden thread of destiny and we're holding onto it, we never feel lost.<br />Wherever we go, we know what it is we are there to do."</span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiybYX-Xw1EwrPOwBeplyC85HSd1_MT43m1oFkQ2Osr311FYdXmQb-SFnpnBPT8rF__yxHrSO1ebpTIvCwkt-ilJT5-NlzsxjeGm_DyyHcT1Y_0T0tSC35fpYMHyt755B6NMUYkR7U_COgSBNJwm7es3dyMFUNaDE8B1gpjZz6_zMxxmMCb4wPd-FRHAB0k/s775/22GoldenThread775_182633466.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="436" data-original-width="775" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiybYX-Xw1EwrPOwBeplyC85HSd1_MT43m1oFkQ2Osr311FYdXmQb-SFnpnBPT8rF__yxHrSO1ebpTIvCwkt-ilJT5-NlzsxjeGm_DyyHcT1Y_0T0tSC35fpYMHyt755B6NMUYkR7U_COgSBNJwm7es3dyMFUNaDE8B1gpjZz6_zMxxmMCb4wPd-FRHAB0k/s16000/22GoldenThread775_182633466.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">I was literally holding onto a golden thread right at that moment! It gave me the chills and again I felt like the universe was winking at me.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEs6e6yfJ_CC_YNWh7Egqob8EGlKi6SVYcqQXIYoBK0ctQKNMlPM8YciPi60Cyh93Q1Qi4zIjiDxNwl1bU6mAofTXWR03dboRjEqmPpc80z2XxqCgMZZDlUNZ4stLDha3Zpiy0NZDK8CoRV-AnLHSucup3hAJM9kNGxLEbX5sXpKZwqZobY72_AKqJ0w1F/s775/23SewingBeadsHalfway775_175323241.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="436" data-original-width="775" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEs6e6yfJ_CC_YNWh7Egqob8EGlKi6SVYcqQXIYoBK0ctQKNMlPM8YciPi60Cyh93Q1Qi4zIjiDxNwl1bU6mAofTXWR03dboRjEqmPpc80z2XxqCgMZZDlUNZ4stLDha3Zpiy0NZDK8CoRV-AnLHSucup3hAJM9kNGxLEbX5sXpKZwqZobY72_AKqJ0w1F/s16000/23SewingBeadsHalfway775_175323241.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">I absolutely loved the course I took with Marilyn. I think taking a course like that helps one orient to the process of self-discovery. I certainly didn't expect to find my life purpose in a six month course. But I did have the realization that, "There is no one better suited to this job than me" ("this job" meaning my current botanical print/embroidery work). <br /></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNIwfjYdDRPVA7h2iWNGNvESKr5p2rSSEdACdJkvvrsgW4gVRDxqWfaF_O9SdXI6uPitzgW_GFOQi0allRnETnvcL6j3rJTqdVOnAdhBzDctlWiRFw6BZMgytPYpg99wOLSsH4lrR7QY-E9jrmj_ndjvPfg3Gm8Mdjl0VfdQtJifWSElUFw4oO9IyOQqkY/s800/24SewingBeadsHalfway800_230938585Crop.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="498" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNIwfjYdDRPVA7h2iWNGNvESKr5p2rSSEdACdJkvvrsgW4gVRDxqWfaF_O9SdXI6uPitzgW_GFOQi0allRnETnvcL6j3rJTqdVOnAdhBzDctlWiRFw6BZMgytPYpg99wOLSsH4lrR7QY-E9jrmj_ndjvPfg3Gm8Mdjl0VfdQtJifWSElUFw4oO9IyOQqkY/s16000/24SewingBeadsHalfway800_230938585Crop.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica;"><span style="font-size: large;"><div style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica;"><span style="font-size: large;">Video</span></span></div><div style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium;"><br /></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium;">This video includes scanning the print, figuring out the holes using Illustrator, hammering the holes, and sewing the robes and beads.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="540" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ROEqaAsovOY" width="650" youtube-src-id="ROEqaAsovOY"></iframe></div><br />Finished Print</span></span></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Below is the final print!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm3YMnpzJCdXKr30K68tqqc3yACjQLCuyS18jLbJctaVYHyUo5_MqJxrF2m-2FKZ-OLW3NfVJIuj5D23M4lMTCn4a6MkC1g6bOeL18i0GTrSBdCqfSAf68XMWOQlvvMCgsvryhIAwKHsgprDMD0iAp3RfhNa8itCQHfkDvxklSqHWoAfsmbqHe-GyHjwF3/s800/25FinishedPrint800_154006755.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="655" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm3YMnpzJCdXKr30K68tqqc3yACjQLCuyS18jLbJctaVYHyUo5_MqJxrF2m-2FKZ-OLW3NfVJIuj5D23M4lMTCn4a6MkC1g6bOeL18i0GTrSBdCqfSAf68XMWOQlvvMCgsvryhIAwKHsgprDMD0iAp3RfhNa8itCQHfkDvxklSqHWoAfsmbqHe-GyHjwF3/s16000/25FinishedPrint800_154006755.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">Once I finished the print I photographed it in several different locations and the lighting differences made quite a difference. When I took photos upstairs by the window, the beads appeared to glow.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_hKMay_9TrmGIDwmTPMTxJyEoMzz6-2UKgdEI_5fRbDCDBximwepeTd2Ju-2vWxWULswyOI82FHaO-71eoN2B6GFBOV3BsVSUyZ9U-kfUK2rDLAmf5Hlk_1-HcNgDeWHAUIW3ptyZS40KhtRMIl7eNYG5VTZjU96v834Fi32LqNncJDDDelulypwI1sUI/s800/26FinishedLeftHand800_154128311.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_hKMay_9TrmGIDwmTPMTxJyEoMzz6-2UKgdEI_5fRbDCDBximwepeTd2Ju-2vWxWULswyOI82FHaO-71eoN2B6GFBOV3BsVSUyZ9U-kfUK2rDLAmf5Hlk_1-HcNgDeWHAUIW3ptyZS40KhtRMIl7eNYG5VTZjU96v834Fi32LqNncJDDDelulypwI1sUI/s16000/26FinishedLeftHand800_154128311.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfZ1YiZfgMtE2Bi9rSM2s6nNUbxgEwSjG4NWI7dWQil3AO2hLqKu_QvJ6Mr7YUkfEtZgyDWcxKggEdTD6oj-k1M6ANG98nMcnj2O6cxJTxGd5UNbHZUoz5NGViQbWsunkaY0kT8Jldl64V_CyaPNq3eWhb0KL3EePvorhX93XB6xi4rnvNmhtQJ6Ew-v2E/s800/27FinishedBothSidesHands800_154246006Crop.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="489" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfZ1YiZfgMtE2Bi9rSM2s6nNUbxgEwSjG4NWI7dWQil3AO2hLqKu_QvJ6Mr7YUkfEtZgyDWcxKggEdTD6oj-k1M6ANG98nMcnj2O6cxJTxGd5UNbHZUoz5NGViQbWsunkaY0kT8Jldl64V_CyaPNq3eWhb0KL3EePvorhX93XB6xi4rnvNmhtQJ6Ew-v2E/s16000/27FinishedBothSidesHands800_154246006Crop.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">And when I took photos outside the beads were more muted and the threads were emphasized more.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOJ-Y98dMwvz0iQ_pwxgEMV23TdoNzNAjdfGUx5o-ir-Jn1q-G35iKgW5KmGbvpotSbEY0xA-g2KpcMoO7RVlmLu4wMz1264My5btUFT0N_ifbe9HEE5AoGAqacaJdrQUzyF-j1GfXSDh7t5K5I_38BXkS0_LtzJO5E1vHlF6dK0Ncsl4_5bgnJ9KrSb0q/s800/28FinishedAngle800_164819548.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="469" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOJ-Y98dMwvz0iQ_pwxgEMV23TdoNzNAjdfGUx5o-ir-Jn1q-G35iKgW5KmGbvpotSbEY0xA-g2KpcMoO7RVlmLu4wMz1264My5btUFT0N_ifbe9HEE5AoGAqacaJdrQUzyF-j1GfXSDh7t5K5I_38BXkS0_LtzJO5E1vHlF6dK0Ncsl4_5bgnJ9KrSb0q/s16000/28FinishedAngle800_164819548.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpDN-MztobLsPgwq2IsqcnB7sTwoqZCyOcL-LRhMaXPpRTlK9_N7EuPX0DD8mUWzUHMh6jrKzUOFp8s70X1BROIwT8uhqJWiMtO9b_34sAis0qSq2FsPAdlWQb_Ncn-mkN4OmzRslbjbPT6R0s9lj_MCGczjsWgFIbjIADHyolTEw_tnAEyd8meYrfoOmg/s775/29FinishedBothHands775_164940884.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="436" data-original-width="775" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpDN-MztobLsPgwq2IsqcnB7sTwoqZCyOcL-LRhMaXPpRTlK9_N7EuPX0DD8mUWzUHMh6jrKzUOFp8s70X1BROIwT8uhqJWiMtO9b_34sAis0qSq2FsPAdlWQb_Ncn-mkN4OmzRslbjbPT6R0s9lj_MCGczjsWgFIbjIADHyolTEw_tnAEyd8meYrfoOmg/s16000/29FinishedBothHands775_164940884.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Above is outside and below is inside.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFslw7kafRIBW01tsO4BdylVmOCZFpDD_5vPtMsGhGSKZNJlb4UBsoDA-N49l7BO1fjteSMpA_zPoUQYGWOLnRXEBokcpjP5tltBdJ8BjG3jz8ERG4baIOA9EHvQ7Qt7GiaeIrEwmtPfPI_NMEh3KOKfDvz55ridK-MJTljr2VRdr4X2li4wXK4YJi7ZKi/s775/30FinishedBothHandsHor775_154224957.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="436" data-original-width="775" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFslw7kafRIBW01tsO4BdylVmOCZFpDD_5vPtMsGhGSKZNJlb4UBsoDA-N49l7BO1fjteSMpA_zPoUQYGWOLnRXEBokcpjP5tltBdJ8BjG3jz8ERG4baIOA9EHvQ7Qt7GiaeIrEwmtPfPI_NMEh3KOKfDvz55ridK-MJTljr2VRdr4X2li4wXK4YJi7ZKi/s16000/30FinishedBothHandsHor775_154224957.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsgqlGi5HcFroyg2AsFY88vHG9j_Lw9_mGTpkawoKGdMoGT48_PCaHcs11b5peiSiAVEIlxa9iW1E9t9dD9EQQzRHbL1PWRZ14ciY49j3g5sm0nX7VrhfT6-XCcjwz7CpVymOiCDuuVZDpW3M6Ar7DwFUOeK24NsHWq_1aZzBjP9SK_Zirfbzd3rTTagle/s800/31FinishedBothHands800_154107508Crop.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="470" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsgqlGi5HcFroyg2AsFY88vHG9j_Lw9_mGTpkawoKGdMoGT48_PCaHcs11b5peiSiAVEIlxa9iW1E9t9dD9EQQzRHbL1PWRZ14ciY49j3g5sm0nX7VrhfT6-XCcjwz7CpVymOiCDuuVZDpW3M6Ar7DwFUOeK24NsHWq_1aZzBjP9SK_Zirfbzd3rTTagle/s16000/31FinishedBothHands800_154107508Crop.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">The photo below is one of my favorites.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3mLTIhmufM0fqdYkq4-GtNlqSZpFyTOyuYid9Yjj-zlf_lZLZZNY--KCYzaI7IBGn1TooY_F9VHGyjuGcz16IjMN54aLdeLzNfoFNrfehDIoH0wfqLETmM42jj3gaWMIy5DkbLrOAJdAkBcNxgOB-jeRF3ptC7rNU-i-bTA79Li7wyRB6UlTr_Xlur21_/s775/32FinishedJustCrowns775_165040229.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="436" data-original-width="775" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3mLTIhmufM0fqdYkq4-GtNlqSZpFyTOyuYid9Yjj-zlf_lZLZZNY--KCYzaI7IBGn1TooY_F9VHGyjuGcz16IjMN54aLdeLzNfoFNrfehDIoH0wfqLETmM42jj3gaWMIy5DkbLrOAJdAkBcNxgOB-jeRF3ptC7rNU-i-bTA79Li7wyRB6UlTr_Xlur21_/s16000/32FinishedJustCrowns775_165040229.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Framed Print</span></div></span><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">I framed the Buddha seeds before the other embroidered prints and made all the color choices (frame and mat) based on them. I liked how the seeds stood out against the lighter frame.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWPPm0fJHcwo6vBkzm7pqGCgv9NjO_HAXtBBUQpbVOrDBoDCDzu7T7cO94AXcWZwcgN74kUw5AFVaiJcVjD5plW-WzNBl3yNgB6oETiKGEf92IFrNLz347OTYiiAFMOmdzi9QO6ZKJhm69OzgoPXcxVhUGLF-fNdgOOXy2Ilhjoad0RB2GagUbwTNEm0Bd/s1600/33Framed800_150446520Low.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="642" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWPPm0fJHcwo6vBkzm7pqGCgv9NjO_HAXtBBUQpbVOrDBoDCDzu7T7cO94AXcWZwcgN74kUw5AFVaiJcVjD5plW-WzNBl3yNgB6oETiKGEf92IFrNLz347OTYiiAFMOmdzi9QO6ZKJhm69OzgoPXcxVhUGLF-fNdgOOXy2Ilhjoad0RB2GagUbwTNEm0Bd/s1600/33Framed800_150446520Low.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica;"><span style="font-size: large;">Show</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Below is a photo of the print next to its label at my first solo show <a href="https://nessydesigns.blogspot.com/2023/05/faith-in-seed-solo-exhibition.html" target="_blank">"Faith In A Seed"</a> at the Weavers Guild. </div>
<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXvagAjWjWzQ8x-zK7Hy1UeXkXHxJPENxpa-sN_VNOieDIklcEeJWrGEwqeuU0HuDpvzo9gXjP_yJ7iR9btPMdUbBJDJrxI8pQ1q9JWArSDy93bkej6cdtbyrEKY4X_RwyvMtVdWQwOXTZXSEigHwutYIoQ7Pz4Z7Q_ElMHOCyc__iCgxK8ysJzYJzreze/s750/Show_144613076.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="698" data-original-width="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXvagAjWjWzQ8x-zK7Hy1UeXkXHxJPENxpa-sN_VNOieDIklcEeJWrGEwqeuU0HuDpvzo9gXjP_yJ7iR9btPMdUbBJDJrxI8pQ1q9JWArSDy93bkej6cdtbyrEKY4X_RwyvMtVdWQwOXTZXSEigHwutYIoQ7Pz4Z7Q_ElMHOCyc__iCgxK8ysJzYJzreze/s16000/Show_144613076.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKXDO9gTQnth8FRy7cgqFa1eKd56YUxrBOKg6fv9facXyr9grl0jUQ9A91L0OJAeGYvEvtbixti8H36QDzxX41y3N9z-8NiLWV4t-m7R5gror1YRbfmV_9fwK6CrxhJhWR8aKxmKCS6CAGlMBBiY_KhF4QMjzL7voWrRrTC12QTYINLu0BXooeaExd0dGC/s900/Tathagatagharbe900.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="562" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKXDO9gTQnth8FRy7cgqFa1eKd56YUxrBOKg6fv9facXyr9grl0jUQ9A91L0OJAeGYvEvtbixti8H36QDzxX41y3N9z-8NiLWV4t-m7R5gror1YRbfmV_9fwK6CrxhJhWR8aKxmKCS6CAGlMBBiY_KhF4QMjzL7voWrRrTC12QTYINLu0BXooeaExd0dGC/s16000/Tathagatagharbe900.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica; font-size: large; text-align: left;">PART II</span></div>
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica; font-size: large; text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></span><div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica; font-size: large; text-align: left;">Inspiration</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">In December 2022 I took a class on chin collé at Tiger Lily Press and needed a subject. I had <a href="https://www.nessypress.com/maple-helicopter" target="_blank">previously made work with the maple helicopter</a> as the subject and knew I had more ideas for them than I had time to make. So one day I gathered all my photos of them and, sure enough, there was a motherload of inspiration. I had also agreed to do the show for the Weaver’s Guild and was hoping to have a subject on which I could both chin collé and embroider.</div><div></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi94rNd6zkHESoql3onNaer72mbaJt6Tt4GtL73vl_CTAH0oR90qT7NvGGceZYWUirmS2EC52LbyNve0nTeSmAqygOibuKXyo6RZTBqYu1gzNavjZt5AP8befQ4oHDuF09Ng4CZd7_Tbmu3yRjX5hcfsaC6ui8edbvRydn62JGDFw7h8xqV0INPIQ10IWCO/s1600/Helicopters450_181025116.jpg" style="clear: left; display: block; float: left; padding: 1em 15px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="253" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi94rNd6zkHESoql3onNaer72mbaJt6Tt4GtL73vl_CTAH0oR90qT7NvGGceZYWUirmS2EC52LbyNve0nTeSmAqygOibuKXyo6RZTBqYu1gzNavjZt5AP8befQ4oHDuF09Ng4CZd7_Tbmu3yRjX5hcfsaC6ui8edbvRydn62JGDFw7h8xqV0INPIQ10IWCO/s1600/Helicopters450_181025116.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">The over-arching idea I wanted to convey was the “miraculousness” of this seed pod. This elegant structure allows a tiny embryo of a tree to be safely carried to the ground using a single wing that spins on its way to the earth. With a little wind, the shape of the wing helps the seed to travel far enough away from the mother tree to find a good place to sprout. I recently met a NASA engineer who studied the aerodynamics of this structure to understand how it works. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">For most of my life I have not been particularly interested in religion. If you had asked me what my religion was, I would have quoted the Dalai Lama and said my religion was kindness, with a particular reverence for nature. Nowadays I am still not overly interested in formal religion, but I am open to all forms of the divine, however they might present themselves. And lately I am sensing that there is a deep mystery hidden most everywhere... from maple helicopter to milkweed seeds. One might call it divine, God, or Buddha-nature. Whatever the case, I wanted to express this exquisite nature in my piece.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">“The true mystery of the world is the visible, not the invisible.”</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica;">― Oscar Wilde</span></div><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">So I started thinking about how to portray the extraordinary nature of this seed pod. My first thought was to make slightly larger-than-life "helicopters" (seen to the left) and put the Virgin of Guadalupe into the seed head portion of it. I even went so far as to purchase tiny beads with the Virgin of Guadalupe on them that I thought I would sew into the printed piece. (I ended up using them for the <a href="https://nessydesigns.blogspot.com/2023/06/milkweed-embroidered-linocut.html" target="_blank">"Milkweed" print</a>). But after cutting out the helicopter shapes, I thought everything was too small…and I am not one to work small.
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ88MOCkOuvdudrTflAIbncPqHvDfKYgsUBZIisDXPVIXWg83ENXwY-flCVzKCMFQg6MRQUb2yPU7YTX-_x3Cp7wyhUi6IUiq1Z3TrUkCibhEVkP1MBjcULpIFv-G_9BxWEbzI7UXLwLrhA8dS5PyYgAoTWgYvDQ2NJYK_mF7Xw68xWhRIbZmge0ufLhjS/s1600/MapleHeli1750.jpg" style="clear: right; display: block; float: right; padding: 1em 18px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="175" data-original-width="183" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ88MOCkOuvdudrTflAIbncPqHvDfKYgsUBZIisDXPVIXWg83ENXwY-flCVzKCMFQg6MRQUb2yPU7YTX-_x3Cp7wyhUi6IUiq1Z3TrUkCibhEVkP1MBjcULpIFv-G_9BxWEbzI7UXLwLrhA8dS5PyYgAoTWgYvDQ2NJYK_mF7Xw68xWhRIbZmge0ufLhjS/s1600/MapleHeli1750.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I went back to my photos to look for another option. When I saw the photo of just two maple helicopters I realized I could make the seeds larger and have more room for something in the "head" area. I Googled, “symbols of the divine” and when I saw the Buddha I knew he was my subject right away. At first I thought I might be able to fit a tiny Buddha in a lotus position in the top portion. Then it dawned on me that the circles of Buddha’s hair would be wonderful as a large texture, and I decided to put just the Buddha's face in the seed area.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;"><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">Abhaya</span></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnPcKh-OGoHyCHF5QYVuCfUHA_Ws0IA5ZpkFIvMcNv0GaOPxC0ofw2QOnhs1FSsYJuuV_9OXePENCu0xTLNl18P044L7dFqLmciTFdDwQsxduvCGpcldtVvlGfazHKsmvVu8jnXlu3Ib1GL5NtNSf619FLyB9An9aIAcgA-NXd0ru2sLHZAL8MWAIYlf8B/s500/BuddhaSketch500.jpg" style="clear: right; display: block; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: right;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnPcKh-OGoHyCHF5QYVuCfUHA_Ws0IA5ZpkFIvMcNv0GaOPxC0ofw2QOnhs1FSsYJuuV_9OXePENCu0xTLNl18P044L7dFqLmciTFdDwQsxduvCGpcldtVvlGfazHKsmvVu8jnXlu3Ib1GL5NtNSf619FLyB9An9aIAcgA-NXd0ru2sLHZAL8MWAIYlf8B/s16000/BuddhaSketch500.jpg" /></a></div></div><div>When I started sketching, my intent was to have the Buddha’s head be the “seed” portion of the maple helicopter and the lower portion would be the typical “helicopter” wing. But when I was drawing it, I realized the lines of the wing looked like robes and it occurred to me I could add a hand. And the hand could be in a typical mudra position in which the Buddha is often portrayed. A mudra is a symbolic gesture, mainly of the hands. When I looked at images of the Buddha, I liked the mudra where he is simply holding his hand up. I researched this mudra and discovered the name is “Abhaya.” Apparently, when it is done with the right hand it signifies “fearlessness”. That really resonated with me because lately I have been trying to be more aware of my fears and to see how they affect my life.</div><div><br /></div>
<div>When I flipped the image to make the right Buddha, I realized the left hand would be raised. So I looked into what it means if the left hand is raised in “Abhaya” and found that it means “dispelling family arguments.” That also had a strong resonance for me as I have struggled mightily in that area. </div><div><br /></div><div>After reading all of this I decided I should name the piece “Abhaya.” But as I was carving the piece and looked at both the left and right hand sides, the term “Buddha-Nature” also kept popping into my head. I liked that term for several reasons. First, I thought it would be nice to have a two-word name for the double image. Second, I liked that it is a simple description of combining the Buddha image with nature (the maple helicopter). Third, I liked that it referenced my original idea for the piece…that is, that the divine can be found everywhere…that every single thing has a Buddha-nature.<br />
<br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">Tathagatagarbha - Mega Synchronicity</span></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibfsxqy6ORU9IVvQPjS2z0_AXjcYsE1hsh4Ri2w7G5lXgu4hArdsMDYdW66qnRiaoMl4yKrSUBUGvZrRqJIJ6uLnKk6o1u7NK34yjVuu0MEiKK2SILbE72h8qR9vgWGSJYGmFKIx2W93BwESCxKT4tb9Luw_83ym92yeXUUDLvKe6U9NiaRh-8r7-uIRHV/s775/TathaSig775_165551702.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="478" data-original-width="775" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibfsxqy6ORU9IVvQPjS2z0_AXjcYsE1hsh4Ri2w7G5lXgu4hArdsMDYdW66qnRiaoMl4yKrSUBUGvZrRqJIJ6uLnKk6o1u7NK34yjVuu0MEiKK2SILbE72h8qR9vgWGSJYGmFKIx2W93BwESCxKT4tb9Luw_83ym92yeXUUDLvKe6U9NiaRh-8r7-uIRHV/s16000/TathaSig775_165551702.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">I decided to Google “Buddha Nature” and discovered there is a Sanskrit term for it called “Tathagatagarbha.” And when I saw the translations/descriptions for this word I was floored! Here are a few of my favorites:</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>
<p style="margin-left: 5%; margin-right: 5%; text-align: left;">
1) The Sanskrit tathāgata-garbha more precisely means “having a tathāgata [= buddha] within. (<a href="https://www.oxfordbibliographies.com/display/document/obo-9780195393521/obo-9780195393521-0160.xml" target="_blank">Source</a>)</p></div>
<div style="margin-left: 5%; margin-right: 5%; text-align: left;">2) Tathagatagarbha can be translated as “Buddha-Nature,” “Buddha-Womb, “ or “Buddha Embryo.” (<a href="https://zenstudiespodcast.com/buddha-nature-introducing/" target="_blank">Source</a>)</div><br />
<div style="margin-left: 5%; margin-right: 5%; text-align: left;">3) “The tathagatagarbha is even regarded at times as a fully formed Buddha sitting cross-legged in the lotus position in each one of us. It is described variously as a seed, embryo, matrix, potentiality for becoming a Buddha… it is the potential in every sentient being to attain Buddhahood (to become a Buddha) because she or he has a tathagatagarbha within them as their essence, core, or essential inner nature. (<a href="chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://www.mnzencenter.org/uploads/2/9/5/8/29581455/tathagatagarbha.pdf" target="_blank">Source</a>)</div>
<div style="margin-left: 5%; margin-right: 5%; text-align: left;"><br /></div>
<div style="margin-left: 5%; margin-right: 5%; text-align: left;">4) An embryo that should become a Buddha, or the 'womb' where the Buddha-to-be is carried. (<a href="https://encyclopediaofbuddhism.org/wiki/Tath%C4%81gatagarbha" target="_blank">Source</a>)<br /><br /></div> </div>
<div><div style="text-align: left;">I loved the synchronicity that my image contains two embryonic seed Buddhas. And what blew my mind even further was that when I was making the print, I consciously created a womb-shape between the two seeds. I thought it would be a hidden element in the piece that only I knew about. So when I read that "Tathagatagharbha" could be translated as "Buddha-womb," I was utterly amazed. How could this centuries-old term seemed to fit so perfectly?!</div><div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit_MA0r1B8LrQzOkendL2r6Zx3qr2TZszySl96y2yDPxDSmEOFflzCYhrD36jNdbtPX4wlf2Ylm5RMrh6YT8-wzU6VwOaoECyzyisDd2wnfa_ieqJdRa9WSY0zYav4LP8u_AORsyw6ZMgWRtV1JCq86ISiY3Mqc1vE9rgszJ02dkl5aOq8WU_1pgk8LhH1/s1600/9Similes600.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="122" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit_MA0r1B8LrQzOkendL2r6Zx3qr2TZszySl96y2yDPxDSmEOFflzCYhrD36jNdbtPX4wlf2Ylm5RMrh6YT8-wzU6VwOaoECyzyisDd2wnfa_ieqJdRa9WSY0zYav4LP8u_AORsyw6ZMgWRtV1JCq86ISiY3Mqc1vE9rgszJ02dkl5aOq8WU_1pgk8LhH1/s1600/9Similes600.jpg" /></a></div> <br />
<div style="text-align: left;">When I read further about the term, I learned that nine similes have traditionally been used to help people understand what it means. And one of the similes describes “Tathgatagarbha” as:</div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">"a sprout that has the potential to grow into a huge tree</div><div style="text-align: center;">that will offer shade for many people on a hot day"<br /><br /><span face="Roboto, arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #202124; font-size: 14px; text-align: left;">—</span><span style="font-size: x-small;"> Dalai Lama, 14th, and Thubten Chodron. <i>Saṃsāra, Nirvāṇa, and Buddha Nature </i><a href="https://buddhanature.tsadra.org/index.php/The_Nine_Similes#Simile_Six:_A_Sprout_and_so_on_from_a_Small_Fruit" target="_blank">(Source)</a> </span></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The more I read, the more I was blown away by how closely this term fit my piece.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">And three quotes from the <a href="chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://www.mnzencenter.org/uploads/2/9/5/8/29581455/tathagatagarbha.pdf" target="_blank">Tathagatagarbha Doctrine</a> made this term fit even further. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8W0tG7n4KwGV1z-1-tdbS1tQ3RjexuYzesnSi7TOOqOr3ltH_1Y4Lt9Iq4rAvt-YUj6Y-MI6FrKGNAs0_uCyOeD7QK2IqZhS4BtB9lF9AE9LxGOdZUbATWZCg0dyYs20R208sR_xdWptheXCAMC4HPZcmAiIaboq0RnMvwK04q2NiVSZdc8e3dNlDTksF/s1600/Dogen-Zenji-Portrait310.jpg" style="clear: left; display: block; float: left; padding: 1em 15px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="310" data-original-width="189" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8W0tG7n4KwGV1z-1-tdbS1tQ3RjexuYzesnSi7TOOqOr3ltH_1Y4Lt9Iq4rAvt-YUj6Y-MI6FrKGNAs0_uCyOeD7QK2IqZhS4BtB9lF9AE9LxGOdZUbATWZCg0dyYs20R208sR_xdWptheXCAMC4HPZcmAiIaboq0RnMvwK04q2NiVSZdc8e3dNlDTksF/s1600/Dogen-Zenji-Portrait310.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">"The Śrimālā Sutra identifies... 'the tathagatagarbha with the dharmakaya, the Buddha’s celestial body that pervades all things in the universe.'" </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">"…for Dogen, it is insufficient to say that all sentient beings have the Buddha-nature (or indeed contain a tathagatagarbha). From his perspective, the phrase ‘sentient being’ refers to everything in the universe and everything in the universe is Buddha-nature. All beings, sentient and insentient, literally are Buddha-nature. Dogen says: ‘Grass, trees, and lands are mind; thus they are sentient beings. Because they are sentient beings they are Buddha-nature. Sun, moon, and stars are mind; thus they are sentient beings; thus they are Buddha-nature.”<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">"For Dogen... Buddha-nature is not an essence ‘hidden’ in things, ...but the vast world of phenomena, of Reality itself.”</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Somehow this term even captured my original idea for making this piece, which was to convey the idea that the miraculous, or divine, or God, or Buddha pervades everything everywhere.<br /><br />For all of the above reasons I named the piece, "Tathagatagarbha." When I think about it, I still can't believe that this Sanskrit word from the late 2nd century describes my piece on every layer of meaning I could imagine. I bow down to the universe for this "MEGA SYNCHRONICITY"! </div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
<br />
</div><div><div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">Dream</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVPIggBX6KJ_vvwyVotIX32UdXBoRrs6XNgfayEXLU8vu5P2JvH4E9S0TPXPZnSRp4-34DB_dkP-r_ley0kirsz1yffgU71qhtpTe2-vmuJuUrV63Z4_8DdatZxxoMkOmCqLoo0_7a9qZjPdRkkCRmaD_VVT-kPhGZHG3KJBaMxDBNj21P6OEj8kurivbN/s1600/Rickshaw300New_214903684Flat.jpg" style="clear: right; display: block; float: right; padding: 1em 15px; text-align: left;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="211" data-original-width="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVPIggBX6KJ_vvwyVotIX32UdXBoRrs6XNgfayEXLU8vu5P2JvH4E9S0TPXPZnSRp4-34DB_dkP-r_ley0kirsz1yffgU71qhtpTe2-vmuJuUrV63Z4_8DdatZxxoMkOmCqLoo0_7a9qZjPdRkkCRmaD_VVT-kPhGZHG3KJBaMxDBNj21P6OEj8kurivbN/s1600/Rickshaw300New_214903684Flat.jpg" /></a></div>
</div><div style="text-align: left;">About a week after I wrote the above section about “tathagatagarbha” I had the following dream:</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">I dreamt I was pulling the arms/reins of a giant wooden ricksaw cart full of people. And not only that, but I had to pull the rickshaw down an ancient, steep spiral staircase. At first I thought it would be impossible, but then I just pulled on the arms/reins and the rickshaw easily followed right behind me. It didn’t even tip over when going down the stairs. It was so easy that I got too far in front of it and then noticed the reins were slack. I knew the cart was probably stuck some ways back. I couldn’t even see it! I started to climb back up the stairs but the stairs were broken and were vertically almost a bodies-width apart. I had to jump and catch onto the stair above and pull myself up with my arms. On one step I was holding on by my fingers and struggling to pull myself up but was unable. Finally, I had to let go. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">In my free fall I noticed an extra thin wire, like a guitar string but smooth, hanging down from somewhere in the darkness. I grabbed onto it, and it swung me around and slowed my fall. I then was able to grab another, and it also swung me around like Tarzan. Eventually I was plunked down to sit perfectly on some type of plant that was saddle-shaped. After realizing my good fortune, I eventually made my way to the bottom of the stairs. As I took the last steps I looked over through lots of hanging wire strings to see a group of young Zen masters playing a game where their movements created the most exquisite music I’ve ever heard (kind of like that beat <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nvIGCMhjkvw" target="_blank">boxing monk on YouTube</a> I like). Someone approached me and said, “Welcome. Congratulations. You have made it.” I said I was only there by accident. As they were packing up, one of the music monks said, “No, you were meant to be here. We have been waiting for you.” They packed up and left.</div><div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2gHeUe8Fpnm7uj4UAbqVyWfaM9jZtKzpCVvifYLKC2EqfoiL5Pa-d-XEY82BDaECNcfGpkC_pfvameK69UfAyAjdlGlD7CttxnhvuyUyeVyPboUig7oZTwtjwbrg59BCxSIMcyElpkRGCamdPO_7AH0XGCMp9yQnxlA3EZ4VYTP46l_lHiUQpwsByVPZw/s1600/HandCrop200.jpg" style="clear: left; display: block; float: left; padding: 1em 15px; text-align: left;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="204" height="196" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2gHeUe8Fpnm7uj4UAbqVyWfaM9jZtKzpCVvifYLKC2EqfoiL5Pa-d-XEY82BDaECNcfGpkC_pfvameK69UfAyAjdlGlD7CttxnhvuyUyeVyPboUig7oZTwtjwbrg59BCxSIMcyElpkRGCamdPO_7AH0XGCMp9yQnxlA3EZ4VYTP46l_lHiUQpwsByVPZw/w200-h196/HandCrop200.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Another monk appeared. He walked over to the bottom step and said, “Here is a token of your accomplishment.” He then handed me what I thought was a stone sculpture of a small hand. But when I took it into my hand, it was soft and fleshy. And it was perfectly rounded where the wrist/arm connection would be. It was so cute and soft. I laid it down and it “relaxed” slightly. He handed me another one. And then I woke up.</div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></div><div><div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica;"><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Wood Carving Synchronicity</span></div></span></div><div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM3Va7BjxSOcoPEDamZ_aXLkq-Ubeu5rkEGOLHB97_STT9iaTY7F1lATpEOoi67hEghZ4lOewkHNxP84_7AiNpwC2IHGhJfk50ZZqt7cUItSnAZ3AipXKMx3nRE2YwGNiJ6AAGRDGhEZEKu0zDooHRMWihI9iegAiXYprhuVgca9a6N-PzCx78e7cTpNJg/s1600/SidewalkOracles225.jpg" style="clear: left; display: block; float: left; padding: 1em 15px; text-align: left;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="144" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM3Va7BjxSOcoPEDamZ_aXLkq-Ubeu5rkEGOLHB97_STT9iaTY7F1lATpEOoi67hEghZ4lOewkHNxP84_7AiNpwC2IHGhJfk50ZZqt7cUItSnAZ3AipXKMx3nRE2YwGNiJ6AAGRDGhEZEKu0zDooHRMWihI9iegAiXYprhuVgca9a6N-PzCx78e7cTpNJg/s1600/SidewalkOracles225.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>
</div><div><div style="text-align: left;">During this time period, so many synchronicities were happening that I decided to research the subject. I came across a book called, "Sidewalk Oracles: Playing with Signs, Symbols, and Synchronicity in Everyday Life" by Robert Moss. I greatly enjoyed the book which had numerous suggestions for how to create moments of synchronicity in your life. One of his suggestions for keeping a synchronistic moment "alive" was to keep the image or symbol of the event around you so that you see it everyday. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Then, one day while searching for beads on Etsy I had entered "Carved Wooden Buddha Beads" into the search bar. As I scrolled down, I was amazed to see a wooden carving of a hand with a Buddha carved in it. It was dark brown and reminded me so much of my "Hand" dream described above. I really wanted to buy it but was afraid it would be expensive. When I clicked on it I was happily surprised to see it was $50. I couldn't believe my luck!</div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQRlaJKHOvNWtlAF9pgH_v5V-_LRWoFqjvN3AZv4C8L_nPes9MwhF0M463KOuI89QqNSB_PL8-NZX9r_iQ9WxN_QvivjOSkPuBPfw31CscOdlI_UgSF2yAlOPg8xSVjeUVa0YsmO_mX8vFRwwDVMbK-DTr51NQfInXCVNkHaFHCH2azeoWVhRmaTW59K39/s1600/BuddhaCarving250_190342421New.jpg" style="clear: right; display: block; float: right; padding: 1em 15px; text-align: left;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="250" data-original-width="170" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQRlaJKHOvNWtlAF9pgH_v5V-_LRWoFqjvN3AZv4C8L_nPes9MwhF0M463KOuI89QqNSB_PL8-NZX9r_iQ9WxN_QvivjOSkPuBPfw31CscOdlI_UgSF2yAlOPg8xSVjeUVa0YsmO_mX8vFRwwDVMbK-DTr51NQfInXCVNkHaFHCH2azeoWVhRmaTW59K39/s1600/BuddhaCarving250_190342421New.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">For a week or so I pondered if I should buy it. Then I finally purchased it when buying beads for the prints. A couple weeks later a package arrived in the mail. I knew what it was and excitedly cut the box open. When I unwrapped the paper around the carving and finally pulled it out I was happy and sad at the same moment. I loved the carving of the Buddha in the hand. But the color was a very light wood stain...maybe even unstained (but polyurethaned). I really had my heart set on a dark brown hand and that was what the Etsy photo had shown.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I never do this, but I decided to send a message to the owner of the Etsy store. I messaged him and told him I was disappointed with the color and wanted to return it. He wrote back that maybe his photo was a little dark. I had done a quick search about how to change the stain color of wood that was already polyurethaned. I found a suggestion that you could use a gel stain over polyurethane. I told the Etsy owner that I could possibly try that method. He replied that if I really wanted, he could make me a new one and send it to me unstained. I was so happy and told him I would love that!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: left;">As I packaged the light-colored hand to send back to him I decided to write the Etsy owner a note. I told him I didn't know if he knew this, but that the hand represented fearlessness. I wrote that I hardly ever ask people to re-do things if I am not happy with them for fear they would reject my request. But that his response to re-make the carving had reinforced in me the idea to be fearless...to let my needs be known. I thanked him and sent the package on its way.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">A week or so later I received a message through Etsy from the store owner. He said that my new hand was on its way. He thanked me for my note and said he included a second Buddha hand as a gift. I nearly fell off my chair when I read that! It so mimicked my dream!</div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I have since stained my new Buddha hand and it is hanging at the bottom of the stairs to remind me to be fearless everyday. I gave the other to a dear friend.</div></div><div></div><p></p><div></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBIW3-JDBFqlm56wtn3-ZRs8FNPCZzaOF2Ev-wa_PsbKp3Ry430I8jVNlhdClHXv5uMgB5vlewTWHs_vQhTkky9sTRpLFqL6Xky2iSguoOYD3_ZV2StzeqderJeHmKMkapYVqwl4Thc1OgzQGPkjUZigkgx9oy312xc9IfW8JAf5kLtqlB1AbxA7mi9Kg0/s1600/BuddhaCarving750_204329246Low.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: left;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="445" data-original-width="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBIW3-JDBFqlm56wtn3-ZRs8FNPCZzaOF2Ev-wa_PsbKp3Ry430I8jVNlhdClHXv5uMgB5vlewTWHs_vQhTkky9sTRpLFqL6Xky2iSguoOYD3_ZV2StzeqderJeHmKMkapYVqwl4Thc1OgzQGPkjUZigkgx9oy312xc9IfW8JAf5kLtqlB1AbxA7mi9Kg0/s1600/BuddhaCarving750_204329246Low.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">Conclusion</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">As I look back at everything that happened I am overwhelmed by the mystery of it all. At times I am so awestruck that I can hardly wrap my head around it. I don't know what it means. But I do know that every time one of these synchronicities happened, it gave me great joy. <br /><br />Lest someone read this and think things are always "super-Polyanna" over here, I do feel the need to mention that the time period when all this was happening was quite a roller coaster ride. Basically from December to April when I was making the new embroidered work for my show, I was barely able to keep my head above water. A lovely coincidence would happen and then I found out my husband had Covid. Another amazing event would happen and then I found out the majority of my prints stored in the basement were ruined by foxing. I could go on and on. It was a really intense time. <br /><br />Things have slowed down a bit lately in all departments, and I am more than OK with it. But I still like to ponder what it all means. These experiences give me the sense that everything is interconnected. If everything is ONE thing, then why wouldn't ONE conspire to bring about these moments of delight? It would be like leaving bread crumbs on a trail to oneself. Every crumb is pure joy and we are thrilled to have another clue. But then the mystery only deepens. What is all this and where am I heading? Of course, we don't really know. However, I am left with a feeling of reassurance. And I am also left with a strong urge to keep my eyes and ears open. I imagine using every sense I have to find another tidbit. I am ready to run when I catch the scent. I imagine myself a fearless gobbler of morsels ever-hungry for more.<br /><br />But I suppose a more apt metaphor for this post would be that we are all sprouts transformed by sun, water, earth and moon. Hardships are endured. But with each drop of water and every ray of sun, we grow. We grow through storm, drought, exquisite moonlit nights, and spring rains... the smell of damp earth almost too lovely to bear. All come and go bearing gifts of transformation. Until one day we realize we are no longer a sprout but a great tree providing shade on a hot day. We realize we are the tree, the water, the sun and moon, the shade, the sky and all the spaces in-between.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">“Margo always loved mysteries.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">And in everything that came afterward,</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">I could never stop thinking</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">that maybe she loved mysteries so much</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica;"><span style="font-size: large;">that she became one.”</span> <br />—John Green, </span><i style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica;">Paper Towns</i></div></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1ASNHXZgqw_4bUso53t8vR0D7sKRrt5EGfQK0aVjDQUMIghndOK8c54ilrLT7GLPnpL5y1vudqR8fU_opIZ0VsQzWNVhb9iPMWJE4ZiKkxg7ROy2JSFIlIlJw1Ece1LE375lo09EGmXnyaAnxrHnsO6Ip-BBHTseLon6yhdAeNWccqtWBsdRhDqNjLfBk/s1600/LeadPhoto1_161156275Crop.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="648" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1ASNHXZgqw_4bUso53t8vR0D7sKRrt5EGfQK0aVjDQUMIghndOK8c54ilrLT7GLPnpL5y1vudqR8fU_opIZ0VsQzWNVhb9iPMWJE4ZiKkxg7ROy2JSFIlIlJw1Ece1LE375lo09EGmXnyaAnxrHnsO6Ip-BBHTseLon6yhdAeNWccqtWBsdRhDqNjLfBk/s1600/LeadPhoto1_161156275Crop.jpg" /></a></div><br />The "Tathagatagarbha" print is now available at <a href="http://NessyPress.com">NessyPress.com</a>.<br /><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwo4MyThyqk0g2K1B3WUYCTMD2v_iJgxcw6XfbBPu7ScuETPSEJb2p7qGf4SX2V0ra0vNABdjWZqRlogwaBw01FzCOhZZ1erIB3cszK7nYdMxnBbRP_g70TbwSsurqMthEQ_hpCQX0ITHB2JG5lYeCQgiyI41s4tjqVDlpItEXW7c8XxYJd4j6WxXZMLPg/s1600/Room_428593327LowCropFlat.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="744" data-original-width="533" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwo4MyThyqk0g2K1B3WUYCTMD2v_iJgxcw6XfbBPu7ScuETPSEJb2p7qGf4SX2V0ra0vNABdjWZqRlogwaBw01FzCOhZZ1erIB3cszK7nYdMxnBbRP_g70TbwSsurqMthEQ_hpCQX0ITHB2JG5lYeCQgiyI41s4tjqVDlpItEXW7c8XxYJd4j6WxXZMLPg/s1600/Room_428593327LowCropFlat.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /><br /><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">ADDENDUM</span></div><div><br /></div><div>Something happened the night I finished this post that is so weird it seriously blows my mind. I was looking up the source links for my Tathagatagarbha definitions and I saw this:<br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirtYf2lz2T0xccli8LQljP3LF0U6ZFiqZvf6zrLSs9wsD4jxJXBLMJMlFecxLYLYvIOYbLyJVIJ2T-NEn1DuWDhIdJHHodlfJLA5jTLQ_nclpVDiuLBXP1wa9w4dABGY0FzJ6exmRDNjQRPcMcC2FqJ7wTH_YpLkdptt4OiyLc3-KtgC7WRxEVC6e_0B__/s705/Foxing.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="633" data-original-width="705" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirtYf2lz2T0xccli8LQljP3LF0U6ZFiqZvf6zrLSs9wsD4jxJXBLMJMlFecxLYLYvIOYbLyJVIJ2T-NEn1DuWDhIdJHHodlfJLA5jTLQ_nclpVDiuLBXP1wa9w4dABGY0FzJ6exmRDNjQRPcMcC2FqJ7wTH_YpLkdptt4OiyLc3-KtgC7WRxEVC6e_0B__/s16000/Foxing.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(<a href="https://www.oxfordbibliographies.com/display/document/obo-9780195393521/obo-9780195393521-0160.xml" target="_blank">Source</a>)</td></tr></tbody></table>
<br />The reason why it caught my attention is that, as I briefly mentioned above, I have been dealing with "foxing" now for six months. It has been a huge presence in my life! I had a terrible discovery in February that many of my prints had been ruined by "foxing"! This was not a small thing that happened. I was devastated and have been working closely with a paper conservator to figure out how to treat my prints. I just treated another print this week. It is a labor intensive process and I will be dealing with foxing for some time. <br /><br />So, as you might guess, when I see that word I pay attention. After I saw that reference, I Googled "Tathagatagarbha and foxing" and found this quote:<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica;"><span style="font-size: large;">"Another Yogacara innovation is the concept of the tathagatagarbha, or the “womb of the Buddha,” also called <u>Foxing</u> (pronounced “fo-shing”) or “<u>Buddha Nature,”</u> by the Chinese."<br /> </span>(<a href="https://www.existentialbuddhist.com/tag/tathagatagarbha/" target="_blank">Source</a>)</span></div><div><br /></div><div>And then I found this:<br /><br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho8DzbRJg8afH28olAyl0j7hYQNfGWT1H3SP3z8KclLc42XUrfTYL07od3aNqOezy05hF8NT15_1zfBqfVfRqHqoxWrIatlgu442I7aTF6K1ckCUonNr7pEyX8-D0YVaJCMwzn-JW-QazODIh3dbUM2H_S8YBEO10LFVmejqetVt5va1t-fCCBNMJmP235/s1600/Foxing625.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="625" data-original-width="621" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho8DzbRJg8afH28olAyl0j7hYQNfGWT1H3SP3z8KclLc42XUrfTYL07od3aNqOezy05hF8NT15_1zfBqfVfRqHqoxWrIatlgu442I7aTF6K1ckCUonNr7pEyX8-D0YVaJCMwzn-JW-QazODIh3dbUM2H_S8YBEO10LFVmejqetVt5va1t-fCCBNMJmP235/s1600/Foxing625.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://buddhism-thewayofemptiness.blog.nomagic.uk/tathagatagarbha-buddha-nature/" target="_blank">Source</a></td></tr></tbody></table>
<div><br />So apparently, foxing means "Buddha-nature!" OMG! My mind is officially blown! So weird.<br /><br />And to add a cherry on top, last night I told George there was one more synchronicity that I wasn't including in the post because it was getting too long. When I was reading Robert Moss's book, <i>Sidewalk Oracles,</i> there was a chapter called "Fox Tales." It caught my attention because I had just discovered the "foxing" issue with my prints. I took this photo because, at the time, it gave me a sliver of solace when dealing with my new wily friend.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuI860R4vu8006BKHuvydEy2Sdu_6HjlE5eqxluysYJ6Ky5JzP94Krf_DydxtNscWxiStc4plP-Kcw_gqZIiS2MeF8_3KiQZglSos7UpRIe-e60ol4nl6KU-DmNp9pe5V7G_atLjwMMq-foPH8JZY1aCe15aAef-tjOWTOYwlXM2VcBpSU2VoAH5Jb6gTB/s900/KindleFoxing.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="506" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuI860R4vu8006BKHuvydEy2Sdu_6HjlE5eqxluysYJ6Ky5JzP94Krf_DydxtNscWxiStc4plP-Kcw_gqZIiS2MeF8_3KiQZglSos7UpRIe-e60ol4nl6KU-DmNp9pe5V7G_atLjwMMq-foPH8JZY1aCe15aAef-tjOWTOYwlXM2VcBpSU2VoAH5Jb6gTB/s16000/KindleFoxing.jpg" /></a></div><br /> <br /><br /><br /></div>Nessyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09162374688956449698noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2262034438607647152.post-14377967836673303762023-07-25T10:30:00.002-04:002023-07-25T10:38:10.873-04:00Teasel - Embroidered Linocut<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBgBytwwK2KwtfUs8ECxhE8SZUf27gXmgo6cZTrj3FJpZp89WmwQQ2y-pz3UNvUcnrCEonGUwUNAPDjTHty-1zH2hXMtd2InHOBgmdihRUW0T_oIq1D94hIL06BqfCJIc53YBnGri1ev6Xpkj-PrMiTAvDioXgZYzgWV4USSIAeWWOWdJoaWQziLOmM2tu/s1600/TeaselFinishedwithPhotoNEW.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="510" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBgBytwwK2KwtfUs8ECxhE8SZUf27gXmgo6cZTrj3FJpZp89WmwQQ2y-pz3UNvUcnrCEonGUwUNAPDjTHty-1zH2hXMtd2InHOBgmdihRUW0T_oIq1D94hIL06BqfCJIc53YBnGri1ev6Xpkj-PrMiTAvDioXgZYzgWV4USSIAeWWOWdJoaWQziLOmM2tu/s1600/TeaselFinishedwithPhotoNEW.jpg" /></a></div>
<div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">"All the knots come to the comb." —Italian proverb</span></div><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica;">
INSPIRATION
<br /></span><br />When I look back through my thousands of photos of plants, teasel is always there in every season. I love it the spring when the combs are a lovely shade of green and I love it in the fall when the combs turn brown and the bracts curl upwards. But it was my photos of the plant in summer that came to mind when thinking about a plant that might lend itself to embroidery. Right now in the heat of the summer, teasel produces its lovely "tutu" of purple or white flowers. At the base of each spine is a little ball which eventually becomes a flower. These flowers, when blooming all together, form a ring around the teasel comb. I loved the idea of printing the comb in green onto paper and then sewing on purple beads for the "tutu."<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica;">SKETCH</span><br /><br />As always, I began by drawing the teasel on sketch paper. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3caxWE7i9pou8J11YZFacGFqKW4Nf20--X7NfNFZlEyM0w6vMigeVF2WQHrx4CZLw_xYUiTDiHceg2MYdRPjlbIsoFqTCxF3VLnLCKYSzW4If3J8Dpgfk--1GSPF3tXeS4hSkkeyY6C2QfVwgwTIYPhI9wDcC-D1k_tx2bd9BcSMi7FGwINuGq1GEd3e5/s1600/Sketch775_151937102.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="436" data-original-width="775" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3caxWE7i9pou8J11YZFacGFqKW4Nf20--X7NfNFZlEyM0w6vMigeVF2WQHrx4CZLw_xYUiTDiHceg2MYdRPjlbIsoFqTCxF3VLnLCKYSzW4If3J8Dpgfk--1GSPF3tXeS4hSkkeyY6C2QfVwgwTIYPhI9wDcC-D1k_tx2bd9BcSMi7FGwINuGq1GEd3e5/s1600/Sketch775_151937102.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica;">TRANSFER<br /></span><br />
The design can easily be transferred to the block by turning it over and rubbing the back with a card. This video shows that step.
<br /><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="540" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/2KpDWvjDzWE" width="650" youtube-src-id="2KpDWvjDzWE"></iframe></div>
<br /><div>CARVING</div><br />I then use my Flexcut carving tools to carve the design out of my "Safety-Kut" plate.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtH1HMEoE_7cyO8KJ4hjOwfBgHRwVOirejFCqIRajctuW7jYXCxxiWulhGpRvrLwTWBEToxGr0GsEBoT9pQwHVT2_pNcORkKun5a07Ka29QBZf0J5ft5EYe5YHvVN1CKVrc_wkyrTUaYfhrlgpFff2OmoAWvkcj8dLQK2JkD_Cll_4M6_6odinD2kctOUk/s1600/3Carving775_223215184.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="436" data-original-width="775" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtH1HMEoE_7cyO8KJ4hjOwfBgHRwVOirejFCqIRajctuW7jYXCxxiWulhGpRvrLwTWBEToxGr0GsEBoT9pQwHVT2_pNcORkKun5a07Ka29QBZf0J5ft5EYe5YHvVN1CKVrc_wkyrTUaYfhrlgpFff2OmoAWvkcj8dLQK2JkD_Cll_4M6_6odinD2kctOUk/s1600/3Carving775_223215184.jpg" /></a></div>
This video shows the carving process.
<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="540" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_WSV-glEewo" width="650" youtube-src-id="_WSV-glEewo"></iframe></div>
<br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica;"><div>CLEAN PLATE</div></span><br />Once the carving is done I clean the plate with vegetable oil. This is especially important when the color printed will be lighter...in this case green. (You can get away with skipping this step if you are printing with black ink).<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN7k_bA-9ezPiFJlXpJRmTGRP-XLTit473khkMP3-v2FV-moYAD4YOS686At4mTJEX-KelCTaCOngewvdglQyQpQ6q8RBJRIOm-egh9yYrpZozwnIZEs980RKjCcI40Wp0Ki1Ss0gBnsuIY7d8s24QS2_Cipdj4PaHgY7Ha7CqAnOJYiAxXNoD6AS2fxWq/s1600/4CleanPlate775_154135333.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="436" data-original-width="775" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN7k_bA-9ezPiFJlXpJRmTGRP-XLTit473khkMP3-v2FV-moYAD4YOS686At4mTJEX-KelCTaCOngewvdglQyQpQ6q8RBJRIOm-egh9yYrpZozwnIZEs980RKjCcI40Wp0Ki1Ss0gBnsuIY7d8s24QS2_Cipdj4PaHgY7Ha7CqAnOJYiAxXNoD6AS2fxWq/s1600/4CleanPlate775_154135333.jpg" /></a></div>
I absolutely love to photograph the plate at this stage. I love how the light plays with all the ridges and valleys.<br />
<div a="" class="separator" gt="" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtp4Sc6iGx_qWbvL5NdiQOr67_LQxO3TkpQghG7k1qoxuqbBIuI8OhQ6zO0V2r25WR3c3llpjGK_r53WYBGH6unK8hbj6-UaxGyONIogl_D67nyJZJUNsE31sJMo1KuehFRQrJUCma8ppHK02zisrgUWwF9QQ46eRTb2ncWldAkhcBGybjhhHf_2w6Rj4o/s1600/5CleanedPlateSideways775_154212980.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="436" data-original-width="775" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtp4Sc6iGx_qWbvL5NdiQOr67_LQxO3TkpQghG7k1qoxuqbBIuI8OhQ6zO0V2r25WR3c3llpjGK_r53WYBGH6unK8hbj6-UaxGyONIogl_D67nyJZJUNsE31sJMo1KuehFRQrJUCma8ppHK02zisrgUWwF9QQ46eRTb2ncWldAkhcBGybjhhHf_2w6Rj4o/s1600/5CleanedPlateSideways775_154212980.jpg" /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDH65XsF4xtmmwS98t73GM1H_OaIn7YUHrobIlGbwxuBH0Wasc_M_hlhK71N3L9u7qcCEmoCFp06A6N44O15VvUvVqmEmmOq-K2mEWWPXwd3hk0e_CudYWjobReh4iHcnzjO6_Z7qw_UaH5B-Nm6P72MYp3yrGdtIHp7zIP2M4Y0KIH7BoXFiJxWKfTOMz/s1600/6CleanPlateAngle775_154419924.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="436" data-original-width="775" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDH65XsF4xtmmwS98t73GM1H_OaIn7YUHrobIlGbwxuBH0Wasc_M_hlhK71N3L9u7qcCEmoCFp06A6N44O15VvUvVqmEmmOq-K2mEWWPXwd3hk0e_CudYWjobReh4iHcnzjO6_Z7qw_UaH5B-Nm6P72MYp3yrGdtIHp7zIP2M4Y0KIH7BoXFiJxWKfTOMz/s1600/6CleanPlateAngle775_154419924.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrGzZo4ZGXK_2T2gwAuiBZVPHIJ0EwHopG8PpshOiazaaghxO9AIwK1nGUEITh_GGhTKNqHCabxazYX_L-wXADu9YHkVtVrw6-QmlcAomYjdxB0Vf_5QhcKzj2R-h7_CWWSeuQNDnSQsFmIgeQpX2SLrFdxBnYuT3QmYhOK853V5mvRO9h9YbdYbv3B1VY/s1600/7CleanedPlateAngle775_154244042.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="436" data-original-width="775" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrGzZo4ZGXK_2T2gwAuiBZVPHIJ0EwHopG8PpshOiazaaghxO9AIwK1nGUEITh_GGhTKNqHCabxazYX_L-wXADu9YHkVtVrw6-QmlcAomYjdxB0Vf_5QhcKzj2R-h7_CWWSeuQNDnSQsFmIgeQpX2SLrFdxBnYuT3QmYhOK853V5mvRO9h9YbdYbv3B1VY/s1600/7CleanedPlateAngle775_154244042.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjShbpF2-uh4GuC161Pwtl1i_G-JEl-w_ApK3SlIEravHa67COjBe1oXYtjvfE8GvxaITJ121N3wzU2fPqbClI2YA25_YtmjjxVrRcmD2HtXZ3Xy5BuZnVgmKoExhza4FyPtnJleKwqe1AJQIaoCewe_vhl_EP9AJ6MDo-M0IqvnK6728gFQ3SRqQQNc-c2/s1600/8CleanedPlatewithTools775_154206133.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="436" data-original-width="775" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjShbpF2-uh4GuC161Pwtl1i_G-JEl-w_ApK3SlIEravHa67COjBe1oXYtjvfE8GvxaITJ121N3wzU2fPqbClI2YA25_YtmjjxVrRcmD2HtXZ3Xy5BuZnVgmKoExhza4FyPtnJleKwqe1AJQIaoCewe_vhl_EP9AJ6MDo-M0IqvnK6728gFQ3SRqQQNc-c2/s1600/8CleanedPlatewithTools775_154206133.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica;">TEST PRINT</span><br /><br />Once the carving is done, I like to pull a quick test print using a stamp pad. It is a quick and easy way to see what you have without all the clean-up of regular printing.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrlAFD-YeGxoNJbiDyDH0ID1fH8jVFy1Ed4VCTcuInyvI4HXUwO8Xl3deXiHysFkKhZRBYLVc3ID2sLI2pW-qsgwFruJHOQIF4LGLgxgO7Ut7M_CG0MoznXk4lU0gTaojZr3Mt-gOUMvOivRygUwBA7PgO7Jc4aHlIeGRnctf8leBr_TDVC-7HkXnxqk36/s1600/9TestPrint775_155813383.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="436" data-original-width="775" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrlAFD-YeGxoNJbiDyDH0ID1fH8jVFy1Ed4VCTcuInyvI4HXUwO8Xl3deXiHysFkKhZRBYLVc3ID2sLI2pW-qsgwFruJHOQIF4LGLgxgO7Ut7M_CG0MoznXk4lU0gTaojZr3Mt-gOUMvOivRygUwBA7PgO7Jc4aHlIeGRnctf8leBr_TDVC-7HkXnxqk36/s1600/9TestPrint775_155813383.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0egD6SAUklprXIw7Vvsg_sGblXztQ2z4wThn20Ej5p1cpmtXodu2ueTXzmpYSXHf9aFvWXeLtE_lpR-34fKGn2JJHbf1iH9kRs_Gy9ax2Px1MXVF6MLLZ3L4hOPxMFwZo-_J7dM7K8c8TpabtmzhiCKdzZuhA4u9HKl11Vcf_9mshIlNer0O_ZezyMtLf/s1600/10GreenPlate775_161559544.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="436" data-original-width="775" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0egD6SAUklprXIw7Vvsg_sGblXztQ2z4wThn20Ej5p1cpmtXodu2ueTXzmpYSXHf9aFvWXeLtE_lpR-34fKGn2JJHbf1iH9kRs_Gy9ax2Px1MXVF6MLLZ3L4hOPxMFwZo-_J7dM7K8c8TpabtmzhiCKdzZuhA4u9HKl11Vcf_9mshIlNer0O_ZezyMtLf/s1600/10GreenPlate775_161559544.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica;"><br />CUT EXCESS AWAY</span><br /><br />It is rather silly that I carve the way I do. From the very beginning I could carve the excess away, but I like how the carved lines look. And so I leave this step until the very end.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc_eq6ffZPJJZesAbMSuU9Je1MtBf23J2DAhvVFC_Vfh3DN1YiU38FNpRo9Apiod9znzuJlbWzOT4Gp8yjdC_MaL6uxfNkB9cDyT5Lgra05fSwUA3F4KD_dwCMwwZzSJMNnscTzbaQBU9kfjeMNHsEfq2gD_wZ2zDsliv8waMibKAs4aiylLNfhpZ36lMf/s1600/11CutExcess775_185636509.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="436" data-original-width="775" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc_eq6ffZPJJZesAbMSuU9Je1MtBf23J2DAhvVFC_Vfh3DN1YiU38FNpRo9Apiod9znzuJlbWzOT4Gp8yjdC_MaL6uxfNkB9cDyT5Lgra05fSwUA3F4KD_dwCMwwZzSJMNnscTzbaQBU9kfjeMNHsEfq2gD_wZ2zDsliv8waMibKAs4aiylLNfhpZ36lMf/s1600/11CutExcess775_185636509.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
This video shows how I cleaned the plate with vegetable oil, stamped the plate to pull a test print, and cut the excess away.
<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="540" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/AyqSw8t2HRU" width="650" youtube-src-id="AyqSw8t2HRU"></iframe></div>
<br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica;">COLOR</span><br /><br />Fairly recently I started using my Sherwin-Williams fan deck of colors to help guide me when mixing my ink. I choose my favorite color and then attempt to get as close as I can to it. Sometimes it isn't the correct color in the end (as was the case this time), but I think it helps give me a good starting place. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinplxioHOTe85bPx4mWSCpLPG7xpUJDvYD4IvNU76lZaaRKXouMGC-GdNe0zeZxV59BHqAtiuvOR9vMde6r3-1EQ_SqRq8ink5l7aRPESU_hLRvLWVHqJ19cZ7F2lJa5duPGoor96wT5-RwP-LTqwRRl8rqFeFR38Hw92Mex3Jy2GtAfcCxkOupi9VKZ50/s1600/12Color775_182731069.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="436" data-original-width="775" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinplxioHOTe85bPx4mWSCpLPG7xpUJDvYD4IvNU76lZaaRKXouMGC-GdNe0zeZxV59BHqAtiuvOR9vMde6r3-1EQ_SqRq8ink5l7aRPESU_hLRvLWVHqJ19cZ7F2lJa5duPGoor96wT5-RwP-LTqwRRl8rqFeFR38Hw92Mex3Jy2GtAfcCxkOupi9VKZ50/s1600/12Color775_182731069.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica;">PRINTING</span><br /><br />The day before printing I usually tear all my paper down to size. It is also best to mix the color the day before, but I usually end up doing it right before printing because I don't like the extra clean up. Below is the plate with a nice coat of green ink.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbT9OEC78v96RAxxwvZsSZE7zkGkbZtpjbNzcMdPd6gYD0Kqw5Fuh4dsyNEmibMCf2GXSS1KhnSaas1YrXS7hoe05SVslzKl21u2pY19-4OiwNRwJuOQRS3pq61PtzkoeitnVQcc4r3CHnGYnn3TMoFHcSyB2WTKrCmQtH9T1az3I5CSniOsgKfKoYl1sr/s1600/13WetPlate775_195635201.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="436" data-original-width="775" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbT9OEC78v96RAxxwvZsSZE7zkGkbZtpjbNzcMdPd6gYD0Kqw5Fuh4dsyNEmibMCf2GXSS1KhnSaas1YrXS7hoe05SVslzKl21u2pY19-4OiwNRwJuOQRS3pq61PtzkoeitnVQcc4r3CHnGYnn3TMoFHcSyB2WTKrCmQtH9T1az3I5CSniOsgKfKoYl1sr/s1600/13WetPlate775_195635201.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
In this video I show how I roll ink onto the plate, place the paper down, burnish, and pull the print. Plus, I have a special visitor!<br /><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="540" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/FLBTrlfRovQ" width="650" youtube-src-id="FLBTrlfRovQ"></iframe></div>
<br />I ended up having to tear additional paper in the middle of printing because I thought the color of the first few prints was too light.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH_idS9N4k7_BBlWdm8WX4xcaTXr4cef1mCPa7ruOcmF409s5Rky1KneAj7eupnKgy-bb9roVWwox_tIFa3wasIp7rxRAY0qz1oa9sLzPJcRS6JLcLSW_D8rntgxUI8kqSTLuQYSsKr98e-BLkKIq5KTkZ-rug0HgOPNwyNua2H4MTjLb1B8eN5LjWGV9B/s1600/14PrintsTable775_182145899.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="436" data-original-width="775" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH_idS9N4k7_BBlWdm8WX4xcaTXr4cef1mCPa7ruOcmF409s5Rky1KneAj7eupnKgy-bb9roVWwox_tIFa3wasIp7rxRAY0qz1oa9sLzPJcRS6JLcLSW_D8rntgxUI8kqSTLuQYSsKr98e-BLkKIq5KTkZ-rug0HgOPNwyNua2H4MTjLb1B8eN5LjWGV9B/s1600/14PrintsTable775_182145899.jpg" /></a></div>
Below you can see the print before adding the embroidery.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1kBOWhpJuw3mx8Cd4eXIyIByqvO1XVR1B7uHHe4-YEZbzBG-m4GIIABWg_9p4rlzqME_wrIkXcCiG2Ev1MmtJkzPpOuyQgIWcZ26NKpKZybmJWi9ECHC7WaetL9BAe9fsdFXYvXeowxJKkpHcT3q7VVeO8tH9Dp96oRqKluWW_erbcZ9em3PZ3uzPCAnK/s1600/14SinglePrint700_161710710.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="556" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1kBOWhpJuw3mx8Cd4eXIyIByqvO1XVR1B7uHHe4-YEZbzBG-m4GIIABWg_9p4rlzqME_wrIkXcCiG2Ev1MmtJkzPpOuyQgIWcZ26NKpKZybmJWi9ECHC7WaetL9BAe9fsdFXYvXeowxJKkpHcT3q7VVeO8tH9Dp96oRqKluWW_erbcZ9em3PZ3uzPCAnK/s1600/14SinglePrint700_161710710.jpg" /></a></div>
I had a good time taking a few close-up angle shots on the dining room table.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6VYF-trZPujiF_GdVHccCnEsaeG9_6H4De0vHTrVdyBvbgv8f-Mh_hgObGwEdNyxu31EOxv6qOnDOBQKLyZmmk66TSveo9O1TPjCy0fx2rdMVX5HP6ClnvcRUoxJvsnxiXhvgdCfRGOLsONGb-hSs0pKe2Sa_x9bJcgqNJ-aBzRT49JvfxIyTDmTDOq3H/s1600/15FinalPrintCloseup800VNEW_161910539.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6VYF-trZPujiF_GdVHccCnEsaeG9_6H4De0vHTrVdyBvbgv8f-Mh_hgObGwEdNyxu31EOxv6qOnDOBQKLyZmmk66TSveo9O1TPjCy0fx2rdMVX5HP6ClnvcRUoxJvsnxiXhvgdCfRGOLsONGb-hSs0pKe2Sa_x9bJcgqNJ-aBzRT49JvfxIyTDmTDOq3H/s1600/15FinalPrintCloseup800VNEW_161910539.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQF1l-rsnc3zY6e5rudLyteL9zywQG6CA0951bR8rdPjMdJaKGMMJ7r2XC9wuJcLwhkFr-wPyUs07Uxvkg26JnXXuhM1igpaZ7_udqUZ5MlrmTCTSClU3vrRvIHE7CMQF9ixMsqdQ9A41eJ5RIVtJEThU0o1nG59FA1dL1FBe9Ba9mnY346Gpqoo-jsYhf/s1600/16FinalPrintBottomAngle775_162125800.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="436" data-original-width="775" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQF1l-rsnc3zY6e5rudLyteL9zywQG6CA0951bR8rdPjMdJaKGMMJ7r2XC9wuJcLwhkFr-wPyUs07Uxvkg26JnXXuhM1igpaZ7_udqUZ5MlrmTCTSClU3vrRvIHE7CMQF9ixMsqdQ9A41eJ5RIVtJEThU0o1nG59FA1dL1FBe9Ba9mnY346Gpqoo-jsYhf/s1600/16FinalPrintBottomAngle775_162125800.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjelJCK_2jZ56MEcSFvkrGliqY3zHfYosUc024RSRv7FirIuzWPK_klIBEUwG8S97I-keAdMw5PJ9nnbMbnnKSuZf4wPiyya8T1trkGMvUl42BKO61D3eMepUXa0RHz0PzIWocUnLCsGbxlQMgMFl3ovNOfrGzuWmLl_PirVDy839FY92hPCnd3ccMgZlyU/s1600/17FinalPrintAngle775_161952104.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="436" data-original-width="775" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjelJCK_2jZ56MEcSFvkrGliqY3zHfYosUc024RSRv7FirIuzWPK_klIBEUwG8S97I-keAdMw5PJ9nnbMbnnKSuZf4wPiyya8T1trkGMvUl42BKO61D3eMepUXa0RHz0PzIWocUnLCsGbxlQMgMFl3ovNOfrGzuWmLl_PirVDy839FY92hPCnd3ccMgZlyU/s1600/17FinalPrintAngle775_161952104.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div>
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica;">BEADS</span><br /><br />I let the prints dry a couple weeks before starting to play with my bead choice. I played around A LOT with different beads for this print. I originally ordered the translucent lucite beads but when they arrived I didn't like how they looked. They seemed too uniform. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeuaGsP1XvAweZXzx7mOycFs0taMsVSA8r4ZU2w_ZqMLspBW90VWkFjluzKtX_LtPoVyqpAiF6uvElKj2KfLwAMA06dwz6txMN9ZEtrK1BsiNjNPAzCA-CXv2lgchzXgU5afxpmXjvLWWPPvCMOAVIqh8zn0zK1KlcR6K53aFjDi9IO8imukxUFJ7pJayB/s1600/19BeadPlayDesk775_161055948.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="436" data-original-width="775" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeuaGsP1XvAweZXzx7mOycFs0taMsVSA8r4ZU2w_ZqMLspBW90VWkFjluzKtX_LtPoVyqpAiF6uvElKj2KfLwAMA06dwz6txMN9ZEtrK1BsiNjNPAzCA-CXv2lgchzXgU5afxpmXjvLWWPPvCMOAVIqh8zn0zK1KlcR6K53aFjDi9IO8imukxUFJ7pJayB/s1600/19BeadPlayDesk775_161055948.jpg" /></a></div>
I then found these beautiful purple Czech glass flower beads and thought I would use only those. But again it was too uniform. I finally ended up mixing them and really liked the effect. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy5JCC_IqUm8hYAB_bFmiohBWI8eEqMj61khdgOC9wwdfH-3RVmQexDyWEnEzq6KXHLpQpkmDBtyXp-XfojrL6ezxd9EgNlpuKL7iJdwl3nWY8Z6w2wzbgUFJkfmepNJMPTWVK71DsHKggL8iJE1r7zTJFkdR-fJJashx05EKqNrpatQszMBdyB0sPudS4/s1600/20JustBeads775_161550358.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="436" data-original-width="775" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy5JCC_IqUm8hYAB_bFmiohBWI8eEqMj61khdgOC9wwdfH-3RVmQexDyWEnEzq6KXHLpQpkmDBtyXp-XfojrL6ezxd9EgNlpuKL7iJdwl3nWY8Z6w2wzbgUFJkfmepNJMPTWVK71DsHKggL8iJE1r7zTJFkdR-fJJashx05EKqNrpatQszMBdyB0sPudS4/s1600/20JustBeads775_161550358.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica;">SEWING</span><br /><br />I fussed and fussed with the beads to find the perfect placement. I then took a photo of them with a ruler and printed it onto a transparency with the thought that I would poke all the holes ahead of time. But sometimes you can't always sew the beads exactly where you planned because of slight movements of the beads when the thread tightens. In the end I just used the transparency as a guide and did my best to eye-ball the placement. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhux7s5APZwO15dna8Un1TvkT39IUZLjnt3HcUPAIk8BITGhEU6AOozwECV_kJHMQ-f-NkSBC0A5ATkAMeg4WWNGewjfFnCzOjYHxI4c1Fl0ZN0r-TGk9mVVPNOxrv7Mr4NElvXq7w_d0cJ9mueKxx2JAef-wJxbqmkCeAco4x8G3Kh_M1ssy7gVWcLho0J/s1600/20Sewing800_164850618Low.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="471" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhux7s5APZwO15dna8Un1TvkT39IUZLjnt3HcUPAIk8BITGhEU6AOozwECV_kJHMQ-f-NkSBC0A5ATkAMeg4WWNGewjfFnCzOjYHxI4c1Fl0ZN0r-TGk9mVVPNOxrv7Mr4NElvXq7w_d0cJ9mueKxx2JAef-wJxbqmkCeAco4x8G3Kh_M1ssy7gVWcLho0J/s1600/20Sewing800_164850618Low.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica;">FINAL PRINT</span><br /><br />Below you can see the final print with the embroidery.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMrXVDSeDh8oSDsPUnrbO8dZ6qv5QXIkQFgliLWPyfz2iEB3sbmM2PAf-pn2X2CakXqUYA5Oq3MukrBXN73LmxuAYPhPkwR9yg9vVgjJjUtQnQ3kS52LBXyF0WJtbfS4aG4p6xRCm_asEb0n8jIKFYpizJ_lkGZbJy5qMu8qJtpfOBVgGfqCocXMiH5sTF/s1600/FinalPrintNEW_155824013.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="708" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMrXVDSeDh8oSDsPUnrbO8dZ6qv5QXIkQFgliLWPyfz2iEB3sbmM2PAf-pn2X2CakXqUYA5Oq3MukrBXN73LmxuAYPhPkwR9yg9vVgjJjUtQnQ3kS52LBXyF0WJtbfS4aG4p6xRCm_asEb0n8jIKFYpizJ_lkGZbJy5qMu8qJtpfOBVgGfqCocXMiH5sTF/s1600/FinalPrintNEW_155824013.jpg" /></a></div>
To soften the transition between the print and the row of flowers I ended up adding tiny clear and translucent beads to represent "up and coming" blooms.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiUIyalG3vVpD0bZ5YZEYcn3N9AANAL4bA0ZeX8xyOVZ3m1O_X7zw055d_QwrpW5xPm14dp28yKusyOxw00cRmihQQ9VV-O2u3gvTquiHgM-mtk_d2oQmnP9OeIaWSEguvWWmA_--uucjhhLdhQ8k8GhValqEShsdCVbrlmkQ9keXYS7vs0tRK_bllMU3I/s1600/22BeadCloseup775_152505841.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="436" data-original-width="775" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiUIyalG3vVpD0bZ5YZEYcn3N9AANAL4bA0ZeX8xyOVZ3m1O_X7zw055d_QwrpW5xPm14dp28yKusyOxw00cRmihQQ9VV-O2u3gvTquiHgM-mtk_d2oQmnP9OeIaWSEguvWWmA_--uucjhhLdhQ8k8GhValqEShsdCVbrlmkQ9keXYS7vs0tRK_bllMU3I/s1600/22BeadCloseup775_152505841.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbVoM03A46DnW55cwNZhiLGOK7tu1vb2984B_36fVktYWlo6l_zK2aOWipW3Nc1yXodKJmMimpAY-HGvFy3vn418kQ1rC8Kj5HyFs1pAmg-utaoJOci_VjbDYY7Hx7ifu6jpEGyZHi0TiVO6s1j0dSwCy_Y5nMDNhDqSoVz-SfeW1Zw7YTQuw1kvKbCjpt/s1600/23BeadsCloseBottomAngle775_152640011.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="436" data-original-width="775" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbVoM03A46DnW55cwNZhiLGOK7tu1vb2984B_36fVktYWlo6l_zK2aOWipW3Nc1yXodKJmMimpAY-HGvFy3vn418kQ1rC8Kj5HyFs1pAmg-utaoJOci_VjbDYY7Hx7ifu6jpEGyZHi0TiVO6s1j0dSwCy_Y5nMDNhDqSoVz-SfeW1Zw7YTQuw1kvKbCjpt/s1600/23BeadsCloseBottomAngle775_152640011.jpg" /></a></div>
I was relieved to finally put the finished print into the flat files next to the "Passionflower" print.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXxy1bVR3zb2IPULObSJRqH4aaY3f7T5tiUPiG8lpSyY8P3OVS-DLSoAmqnjjUK2DhZqexG3CEzDphlr03JZ26V_ISNSSPYVFh-Dp03NU4S_Q1dUM0ohIHHH52bFGrL4JziTzQGqkNABo4lBt4B3PZ7cEbqaASkFYANLnSoabNaEGXtjosMg1xoIYlHgzf/s1600/24PrintinDrawer800_203014151.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="636" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXxy1bVR3zb2IPULObSJRqH4aaY3f7T5tiUPiG8lpSyY8P3OVS-DLSoAmqnjjUK2DhZqexG3CEzDphlr03JZ26V_ISNSSPYVFh-Dp03NU4S_Q1dUM0ohIHHH52bFGrL4JziTzQGqkNABo4lBt4B3PZ7cEbqaASkFYANLnSoabNaEGXtjosMg1xoIYlHgzf/s1600/24PrintinDrawer800_203014151.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica;">FRAMING</span><br /><br />And, of course, I was even more relieved to finally frame the piece for my show at the Weavers Guild.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5WNhV2uQxDQCzEmmwTjq0fO-5V6wrzy6wfaIoBDvpNIUTalkOiGTkolCPZWSUhM4aWeSD3LYVLO2jwmmeNy1eESib4p23ho8jBybV4wRwwjNZqFaZn-o2uMI8yj0MWM-NIzuAC1WdlpsJ1u7YbQB2vh47WK1ZQ4XbDlyAxIqCj5CgX4Zij-FfdvHIaF2r/s1600/25Framed800NEW_201723253.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="601" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5WNhV2uQxDQCzEmmwTjq0fO-5V6wrzy6wfaIoBDvpNIUTalkOiGTkolCPZWSUhM4aWeSD3LYVLO2jwmmeNy1eESib4p23ho8jBybV4wRwwjNZqFaZn-o2uMI8yj0MWM-NIzuAC1WdlpsJ1u7YbQB2vh47WK1ZQ4XbDlyAxIqCj5CgX4Zij-FfdvHIaF2r/s1600/25Framed800NEW_201723253.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica;">SHOW</span><br /><br />The "Teasel" was purchased during the show by my dear friend, Jenny. It made me so happy she bought the piece because I have such fun memories of dragging her around to all the bead stores in Cincinnati. A huge thank you to her for supporting me in so many ways.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaG2COybZD-xo5v6mi3TjaXEeWloCRryY-HI9dQkiHUDNxBPXq8dMFdzjVihXZfqpfd4idnNAPLlY24JCBk1nYd6S4xxDo2mOZgIA_DRNzWyDSaOmUqFkP8vhY21rOnlWplG1RW0tuStvgVnk26iI6EAeQi1epFyRV6MIVZ8M17m7-bfwhXNq-Gxok6eVY/s1600/26ShowPassionflowerTeasel750_WA0013Crop.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="656" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaG2COybZD-xo5v6mi3TjaXEeWloCRryY-HI9dQkiHUDNxBPXq8dMFdzjVihXZfqpfd4idnNAPLlY24JCBk1nYd6S4xxDo2mOZgIA_DRNzWyDSaOmUqFkP8vhY21rOnlWplG1RW0tuStvgVnk26iI6EAeQi1epFyRV6MIVZ8M17m7-bfwhXNq-Gxok6eVY/s1600/26ShowPassionflowerTeasel750_WA0013Crop.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
Below is the label from the show.
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigelXkkvrWXIk83-bg9Whx2vT6bC33pEtwI7-IFZgYOpWlskTgocKyLKoZ5TBolvryS0MY87nN_7jq6Cp7UTnr0TT0IaRZl45MXuk86NBZlG3tFTRO8f61seyxNdf8FbTeIgzs5FIR-xwYbuf5rpuXO4HvKJxzmL-5EOtE663sjDX738ZLg9jj8mgn8k93/s1600/Teasel800.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigelXkkvrWXIk83-bg9Whx2vT6bC33pEtwI7-IFZgYOpWlskTgocKyLKoZ5TBolvryS0MY87nN_7jq6Cp7UTnr0TT0IaRZl45MXuk86NBZlG3tFTRO8f61seyxNdf8FbTeIgzs5FIR-xwYbuf5rpuXO4HvKJxzmL-5EOtE663sjDX738ZLg9jj8mgn8k93/s1600/Teasel800.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica;">CONCLUSION</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">“Seek the wisdom that will untie your knot.</span></div><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><div style="text-align: center;">Seek the path that demands your whole being.”</div><div style="text-align: center;">― Rumi</div></span><br />While researching teasel I came across numerous interesting references to its medicinal and physical uses. Its genus <i>Dipsacus</i> means "to be thirsty" and refers to the plant's bowl-like form where the leaves meet the stem that collects both rainwater and dew. The water "was long believed to have rejuvenating spiritual powers and was considered to be magical. The Irish believed it to be the wine of the fairies and it was forbidden to drink it" (<a href="chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://www.fareham.gov.uk/PDF/leisure/Teasel.pdf" target="_blank">Source</a>). The Roman's referred to the plant as "Venus's basin" and the Christian's "Mary's basin" (<a href="http://theindigovat.blogspot.com/2012/06/magic-of-teasel.html" target="_blank">Source</a>). The water was believed to have curative and cosmetic powers, especially for the eyes (<a href="chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://www.fareham.gov.uk/PDF/leisure/Teasel.pdf" target="_blank">Source</a>). In Chinese medicine the plant is called <i>Xu Duan</i>, which means, “restore what is broken.” (<a href="http://theindigovat.blogspot.com/2012/06/magic-of-teasel.html" target="_blank">Source</a>)<br /><br />The water is also important to the plant as it provides a source of nutrients when insects fall into its waters. "It is partially carnivorous. That water is holy for the plant as well people—it is its own composting system" (<a href="http://theindigovat.blogspot.com/2012/06/magic-of-teasel.html" target="_blank">Source</a>). <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQbnXZBB3HhE7OZ5cO4MbyGjv0BQgKLLD0icw2DUwtrWUPqW-x2DrNNa08BzS7RiF6kGXhLk5U_4gKCiTUrtLUeK80_CxIJOYDjnp-vGZsjrcYcWp4gBlHu_eRZNEtrXJXgqCwqCXJG-R10OENL8HvalUAPvD3LW_Kk1JS1UawdHmZxvhc0uoV5wG4p0tx/s1600/MArysBasin775_154740073.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="574" data-original-width="775" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQbnXZBB3HhE7OZ5cO4MbyGjv0BQgKLLD0icw2DUwtrWUPqW-x2DrNNa08BzS7RiF6kGXhLk5U_4gKCiTUrtLUeK80_CxIJOYDjnp-vGZsjrcYcWp4gBlHu_eRZNEtrXJXgqCwqCXJG-R10OENL8HvalUAPvD3LW_Kk1JS1UawdHmZxvhc0uoV5wG4p0tx/s1600/MArysBasin775_154740073.jpg" /></a></div>
The physical shape of the plant's comb has also been historically important. "The word 'to tease,' as in 'to tease out a knot' is the root for the name 'teasel' because the dried heads were used for centuries as carding combs for wool, before metal spines were created in factories. The Latin species name <i>fullonum</i> is related to the word 'to full' which means 'to card wool before spinning'" (<a href="http://theindigovat.blogspot.com/2012/06/magic-of-teasel.html" target="_blank">Source</a>). <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi70cI7uePv-sv_f-SvW4iRXjIXAKHLAxzWNSOjYOYJmBCzSug6yLalkHC4TtCfRTytkAfyVX72FOeC6Tn5WlA0iN3elvd9svEgpANDaLi3eY0cJ_mT5LMb3d16nM5P8KK_JObjfaAT5BpKrSWZAghMbeP65HAvTZHMnqYO7rQaoiRxbrdynvcc1FE-8Z3R/s1600/TeaselCardingComb600.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="327" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi70cI7uePv-sv_f-SvW4iRXjIXAKHLAxzWNSOjYOYJmBCzSug6yLalkHC4TtCfRTytkAfyVX72FOeC6Tn5WlA0iN3elvd9svEgpANDaLi3eY0cJ_mT5LMb3d16nM5P8KK_JObjfaAT5BpKrSWZAghMbeP65HAvTZHMnqYO7rQaoiRxbrdynvcc1FE-8Z3R/s1600/TeaselCardingComb600.jpg" /></a></div>
When I was Googling "Mary's Basin", teasel and knots, I came across something interesting. Apparently Mother Mary is often referred to as "the Undoer of Knots." I had never heard of this before and loved the idea. There are even specific novenas you can pray asking for your knots to be undone. One line of the prayer states, "In your hand there is no knot that cannot be undone." <br /> <div></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIFpebwoOiMhHPm19tqRWV_e34oZVUJIsq32tsQJc8_JLx3sPf99QFkmLQo-_4KCZoT2LAzVxhaJ7Te_dTDVP7nhXOE8KwCWFdlXJ9xLI25nIm3J2schr8Rt3ZQ2IKy5p1okxDaLe2tZY-iXVFJe8j7cjYEzo9l9HaLQWqKcP5PMgeI4Ie_0hNIe28bufw/s1600/MaryUndoerofKLnots2.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="375" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIFpebwoOiMhHPm19tqRWV_e34oZVUJIsq32tsQJc8_JLx3sPf99QFkmLQo-_4KCZoT2LAzVxhaJ7Te_dTDVP7nhXOE8KwCWFdlXJ9xLI25nIm3J2schr8Rt3ZQ2IKy5p1okxDaLe2tZY-iXVFJe8j7cjYEzo9l9HaLQWqKcP5PMgeI4Ie_0hNIe28bufw/s1600/MaryUndoerofKLnots2.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Painting by Johann Georg Melchior Schmidtner<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>
<div><br />In addition to teasel research, I have been thinking about knots for two very different reasons. Last month was extremely dry here in Cincinnati and I have been watering a lot. I am not proud of it, but sometimes when I am pulling the hose out and I see a knot I get crazy frustrated. If I am really antsy, I might even give the hose a hard yank to see if it will magically come undone. I think that has worked zero percent of the time. I have found that most of the time, there is a true not...meaning that I have to go all the way back and feed the nozzle through the knot to get it undone. But every so often there is a knot that is only caused by the hose being twisted back on itself. In these cases all I have to do is lessen the tension a bit and the tangle is released. Whenever this happens I feel like it is a message to me to slow down. In these cases very little effort is required; all that is needed is a little attention.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghgpStXaPReiGT9O4RgWVO72yIaHliU_yxdOu0cLgzh91u7oI4iDnXS_eYJl_-RHxPn4MXf-AeEMjhgM1mLJp1GoKgpYfyLdtjwMN2uwJw0wbxBcDbro5Bw1to1nb_Bw6IOLt8yR4RPYLF2TwtmD0756eSYd_9--Ynj9uq8wTg9R8lhKw8sG0haNXNhdwu/s1600/Hose600_005546875.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="338" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghgpStXaPReiGT9O4RgWVO72yIaHliU_yxdOu0cLgzh91u7oI4iDnXS_eYJl_-RHxPn4MXf-AeEMjhgM1mLJp1GoKgpYfyLdtjwMN2uwJw0wbxBcDbro5Bw1to1nb_Bw6IOLt8yR4RPYLF2TwtmD0756eSYd_9--Ynj9uq8wTg9R8lhKw8sG0haNXNhdwu/s1600/Hose600_005546875.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">"You untangle a knot with slow teasing, not sharp pulling,<br />and believe me we have here a knot such as I have never seen.<br />But I will unpick it. I will."</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">—C.J. Sansom</span></div>
<br />The other reason I have been thinking about knots is that I have had a tight muscle in my lower back (OK who are we kidding...in my butt). Just last week my friend Mary recommended I get an acupressure mat that she has found effective. When she showed it to me I was surprised to see that it was not the comforting mat I had envisioned, but a BED OF NAILS!!! She swears that lying on this bed of nails relieves the knots in the muscles of her back. (I currently have it in my cart on Amazon and have not yet pulled the trigger.) <br /><br />Somehow, the spiny comb of the plant I just made a print of is used to "tease out knots"...the plant collects water in bowls called Mary's basin...Mary is the undoer of knots...I have had knots in my water hose...and I am about to buy a spiny mat that gets out the knots in my muscles. My brain is in a knot just thinking about all these connections. When I feel confused I like to sit back and see what really "sticks out" to me as important. When I did so, the takeaway message from this plant was,</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">"When broken,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">pray to the Great Undoer of Knots,</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">be she clad in robes or spines,</span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">and be restored."</span></div>
<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDLq4CWolxiyuMw5EbFAZdclQoWqHjwNjICnixwSmIgsvqjE1q_wia4AIq1oSLhk9BmEVjhOgDNI_E01iFlk59b3KYzK8EQ8O5Axty2ROljLd4CZ8kCHu4m8ovGZ5ycc1tTPON8zY9i-vuIaGcVfdfBhDzpRhvvdIdSIYevEzCS5pAtOXyzbyAWa19LF02/s1600/TeaselinRoom800_245759834CropNEW2.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDLq4CWolxiyuMw5EbFAZdclQoWqHjwNjICnixwSmIgsvqjE1q_wia4AIq1oSLhk9BmEVjhOgDNI_E01iFlk59b3KYzK8EQ8O5Axty2ROljLd4CZ8kCHu4m8ovGZ5ycc1tTPON8zY9i-vuIaGcVfdfBhDzpRhvvdIdSIYevEzCS5pAtOXyzbyAWa19LF02/s1600/TeaselinRoom800_245759834CropNEW2.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: center;">The "Teasel" print is now available at </span><a href="http://NessyPress.com" style="text-align: center;">NessyPress.com</a><span style="text-align: center;">.</span></div>
<br /><br /></div><div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica;"><span style="font-size: medium;">TEASEL</span></span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">To see clearly how</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">to loosen the knots</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">take a drink from my basin</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">dive into in my waters</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">comb in hand</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><div style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica;">spine meets flesh</span></div><div style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica;">release the tension</span></div></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">all consumed</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">until you appear</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">a purple flower </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">no knot</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">cannot be undone</span></div></div><div><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6z1vBRspS45TNpR9mKTCDtFmQa24jyIYkcWKSKIgoV93daNrfg8C9hC_9_rtTX5tuIPsYIztBqZgy2T5h8D2vdMFiI_einRyP1XcYxAiif2t0ejZ9Ddk4WFW3E0_kMWV0JRWFm-8wLkGpR3eE8wnDo6qynFk5LU3j4TrsSl5XqR7x1zRquzSpiargWnXz/s800/TeaselPlant800_163421057.MP.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="537" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6z1vBRspS45TNpR9mKTCDtFmQa24jyIYkcWKSKIgoV93daNrfg8C9hC_9_rtTX5tuIPsYIztBqZgy2T5h8D2vdMFiI_einRyP1XcYxAiif2t0ejZ9Ddk4WFW3E0_kMWV0JRWFm-8wLkGpR3eE8wnDo6qynFk5LU3j4TrsSl5XqR7x1zRquzSpiargWnXz/s16000/TeaselPlant800_163421057.MP.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>
</div>Nessyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09162374688956449698noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2262034438607647152.post-2188366012539817912023-07-04T08:13:00.003-04:002023-07-04T08:17:04.580-04:00Passionflower - Embroidered Linocut<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWvGXwtOCvHz9cRdlKJrRgv41Ll9JAskBE9GL0QYyGAgyxr51K6m2wWc1bK0ez-UCqjnXv7uOrb0Db6JkOGz9MTapKkR3mU8gMH-2ASvboLjSeilBCDDZRW9r6OeVNFrgZNLKadY4UsQ3v35Sg4c8SibJeXrOEqA8hMM4JudxSNFug03MNHG_OvszmxTjY/s1600/FirstPhotoPassionflower800NEW_151814830.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWvGXwtOCvHz9cRdlKJrRgv41Ll9JAskBE9GL0QYyGAgyxr51K6m2wWc1bK0ez-UCqjnXv7uOrb0Db6JkOGz9MTapKkR3mU8gMH-2ASvboLjSeilBCDDZRW9r6OeVNFrgZNLKadY4UsQ3v35Sg4c8SibJeXrOEqA8hMM4JudxSNFug03MNHG_OvszmxTjY/s1600/FirstPhotoPassionflower800NEW_151814830.jpg" /></a></div>
<div><div><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica;"><span style="font-size: large;">"The real work of this life is not what we do every day from 9-5…<br />The real work is to be passionate, be holy, be wild, be irreverent,<br />to laugh and cry until you awaken the sleeping spirits, <br />until the ground of your being cleaves<br />and the universe comes flooding in."</span></span></div><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><div style="text-align: center;">— Geneen Roth</div></span></div><br /></div><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica;">INSPIRATION</span><br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">When I told George (hubby) the Weavers Guild asked me to have a solo exhibition that included embroidered pieces, the first thing out of his mouth was, "How about a Passionflower?". The thread-like flower was the absolutely perfect subject to portray with embroidery. Just the thought of how cool it would be pushed me to say yes to doing the show. It also happened to be blooming right at that time and I was able to go into the backyard to take reference photos. The flower is so stunning that one hardly notices the plant has really beautifully shaped leaves.</div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxU3kikjDgnduIpKpTpFZQwvn2PiIAqIYY-QW746liGxRU3Jh1ZzepUWv8N9U5dgL_m7Z_Y1YhTNtA5ONnHoqIaxOR9QhZ0dOtPzNFc2fpxW965IlQ4eAPnkQ1_KyA0EZtrHPjgvO6Uqs1XqzT11EzUDtfrZKasGm9KYq6zf71PVemyIjohLtIuJqMoonI/s775/1PassionflowerPlantInspiration.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="536" data-original-width="775" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxU3kikjDgnduIpKpTpFZQwvn2PiIAqIYY-QW746liGxRU3Jh1ZzepUWv8N9U5dgL_m7Z_Y1YhTNtA5ONnHoqIaxOR9QhZ0dOtPzNFc2fpxW965IlQ4eAPnkQ1_KyA0EZtrHPjgvO6Uqs1XqzT11EzUDtfrZKasGm9KYq6zf71PVemyIjohLtIuJqMoonI/s16000/1PassionflowerPlantInspiration.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica;">SKETCH</span><br /><br />When composing the sketch I had to balance four elements: the flower, the leaves, the fruit and the tendrils. I spent a lot of time fussing with the tendrils. I also had to figure out what would be printed and what would be embroidered. I planned to print everything in green except the sepals/petals of the flower, which I would cut out and print in pale purple. As you can see in the photo above, the thin filaments of the flower actually "sit" on the sepals/petals. And that is the part I planned to embroider.<br /><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioPYs_tmD-mhLLZIDoQzcsvHsV4mJ_2rk5ZADy7HEPybjNJitCl0rarv623FyaR4yOy92s3eWdazpSQz48L6HXpBbipeWGvp86mzHtyCY6ha3_BCxqbvTqV-nssGh3CsLEQ5estnUCLelQRHomNFfABdmXAjJ2I0DhnAMd3sCDwMDsWNLldMqfAm9w0Y2i/s1600/2Sketch600NEW_202230214.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="594" data-original-width="474" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioPYs_tmD-mhLLZIDoQzcsvHsV4mJ_2rk5ZADy7HEPybjNJitCl0rarv623FyaR4yOy92s3eWdazpSQz48L6HXpBbipeWGvp86mzHtyCY6ha3_BCxqbvTqV-nssGh3CsLEQ5estnUCLelQRHomNFfABdmXAjJ2I0DhnAMd3sCDwMDsWNLldMqfAm9w0Y2i/s1600/2Sketch600NEW_202230214.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica;">TRANSFER</span><br /><br />Here you can see the sketch has been transferred to the carving block. It is always a good idea to either print out the reverse image for reference while carving (or flip the sketch over if done on translucent sketch paper). <br /><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrFiWAMOmDaTFHIe0U6tgpVMrl8ulNzU4-0Tx-JLoiSPnHRzVrAh_Hg9gvmBhY2y5F-EIJpQTJ2CRUNMEsIV3eZZoL0ubPwjRw8wU0RfCCDPgahPv43pCWZIdOTt79chD3m_UCEN1hfdEo98b7RTj-81eGY2cTnOunBTK8bw0jehiPRZ4GRevEj7wyE0j7/s1600/3Transferred600_7556Crop.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="503" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrFiWAMOmDaTFHIe0U6tgpVMrl8ulNzU4-0Tx-JLoiSPnHRzVrAh_Hg9gvmBhY2y5F-EIJpQTJ2CRUNMEsIV3eZZoL0ubPwjRw8wU0RfCCDPgahPv43pCWZIdOTt79chD3m_UCEN1hfdEo98b7RTj-81eGY2cTnOunBTK8bw0jehiPRZ4GRevEj7wyE0j7/s1600/3Transferred600_7556Crop.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica;">CARVING</span><br /><br />When I was carving this piece in December, it was so cold outside I moved everything into the middle storage room in the basement where it was warmer. Otus kept a close eye on my work.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDD4nbdNG0WpGpVhT27tkf8zgiPCKrN66PAkXYB1mjztv-VfTQa8ucxp4vxBx9uoBPxCiojMIGjnWoffAqe86GjV1WAHRxI8cndWg8oYHtEk62QvmUn0hY9N1qaR-2fYiOREsGo18SZIjI9NRmkrQACXfddt7nV-uJ1yRPdFafg2-HdAf8VR3sLgkBzFTu/s800/4Otus800_7558.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="533" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDD4nbdNG0WpGpVhT27tkf8zgiPCKrN66PAkXYB1mjztv-VfTQa8ucxp4vxBx9uoBPxCiojMIGjnWoffAqe86GjV1WAHRxI8cndWg8oYHtEk62QvmUn0hY9N1qaR-2fYiOREsGo18SZIjI9NRmkrQACXfddt7nV-uJ1yRPdFafg2-HdAf8VR3sLgkBzFTu/s16000/4Otus800_7558.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />The flower was the first element I cut out. My plan was to print everything at the same time...so I would ink the plate green and ink the flower in purple and carefully lay it back in. I had never done this puzzle-piece kind of printing before and was a excited to try it.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcfPxfHD3ayKPq_UGMtp1vsIfyp8sagHarLokt_qvZGS9kHRZFLc7ZsCNwY3PpZUo-OLvUsAdVjO5OWGFZi8doj7sWtRTZVl_y1wi-sENQ19t5l5Ar5hUfgYDvSrRXlUbCmYG1ya1jpqzca_MmDqcBsy74LhVOo-K1Mr3SJmJWwRRWiO9JGI2WVb_P16Ke/s800/5FlowerCutOut800_7562.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="533" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcfPxfHD3ayKPq_UGMtp1vsIfyp8sagHarLokt_qvZGS9kHRZFLc7ZsCNwY3PpZUo-OLvUsAdVjO5OWGFZi8doj7sWtRTZVl_y1wi-sENQ19t5l5Ar5hUfgYDvSrRXlUbCmYG1ya1jpqzca_MmDqcBsy74LhVOo-K1Mr3SJmJWwRRWiO9JGI2WVb_P16Ke/s16000/5FlowerCutOut800_7562.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-pJOoGN7qtFMTJr-luYh3AZ8R5pVYpGkx0E-n9xK8UDgor5AeTq9yHEf87zY9Oey5ooUbAtQ4Gx6zD968Nfn3e-n5W33H9rbX-i-Ga4yNB1M5z9g9l1idQG5bvUEIA_dTgb4M3hppytEHOzRUsPo9alQ0NA1PNpmGi4W9WiK9Eb37-aRWu1Fq9mrjoNG4/s800/6Carving800_7564.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="533" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-pJOoGN7qtFMTJr-luYh3AZ8R5pVYpGkx0E-n9xK8UDgor5AeTq9yHEf87zY9Oey5ooUbAtQ4Gx6zD968Nfn3e-n5W33H9rbX-i-Ga4yNB1M5z9g9l1idQG5bvUEIA_dTgb4M3hppytEHOzRUsPo9alQ0NA1PNpmGi4W9WiK9Eb37-aRWu1Fq9mrjoNG4/s16000/6Carving800_7564.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlUEHQwyoi05X6nXFm93ZIIxu9cMJG_0QbokrJWoQYHZ1icqhvKxuH7gSBNusYQxQgUP4bNNl-Rql50BfKpAuH98ZB-eATdqvB6_PzjNo9nVaSnrONSyynCNYP7t-nIudZ5G1-xNoXeP5nvc9QdoqKeCoglwUOT4cbDKOwy-KQoPq5jEYY7yRfj7F3rMkK/s800/7Carving800_7567.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="533" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlUEHQwyoi05X6nXFm93ZIIxu9cMJG_0QbokrJWoQYHZ1icqhvKxuH7gSBNusYQxQgUP4bNNl-Rql50BfKpAuH98ZB-eATdqvB6_PzjNo9nVaSnrONSyynCNYP7t-nIudZ5G1-xNoXeP5nvc9QdoqKeCoglwUOT4cbDKOwy-KQoPq5jEYY7yRfj7F3rMkK/s16000/7Carving800_7567.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />After carving all the interior details I cut the excess plate away from the leaves. I love how the plate looks before printing.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjMNw3T3iJrV8PLuMEF0gHpAUBx5Z3d99_cnQnw-63AkdNrPJy3s8Z4E2kfA2duOwqPKxag-I0eK5NRggyH6AbwPZTc8PEHM-k9o6cbv8urJOpZKHHMxmySlmfIFtsL7Wc3mFj-Z35N0dF4jb54SeL8dyBOH1La5EVQY6AS_w8bLuXFINlMtHYza1NRLhf/s800/9Cutout800_191000454Crop.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjMNw3T3iJrV8PLuMEF0gHpAUBx5Z3d99_cnQnw-63AkdNrPJy3s8Z4E2kfA2duOwqPKxag-I0eK5NRggyH6AbwPZTc8PEHM-k9o6cbv8urJOpZKHHMxmySlmfIFtsL7Wc3mFj-Z35N0dF4jb54SeL8dyBOH1La5EVQY6AS_w8bLuXFINlMtHYza1NRLhf/s16000/9Cutout800_191000454Crop.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<br /><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica;">TEST PRINT</span><br /><br />Before printing with "real" ink I like to pull a quick test print using a stamp pad. This helps me check to see if I need to make corrections before printing with the oil-based ink, which is harder to clean up. Here is a video of that step.<br /><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="540" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/TBYoOhlfD2Q" width="650" youtube-src-id="TBYoOhlfD2Q"></iframe></div><br />Seeing the test print I noticed that I missed carving the lines of bottom-most leaf. Sometimes you can only see these things once they are printed!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKy0QgOa4Bku_1dPc7uylnyLAFlXfP4hqFHW4sELwZjwUQ74GHq-hrtCOnsg-qlQktWSVzokbeCQNHqbtbGxqGaltA14caoMtxWHbHDJ9T7xWMQvR5MH-3CVLOg9fqRIk7jK5cGOJr0CvYmobYtVWVprbZuJzNhG_JpAE0AVxRux-4wAsU4e18Yd2kIk19/s750/14GreenPlate750_193319417Crop.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKy0QgOa4Bku_1dPc7uylnyLAFlXfP4hqFHW4sELwZjwUQ74GHq-hrtCOnsg-qlQktWSVzokbeCQNHqbtbGxqGaltA14caoMtxWHbHDJ9T7xWMQvR5MH-3CVLOg9fqRIk7jK5cGOJr0CvYmobYtVWVprbZuJzNhG_JpAE0AVxRux-4wAsU4e18Yd2kIk19/s16000/14GreenPlate750_193319417Crop.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica;">PRINTING</span><br /><br />In this video you can see me inking both the green leaves and lavender flower and then placing them together for printing. I then laid the paper down and burnished. You can't tell in the video, but I freaked out a little on the inside when the flower came up with the print! Luckily I was able to just peel it off and the print was OK.<br /><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="540" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/T9iZnLf8Rss" width="650" youtube-src-id="T9iZnLf8Rss"></iframe></div>
<br />Oooh, I love a photo of wet ink on a plate!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgNkqMM0f8T-bJUIINdatZAnZdsKVJfUFKbJH7JNJppWBEOJLpcymc_jdFc6eNo35K9LrlYocKkUyol65EDSkGF_dsyEriK3fhfPm7mvdEAAho-Bm5rK4-nRA1Z3CkcaqBwtRqYKf3McRDTONKSVm31KeOJfk7O3ajhWFQ_NJadyR_IeEzslIDS0BC7Y_g/s800/15WetPlate800_184832820Crop.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="517" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgNkqMM0f8T-bJUIINdatZAnZdsKVJfUFKbJH7JNJppWBEOJLpcymc_jdFc6eNo35K9LrlYocKkUyol65EDSkGF_dsyEriK3fhfPm7mvdEAAho-Bm5rK4-nRA1Z3CkcaqBwtRqYKf3McRDTONKSVm31KeOJfk7O3ajhWFQ_NJadyR_IeEzslIDS0BC7Y_g/s16000/15WetPlate800_184832820Crop.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />And here is the print, ready for embroidery.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ6GIfadF5KhHFhoPpseGn30eurk6288fzV9_AQ-MSUL4NtmW6pXlEW-dVyfS3MngSes5h4OQLB2KcsdN5njbsnVwcRYGFbtncCgv-iQlRgY8ezUmRHWbm9yuEgAK0dkHoitN5RLT7x8VJrwz523MibVjnUZQlYGV3Z4hm29zk9Zqe-VaphlbKEtNuCgoU/s1600/Print600_171058190NEw.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ6GIfadF5KhHFhoPpseGn30eurk6288fzV9_AQ-MSUL4NtmW6pXlEW-dVyfS3MngSes5h4OQLB2KcsdN5njbsnVwcRYGFbtncCgv-iQlRgY8ezUmRHWbm9yuEgAK0dkHoitN5RLT7x8VJrwz523MibVjnUZQlYGV3Z4hm29zk9Zqe-VaphlbKEtNuCgoU/s1600/Print600_171058190NEw.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica;">EMBROIDERY PLANNING</span><br />
<br />I have found the best way to sew into paper is to plan ahead. This means scanning the print into the computer and planning each hole in Illustrator. It was particularly important for this piece as I wanted the flower to have the radiating lines be equally spaced. And I wanted the lines to be shorter on top than on bottom to give the illusion of fore-shortening. <div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiVtez3oMiF2D0RyQE-SZ4MICn_KZIWdZ9OHKtHt96Q7jifo3tEqXnf-9RZukpJCoIAfOzzp5VNebUhdYrxaQJDaZUIAbqt-JBd9f8J2RjUBpGlwe4V2qr0Scd0JbqCRRScmEiCgWJ1WECBS6Il1xbSh1mXnHzaztuGJ-Z9MWcE2zcjAu3clwVC5bknujo/s1600/16FlowerLines2_650.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><br /><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="650" data-original-width="546" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiVtez3oMiF2D0RyQE-SZ4MICn_KZIWdZ9OHKtHt96Q7jifo3tEqXnf-9RZukpJCoIAfOzzp5VNebUhdYrxaQJDaZUIAbqt-JBd9f8J2RjUBpGlwe4V2qr0Scd0JbqCRRScmEiCgWJ1WECBS6Il1xbSh1mXnHzaztuGJ-Z9MWcE2zcjAu3clwVC5bknujo/s1600/16FlowerLines2_650.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />I also had to make sure the holes wouldn't be too close together or the paper would tear. I literally printed this out on paper five or six times and decided the holes were too close together. Each time I had to go in and re-make the lines...I wanted to tear my hair out by the end! <br />
<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRpkzhNA0gg3tLsBmq51dAxce3K0FBo-EQmoJZBU1bZAZJ2sJsi6GQ50uhLCSKn2Hhl6XK87-espRJEFxu-wVs_3t9mCUGht421hyS_4FpFUtO9Y_MWKrb2lJ7d5c4nQNV7z7DAG2aZquZ73bitTyfVsKE0UQPPZkb3snA9-FBPUp8ZLfh2Ob33PY8BmWf/s1600/17PassionflowerlinesScreenshot2_700NEW.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="608" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRpkzhNA0gg3tLsBmq51dAxce3K0FBo-EQmoJZBU1bZAZJ2sJsi6GQ50uhLCSKn2Hhl6XK87-espRJEFxu-wVs_3t9mCUGht421hyS_4FpFUtO9Y_MWKrb2lJ7d5c4nQNV7z7DAG2aZquZ73bitTyfVsKE0UQPPZkb3snA9-FBPUp8ZLfh2Ob33PY8BmWf/s1600/17PassionflowerlinesScreenshot2_700NEW.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />You will understand after watching this video.</div><div><br /></div><div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="540" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_5Q3byZ-2OM" width="650" youtube-src-id="_5Q3byZ-2OM"></iframe></div>
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica;"><br />PUNCHING HOLES</span><br /><br />Below you can see I printed out my planned lines and holes onto a transparency so I would know where to hammer the holes. You can also see flower lines in the background that were too close together. I didn't want to waste transparencies so I kept lessening the number of lines and trying again on the same transparency.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcUVSzFRY-ZEEPEl9VNLvTiCwhNr1CLbcJAl3aUtA4Pz7lzj5pvSk8BILy4zQ7pDkMhrAi67KA4Aiplp9JhhFJXtgtx3XR-wmI4xnT6tLrhWqBSaMLwpmABFfro87Uhbb-nf6bv82psRL9xDbDVxJcR7nkVxSHfhim4WS8hRO4Nuc7bBW-KZDQraIoJkIo/s775/19Holes775_154214806.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="436" data-original-width="775" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcUVSzFRY-ZEEPEl9VNLvTiCwhNr1CLbcJAl3aUtA4Pz7lzj5pvSk8BILy4zQ7pDkMhrAi67KA4Aiplp9JhhFJXtgtx3XR-wmI4xnT6tLrhWqBSaMLwpmABFfro87Uhbb-nf6bv82psRL9xDbDVxJcR7nkVxSHfhim4WS8hRO4Nuc7bBW-KZDQraIoJkIo/s16000/19Holes775_154214806.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica;">GROMMET</span><br /><br />I don't know why, but I love grommets. When I was first starting to think about this piece I knew I wanted embroidery radiating from a central hole and that hole would need support. A grommet was the perfect solution! I thought I was going to use a metal grommet. I even bought metal grommets with that intention. But as I went along I realized that maybe a metal grommet would rust over time. So I started researching plastic grommets. <br />
<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh46Idu8yGuPO7d-uSL75wHbhIyH7IdKFHHK7nRzxT0N4tOiuRhlto3KBWi3b1YYUBaq8j-d52ObkmRzIclfeLa_zK-NAeh4KD1Siz6eOOlXXJZ8Qg9pOVHA1mOWknDNnaSPt8-p1Ucf4ruJilLJWOiEfaCwI5yCVtmHevQn4Sva-cG-SQFdlKpqq4QtTII/s800/20GrommetBeforeAFter800_171723741.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="706" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh46Idu8yGuPO7d-uSL75wHbhIyH7IdKFHHK7nRzxT0N4tOiuRhlto3KBWi3b1YYUBaq8j-d52ObkmRzIclfeLa_zK-NAeh4KD1Siz6eOOlXXJZ8Qg9pOVHA1mOWknDNnaSPt8-p1Ucf4ruJilLJWOiEfaCwI5yCVtmHevQn4Sva-cG-SQFdlKpqq4QtTII/s16000/20GrommetBeforeAFter800_171723741.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />The problem with plastic grommets is they only sell the squeeze hand tool that won't reach very far into a piece of paper. I ended up using my metal grommet die mandrel with the plastic grommets. As you will see in the video, it didn't work perfectly, but it got the job done. I ended up making tiny slices into the plastic grommet with an X-acto blade to help it flatten. It was a balance between hammering hard enough to connect the front and back, and being careful not to crack the plastic grommet. This video shows making the holes and attaching the grommet. <br /><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="540" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Im7COTQL1Bs" width="650" youtube-src-id="Im7COTQL1Bs"></iframe></div>
<br />I think I made it look easier than it was in the video. I had to hammer A LOT and fairly hard. The risk of cracking the grommet or messing up the paper was high and I REALLY didn't want to ruin the print after punching all those holes (not to mention all the work printing!).<br /><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6ItqAeMj0lE5Sm0cJgYXUlhxMgZ8p9IUoQWtB3AbfJ7_ils34P76PXepmkV7od4feuPzptFBIjAKz0LH0Jiw3EV2zXgtJ67i46-H84xydRegymh78_JU3Y23txEjADAmPmyPv3YkbZAocHM5Qz5kCvamvi6QgbCSP78M143X9cFAxD5l_xrfFR_bFUuda/s1600/22Grommet775NEW_171741508.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="436" data-original-width="775" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6ItqAeMj0lE5Sm0cJgYXUlhxMgZ8p9IUoQWtB3AbfJ7_ils34P76PXepmkV7od4feuPzptFBIjAKz0LH0Jiw3EV2zXgtJ67i46-H84xydRegymh78_JU3Y23txEjADAmPmyPv3YkbZAocHM5Qz5kCvamvi6QgbCSP78M143X9cFAxD5l_xrfFR_bFUuda/s1600/22Grommet775NEW_171741508.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />That is why I did a little dance when the grommet was set and paraded it around the house.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxwoDw4DGBB9HCquJF3XgxasWEYFB3b964MMziUgrzrajr9eLXHM6aSTnufsqyPZgbVgDJ1SdntSydo7DfgOYcoRD1G0SlfwCXd9UMlUNGUpwkD6wm--BF5vZoxf3MUxMGxRgBwSAEnTIl9rVP7g1v-hWdeAOsHTdymaP6paN1zCqcUcPDe1ZAHb4YwTPl/s800/22GrommetOutside800_171911877Crop.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="547" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxwoDw4DGBB9HCquJF3XgxasWEYFB3b964MMziUgrzrajr9eLXHM6aSTnufsqyPZgbVgDJ1SdntSydo7DfgOYcoRD1G0SlfwCXd9UMlUNGUpwkD6wm--BF5vZoxf3MUxMGxRgBwSAEnTIl9rVP7g1v-hWdeAOsHTdymaP6paN1zCqcUcPDe1ZAHb4YwTPl/s16000/22GrommetOutside800_171911877Crop.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica;">EMBROIDERY</span><br /><br />It was very satisfying to start the embroidery and to watch as the flower formed.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3iaNOBy35p1QS1JerPyqct9XoR6MlAMD1qG5LkkikXlTW9lrQWbKy75qvi_Xw5T0MZssc5r2H6AbMsx2QdSHnlLiB24fX39AFtXWNM3qPq9OdzGX1vMqSiweUV0h_r6TXoA-bFytQCAKMiNsYejNm8LQseugtK7H7k8quF7D4p6RfOI3IxCJAYBaFwGDQ/s775/23SewingHalfway_172256103.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="436" data-original-width="775" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3iaNOBy35p1QS1JerPyqct9XoR6MlAMD1qG5LkkikXlTW9lrQWbKy75qvi_Xw5T0MZssc5r2H6AbMsx2QdSHnlLiB24fX39AFtXWNM3qPq9OdzGX1vMqSiweUV0h_r6TXoA-bFytQCAKMiNsYejNm8LQseugtK7H7k8quF7D4p6RfOI3IxCJAYBaFwGDQ/s16000/23SewingHalfway_172256103.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoi8eouusn5ly-O9GegfsRjSkQQ013FazrMThBEGZsF8Y1-NJxA2yV8AFAKwmHmRFGlK6iqlusjTDP-ZPwQ8alWhHfCOTZ5DXmZEzr8YCHeWJgs13kj-F79-2ZIv2ej4GicB0QlMyTOGVKkc74nH1ddtGQD92wS8WjxZQqLH0al0SQR4E0lSDOd7KJUMEj/s775/24Sewing775_182837044.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="436" data-original-width="775" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoi8eouusn5ly-O9GegfsRjSkQQ013FazrMThBEGZsF8Y1-NJxA2yV8AFAKwmHmRFGlK6iqlusjTDP-ZPwQ8alWhHfCOTZ5DXmZEzr8YCHeWJgs13kj-F79-2ZIv2ej4GicB0QlMyTOGVKkc74nH1ddtGQD92wS8WjxZQqLH0al0SQR4E0lSDOd7KJUMEj/s16000/24Sewing775_182837044.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica;">FABRIC MARKER</span><br />
<br />My original idea for the pink filaments at the center was to use embroidery thread. However, once I saw the span of the threads to cover the grommet I realized it would be too much pink. I decided to use a fabric marker instead and this gave me more control. Plus, if you look closely at the flower, the pink part looks kind of "dotted" and this was easier to achieve with the marker.<br />
<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi22ya8oZbTPtHgp4aDvIT_0lCx-xFyfeWGtBXdaeqfCIC8x3DPnVx7fScMBs7V78yuCA6GXaqbpR0ZkkHwBkscqav7sXioHD8uYafalk3OifUUIUWxaC3wYKVF0BBbDukerZcuWYWrTOK0IS83CZs1XEiXV0vhcj5ZibmFL_7m9r0kQOc_chO7SItd22Tv/s1600/26PinkMiddle800NEW_161125056.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi22ya8oZbTPtHgp4aDvIT_0lCx-xFyfeWGtBXdaeqfCIC8x3DPnVx7fScMBs7V78yuCA6GXaqbpR0ZkkHwBkscqav7sXioHD8uYafalk3OifUUIUWxaC3wYKVF0BBbDukerZcuWYWrTOK0IS83CZs1XEiXV0vhcj5ZibmFL_7m9r0kQOc_chO7SItd22Tv/s1600/26PinkMiddle800NEW_161125056.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />This video shows the sewing and coloring of the flower. I spend a fair amount of time making these videos trying to get the music to match the activity. I was super happy with the way this one turned out, so turn on your volume!<br /><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="540" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0P1o4IcC_PQ" width="650" youtube-src-id="0P1o4IcC_PQ"></iframe></div>
<br /><br /><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica;">BEADWORK</span><br /><br />I knew the reproductive parts of the flower were going to be the most challenging to make, and I bought a ton of different bead options. Here is a diagram of the parts so you know what I am referring to.<br />
<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq-LxIg7tGTmy9unGr6lziuQAqpyC-7F1OOdkgTePazj3sOPczGVIQBDIXO2DyUC2346qTVeZSpdGi_3Dcdd4-tKKGlQsRSM6Tr9Vuph5KqthKv22_kHPMVwnzoeYeRQzxi451Z3u-Pi7I6c8SpnUYJnpXR7IoJFWHL6pdhOwGT6C0BwAfx375ZVupMeM4/s1600/PassionFlowerParts775.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="546" data-original-width="775" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq-LxIg7tGTmy9unGr6lziuQAqpyC-7F1OOdkgTePazj3sOPczGVIQBDIXO2DyUC2346qTVeZSpdGi_3Dcdd4-tKKGlQsRSM6Tr9Vuph5KqthKv22_kHPMVwnzoeYeRQzxi451Z3u-Pi7I6c8SpnUYJnpXR7IoJFWHL6pdhOwGT6C0BwAfx375ZVupMeM4/s1600/PassionFlowerParts775.jpg" /></a></div>
When I saw these stone beads at Michaels I thought I could use the "tubes" as the tree-like styles.<br />
<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRZHDgmlUMzSTSaL2_qOgzfpVVYX8iKtrOpVHZzY-wr1toj3BJrMfeDEvXwMsydoV5nlwg5oNVduuMQvCYjQ-VWutoKUPHi4Pg70chdKkYDdaQ0eo-WjH890HIGpkCsJJSOFEZ0QYC0f6qqYL9OichrQaV2dDJRgHciwSphlenANMScOrCYN2xxu-RH4eQ/s775/28Beads775_232427905.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="436" data-original-width="775" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRZHDgmlUMzSTSaL2_qOgzfpVVYX8iKtrOpVHZzY-wr1toj3BJrMfeDEvXwMsydoV5nlwg5oNVduuMQvCYjQ-VWutoKUPHi4Pg70chdKkYDdaQ0eo-WjH890HIGpkCsJJSOFEZ0QYC0f6qqYL9OichrQaV2dDJRgHciwSphlenANMScOrCYN2xxu-RH4eQ/s16000/28Beads775_232427905.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />However, the "tubes" were too long. I tried cutting them with my Dremel tool but it was REALLY hard. Finally I pulled out my thirty-year-old wet saw and it worked like a dream!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXLdRXkUdc43LFtx30NTbZHYnjUrSbbrU_HyMLBMhwPDxY4F30uT7GYki8oAInwDpEVJsAqeaQEfl9lUahepWVN_RGiEVDttkEN_cgBynuSj2W8lJujf2bY6DPALi8zlQ94U3ewEf08QEv0G8l-YDRkvCx6xS3_4pQI15shhvyOa7NMBmnRhvZqr_JZyhr/s600/27WetSaw600_180542434.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="338" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXLdRXkUdc43LFtx30NTbZHYnjUrSbbrU_HyMLBMhwPDxY4F30uT7GYki8oAInwDpEVJsAqeaQEfl9lUahepWVN_RGiEVDttkEN_cgBynuSj2W8lJujf2bY6DPALi8zlQ94U3ewEf08QEv0G8l-YDRkvCx6xS3_4pQI15shhvyOa7NMBmnRhvZqr_JZyhr/s16000/27WetSaw600_180542434.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />When I first made the anther "tree" I was so excited that I got it to "stand up" just using the tension of the thread. I did have a giggle at how phallic it was. But I was just following what the stigma and styles really looked like! <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_wDjBfMdRF7MnbOEh9LDKcbXp7A9Y6SxiRYsig3dax9ItUa3uAKGo0YOMLlisDRY0venn2popjU-vkcfCfU52vdavacYpRF0EOH5MXz07rc9SurlhicV-_kG-Sd5Jhf8hnN9uBHExh0haCQH2JAXCYwDjxbVbjB69e1D88q70FrMR-R5p8Ee-W3JhwcXs/s1600/29Tree700NEW_190815222.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_wDjBfMdRF7MnbOEh9LDKcbXp7A9Y6SxiRYsig3dax9ItUa3uAKGo0YOMLlisDRY0venn2popjU-vkcfCfU52vdavacYpRF0EOH5MXz07rc9SurlhicV-_kG-Sd5Jhf8hnN9uBHExh0haCQH2JAXCYwDjxbVbjB69e1D88q70FrMR-R5p8Ee-W3JhwcXs/s1600/29Tree700NEW_190815222.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />It made me laugh (and cry) even harder when I tried to feed the "tree" through the center hole in the flower and it wouldn't fit! I ended up "cutting my tree down" and had to sew the tree through the hole, which was not easy.<br />
<br />I studied the flower closely to decide which beads/stones to use and in this photo was trying to decide how to represent the anthers. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL3kBS0a1RZSfgBEU-pd_O8k8cIgY4uKRWQ1xTEdVJtFL5zeV7FfHQ1sc9ASNm3v30YQL_Vc64casFoyo9dEtCI02dCMCuvs97v6yE28O5XFkYHhFLF2sVgwnIlxj7_VmBt8SQh8aeogOfS0j_Lbt12XaI2e5EOkhYvLHOS43GB5r53uRPoC198-j08hq7/s775/31Desk775_203208373.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="436" data-original-width="775" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL3kBS0a1RZSfgBEU-pd_O8k8cIgY4uKRWQ1xTEdVJtFL5zeV7FfHQ1sc9ASNm3v30YQL_Vc64casFoyo9dEtCI02dCMCuvs97v6yE28O5XFkYHhFLF2sVgwnIlxj7_VmBt8SQh8aeogOfS0j_Lbt12XaI2e5EOkhYvLHOS43GB5r53uRPoC198-j08hq7/s16000/31Desk775_203208373.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />I chose tiny gold stones for the anthers and decided to connect them with thread instead of a bead or wire because there was already a lot going on.<br />
<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE-UpcbVDndAWdzBO1wlmKmBGuNPzkLYfcm8FSyOMEY461brS15XsTqH-NgbU2E6viZ8FDTpGa9bGi7RVd5xSZkG5H_Z6jkYgLrUSQP9_FFJbemXrA1XfGdlhw8FgOnjIIOzVxgluINlTPgE_kfS4NemlCzvltTUILvT0wVPClyOMupEUGr4Dy4WWSNn36/s775/30FinishedBeadingClose775_181233085.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="436" data-original-width="775" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE-UpcbVDndAWdzBO1wlmKmBGuNPzkLYfcm8FSyOMEY461brS15XsTqH-NgbU2E6viZ8FDTpGa9bGi7RVd5xSZkG5H_Z6jkYgLrUSQP9_FFJbemXrA1XfGdlhw8FgOnjIIOzVxgluINlTPgE_kfS4NemlCzvltTUILvT0wVPClyOMupEUGr4Dy4WWSNn36/s16000/30FinishedBeadingClose775_181233085.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />This video shows the beadwork process. Something about the music in this one makes me laugh, so again, make sure your volume is on!<br /><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="540" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/8LOcwZuRIh4" width="650" youtube-src-id="8LOcwZuRIh4"></iframe></div>
<br />When I finished the beading I was so glad and breathed a big sigh of relief. The hardest part was over! I remember taking this photo and then put it away in the flat files for safe-keeping.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilVmZKd11U2IX1QkQBpWaw1V4xWvSKzEgsr4jwsYlaroJ-6N4pQYLbIyNkvfbodnD-ac7WvvCtTeUFlld4bfF8rlZDCPcyKPe2zZDPcVTGpaMpLyrznkoAk54Pf3dyEgdDOpRR-X35nML6utwgIaa4BaUYXzrrMWe15upyeXma89xA_dYltjC2pL2zr5oX/s1600/31FinishedTopDown700NEW_181152796.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="592" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilVmZKd11U2IX1QkQBpWaw1V4xWvSKzEgsr4jwsYlaroJ-6N4pQYLbIyNkvfbodnD-ac7WvvCtTeUFlld4bfF8rlZDCPcyKPe2zZDPcVTGpaMpLyrznkoAk54Pf3dyEgdDOpRR-X35nML6utwgIaa4BaUYXzrrMWe15upyeXma89xA_dYltjC2pL2zr5oX/s1600/31FinishedTopDown700NEW_181152796.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />...But then it occurred to me that I couldn't really call the piece finished because I hadn't painted the three fruits yet. <br /><br /><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica;">WATERCOLOR FRUIT RUINATION</span><br /><br />I have hand-tinted my prints with watercolor a million times and it doesn't take me very long...so I thought I should finish the piece. However, I chose a new paper for the embroidered prints, called Nepalese lotka paper, that I have never used before. Just to be safe I did a little test on a piece of paper. I was very happy with the color and even Photoshopped it into the print to make sure I liked it. Yes, I did...so I proceeded.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgkhNARhA-RBFx5cQ6zC3kMeQDK1R-rH5O0ekLjCLHMzEMkYErvyRwBAo4tYLJLWZWZ_AqvV5tvKJbtwC04AmzaovuhQXkwqZnb-JPv_YV3M1sFlAnWz97BJ1TxdGA1pn6zpezAZTqI50wXEK4944jyv3QzVK0oSxoj5ghbp-XUOwPwluKck5J1I9JNHEu/s700/32ColorTest700_182058791.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="494" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgkhNARhA-RBFx5cQ6zC3kMeQDK1R-rH5O0ekLjCLHMzEMkYErvyRwBAo4tYLJLWZWZ_AqvV5tvKJbtwC04AmzaovuhQXkwqZnb-JPv_YV3M1sFlAnWz97BJ1TxdGA1pn6zpezAZTqI50wXEK4944jyv3QzVK0oSxoj5ghbp-XUOwPwluKck5J1I9JNHEu/s16000/32ColorTest700_182058791.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />I started at the top left fruit and worked my way down. It only took about thirty seconds to paint one fruit. When I was on my third fruit I started to notice something out of the corner of my eye. At first I couldn't understand it. Why was there color where I hadn't painted yet? Did I color outside the lines? And then the sick realization came over me that the watercolor was BLEEDING...and not just a little bit!<br /><br />It all happened so fast. In less than a minute I had ruined the print I had worked on for weeks! <br />
<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKpjEbC0VfgQxctcJ2X89k7ZH_FeEGb_pnFbReoQRZCb3knb_Urob7g-zmSoy_1-o7sXMLCLQ6h0U2VcfIPV-smVszFHeXsj68ZiW7GfiM1jVBzRpdw_Z9qWYleg1AdRtFHumm0JPajZwd8envqWzCf-i2nRdJ6dRB1jsxmf6PjIz47a5o0vvR01mWvqjN/s1600/33Bleeding700NEW2_194811734.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="601" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKpjEbC0VfgQxctcJ2X89k7ZH_FeEGb_pnFbReoQRZCb3knb_Urob7g-zmSoy_1-o7sXMLCLQ6h0U2VcfIPV-smVszFHeXsj68ZiW7GfiM1jVBzRpdw_Z9qWYleg1AdRtFHumm0JPajZwd8envqWzCf-i2nRdJ6dRB1jsxmf6PjIz47a5o0vvR01mWvqjN/s1600/33Bleeding700NEW2_194811734.jpg" /></a></div>
In the above photo it only looks a little wrinkly where it bled. But in real life there was a subtle, yet present yellow green color.<br /><br /><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica;">COLORED PENCIL FIX?</span><br /><br />I was sick about it. My mind raced to think of a solution. At first I thought I could softly color in the background a light yellow green to cover up the bleed. In this video you can see my desperate attempts to fix the problem. Things got darker and darker on many levels. I thought about calling the video, "From Beading to Bleeding" but chose the more optimistic title, "Bleeding, The Descent of Darkness, and Ruination."<br /><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="540" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/IylypnZqjP8" width="650" youtube-src-id="IylypnZqjP8"></iframe></div>
<br />In hindsight I should have realized the potential for bleeding after my color test on that scrap of paper. I remember at the time thinking that my test circle had beautiful edges...edges that were created by bleed! Anyway, I might have been a tad dramatic in my above video. But at the time it felt terrible. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheo8EKuJL17-ZjtqwfRhOWkxvrhd7lUT16fSYpctfpQjdKmINsuN3X-QcDDXDPCr3Wm13nDJv975W0tNMivHH8twvRfBKE-aDYuwgvF3c3xl9XOz62DBK3bZU85vaXwYE3HTB33tb4gk2iCQvms90Ymp4YeT0XSfbkRH2MYWjOxSkkxvrqptYtbkTIA5kZ/s1600/34FinishedDarkTopDown700_192551763.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheo8EKuJL17-ZjtqwfRhOWkxvrhd7lUT16fSYpctfpQjdKmINsuN3X-QcDDXDPCr3Wm13nDJv975W0tNMivHH8twvRfBKE-aDYuwgvF3c3xl9XOz62DBK3bZU85vaXwYE3HTB33tb4gk2iCQvms90Ymp4YeT0XSfbkRH2MYWjOxSkkxvrqptYtbkTIA5kZ/s1600/34FinishedDarkTopDown700_192551763.jpg" /></a></div>
When I look at it now it is not quite as bad as I thought. But it certainly was not what I was going for. So I decided to start over again.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFV_FHlC2B-Q3DZTy9N4phrqF9D7rJC12iCJqN0VgqX_ovEujaRQxr0srqTXZm8biR0u2NzeWDmHYY1qdQeGoS1g3vmKk_K3uaJEY5Gf59KOj34oqv058Icio-QsMQPwqfWCPw1KHGlolz9KgEmXhm1IMniXShN-znZYmZavXC_A8Hunzi-yy2u5vnQmPx/s775/35FinishedDark775Angle_192622741.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="436" data-original-width="775" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFV_FHlC2B-Q3DZTy9N4phrqF9D7rJC12iCJqN0VgqX_ovEujaRQxr0srqTXZm8biR0u2NzeWDmHYY1qdQeGoS1g3vmKk_K3uaJEY5Gf59KOj34oqv058Icio-QsMQPwqfWCPw1KHGlolz9KgEmXhm1IMniXShN-znZYmZavXC_A8Hunzi-yy2u5vnQmPx/s16000/35FinishedDark775Angle_192622741.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica;">STARTING AGAIN</span><br /><br />This blog post is turning into a tome so I thought I would spare you the re-making of holes and grommets and start with the sewing.<br /><br />The good thing about starting again is that I had a chance to make changes. I thought the white thread of the flower was not impactful enough the first time around, so I changed the outer threads to purple. <br />
<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDhoPMG2f1Nm9EjnZhUl-YZ4ETHgTMkWhOPFLRapK1HKf1GiIfqUVSaDtiPNSLjR9xzEfwIbLwtSzd908G1KlWyvU4iuPDKq1ANJ9YHql4nKJ8SgCWI-RxJC-W7QucohxOYw_jyl_wkqyMaQ-Kdi4ERqdFNstxjU9b8KDDiHWkmjBSqOIhvKjObxuZAAYj/s775/38SewingProgressionFlat775_164909897.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="469" data-original-width="775" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDhoPMG2f1Nm9EjnZhUl-YZ4ETHgTMkWhOPFLRapK1HKf1GiIfqUVSaDtiPNSLjR9xzEfwIbLwtSzd908G1KlWyvU4iuPDKq1ANJ9YHql4nKJ8SgCWI-RxJC-W7QucohxOYw_jyl_wkqyMaQ-Kdi4ERqdFNstxjU9b8KDDiHWkmjBSqOIhvKjObxuZAAYj/s16000/38SewingProgressionFlat775_164909897.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />Above you can see the sewing progress and below the final print with new sewing. I was happy with the purple thread.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj20t4pD-8gao-ckN4Kdu-bQMgK_5fsOuG6VhECDjak4hBfGJs2AESBAI_IAb3XheARUqrzxBbnXiA-FlAKndKfVaCnxA0gN9ZUGFRxiPpJfJanuewED5F-75VFB3ngDR2eVV_fpU8vUmIE7EJH-lvCbpyte0iExEjSRtgBkz-dyhhho65MfcgMdYq3IJH4/s1600/39SewiningFinishedRound2700_175755020New.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="624" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj20t4pD-8gao-ckN4Kdu-bQMgK_5fsOuG6VhECDjak4hBfGJs2AESBAI_IAb3XheARUqrzxBbnXiA-FlAKndKfVaCnxA0gN9ZUGFRxiPpJfJanuewED5F-75VFB3ngDR2eVV_fpU8vUmIE7EJH-lvCbpyte0iExEjSRtgBkz-dyhhho65MfcgMdYq3IJH4/s1600/39SewiningFinishedRound2700_175755020New.jpg" /></a></div><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica;">NEW BEADS</span><br /><br />I also decided that the stone beads were too heavy and thought I would try something new.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdIVCqR9yTuEXwMAhgi_EC2dKJ-zcIz1ty5Ks1Iy-Hpq9Zed1gWtzApDe0Kb94amGeMGdpRuQkWkUNgNlJoNkkXhxkHJUZctmSqQw_MKpI_mV6YwUhWbpIADKZAxCK9muc97OO8mrAIYgDPFNm6n6XjpRinkHdKKjHY0vHI740NUGmOYPaLZvU2CEWZcPH/s775/36BeadsSecondRnd775_180214850.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="436" data-original-width="775" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdIVCqR9yTuEXwMAhgi_EC2dKJ-zcIz1ty5Ks1Iy-Hpq9Zed1gWtzApDe0Kb94amGeMGdpRuQkWkUNgNlJoNkkXhxkHJUZctmSqQw_MKpI_mV6YwUhWbpIADKZAxCK9muc97OO8mrAIYgDPFNm6n6XjpRinkHdKKjHY0vHI740NUGmOYPaLZvU2CEWZcPH/s16000/36BeadsSecondRnd775_180214850.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />I bought lots of new "tube" options for the anthers and ended up choosing a delicate <i>Dentalium</i> bead. I chose <i>Dentalium</i> because the shape starts very thin and expands bigger, like the actual styles do. <br />
<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyKIleqhhVy8JK6fyAa2RAH4DNTMYGxZOVpVDrw2xbzO_4mCcl_jYKAXPmT0zIOYGORp7S0_m8SFkqLF9Jfji7EYM1dMdR4CGldvxe_DiB3M9EeXKtbPdgspyrpTXz7aGQhJP0uBw3KcIVQ8atWUVW845T66Lx3M_MhGhe5QvhSnu1bvLDrak8h2rmXl-y/s1600/37SewingRnd2700_183413103.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="394" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyKIleqhhVy8JK6fyAa2RAH4DNTMYGxZOVpVDrw2xbzO_4mCcl_jYKAXPmT0zIOYGORp7S0_m8SFkqLF9Jfji7EYM1dMdR4CGldvxe_DiB3M9EeXKtbPdgspyrpTXz7aGQhJP0uBw3KcIVQ8atWUVW845T66Lx3M_MhGhe5QvhSnu1bvLDrak8h2rmXl-y/s1600/37SewingRnd2700_183413103.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />I almost chose a Buddha as the central ovary, but in the end went with a lovely carved white Bohdi bead. I don't think it is from a real Bhodi tree, but I liked the reference to the sacred fig tree. <br /><br />Below you can see I also chose tiny gold metal beads as the anthers this time around. I decided not to connect them with any thread because I liked the cleaner look and felt their presence was enough to represent the anthers. Any self-respecting plant biologist should know what I was going for!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc893jykW6fpSio_tuAViXgwbIJvIQ3fk1wRF_EGVug7DrOebmJX46noxJ776PQ6M4pNfBEJl1w4a0tIQiyQdxM5Ssg7lv51BBRwujiwvcDaUmSHbk23uoYLhxdgSrkyol_ywdNJpY-HTVCAvWHb4XedpS8cLs62GD5nLyVAr8oSynMblRCOhlwj3JDMCr/s800/41FinalFlower2ndRnd800_201340792.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc893jykW6fpSio_tuAViXgwbIJvIQ3fk1wRF_EGVug7DrOebmJX46noxJ776PQ6M4pNfBEJl1w4a0tIQiyQdxM5Ssg7lv51BBRwujiwvcDaUmSHbk23uoYLhxdgSrkyol_ywdNJpY-HTVCAvWHb4XedpS8cLs62GD5nLyVAr8oSynMblRCOhlwj3JDMCr/s16000/41FinalFlower2ndRnd800_201340792.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica;">COLORED PENCIL FRUIT!</span><br /><br />As you might imagine I was SUPER nervous to color in the fruit. I did a gazillion tests of various media and ended up going with a combination of colored pencils and metallic crayons. The metallic is very subtle, but I was pleased with the overall effect and so very thankful to finish the piece!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDz7IN_KgIfDbXMbekuJ62s_x8ltJjeMAJWyNkSfCvq6dbC1oZux8NWQ2ZKVfiYBfVrFtwajoWUR2p6ygAnbnlBPTqFN87QUHmrR7xnMUinEBMhMse_4UaGkKrBeQtNepdHgwIftfjrvdDrzMXs6doobxdkhzjR1kiWquLTNiAuSNROzqoy9v860-4OVe6/s800/40SewingFinished2ndRnd800_201304124.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDz7IN_KgIfDbXMbekuJ62s_x8ltJjeMAJWyNkSfCvq6dbC1oZux8NWQ2ZKVfiYBfVrFtwajoWUR2p6ygAnbnlBPTqFN87QUHmrR7xnMUinEBMhMse_4UaGkKrBeQtNepdHgwIftfjrvdDrzMXs6doobxdkhzjR1kiWquLTNiAuSNROzqoy9v860-4OVe6/s16000/40SewingFinished2ndRnd800_201304124.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica;">CHOP & SIGNATURE </span><br />
<br />Because I am not a total sadist, I had put the chop stamp on the prints before making the holes, grommeting, sewing, beading, and fruit coloring. Technically you are supposed to do this step at the very end as a stamp of approval. But you also risk messing up the whole piece with a blurry or crooked stamp!<br />
<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig3bBC-ighu3Bp3svK-_YSSZppDvHgMp2rVl2QaCb2BSidwG8Zf4euiFXCM7PGoDJHRCgrFfrjI2qAhEnEFXXavWE8TTdlJ_h28xHc32AtIB-CV4beO_a7UcxlW8i8-UQj-pvCYNzDYOzDUKiufX_Pq0-Osnje8BgkdZpCwlfpSV4sl-51D7kTcSp9jlrj/s1600/44Signature775NEw_180044404Crop.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="420" data-original-width="775" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig3bBC-ighu3Bp3svK-_YSSZppDvHgMp2rVl2QaCb2BSidwG8Zf4euiFXCM7PGoDJHRCgrFfrjI2qAhEnEFXXavWE8TTdlJ_h28xHc32AtIB-CV4beO_a7UcxlW8i8-UQj-pvCYNzDYOzDUKiufX_Pq0-Osnje8BgkdZpCwlfpSV4sl-51D7kTcSp9jlrj/s1600/44Signature775NEw_180044404Crop.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica;">FINAL PRINT</span><br /><br />Below is a photo of the finished piece. <br />
<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdcMjF1PpfeuVdKPXp0VEKKhuVnd87bx5CG8-a0xb0KhbXYsZsDy4SEEUVCWfG9HwA2j9_KrDqND6FQsjUUA1FQ9LYHp85bmzDS4NI34MdwYLkhFh8uuop7nECWsLwcNaZnMQauJyijQHnAX7mAkuwYcMUl617U0l0b8imA4_5VeifYxk77V_x1_-FcoSN/s1600/39FinalPrint700NEW_201158051.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="617" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdcMjF1PpfeuVdKPXp0VEKKhuVnd87bx5CG8-a0xb0KhbXYsZsDy4SEEUVCWfG9HwA2j9_KrDqND6FQsjUUA1FQ9LYHp85bmzDS4NI34MdwYLkhFh8uuop7nECWsLwcNaZnMQauJyijQHnAX7mAkuwYcMUl617U0l0b8imA4_5VeifYxk77V_x1_-FcoSN/s1600/39FinalPrint700NEW_201158051.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica;">FRAMING</span><br /><br />I really liked the natural wood of this frame with the purple of the passionflower. And I will be offering these prints framed on the website.<br /><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwEBfznBd6u0jILmsnxLljs58h9XDtTpXANsuhyWG4wLoGM4r2f1uQh57n_eZzvLqrePoU4HzBwBdrMuq8yGtJHF1loEwhvMiMpQ3dThp0_Cb1Rmf1NEQ4x_nb1u2LGYgSHOzTLGl3sKnqw8t24t5dCep9wakFqO8Ey6p0XGvLRXRZHXS2Ij7PwEVoq31W/s800/45Framed800_141746956Crop.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="657" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwEBfznBd6u0jILmsnxLljs58h9XDtTpXANsuhyWG4wLoGM4r2f1uQh57n_eZzvLqrePoU4HzBwBdrMuq8yGtJHF1loEwhvMiMpQ3dThp0_Cb1Rmf1NEQ4x_nb1u2LGYgSHOzTLGl3sKnqw8t24t5dCep9wakFqO8Ey6p0XGvLRXRZHXS2Ij7PwEVoq31W/s16000/45Framed800_141746956Crop.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica;">SHOW</span><br /><br />At the Weavers Guild show the "Passionflower" hung next to the "Teasel" print. <br /><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5NWyMwq2MX2JM1pWtyxSHCjqiqJIFCKSboMNQRTQO2xIiVzjWvTV-vDdx031FostBaCxWgbiqy2lXOMTsSMyDJxXYbcpcOWFoUtGG8Vkunr-2G2W3XakNC49Ua8RyytBbWuscUYwA4d03Ed0XHOQqjEN99y5jAqsavv6RYMI_hVcqwnwsc0O9-rhGw1w2/s1600/46ShowPassionflowerTeasel750_WA0013Crop.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="656" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5NWyMwq2MX2JM1pWtyxSHCjqiqJIFCKSboMNQRTQO2xIiVzjWvTV-vDdx031FostBaCxWgbiqy2lXOMTsSMyDJxXYbcpcOWFoUtGG8Vkunr-2G2W3XakNC49Ua8RyytBbWuscUYwA4d03Ed0XHOQqjEN99y5jAqsavv6RYMI_hVcqwnwsc0O9-rhGw1w2/s1600/46ShowPassionflowerTeasel750_WA0013Crop.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifMyIwcqekH8_MI6auoHks7ILDSDFiUQKbYmYvZ9oMk5bCXIA1VuhNx5bRCQT0plmHxMIEGP8F6L1BY0a7N-ndPVIaMqHj56h7zwEIcsN-z8nDmEZZ2r3e3Nv_s7CRn9VqI9AgJuGk3sFCXWlKbKe9TGbhF06xzo84rU6EnVlaDaQFzqu5lsIWxEvhqV13/s900/47PassionflowerLabel900Label2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="549" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifMyIwcqekH8_MI6auoHks7ILDSDFiUQKbYmYvZ9oMk5bCXIA1VuhNx5bRCQT0plmHxMIEGP8F6L1BY0a7N-ndPVIaMqHj56h7zwEIcsN-z8nDmEZZ2r3e3Nv_s7CRn9VqI9AgJuGk3sFCXWlKbKe9TGbhF06xzo84rU6EnVlaDaQFzqu5lsIWxEvhqV13/s16000/47PassionflowerLabel900Label2.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">When I was researching the passionflower to make the label for the show I, of course, came across the common reference to it as a saint's halo and association with the crucifixion of Christ. But the flower was also known to native Americans before the arrival of the Spaniards. There is a fascinating discussion of the role passionflower likely played in the lives of native Americans <a href="https://www.paghat.com/passiflorasymbolism.html" target="_blank">here</a> that suggests that its calming opioid effects were well known and potentially used to open doorways to the supernatural. The same author also fully explores its historic use as a symbol of homosexuality. <br /><br />But what I find most interesting about this flower is its call to us to explore our passion. I actually remember seeing this flower for the first time. We had moved into our house in Cincinnati and I was walking through the backyard. In the far end of the yard was a fence with a vintage wire trellis and when I turned the corner I saw a flower that stopped me in my tracks. I had never seen anything like it before and could hardly believe that such a flower existed. It looked like living purple fireworks with another fireworks coming out the middle...and it was alive! </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">It is funny that I even recall that moment, but the plant really had quite an effect on me. I had no idea that twenty years later I would make an embroidered print of the flower and be writing a VERY long blog post about it. But it sparked something in me that day. It sparked a passion I didn't even know I had. My love of the shape and form of plants was in its infancy, but it was certainly there...and the plant brought my full attention to it. With it's radiant purple hair, coiled tendrils and trident leaves, the passionflower seduced me. How fortuitous that, all those years ago, a plant with the name "Passionflower" lit some internal fireworks that have led me to my vocation as a botanical artist and seeker of the miraculous in the mundane.<br /><br />And I would argue that we all have something that lights us up. Yes, every single person has this thing we call passion. We don't know it, but we are all walking around looking to be lit up. I think it happens all the time. This lighting doesn't have to be a lightning burst... it could be a little spark. But we have to notice that scintilla and perhaps blow on those flames to keep them alive. We may have to feed it some kindling and tend the flame with attention and care. So I am always on the lookout. I keep my eyes open for that flicker of interest...that sparkling tug of the heart. Because that little tug has the potential to grow into our passion. And when we find it, there is no doubt we will "shoot across the sky and let our colors burst." It is my deepest wish for us all, because there is nothing else like seeing a soul on fire following their passion. Happy Fourth of July! </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">"Boom, boom, boom</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">Even brighter than the moon, moon, moon</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">It's always been inside of you, you, you</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">And now it's time to let it through</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">'Cause baby, you're a firework</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">Come on, show 'em what you're worth</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">Make 'em go, "Oh, oh, oh"</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">As you shoot across the sky</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">Baby, you're a firework</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">Come on, let your colors burst</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">Make 'em go, "Oh, oh, oh"</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica;"><span style="font-size: large;">You're gonna leave 'em all in awe, awe, awe"</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;">Singer<br />Katy Perry </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica; font-size: x-small;">Songwriters</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica; font-size: x-small;">Esther Dean / Katheryn Hudson / Mikkel Storleer Eriksen / Sandy Julien Wilhelm / Tor Erik Hermansen</span></div><br />
<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQH8aC_ZGmwxaq6Rr1N2DjJNZEWNovrnEN5AKwkdZsK2lZ1FpeQw4mG7KpQD_qjwQbycS3wYu3fyseGf2HLQgAiQZFOO0BXXygjZY78AJ0by2KG-DbWFezN5x9YVJxMLmq-Qw6O7ejLjfmFAsXNBrYaYM35J-K_O45g-WF-gAzXFqO47-xrcYGmU4gl62C/s800/42FinishedFlowerRnd2Pink800_204358689.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQH8aC_ZGmwxaq6Rr1N2DjJNZEWNovrnEN5AKwkdZsK2lZ1FpeQw4mG7KpQD_qjwQbycS3wYu3fyseGf2HLQgAiQZFOO0BXXygjZY78AJ0by2KG-DbWFezN5x9YVJxMLmq-Qw6O7ejLjfmFAsXNBrYaYM35J-K_O45g-WF-gAzXFqO47-xrcYGmU4gl62C/s16000/42FinishedFlowerRnd2Pink800_204358689.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /><div style="text-align: center;">This print is now available at <a href="http://NessyPress.com">NessyPress.com</a>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQdU66V8QznUVYOdk_eSwnGfBHPEc94ausu1Ur1G6zUVkUBMh8HTNSi03ACh5wL1xJ8BkkZzlOSDZAnFGUDwkKrPzBvMkQCA7cnPFz6kkH1gAs3SfsAv4Cty4hsCKVsT_lPQfd0bJSHJ4aCTaB8QEFo3YdeJXzu5ikYYcapZEJWxD3dZt91DyGf-mS4ixG/s1600/PassionflowerRoom800NEW_477114549.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQdU66V8QznUVYOdk_eSwnGfBHPEc94ausu1Ur1G6zUVkUBMh8HTNSi03ACh5wL1xJ8BkkZzlOSDZAnFGUDwkKrPzBvMkQCA7cnPFz6kkH1gAs3SfsAv4Cty4hsCKVsT_lPQfd0bJSHJ4aCTaB8QEFo3YdeJXzu5ikYYcapZEJWxD3dZt91DyGf-mS4ixG/s1600/PassionflowerRoom800NEW_477114549.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<p></p><p></p></div></div></div>Nessyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09162374688956449698noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2262034438607647152.post-46503295348112278272023-06-16T13:47:00.008-04:002023-06-27T20:03:40.604-04:00Columbine - Embroidered Linocut<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcQHxGcmk2UFTpUuLr1xNsVtp2d0AqBCU4YGjHFg59O6ggyIRIrNb9zU95P6DiHh0ckcqXOhKk2faPZGRIibzyQ_nusLdlamB6Pf0Vkv1mwmXXh3HR6j2aLFfvJ7fSy9A7_QCbOVgEJ-PX6KbUJwihYXyLmyT-My-6QCKrhSDybt0K6F657pW3WQktMA/s800/1ColumbineFinishedwithPhotoNEW800.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="639" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcQHxGcmk2UFTpUuLr1xNsVtp2d0AqBCU4YGjHFg59O6ggyIRIrNb9zU95P6DiHh0ckcqXOhKk2faPZGRIibzyQ_nusLdlamB6Pf0Vkv1mwmXXh3HR6j2aLFfvJ7fSy9A7_QCbOVgEJ-PX6KbUJwihYXyLmyT-My-6QCKrhSDybt0K6F657pW3WQktMA/s16000/1ColumbineFinishedwithPhotoNEW800.jpg" /></a></div>
<div><br /></div><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">INSPIRATION</span><div><br /></div><div>When I started working on the embroidered pieces for my solo show at the Weavers Guild I wrote down a long list of plants I thought would have parts that lend themselves to embroidery. As I worked on the project, I became less focused on the embroidery and increasingly bead-obsessed. I remember the day I was looking through photos, trying to decide on my next subject, when I saw the above Columbine photo I took back in 2017. I saw those long, yellow dangling stamens with their club-like anthers at the end and knew this was it. I could use beads to represent the club-like anthers at the end... a perfect use of beads! </div><div><br /></div><div><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">SKETCH</span></div><div><br /></div><div>I began as I always do by making a pencil sketch of the flower on tracing paper.<br /><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxcEG3h90QJmyEazA9tWUa_RBxGbZvKawjjnVYS9V_R_pGj8tb60C5dMsHiWIaISvOuqbufp-H5MsN4cA4xOIbTr2g696XnOcUt2nBZbms_l2pLAgKQvzNsZvTmND-QOsyLTP95-UXrBFGutxUbjFS6SinG35ATXiSD2TkixxSj39VO5qXiVn_pJ2lmw/s750/3SketchwithFlower_032904875.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="443" data-original-width="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxcEG3h90QJmyEazA9tWUa_RBxGbZvKawjjnVYS9V_R_pGj8tb60C5dMsHiWIaISvOuqbufp-H5MsN4cA4xOIbTr2g696XnOcUt2nBZbms_l2pLAgKQvzNsZvTmND-QOsyLTP95-UXrBFGutxUbjFS6SinG35ATXiSD2TkixxSj39VO5qXiVn_pJ2lmw/s16000/3SketchwithFlower_032904875.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">TRANSFER</span><br /><br />Below is a short video of me transferring my sketch to the carving plate. ( Music: "Abstract Fashion Pop" by "Qube Sounds" from Pixabay.)<br />
<br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="540" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/p1HHr3CrT70" width="650" youtube-src-id="p1HHr3CrT70"></iframe></div><br />
<br />Here is the plate with the transferred image.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfRPEHy1oK-7WgHhHnSue2a6QWzZVg8BFijYoNlfmv1UOLRy6O4J8meOfFZtUYosk0dcKfUcdbn3OrnLusTvTlYTLhMbW_YZE10FtxmYjUSo3smVSmE1tNzbXWgLGUbSTT2czQlVQ2z2ErPVsGmiWdaXLzJSU0gglOs37rTNqsTOF8ykadDnXiz-6UuQ/s800/4Transferred800_183535353.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="637" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfRPEHy1oK-7WgHhHnSue2a6QWzZVg8BFijYoNlfmv1UOLRy6O4J8meOfFZtUYosk0dcKfUcdbn3OrnLusTvTlYTLhMbW_YZE10FtxmYjUSo3smVSmE1tNzbXWgLGUbSTT2czQlVQ2z2ErPVsGmiWdaXLzJSU0gglOs37rTNqsTOF8ykadDnXiz-6UuQ/s16000/4Transferred800_183535353.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">CARVING</span><br /><div><br /></div><div>Strangely, I didn't have very many photos of carving, but you can see the entire carving process in this video. (Music by "RomanSenykMusic" from Pixabay.)<br /><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="540" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/uAhT5HQH3Tc" width="650" youtube-src-id="uAhT5HQH3Tc"></iframe></div>
<br />I don't often talk about the next step, but it is important if you are printing with lighter colors. I clean the graphite off the plate with vegetable oil. If I didn't do this step, the graphite would show up in the yellow parts of the flower.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSjZLFjZiHwj5FuFmNSygN4J0cDGcC3Lj5FvkG5AjFnXlkDZHSWTg9w7UleHFxSRjyk9Ge57DZE3jViIeKx6XhQeqJ1S-LUI-2cP3ul-MwKRyzsfHNDVPpoR1EeSH3MIJDSP3jbheOIbEXDo1Ax-4H7xWFb4bFW3JF2YWm6eULURft7yKpm9XCfzDz2g/s618/5PlateClean_164227758_exported_0.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="618" data-original-width="568" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSjZLFjZiHwj5FuFmNSygN4J0cDGcC3Lj5FvkG5AjFnXlkDZHSWTg9w7UleHFxSRjyk9Ge57DZE3jViIeKx6XhQeqJ1S-LUI-2cP3ul-MwKRyzsfHNDVPpoR1EeSH3MIJDSP3jbheOIbEXDo1Ax-4H7xWFb4bFW3JF2YWm6eULURft7yKpm9XCfzDz2g/s16000/5PlateClean_164227758_exported_0.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">TEST PRINT</span><br /><br />In this video I show the cleaning of the plate and how I make a quick test print with a stamp pad. (Music by "Alexi Action" from Pixabay.)<br /><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="540" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/yEfgCHu_1T0" width="650" youtube-src-id="yEfgCHu_1T0"></iframe></div>
<br />I wish I had made a couple of these prints on nicer paper. I liked how it looked all in red. I could go back and make some, but it is unlikely. (I actually did go back and tried to make some purple prints, but had a phenomenally bad printing day and got zero good prints from my efforts.)<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz3o3C2_G6QMo5ba3ko-XQrlhS5dGnaobpSVpU-6Cd3CKmnnZuKkK4qikoy-kZluTMGtsjq7ylmds59x2NVr1qO3gBNAXrWpTsrnMgAxnCdH8wxYEbBGcuORsswBxj5Iky6RAhkd6F3B4FXs04ua_zzB2-nU52WQjYnECx2SIN6HjNmy2xPsw3kFzYOA/s1600/6TestPrint600_164828581New.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="393" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz3o3C2_G6QMo5ba3ko-XQrlhS5dGnaobpSVpU-6Cd3CKmnnZuKkK4qikoy-kZluTMGtsjq7ylmds59x2NVr1qO3gBNAXrWpTsrnMgAxnCdH8wxYEbBGcuORsswBxj5Iky6RAhkd6F3B4FXs04ua_zzB2-nU52WQjYnECx2SIN6HjNmy2xPsw3kFzYOA/s1600/6TestPrint600_164828581New.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">PRINTING</span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqqH0_6nG5A6sWnIafRvmGwY6MShy1a_Nas8ystjclmmcyBF4Tx1JZ0UFy39pivZ7ev15lD7iUpX7tsRfe9WnWbWO_HfikZm-lu9hVfBiELfSO4MgFyQN_sBl3Nrm3c1rKR3egUWTaGfF6IyoH1KXrcrazcE3fHChSo94hqBMxUGDEbC2Rsv0RE48NZw/s750/6Printing750_163336559.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="422" data-original-width="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqqH0_6nG5A6sWnIafRvmGwY6MShy1a_Nas8ystjclmmcyBF4Tx1JZ0UFy39pivZ7ev15lD7iUpX7tsRfe9WnWbWO_HfikZm-lu9hVfBiELfSO4MgFyQN_sBl3Nrm3c1rKR3egUWTaGfF6IyoH1KXrcrazcE3fHChSo94hqBMxUGDEbC2Rsv0RE48NZw/s16000/6Printing750_163336559.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />I knew the photo above showed my printing set up better, but I had to include the photo below for the cuteness factor. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitODUMVlx5SGxhmujRDI4E_AD96sXaDe3pcIA6rpEDQvF43yczdmOEWGWCmcxzxzMr_si31NnECmg-cTHDBp1cMD3-2j4_Pxc-qRiacPDzSqqoZ3JKEVbWiP6cscUIS15vL8nh6dZYBQlQUICemN62CQmdl_zBewfoATui40zMpwYdT5WVRvZn7l2gDg/s750/7Printing750_163339892.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="422" data-original-width="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitODUMVlx5SGxhmujRDI4E_AD96sXaDe3pcIA6rpEDQvF43yczdmOEWGWCmcxzxzMr_si31NnECmg-cTHDBp1cMD3-2j4_Pxc-qRiacPDzSqqoZ3JKEVbWiP6cscUIS15vL8nh6dZYBQlQUICemN62CQmdl_zBewfoATui40zMpwYdT5WVRvZn7l2gDg/s16000/7Printing750_163339892.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />I am not normally a rainbow roll type of girl. But this color gradient in the Columbine called out for this technique. For the non-printmakers out there, a rainbow roll involves rolling out two or more different colors of ink and combining them on the roller before inking the plate. It creates a beautiful, soft gradient between the colors. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ5xQFFlhiuhnT79Pqp8zrZjgzK0IXFgjnKiSocr5AiQf6sv4qHvlUIH5syPF3iqKRlFf20puCqSQmj2iozc4qjlOb7wgxAepoCSiJsZPQzMG5-IsZHe-zIb9JXvSeVmEPLPqbsH-wAyZ2Q8bi6ADz7eTuw-8eCfu5of7XRZHd4fGI4VOnnhyG5Rujrg/s750/8Roller750_172419752.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="422" data-original-width="750" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ5xQFFlhiuhnT79Pqp8zrZjgzK0IXFgjnKiSocr5AiQf6sv4qHvlUIH5syPF3iqKRlFf20puCqSQmj2iozc4qjlOb7wgxAepoCSiJsZPQzMG5-IsZHe-zIb9JXvSeVmEPLPqbsH-wAyZ2Q8bi6ADz7eTuw-8eCfu5of7XRZHd4fGI4VOnnhyG5Rujrg/s320/8Roller750_172419752.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrNHe7YMOTOr1wHSN-dXWdmnbLO_wcgyrwY1OydqWDrrQmKR0l_MJYjHLM7DJ6dhzwr_l_DT7i8UNfczqdUx6zm1YA3V0mk65rhNmK3hETGEsGQwgY0C9mg58EX4hy0P1DqJ2VoaCsOgwOPYnTqVKmom2HgYeGOg57-zH-2vMJR3ejiGwvdnVGMuwrvA/s750/9Rolling750_172855094Crop.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="422" data-original-width="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrNHe7YMOTOr1wHSN-dXWdmnbLO_wcgyrwY1OydqWDrrQmKR0l_MJYjHLM7DJ6dhzwr_l_DT7i8UNfczqdUx6zm1YA3V0mk65rhNmK3hETGEsGQwgY0C9mg58EX4hy0P1DqJ2VoaCsOgwOPYnTqVKmom2HgYeGOg57-zH-2vMJR3ejiGwvdnVGMuwrvA/s16000/9Rolling750_172855094Crop.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />If you've never seen a rainbow roll in action, watch this video! (Music: "Winning Elevation" by "Hot Music" from Pixabay.)<br /><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="540" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/GPgSFJOXTcE" width="650" youtube-src-id="GPgSFJOXTcE"></iframe></div>
<br />
I always love how the plate looks with wet ink and it was fun to see how the rainbow roll would look on the plate.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjabEfzQZxHHTME8exdQX0kNzQR-bcOW5e7SKpswgFV6NjLN0Y_bzrB2vZTN0WRenwAdYZNQv94dQJ1PVnbXti6bkfsLusMkMhCIV1IoG863jEwlr3kaYp2TUexV-GdZ3EqRI9-WC564Efhv_oDi5JeLfBqYYK_33WROQ1deEBvCsUt7UfDg9iO4l6-5w/s750/10WetPlate750_170548833.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="452" data-original-width="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjabEfzQZxHHTME8exdQX0kNzQR-bcOW5e7SKpswgFV6NjLN0Y_bzrB2vZTN0WRenwAdYZNQv94dQJ1PVnbXti6bkfsLusMkMhCIV1IoG863jEwlr3kaYp2TUexV-GdZ3EqRI9-WC564Efhv_oDi5JeLfBqYYK_33WROQ1deEBvCsUt7UfDg9iO4l6-5w/s16000/10WetPlate750_170548833.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />IMHO, this is the perfect use of a rainbow roll! I was super pleased with how they turned out.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikg2aGl1K_Z0IXGpKoVlcrsV5IWUR8AQjTVWwOksTgfH7EvxLgGgZYj2PrADPqi30BgB5U0P15NO8qtqAHE0IK2fQppnfWCv9Xsw5qogrcho65xSpWlAPNhP5EIbPRJQTGaId5TzFqvuiodZL77K0tO3_uh2AfRestH2YfFGN_9lU5gy2cG2imIEgZ8A/s1600/11Columbine001New600.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="546" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikg2aGl1K_Z0IXGpKoVlcrsV5IWUR8AQjTVWwOksTgfH7EvxLgGgZYj2PrADPqi30BgB5U0P15NO8qtqAHE0IK2fQppnfWCv9Xsw5qogrcho65xSpWlAPNhP5EIbPRJQTGaId5TzFqvuiodZL77K0tO3_uh2AfRestH2YfFGN_9lU5gy2cG2imIEgZ8A/s1600/11Columbine001New600.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">CHOP SIGNATURE</span><br /><br />I don't always show this step either, but I think adding a chop signature adds a lot to the piece. It is always a risk that you might ruin the piece, but I think it is worth it.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis4hmmIMQYVFHx5sivw1E6Rp5nx9DUc6NOMYCDe2g_tCxKlqBdUFIWl-j6jiioyZMjdVIe_KAjCVF-2_Y8DcEWZjZIQh_CV8e7aFS5rByTLn_IN06dJCtkdS6ibji_6JMYKKzlbnhLVYnbvGu_0G7LGzUGijQ5c4wszinjqtg3mVaQEzkkPHaLAsfKDg/s800/12FinalPrintAfterStamp800_231533060.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="593" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis4hmmIMQYVFHx5sivw1E6Rp5nx9DUc6NOMYCDe2g_tCxKlqBdUFIWl-j6jiioyZMjdVIe_KAjCVF-2_Y8DcEWZjZIQh_CV8e7aFS5rByTLn_IN06dJCtkdS6ibji_6JMYKKzlbnhLVYnbvGu_0G7LGzUGijQ5c4wszinjqtg3mVaQEzkkPHaLAsfKDg/s16000/12FinalPrintAfterStamp800_231533060.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">EMBROIDERY PLANNING</span><br /><br />In order to ensure I wouldn't end up with a half stitch at the end of my embroidery lines, I scanned the print and brought it into Illustrator. In this program I can make all my lines exactly where I want them and then tell it to make the lines "dashed." I can then tell the computer I want each "dash" to be 4 millimeters long. If I had a half stitch at the end of a line, I could then make the "dash" 4.1 or 3.9 mm long. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFAXMuwfQdbtKGgyJDmKPpS0xsZUxs-D7ac2g545SUhXUZ4criaGS72026ACnpKaa6rNJmvs6rj44-pgGi3RAfxVO48bDa4DXGajtl6ji2no3negz4bxxY_F2XAHGtLCnTV-svklKJn5GebeAE_OaS2FYrem4LTzBbS4N2IC0FdMusFykAlsLHFRl-Lw/s750/13ThreadsIllustrator750.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="407" data-original-width="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFAXMuwfQdbtKGgyJDmKPpS0xsZUxs-D7ac2g545SUhXUZ4criaGS72026ACnpKaa6rNJmvs6rj44-pgGi3RAfxVO48bDa4DXGajtl6ji2no3negz4bxxY_F2XAHGtLCnTV-svklKJn5GebeAE_OaS2FYrem4LTzBbS4N2IC0FdMusFykAlsLHFRl-Lw/s16000/13ThreadsIllustrator750.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />This may seem like overkill, but it is exceedingly helpful to know where to hammer the holes for the embroidery. When I finished planning I printed out my lines. At first I tried using translucent paper, but I couldn't see the print clearly enough. My friend Tiffany suggested I use a transparency and it worked perfectly. Below you can see the transparency next to the print.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrU9ToK96dYfNatj6M71cJPYSAnvuWhoJ0eOSc8aUfQJH3Y_zAMrbGR8DtRXU1SeDT9KK8hF8qfbocTS_l41_4nKLYzCFMIgSWmnofVRlM6ERdKQT6SkftYGfKqoeZL7x_F9nOUnQ-QFjGayuEMt3Ot_QZvGrL_iSbT9wYZhHC4gLGAggHwlA92grKZg/s750/14HolePrintout750_174021131.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="422" data-original-width="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrU9ToK96dYfNatj6M71cJPYSAnvuWhoJ0eOSc8aUfQJH3Y_zAMrbGR8DtRXU1SeDT9KK8hF8qfbocTS_l41_4nKLYzCFMIgSWmnofVRlM6ERdKQT6SkftYGfKqoeZL7x_F9nOUnQ-QFjGayuEMt3Ot_QZvGrL_iSbT9wYZhHC4gLGAggHwlA92grKZg/s16000/14HolePrintout750_174021131.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">HAMMERING THE HOLES</span><br /><br />In order to make the holes in the correct position, I simply placed my transparency onto my print and lined up the edges. Once I started hammering a few holes, the transparency was held in place my the holes themselves. It is nerve wracking at first, but once you get going it is weirdly relaxing.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmG_tbyJra_v2t2tQ4MKE_95YFxzbxUEVXwR9IvdpzPgptgmoNrvObfhUhq0j47OFKYzmDI11IIF-lloO8KS8s1THlfMPrKQekAVEI_nKe84A64q2i1n5O23wsx32CKMlo83xQ_gM57mN5gCnL8aMjAPfba5XsvVUSEqdbpTXu4RY6ZriBKy8jMj0TyQ/s1000/15BeforeAFterHoles1000_174317574.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="706" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmG_tbyJra_v2t2tQ4MKE_95YFxzbxUEVXwR9IvdpzPgptgmoNrvObfhUhq0j47OFKYzmDI11IIF-lloO8KS8s1THlfMPrKQekAVEI_nKe84A64q2i1n5O23wsx32CKMlo83xQ_gM57mN5gCnL8aMjAPfba5XsvVUSEqdbpTXu4RY6ZriBKy8jMj0TyQ/s16000/15BeforeAFterHoles1000_174317574.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /><br />I took a lot of photos at this stage because I thought the print looked surprisingly pretty with all the holes in it.<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnENN1LFc_7iDetYJ9GKzZmgtkpHKbjlbFvbval7zsJyjBO_6iG2dOAUjrXpdwLeeSc810KQvKppzqpqmLJZC9hpwP85tgBWNAxcgyy41Orr3aZ0mQAHkTX3BKc4dFmyEjw1M57Lb23_9rrl5tiAg6q0qJZGBog4i9zndOzwHCvB1Azg_16x2qVSBXPg/s800/16Holes800_215036945Crop.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="474" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnENN1LFc_7iDetYJ9GKzZmgtkpHKbjlbFvbval7zsJyjBO_6iG2dOAUjrXpdwLeeSc810KQvKppzqpqmLJZC9hpwP85tgBWNAxcgyy41Orr3aZ0mQAHkTX3BKc4dFmyEjw1M57Lb23_9rrl5tiAg6q0qJZGBog4i9zndOzwHCvB1Azg_16x2qVSBXPg/s16000/16Holes800_215036945Crop.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBvvlU5rQbjy-WNIQRXfihh-ghincuV2Z9UtE3kmJ8bv4_p190V1Caf8DHXe3l73hGsIZxofT82rLbcFJo1jB8gKxidsGFirnQVA6fU0-fwGSVWJsNViKL99OmAQ7osqxUdpueZMjAc_hb__yuU5t3ssg_xsV5xBTzvLoTCWzcTxPwqZxSQGlqf80euA/s750/17Holes750_215111370.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="422" data-original-width="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBvvlU5rQbjy-WNIQRXfihh-ghincuV2Z9UtE3kmJ8bv4_p190V1Caf8DHXe3l73hGsIZxofT82rLbcFJo1jB8gKxidsGFirnQVA6fU0-fwGSVWJsNViKL99OmAQ7osqxUdpueZMjAc_hb__yuU5t3ssg_xsV5xBTzvLoTCWzcTxPwqZxSQGlqf80euA/s16000/17Holes750_215111370.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu2VeLFLMdP0G6KQpBW5n9bfi1S9nUsA98CVzrzhAoCKi69xDIHzzVmXWsDT9g23P5jD0Syqp_Pl481ppa6LBYPAR21Z5YpnAq30ukBNW8Rmk2l3vxe9pxvDEupAlDGnbI-uq7o8Qn9yWm1Og821ZWhRgoiajOlIWfvfzA5Fm5IGfH26epZvAzLxODZQ/s750/18Holes750_215124667NEW.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="422" data-original-width="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu2VeLFLMdP0G6KQpBW5n9bfi1S9nUsA98CVzrzhAoCKi69xDIHzzVmXWsDT9g23P5jD0Syqp_Pl481ppa6LBYPAR21Z5YpnAq30ukBNW8Rmk2l3vxe9pxvDEupAlDGnbI-uq7o8Qn9yWm1Og821ZWhRgoiajOlIWfvfzA5Fm5IGfH26epZvAzLxODZQ/s16000/18Holes750_215124667NEW.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">SEWING</span><br /><br />I toyed with the idea of using a gradient of colors for the embroidery. Here you can see me playing with that idea.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYV-LgZ4CnDcRkjyIMQ2zS7IB9SzSVX-cJ70ew4Sr8mLZ5_fNi_sZQrfJHmD3LhJmUxQPVVL633OkT6V6iO_Dvc-9yqmoPAtzjgSbQn70Rw5BmaoueMjqTEzkyOPQgVevTngJrkP1SWzSRsVBoro86rOd3WvyI-0lXsrLcaIoET5RcgF6WnwrNO_l0UA/s750/19RainbowThreads750_173226498.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="698" data-original-width="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYV-LgZ4CnDcRkjyIMQ2zS7IB9SzSVX-cJ70ew4Sr8mLZ5_fNi_sZQrfJHmD3LhJmUxQPVVL633OkT6V6iO_Dvc-9yqmoPAtzjgSbQn70Rw5BmaoueMjqTEzkyOPQgVevTngJrkP1SWzSRsVBoro86rOd3WvyI-0lXsrLcaIoET5RcgF6WnwrNO_l0UA/s16000/19RainbowThreads750_173226498.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />In the end I chose to go with gold embroidery thread. I had already used the gold on the "Buddha Seeds" and thought it would be nice to have a common thread running throughout. Plus, I thought the gold added a mystical element to it. Below you can see the print halfway through the embroidery.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUx1mK8QRwFkm9ojzbrnODUxcriaG93bsQHztxSVZym2FTdXGu0Lf2j-l1ibcbpCxun1twUMSK357usyOlAOeB2sTgKaqFE1zwzyVCgFvVdaBMBnI7XD-Va48KrHjbIaxtsk48MS2-SNDofnfg7641xItXaAzug8enFgVfjz3Aj1bcMyJYCK0IM4uFNA/s800/20Halfway800_192000864Crop.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="563" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUx1mK8QRwFkm9ojzbrnODUxcriaG93bsQHztxSVZym2FTdXGu0Lf2j-l1ibcbpCxun1twUMSK357usyOlAOeB2sTgKaqFE1zwzyVCgFvVdaBMBnI7XD-Va48KrHjbIaxtsk48MS2-SNDofnfg7641xItXaAzug8enFgVfjz3Aj1bcMyJYCK0IM4uFNA/s16000/20Halfway800_192000864Crop.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSouJntxXVmGosIkkGjh9XdMa4hYYIVgq8SMNGEd-gT_d8d3iw1IWkWEW0vXVlWvEUFS4FitDiW5Pa0FY3uCmfFeOZnVHpvi-5D-er060XZ5Hc-tCDcbjkZg57-HqXvGJMptctFAWzVvKZVUauE2fv03FElLGXI3tCe208bESTSNOCoVRHOETb-BpGiQ/s800/21Sewing800_145244463.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSouJntxXVmGosIkkGjh9XdMa4hYYIVgq8SMNGEd-gT_d8d3iw1IWkWEW0vXVlWvEUFS4FitDiW5Pa0FY3uCmfFeOZnVHpvi-5D-er060XZ5Hc-tCDcbjkZg57-HqXvGJMptctFAWzVvKZVUauE2fv03FElLGXI3tCe208bESTSNOCoVRHOETb-BpGiQ/s16000/21Sewing800_145244463.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />Almost done here!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiak1JA78S5r9MoZcU1kF6RpenOU58bYsAei-_VqTEAG82jb6GGvAUcIaiGoTCZeLwRrnSttV9nZ9MLxDUgQA3a3exDtgzOPcEfgLm4vQJgcM1xyH6zILxQa1UmdpJ1iDNcj4LL6bBaicNKov2gjZI5GcndO6wtB3w9UHurPUvnY_6cSnZ5lMX5qnUdA/s800/22AlmostDone800_155548048Crop.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="464" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiak1JA78S5r9MoZcU1kF6RpenOU58bYsAei-_VqTEAG82jb6GGvAUcIaiGoTCZeLwRrnSttV9nZ9MLxDUgQA3a3exDtgzOPcEfgLm4vQJgcM1xyH6zILxQa1UmdpJ1iDNcj4LL6bBaicNKov2gjZI5GcndO6wtB3w9UHurPUvnY_6cSnZ5lMX5qnUdA/s16000/22AlmostDone800_155548048Crop.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />I am always so relieved to finish. The risk of tearing the paper is no joke and I breathed a huge sigh of relief at the end of this one because the holes were very close together.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMV1FQyMdLskqXNH4OCPmPnk2bom3v1Cq9Ev6Y7ZDGjd-QvpnPuC3O2QkTN-v8MH7nFcwoWXhn1GTjLokphxjfFbT9Qs6lOuWBdvhtf2eUCdwy_PlBzYHBYXyQmeYyOubvgj9pdvQgqjAwsRXB2m09ZR_ppQPkDR_gjwQDaRjKnq10d0IBAgMdorohTg/s800/23Finished800_194535144Crop.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="686" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMV1FQyMdLskqXNH4OCPmPnk2bom3v1Cq9Ev6Y7ZDGjd-QvpnPuC3O2QkTN-v8MH7nFcwoWXhn1GTjLokphxjfFbT9Qs6lOuWBdvhtf2eUCdwy_PlBzYHBYXyQmeYyOubvgj9pdvQgqjAwsRXB2m09ZR_ppQPkDR_gjwQDaRjKnq10d0IBAgMdorohTg/s16000/23Finished800_194535144Crop.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiueT0rk9OdmaE48jHIN_n9c7r5Oc1rL_rCBoXcYzZYJDea7fX351QfA1kK6GoteWG4ud4tiW3u1fwGb3M8AA9vPXmtC56u9VKX1_1QZePMfGy4Mcfr8nlpLDhK9sb3XmOhmVeLnWnajNEy7aIzCfearVZDAjyxQLClt4iMCPDVWoa05RFYhaNW_KS-hg/s750/24FinishedClose800_194612750.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="435" data-original-width="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiueT0rk9OdmaE48jHIN_n9c7r5Oc1rL_rCBoXcYzZYJDea7fX351QfA1kK6GoteWG4ud4tiW3u1fwGb3M8AA9vPXmtC56u9VKX1_1QZePMfGy4Mcfr8nlpLDhK9sb3XmOhmVeLnWnajNEy7aIzCfearVZDAjyxQLClt4iMCPDVWoa05RFYhaNW_KS-hg/s16000/24FinishedClose800_194612750.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">BEADWORK</span><br /><br />I had A TON of options for the beads on this print. I played around with all sorts of different bead options, including Buddhas, elephants, flowers, various colors of glass beads, seed beads...basically all the beads I owned! I ended up with a mixture of mostly yellow flowers, gold spacers, a cinnabar flower and a single red Buddha. One of the themes I wanted to convey in making these pieces was the idea of finding the miraculous in the mundane. Along those lines I also love the idea that every sentient being has a Buddha-nature. So including the Buddha among the yellow "anthers" worked perfectly.<br />
<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvFoXgV3N9Zj5E6xS-yEDJyxiuUHYuaHIDzslS0WlzYH0oc5_KLvsYNBefWR6Mh3gc2Fx5NxCdfr9sTDl598EzIKHE3PbpfWAJ3wQvAvDvK5rQaSf6sRPUzCN-H46P-Ot6rc8T5ROW_Br6ylrZEC-YhX8WNXWG-dkM2lrBnw-IZz4yuoYy0qkA4VMgDA/s800/27BeadsClose800_155802333.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="486" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvFoXgV3N9Zj5E6xS-yEDJyxiuUHYuaHIDzslS0WlzYH0oc5_KLvsYNBefWR6Mh3gc2Fx5NxCdfr9sTDl598EzIKHE3PbpfWAJ3wQvAvDvK5rQaSf6sRPUzCN-H46P-Ot6rc8T5ROW_Br6ylrZEC-YhX8WNXWG-dkM2lrBnw-IZz4yuoYy0qkA4VMgDA/s16000/27BeadsClose800_155802333.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />In addition to bead choice, bead placement was also important. It was helpful to take a photo of various bead placements and then look at them on screen. I started off with the beads too wide and slowly worked my way to their final arrangement (at the top). Here you can see my photo stream from that day.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgZayMdGOz12Av4GhHbPQ8r6yhaY65DxsI4ZZo78LgMPNK6ZKbhUDhB-zXq9OzFHUw2kHuzc7NMZIAXQT3Kf5aPV64zI1-zsbafcD1ZJ2didSKn7N-wyCKCF5oAXSVLn9vpvi0asaUOwxcyUZMFBpl70gPLANQJ6i_eLjFtRfHuZt18PkTsx3yqAYMJg/s800/25BeadPositionPlay800.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="458" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgZayMdGOz12Av4GhHbPQ8r6yhaY65DxsI4ZZo78LgMPNK6ZKbhUDhB-zXq9OzFHUw2kHuzc7NMZIAXQT3Kf5aPV64zI1-zsbafcD1ZJ2didSKn7N-wyCKCF5oAXSVLn9vpvi0asaUOwxcyUZMFBpl70gPLANQJ6i_eLjFtRfHuZt18PkTsx3yqAYMJg/s16000/25BeadPositionPlay800.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh49nhS-EqxIq7K8qbHucRwLHp5E0Rki6SxtGDPwa9uPY0tDzMhHKqnKL74alnQG5BnMiuQkdIhpHFqA9tG6rIQhV1TazN79Oz7zjeZUb4BKc_hFZuqpLRekP-4paeDqwPaq8B4pRTgtD_v767LRmnwTpDazGgkKUErFL7s4wc3cI4roPIow0h3SxLrJg/s750/26BeadsClose750_155732639.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="490" data-original-width="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh49nhS-EqxIq7K8qbHucRwLHp5E0Rki6SxtGDPwa9uPY0tDzMhHKqnKL74alnQG5BnMiuQkdIhpHFqA9tG6rIQhV1TazN79Oz7zjeZUb4BKc_hFZuqpLRekP-4paeDqwPaq8B4pRTgtD_v767LRmnwTpDazGgkKUErFL7s4wc3cI4roPIow0h3SxLrJg/s16000/26BeadsClose750_155732639.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />And here is the final embroidered and beaded print!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgCJe1S6u-lJ88Ffz-x_6ivPb5lICCWmxGD_KcQns2OEXfTp-KnaJyYEPSOi8emm8CQQd7YDvpfWKJhpFjJDFKm9XpVjcMuqCNeojtEcDt1rmdP6sE1FULCotUjKpndUekLHllZ69YxiCKp0Y9I9wG1GJCDnEcTwa9BKp21-gn-IQnZ-Kq4aXYaZyuhw/s800/28FinalPrint800_194535144CropFlat2.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="624" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgCJe1S6u-lJ88Ffz-x_6ivPb5lICCWmxGD_KcQns2OEXfTp-KnaJyYEPSOi8emm8CQQd7YDvpfWKJhpFjJDFKm9XpVjcMuqCNeojtEcDt1rmdP6sE1FULCotUjKpndUekLHllZ69YxiCKp0Y9I9wG1GJCDnEcTwa9BKp21-gn-IQnZ-Kq4aXYaZyuhw/s16000/28FinalPrint800_194535144CropFlat2.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">FRAMING</span><br /><br />As I mentioned in my <a href="https://nessydesigns.blogspot.com/2023/06/milkweed-embroidered-linocut.html" target="_blank">"Milkweed" post</a>, I had to order special frames that had more depth to them to accommodate the beads. I accidentally received MANY frames from my order so I will be offering framed prints on my <a href="https://www.nessypress.com/columbine" target="_blank">website</a>.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidlYbQW2nZHTaIJbhn9LWwjD6hH2CW5_0lqyfI6-9Jwb4ibZ7u0S_n-J-wovwJ-lM29A0ClIMbqOUKViwoYSxvQ1fZkS62vhVOLA-PX520biTu_xwqzkD6fbQZIbDOUxU9A7K5QsLWPtcJ-nU4X4c_rm1sZzHZUkXVeNudEBlV0bOzAsgPO9BTkbNI7A/s800/29Framed800_140932187.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="643" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidlYbQW2nZHTaIJbhn9LWwjD6hH2CW5_0lqyfI6-9Jwb4ibZ7u0S_n-J-wovwJ-lM29A0ClIMbqOUKViwoYSxvQ1fZkS62vhVOLA-PX520biTu_xwqzkD6fbQZIbDOUxU9A7K5QsLWPtcJ-nU4X4c_rm1sZzHZUkXVeNudEBlV0bOzAsgPO9BTkbNI7A/s16000/29Framed800_140932187.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">SHOW </span><br />
<br />Below you can see the "Milkweed" and "Columbine" together at the <a href="https://nessydesigns.blogspot.com/2023/05/faith-in-seed-solo-exhibition.html" target="_blank">Weavers Guild show</a>, plus the label.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAjUUFsJRXW7YJmqXu2Qgg3JAPKgpp9bv4ubaisIbffyAQUx9FhEg7wVxt96BTzWwNuq2aSu5hxJD6o83SFHOHEad9ZWttiCOchy5puhzkquhFUXt8LX24_Uz2lUeFNdrCqG6dafK_TywBYxxdQp7WVsJXB9Pjb87Q_0P8KL07v8e4IyeuvrflM3MHDg/s750/30Show750_144807629.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="422" data-original-width="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAjUUFsJRXW7YJmqXu2Qgg3JAPKgpp9bv4ubaisIbffyAQUx9FhEg7wVxt96BTzWwNuq2aSu5hxJD6o83SFHOHEad9ZWttiCOchy5puhzkquhFUXt8LX24_Uz2lUeFNdrCqG6dafK_TywBYxxdQp7WVsJXB9Pjb87Q_0P8KL07v8e4IyeuvrflM3MHDg/s16000/30Show750_144807629.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBgyumlFS5Lk6oKMnT4MgG51ktlT_WrQAtIKqo_KoAj0vCNZvU0-jNHUK87cZ8tjac2jCHtaCIG_7xbVh3BPNo7Loy73vt5wiIHzsMgM5qcnhMSBPmMPkRHYg1ohFPJ4dVd8cT_4--Zulnt7MHfMS471DusLHdpDiuoNvZOhUz3BnVADu0ic2nLPY9bg/s1000/ColumbineLabel1000.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="615" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBgyumlFS5Lk6oKMnT4MgG51ktlT_WrQAtIKqo_KoAj0vCNZvU0-jNHUK87cZ8tjac2jCHtaCIG_7xbVh3BPNo7Loy73vt5wiIHzsMgM5qcnhMSBPmMPkRHYg1ohFPJ4dVd8cT_4--Zulnt7MHfMS471DusLHdpDiuoNvZOhUz3BnVADu0ic2nLPY9bg/s16000/ColumbineLabel1000.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />While making the above label for the show I was stunned when I found a website that described several aspects of the Columbine I never knew that resonated deeply with me. It described the mantra of the Columbine as "Faith not Fear." I haven't written the post yet about the "Buddha Seeds", but I had a number of synchronicities occur while making that print that had a "theme" of fearlessness. It seems the universe was trying to get a message across to me. I think I struggle quite a bit with fear, as we all do being human. But I have been finding the more I put my faith in life itself, the more life keeps showing up for me in amazing ways. Having faith in life doesn't mean I always get what I want. Rather it means when things don't go my way, I now take a step back...pause...and say to myself, "This isn't the way I wanted to go, but I can't change this...so let's see what there is to see on this new path." And to my surprise, the new path is often fascinating beyond anything I could have come up with.<br /><br />The website also stated, "The Columbine reminds us that there is far more going on here than what we see and hear in the physical realm." When I read that sentence, I nearly fell over. It is almost verbatim what I have been saying for years since my woo-woo meditation experience!</div><div><br />And finally, the Columbine was also described as "a flower for the spiritual seeker." When I started this print, I had no idea the Columbine had these traits. But somehow the photo I snapped in 2017 of a delicate Columbine found its way to me and called out to be made into a print. Life somehow weaves everything together, pulling what appear to be disparate threads in different times and places into one cohesive grand work of art. The magic of it all leaves me in awe. It is indeed the perfect flower for me. </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuIW-EGVTvRQ7fUOKXBJXLHMMUO5wNQcLHSBD1mbiLPJwpX3-HyAGq8nU9KffOJFCCdBoKjGPiFBUsTfd6XB9gZMSqrbpVZYVcgm82e1SXUypQCpCB6RiK4o7lQ2bLbRmOehass8YuPjjucQ36QB6sXJh90_i37tq_FDjJpUJHIwvRP8I4WKtAmMsrFw/s800/31BeadsClose800_235550485.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuIW-EGVTvRQ7fUOKXBJXLHMMUO5wNQcLHSBD1mbiLPJwpX3-HyAGq8nU9KffOJFCCdBoKjGPiFBUsTfd6XB9gZMSqrbpVZYVcgm82e1SXUypQCpCB6RiK4o7lQ2bLbRmOehass8YuPjjucQ36QB6sXJh90_i37tq_FDjJpUJHIwvRP8I4WKtAmMsrFw/s16000/31BeadsClose800_235550485.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">This print is now available at <a href="http://NessyPress.com">NessyPress.com</a>!</div><br /><p>
</p></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv1qbTBBQjKxPUeUfPQD6NS_1QBIesRynADh2YrSraCcHuSxYB9tCuNygN4MsXoPOINOWGYY3UH_R0lkt_LOzONWbYCTJSJ88eA080-vGGEsIew3W5qChWE7Yhe9_SGK5ZSDutMZI8m2ZO83XSpn7V3LQldN_4u_XKCMf1jGXbndzQE9iUyexuTii8Bs5h/s775/ColumbineRoom775_416569058.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="581" data-original-width="775" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv1qbTBBQjKxPUeUfPQD6NS_1QBIesRynADh2YrSraCcHuSxYB9tCuNygN4MsXoPOINOWGYY3UH_R0lkt_LOzONWbYCTJSJ88eA080-vGGEsIew3W5qChWE7Yhe9_SGK5ZSDutMZI8m2ZO83XSpn7V3LQldN_4u_XKCMf1jGXbndzQE9iUyexuTii8Bs5h/s16000/ColumbineRoom775_416569058.jpg" /></a></div><br />Nessyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09162374688956449698noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2262034438607647152.post-44068150311109289342023-06-08T00:04:00.003-04:002023-06-08T09:55:52.086-04:00Milkweed - Embroidered Linocut
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCCV4-LdkJDBnBa1i9Ocs_muyKIq8siWs1ImI9ni5Jntnv9SKMcXJ10Wybe_9LvFK54jZv7sOS11Ol7GSefl3zNwhaTC28En7G1UcNXGnSDPH8V5ENPlSPCpVfKgxopN--whe5cPxpEL4D8dGaC6MkNus7fdOJLkuHE0K_JMXo9RvDwLQZnr3zPbdn_g/s1600/MilkweedPrint_151106243.CROP.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="597" data-original-width="775" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCCV4-LdkJDBnBa1i9Ocs_muyKIq8siWs1ImI9ni5Jntnv9SKMcXJ10Wybe_9LvFK54jZv7sOS11Ol7GSefl3zNwhaTC28En7G1UcNXGnSDPH8V5ENPlSPCpVfKgxopN--whe5cPxpEL4D8dGaC6MkNus7fdOJLkuHE0K_JMXo9RvDwLQZnr3zPbdn_g/s1600/MilkweedPrint_151106243.CROP.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica;">With flower nectar and milk-laden leaves</span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica;">Who nourishes the Monarch?</span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica;">Mother Milkweed</span></div><br /><div><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica;">INSPIRATION</span></div><div><br /></div><div>In September of 2022 I received an email from the Weaver's Guild Exhibition Committee asking if I would be interested in having a solo show. Of course I said, yes. And then they asked if I might be able to make new work that had embroidery incorporated into the pieces, like one they had seen of mine in a previous show. At that point I had only ever made one piece with embroidery. It was a piece called "The Weaver" which you can see <a href="https://nessydesigns.blogspot.com/2019/08/the-weaver-linocut-embroidery.html" target="_blank">here</a>. I remembered it was a little difficult to sew that piece, but figured it was because the piece was so large. I have always been interested in combining different materials and thought this would be a good chance to do so on a smaller scale. </div><div><br /></div><div>When I started brainstorming about what plants might lend themselves naturally to having embroidered elements, the milkweed plant was the first thing that popped into my head. I could picture using either the real seeds or embroidery thread to depict the silk parachutes blowing in the wind. So in October George and I went for a walk at Winton Woods dam to look for photo references. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidTS4Zq_wieOvpslr17VQNHMljdZW6u1RAWjE3jE6xAsAK0GXi9urKRLwPepVCr0IxfnPl5ecxtxU4lWEigYYtA8doOTzFiKm0v0I7D_Yoi5_p5DDCefIHFG4wMTaGTf7SVKB4rMFdfR9BYKFYgIfd4goQBKCe53cTp7hIWPUWAaXfypccUls2LBPFTg/s2036/Milkweed.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2036" data-original-width="775" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidTS4Zq_wieOvpslr17VQNHMljdZW6u1RAWjE3jE6xAsAK0GXi9urKRLwPepVCr0IxfnPl5ecxtxU4lWEigYYtA8doOTzFiKm0v0I7D_Yoi5_p5DDCefIHFG4wMTaGTf7SVKB4rMFdfR9BYKFYgIfd4goQBKCe53cTp7hIWPUWAaXfypccUls2LBPFTg/s16000/Milkweed.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica;">SKETCH</span></div><div><br /></div><div>I ended up combining a couple of my photos in Photoshop to get the composition I wanted and then drew my sketch. Below is a closeup of the first seed pod.</div>
<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi68MFNdUxX9LPk7Kr7NGvYTLnKw4L4fe0GnFd8E5q3szZya9a6pc50oNZUk-1q-ppTuP-O34L2SEjd0H3ZXk_olTHnpdf3gS-U1hyGaLsmv3nHfDtEdYjJ6lOKTql4HkoDX1-NmefXR-F4xzlB5nly1JZ39oKazxs7MWccQPt2j8AdViKiZ3I-3PSzfw/s800/Sketch800_191948352.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi68MFNdUxX9LPk7Kr7NGvYTLnKw4L4fe0GnFd8E5q3szZya9a6pc50oNZUk-1q-ppTuP-O34L2SEjd0H3ZXk_olTHnpdf3gS-U1hyGaLsmv3nHfDtEdYjJ6lOKTql4HkoDX1-NmefXR-F4xzlB5nly1JZ39oKazxs7MWccQPt2j8AdViKiZ3I-3PSzfw/s16000/Sketch800_191948352.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />And here is the final sketch on tracing paper.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijkf0iO-ltNRaGRQzdtUV9AKxdEFh-Xzn-4TbT5bKQ1OZ5EDa2vjDwux6lsBusTPSqWBu3EDIX2MkHeZt1Vv79f6HeG6fBGd9qKSPz2983hOH4AF_jEHEd2aolHmiMhrvhdISPJNlklzGPwGbOz-W6Xxod44q7fdWqCZkET7YdQeVT70uh2d-p__rlzQ/s750/VG750_175733526.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhE9YSIoBVoIe35t0SvmRjBuxSxy50pSAcPTI1L-aik-hLzexi8THCAm2LbeGo9hJp9Ns76x0kMbLnoLTR4VDl-iomep3qD8QiNds5L0OnKoPhu9z_2-y0JJ_O_cSTTfgjVLVEM3kML27M9IwsuCLU52kbbyDM_uXZoFjgCqsUQKnyvcZAWacqra1QkA/s800/Sketch800_191939943.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhE9YSIoBVoIe35t0SvmRjBuxSxy50pSAcPTI1L-aik-hLzexi8THCAm2LbeGo9hJp9Ns76x0kMbLnoLTR4VDl-iomep3qD8QiNds5L0OnKoPhu9z_2-y0JJ_O_cSTTfgjVLVEM3kML27M9IwsuCLU52kbbyDM_uXZoFjgCqsUQKnyvcZAWacqra1QkA/s16000/Sketch800_191939943.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica;">TRANSFER</span></div><br /><div style="color: black; text-align: left;">The nice thing about using tracing paper is that you can flip it over and rub it with a credit card to transfer the image. Below you can see the image transferred nicely onto the Safety-Kut plate.</div>
<br /><div style="color: black; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvPSgUmwPpV3A-m4mcHqCIhtN2H2wgpgicZtuwJ5-jxRooreOmD747qSuJnYsa_5m5G31upHFZKoS-JA7fatpcbs26dsGlVfcPuItH7EoURlUqS5g18nybVKcmg7AFvWQ79rcNOEkJqHZ0MJpmlnquHrIWeVRoW_7Cpgmg_nFjbR6jxLRQkF1fgLztNA/s750/Transferred750_191055553.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="534" data-original-width="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvPSgUmwPpV3A-m4mcHqCIhtN2H2wgpgicZtuwJ5-jxRooreOmD747qSuJnYsa_5m5G31upHFZKoS-JA7fatpcbs26dsGlVfcPuItH7EoURlUqS5g18nybVKcmg7AFvWQ79rcNOEkJqHZ0MJpmlnquHrIWeVRoW_7Cpgmg_nFjbR6jxLRQkF1fgLztNA/s16000/Transferred750_191055553.jpg" /></a></div>
<br div="" style="text-align: left;" /><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica;">CARVING</span><div style="color: black; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="color: black; text-align: left;">The carving is always my favorite part. I love my flexcut carving tools and am slowly getting to know my fancy "Sankaku To" Japanese v-gouge. </div><div style="color: black; text-align: left;"><br /></div>
<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9gWhSIiJbUsKtYP8fSGWKS-c8jTo4FAwahQBgZunBjKKP7KVn4EpnFTPCfVzVsr31F0wahI9CpeuJmY1OMLABq2tNV4u39OvES3HxGt5tbtdJhfa7bD2dE4jNAqAze4UYXnkAqiZImbOdHn-K_s8geT4hcfCGY3JRh7TGweNZ7gzaPPztQGcR1SIbyQ/s750/Carving750_221833242.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="422" data-original-width="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9gWhSIiJbUsKtYP8fSGWKS-c8jTo4FAwahQBgZunBjKKP7KVn4EpnFTPCfVzVsr31F0wahI9CpeuJmY1OMLABq2tNV4u39OvES3HxGt5tbtdJhfa7bD2dE4jNAqAze4UYXnkAqiZImbOdHn-K_s8geT4hcfCGY3JRh7TGweNZ7gzaPPztQGcR1SIbyQ/s16000/Carving750_221833242.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG2RvXcndRbBJcdSMwI1BQgiJ0WOG29GYEY4sFveE5D_TNAaqokhPGIHxg0QDBlFcFLmMhmOlSnJram-dq5PH8sYMWT0yX73s9VCWDvhq-0kp9B6Akj6qH4cbuvpZ9vQp486FdRdLV7wb43He0HWsuQQfaI_R4y2GDQjOismm5Ay7cGVCH8fPAUW-kSg/s750/Carving750_222050389.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="422" data-original-width="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG2RvXcndRbBJcdSMwI1BQgiJ0WOG29GYEY4sFveE5D_TNAaqokhPGIHxg0QDBlFcFLmMhmOlSnJram-dq5PH8sYMWT0yX73s9VCWDvhq-0kp9B6Akj6qH4cbuvpZ9vQp486FdRdLV7wb43He0HWsuQQfaI_R4y2GDQjOismm5Ay7cGVCH8fPAUW-kSg/s16000/Carving750_222050389.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />I recently invested in a tabletop Ott light and it makes a world of difference. Below you can see with light and without.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzSqFarWpdANOg6HAO0bAFjaHSoMiZJUcD0Jmct5EO_37lpt2imH7ZGmtSlOZZIvRlE5zCmzD73b8eluYI0P_zAuqjPc5biecK-DXEZ9LXSRI-kl2MxxpKcPsdfnQUmZMNrNZhq9F9Gr7RDU40Il1A4mbaBLUCNSyZKaCQclcd_0B5brzSQf6uY5uXgg/s750/MilkweedTwoPics750.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="614" data-original-width="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzSqFarWpdANOg6HAO0bAFjaHSoMiZJUcD0Jmct5EO_37lpt2imH7ZGmtSlOZZIvRlE5zCmzD73b8eluYI0P_zAuqjPc5biecK-DXEZ9LXSRI-kl2MxxpKcPsdfnQUmZMNrNZhq9F9Gr7RDU40Il1A4mbaBLUCNSyZKaCQclcd_0B5brzSQf6uY5uXgg/s16000/MilkweedTwoPics750.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />Once I am done carving the design I usually cut away the excess plate so it will not catch any ink and cause extraneous marks. It is best not to cut too much away or the plate becomes too wonky and will stretch while burnishing.<br />
<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHA1x_kFhY4eUMOwYRchm3eBOLyFIRyenT4NBBqyU0UTY6ZxLI5e-SMoNzRWNFdSv2U6xIZRj3l_loIBDGXYqOYY8lf1aAmo4cYNGCjsN8Lo67mN7YnWfD6jazS-JMSXVXKcFEQA0CzXajRbrd0n54tlh6e-BlRsWQvL25gYoJUQCKHcIdEc3fwvnf6Q/s750/Carving750_174816771.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="604" data-original-width="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHA1x_kFhY4eUMOwYRchm3eBOLyFIRyenT4NBBqyU0UTY6ZxLI5e-SMoNzRWNFdSv2U6xIZRj3l_loIBDGXYqOYY8lf1aAmo4cYNGCjsN8Lo67mN7YnWfD6jazS-JMSXVXKcFEQA0CzXajRbrd0n54tlh6e-BlRsWQvL25gYoJUQCKHcIdEc3fwvnf6Q/s16000/Carving750_174816771.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />This video shows the carving process and has a fun song, so turn on your volume!<div>
<br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="540" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/u8Wt1qRYaM8" width="650" youtube-src-id="u8Wt1qRYaM8"></iframe></div><span style="background-color: white;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0d0d0d; font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">(Music: "Yummy Yummy" by Lesfm from Pixabay)</span></span></div></span><div><br />
<br /></div><div><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica;">TEARING PAPER</span></div><div><br /></div><div>For this project I decided to try a new paper. Instead of my usual Stonehenge paper I bought Nepalese Lotka paper. In December 2022 I took a chine collé class at Tiger Lily Press and my teacher, Maureen George, showed us how to tear this type of paper using water. In the video below I show this process.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="540" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/QdqkzKJr1AE" width="650" youtube-src-id="QdqkzKJr1AE"></iframe></div><br /><div>In the end I did love the look of the deckle edge. But I failed to press the paper well after tearing and every piece curled. I still have a big stack of prints that I need to spray the back of and press. So if you decide to go this route, be sure to press your paper plat before it dries! <br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica;">PRINTING</span></div><div style="color: black; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="color: black; text-align: left;">Lately I have found it is helpful to pick a color swatch from my Sherwin Williams fan deck or my giant box of paint swatches I have collected over the years. This color then serves as a guide when I mix the ink. It is best if I mix the color the day before printing, but it rarely happens. I usually end up trying to mix the color the day of printing and spend at least the first hour trying to get the perfect color. Then I begin to feel stressed because it has been over an hour and I haven't even printed yet! This time was no different. Below you can see my printing set up.</div><div style="color: black; text-align: left;"></div>
<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH2Ot0VK5Enge1jqij2gqOF0bGPt0PeozTJ22LbkCwhR6dtN8MC_BZD81rn1Z2JjYHDfmPaMrIH78kHjMf0Ia6ommB2QT2nV8c18mkJTh87sn8NYaFXsn426tnlJD4a7AMLG3Ph_TkdB8xqDoHwyotGAdQVVKYs7-tW4m06_qtnkgGdHiuGlrkTaV2cA/s750/Printing750_172009381.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="422" data-original-width="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH2Ot0VK5Enge1jqij2gqOF0bGPt0PeozTJ22LbkCwhR6dtN8MC_BZD81rn1Z2JjYHDfmPaMrIH78kHjMf0Ia6ommB2QT2nV8c18mkJTh87sn8NYaFXsn426tnlJD4a7AMLG3Ph_TkdB8xqDoHwyotGAdQVVKYs7-tW4m06_qtnkgGdHiuGlrkTaV2cA/s16000/Printing750_172009381.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />I love how the plate looks with wet ink on it.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoKGrfNirJoLA0f06f3dM8Hs6h4844co4mnts4AFImf9U1mZrqSC21kCRA9lJeezC1WOSYdGb0W-8xjYKban8HQs2WA0lcKjRO9URmYsN9pt_99wI23bowkFMdyufIBBZUijIirjbHYRS9yDVIVEfMZQ_wygBiiOxFlCxiQZ57l5clKTi3gFvfwimezw/s800/PlateWet800_182745534.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoKGrfNirJoLA0f06f3dM8Hs6h4844co4mnts4AFImf9U1mZrqSC21kCRA9lJeezC1WOSYdGb0W-8xjYKban8HQs2WA0lcKjRO9URmYsN9pt_99wI23bowkFMdyufIBBZUijIirjbHYRS9yDVIVEfMZQ_wygBiiOxFlCxiQZ57l5clKTi3gFvfwimezw/s16000/PlateWet800_182745534.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />I couldn't resist including this photo because it shows my two helpers. George always jokes that we should have named the studio "Cat Hair Studio."<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZohao9f-MxlgYo4i-1aFbs_MA2V2OU-LwvnvkyrO8iODYkKlLQDlSfh6bw9uq4YY61DVZhRoxQmQI_VPt2DHFuZsHzj1ANDtTgc7xCR9aZ6cb2J4KjodFns_A5R2rAtfzpUXJAq4AyauQ2v-ThR3o8Vb18_f7PjGIRnIxKTSr2Uc4J-e5v23OXjc7kA/s750/Printing750_173222607.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="422" data-original-width="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZohao9f-MxlgYo4i-1aFbs_MA2V2OU-LwvnvkyrO8iODYkKlLQDlSfh6bw9uq4YY61DVZhRoxQmQI_VPt2DHFuZsHzj1ANDtTgc7xCR9aZ6cb2J4KjodFns_A5R2rAtfzpUXJAq4AyauQ2v-ThR3o8Vb18_f7PjGIRnIxKTSr2Uc4J-e5v23OXjc7kA/s16000/Printing750_173222607.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /><div style="text-align: left;">In the following video you can see the printing process from start to finish.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="540" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/B7Yv-_ubjd8" width="650" youtube-src-id="B7Yv-_ubjd8"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: center;">(Music: Inspiring Ambiance by Scott Holmes)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica;">PRINT</span></div><div style="color: black; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="color: black; text-align: left;">I was very happy with how the print looked on the Nepalese Lotka paper. I experimented with using both sides of the paper. Most of the prints were on the smooth side, but there were probably a couple on the rough side. I liked both, but the rougher side is harder to print as you have to burnish harder to make sure of an even print. The print below was on the smooth side. </div><div style="text-align: left;">
<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: black; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwy6lk_1_02MOpo_ReGn0CZHwRgxJGj6Ze2E26CZ3h2DQxTtpl_2X7mXP94tHvyZJznqcnnq7x6haN5XUifjZLUbQ9G-VBTPfRmwTQ0dtRau1dPXWyt-8WX_EnpBV88YJajTxIFAceBlp7LLXUbtjA9En01Ikm4BI9o14A9QvJLaJDZQglqYngg4QhkA/s750/Print750_173750709.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="535" data-original-width="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwy6lk_1_02MOpo_ReGn0CZHwRgxJGj6Ze2E26CZ3h2DQxTtpl_2X7mXP94tHvyZJznqcnnq7x6haN5XUifjZLUbQ9G-VBTPfRmwTQ0dtRau1dPXWyt-8WX_EnpBV88YJajTxIFAceBlp7LLXUbtjA9En01Ikm4BI9o14A9QvJLaJDZQglqYngg4QhkA/s16000/Print750_173750709.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />Below is a closeup of the double pods.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: black; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvhWvsNrkyGTzRgw-RDvZdBAPHJD55d6qqJb03XaVZCCvyZIXgqpct6eDq3HolpgcZg_BKjIsaH83-VkA91a6kBoz5zHfbQdh0AKK48dGMqE6UcY2MK0meygoKvVNXBGMd7D4PNcs0BEEWNE70nvBTKMOj3RuscI9z5r0moZMDXod_SQbqs6KZDAN1gA/s800/PrintClose800_151201595.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="470" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvhWvsNrkyGTzRgw-RDvZdBAPHJD55d6qqJb03XaVZCCvyZIXgqpct6eDq3HolpgcZg_BKjIsaH83-VkA91a6kBoz5zHfbQdh0AKK48dGMqE6UcY2MK0meygoKvVNXBGMd7D4PNcs0BEEWNE70nvBTKMOj3RuscI9z5r0moZMDXod_SQbqs6KZDAN1gA/s16000/PrintClose800_151201595.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /><div style="color: black; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica;">SEED MATERIAL </span></div><div style="color: black; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="color: black; text-align: left;">I haven't mentioned yet that part of my inspiration for this piece was randomly walking into a spinning demo by Pat Maley at the Weaver's Guild. Pat was spinning cotton and showing people how to extract the cotton from the seed pod. She also mentioned flax and showed different examples of the final threads you can get with both. It got me thinking about perhaps using the real milkweed seeds in my piece, or maybe using flax thread. <br /><br />I collected seeds and pressed them for a couple months. I even experimented with dipping them in liquid "YES" paste and then pressing them between wax paper. That experiment failed when I realized the threads of the milkweed were too thin and the paper glued together. Luckily I also pressed lots of them without the glue. Below you can see them laid out onto the print.</div><div style="color: black; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFSzRX8MtODuDpF0sOI3TWC4AymZKTpL3IfNTZUrykw0t1-AzR04XeyF2jsIkNDhTrGi6pa4IuH9v0ioug0Wwqfv3DwqG3FjDi665Hbrlnq_tGodk07SB0UmW6m3kLjFnxDF4d5iXBarkGbtZKxqRcjGADPKpXTkyNmIxSuTwlZHOvtwJHPUeESCRPew/s750/RealSeeds750_205216245.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="422" data-original-width="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFSzRX8MtODuDpF0sOI3TWC4AymZKTpL3IfNTZUrykw0t1-AzR04XeyF2jsIkNDhTrGi6pa4IuH9v0ioug0Wwqfv3DwqG3FjDi665Hbrlnq_tGodk07SB0UmW6m3kLjFnxDF4d5iXBarkGbtZKxqRcjGADPKpXTkyNmIxSuTwlZHOvtwJHPUeESCRPew/s16000/RealSeeds750_205216245.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div style="color: black; text-align: left;">I liked how they looked but realized the threads would not be as visible as I wanted... especially if I glued them flat. Plus, at this point I was firming up the idea that the common "thread" woven into all the new work for the show would be "regular" embroidery thread. <br /><br />Also, as an extra bonus, I was starting to have an additional goal of weaving mystical elements into the pieces if possible. I originally bought the Virgin Mary beads for some little maple helicopter seeds I printed in my chine collé class. I thought I would use them as the seed heads. Instead, I ended up making two large maple helicopters so I put the beads aside. When I let go of the idea of using real milkweed seeds I knew the Virgin Mary beads would work perfectly. I didn't know how perfectly until I saw them side by side! It felt like the universe had worked some pretty amazing magic!</div>
<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_JyZp38kBJ4Oshr3XODLSv8xo-RqTUkCWp1DDRjDbQSlQFtupF5Vy_n6JIBiOmhnKXTtVZW5pK4S99EtBBzH8yDsiHsJF49hqQ7slSbuWxlpx8I11AgCLuGvECoUpLW2LlS-L5yff4EvQBkiKkyNlaicm5n7kc4rRJlIKvtbDm1zrcWbi7uZ8Og4Hgg/s750/Mary750_160923427.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="372" data-original-width="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_JyZp38kBJ4Oshr3XODLSv8xo-RqTUkCWp1DDRjDbQSlQFtupF5Vy_n6JIBiOmhnKXTtVZW5pK4S99EtBBzH8yDsiHsJF49hqQ7slSbuWxlpx8I11AgCLuGvECoUpLW2LlS-L5yff4EvQBkiKkyNlaicm5n7kc4rRJlIKvtbDm1zrcWbi7uZ8Og4Hgg/s16000/Mary750_160923427.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /><div style="color: black; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica;">SEED PLACEMENT</span></div><div style="color: black; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="color: black; text-align: left;">When I first envisioned this piece I thought I was going to have five seeds blowing away in the wind. Below you can see my playing with that positioning.</div><div style="text-align: left;">
<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: black; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyrJ1wLYNrkwhMeOBK3N714m-ueIcHFF5mWE2PlnHqLVNHf4mF9kIT8pRqgMbVI0q5jU8_icWcaCJlww2fH-3L8Ggyxz3BSb9aS_WOS6cMAVHc4acw9u2K7mAS67-zlAKmTk6LESaF1ovLTUpJ4TD7xRlJwYvRXXkFKLoCNvdYx3Ajom7GVIgQwqy2TA/s750/SeedPlacement750_195041401.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="422" data-original-width="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyrJ1wLYNrkwhMeOBK3N714m-ueIcHFF5mWE2PlnHqLVNHf4mF9kIT8pRqgMbVI0q5jU8_icWcaCJlww2fH-3L8Ggyxz3BSb9aS_WOS6cMAVHc4acw9u2K7mAS67-zlAKmTk6LESaF1ovLTUpJ4TD7xRlJwYvRXXkFKLoCNvdYx3Ajom7GVIgQwqy2TA/s16000/SeedPlacement750_195041401.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />I ended up lowering the number to three seeds.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: black; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggbitWe5BQW793jdoJn99zOLMxqNR-Z2DPz2G8meIuSXG0m_XerHraUJ2f2bjugaAbz510-J3_uU-uhD82me_tJ5UD38bDvn-zZnItHsSCEiK1NJDXuyeqIYxkTaUgHSB-WkdYwXTHgTnPWJsGjchECsAG39L-BxQls91sWb9d94vJhb26xnCDU9R7Xg/s750/SeedPlacement750_160802256.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="569" data-original-width="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggbitWe5BQW793jdoJn99zOLMxqNR-Z2DPz2G8meIuSXG0m_XerHraUJ2f2bjugaAbz510-J3_uU-uhD82me_tJ5UD38bDvn-zZnItHsSCEiK1NJDXuyeqIYxkTaUgHSB-WkdYwXTHgTnPWJsGjchECsAG39L-BxQls91sWb9d94vJhb26xnCDU9R7Xg/s16000/SeedPlacement750_160802256.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica;">SEWING</span></div><div style="color: black; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="color: black; text-align: left;">Part of what helped me make the decision to have three seeds was making a sample embroidered seed and then scanning the print and my sample into Photoshop. It then became clear that three seeds was all I could fit. It was also very helpful to print out my Photoshop mockup onto a transparency. I then used it as a guide to make the holes before embroidering. Below you can see the transparency with my hammer and awl.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: black; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl-0qL1EH1R_3R-skCqDTGtjWstGTSHOomhYk8Wv8qslNbRg4DINOYdClvk0aDj0In5pQgPf_aoYUpsbBVZgnPnrC7Z0mKXaJMD_sYQ_0SACVRd15wxyugf87In_A0JjDkdgsVVeAK4h3SrkxYyv98SphYyM08o1iBP8PCH8GF2ZPjacZrDsbXNOwiVw/s750/Transparency750_164216341.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="442" data-original-width="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl-0qL1EH1R_3R-skCqDTGtjWstGTSHOomhYk8Wv8qslNbRg4DINOYdClvk0aDj0In5pQgPf_aoYUpsbBVZgnPnrC7Z0mKXaJMD_sYQ_0SACVRd15wxyugf87In_A0JjDkdgsVVeAK4h3SrkxYyv98SphYyM08o1iBP8PCH8GF2ZPjacZrDsbXNOwiVw/s16000/Transparency750_164216341.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />Here you can see the print after hammering the holes and before sewing.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: black; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOABdedaVqHwXPTPUVKDir9JoLkkzLBwXqJPtuq3Vznlo7sdzVvtkMShCWsTZAASBdvszetfYrDLjWSYNPlvebEwloe7YvvlaTSuH_yBwoC6owXiZCWOtRJ2wanvCQARq1H11OUD_kSrOUwsO8fscg7Va3MzJmY-H7FSLSdMUNCnjwYUkfaqkEWlLxIw/s750/Holes750_164506812.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="488" data-original-width="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOABdedaVqHwXPTPUVKDir9JoLkkzLBwXqJPtuq3Vznlo7sdzVvtkMShCWsTZAASBdvszetfYrDLjWSYNPlvebEwloe7YvvlaTSuH_yBwoC6owXiZCWOtRJ2wanvCQARq1H11OUD_kSrOUwsO8fscg7Va3MzJmY-H7FSLSdMUNCnjwYUkfaqkEWlLxIw/s16000/Holes750_164506812.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />Below is a photo of my first sample seed. I wasn't sure how it was going to go, but I did know that I wanted to attempt to have a slight curve on the lower threads. I started by sewing the lowest holes first. Then when I sewed the holes above it, I "grabbed" the lower thread. I was hoping they would make more of a curve, but I think the effect was better than sewing straight lines from the middle to each hole.<br />
<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: black; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEIh1QjvJf6Urz-eRrOSWIzTABM0qWk_3zCxdhvBptGu_btMxQz5jnSoJHPF3QJoLr8sfjb_ZUIuBF9N_SHFT_yJ0eNY6gNN5XQ04jgIcglReQTKKcJrfUnLutlTPagTXZi8VXhku74vpYN_CspBDiyEt1A4OpwMtzxAWCXvdMDlVY9I9ZvF024zVdrg/s800/MarySeedClose800_160837618.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="501" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEIh1QjvJf6Urz-eRrOSWIzTABM0qWk_3zCxdhvBptGu_btMxQz5jnSoJHPF3QJoLr8sfjb_ZUIuBF9N_SHFT_yJ0eNY6gNN5XQ04jgIcglReQTKKcJrfUnLutlTPagTXZi8VXhku74vpYN_CspBDiyEt1A4OpwMtzxAWCXvdMDlVY9I9ZvF024zVdrg/s16000/MarySeedClose800_160837618.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: black; text-align: center;"><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica;">FINAL PRINT</span></div>
<br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: black; text-align: left;">The best photo I have of the final print was taken on this plastic grid. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: black; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: black; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguWSCdQpMda-KKxn5-mcU4_73IMQvZx6YLOl6QMuxK-eg0bfhhY86sMrgFXEpayLMYe2UKS4m06nVlcvsx5HkRf2F3rC7ya-u0U_gEG3V9ZmmbVs63a3upg057AiapUziJhMM1x0JuM1BwVa7uIxVeCFts2VSESGyZyWs3Lv12sflGtiHFio000IBOGg/s750/FinalPrint750.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="571" data-original-width="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguWSCdQpMda-KKxn5-mcU4_73IMQvZx6YLOl6QMuxK-eg0bfhhY86sMrgFXEpayLMYe2UKS4m06nVlcvsx5HkRf2F3rC7ya-u0U_gEG3V9ZmmbVs63a3upg057AiapUziJhMM1x0JuM1BwVa7uIxVeCFts2VSESGyZyWs3Lv12sflGtiHFio000IBOGg/s16000/FinalPrint750.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: black; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIiSYTzZ8KDL8qaUwx1BwABLe98yjDmTmDkNZ_c_RhtVGsG2Z21gyKEd75FCjC-nXsgkDjF0wxSyYz5EGXoEJ8WsPOCNRVP0FMgepXNl4X-3uCr3O7-7wS7ptfoBHmgY9Nucmiv_Ph9IV0O-lrwXmDNeKXRFJ3rRTeSiPxKwCzA9bo52QfUbcNXvOneg/s800/SeedClose800_151511603.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIiSYTzZ8KDL8qaUwx1BwABLe98yjDmTmDkNZ_c_RhtVGsG2Z21gyKEd75FCjC-nXsgkDjF0wxSyYz5EGXoEJ8WsPOCNRVP0FMgepXNl4X-3uCr3O7-7wS7ptfoBHmgY9Nucmiv_Ph9IV0O-lrwXmDNeKXRFJ3rRTeSiPxKwCzA9bo52QfUbcNXvOneg/s16000/SeedClose800_151511603.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: black; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica;"><br />FRAMED</span></div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: black; text-align: left;">Finding a frame that would accommodate three-dimensional objects was a bit of a task. I finally ended up purchasing frames from Wayfair that had a nice built-in spacer. I would never have known they had it from the description on the website, but luckily my neighbor had bought some and I saw them in person. It is possible to add your own spacers, but sometimes the frame is not thick enough to fit the extra depth. Weirdly, Wayfair accidentally sent me MANY extra frames...so I will be offering framed prints on the website.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: black; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: black; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhohYGjuji2OE4nGSV6pw91rkVSooAAYrganVQYZ4rfcxZ-xvgr4E3WpUAeNAf809kGR0lWFptHTqmdlMtin-gFOBGcMblTOK1sXT0-9yE6md386CZfJgwg83OrDKTr82PhGEGm_uXfSZ8r8nDq_QoUZZ1ss0IqwN--AKWu7JcLzOhCgBHoqTWFwIOywA/s750/Framed750_174125423.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="553" data-original-width="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhohYGjuji2OE4nGSV6pw91rkVSooAAYrganVQYZ4rfcxZ-xvgr4E3WpUAeNAf809kGR0lWFptHTqmdlMtin-gFOBGcMblTOK1sXT0-9yE6md386CZfJgwg83OrDKTr82PhGEGm_uXfSZ8r8nDq_QoUZZ1ss0IqwN--AKWu7JcLzOhCgBHoqTWFwIOywA/s16000/Framed750_174125423.jpg" /></a></div><br /><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica;">SHOW</span><br />
<br />For the show at the Weaver's Guild I made a label for each print with pertinent information and a couple of quotes that I felt went with each piece. <br /> <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjoklhi8fHhDXrdntgtF8ULP4JlViJBdiRDpMS1ThMmAz06JIl_YZDkdXu1lTIAe3D8T-THFMMKTFWdUOYfZqG0IKAizOO9tFBpgMR5qLoyWDwH1z1Jcmlmmsg7hAOKVRR_tNbvq-TxwwFhG6JYUV_pjX6UYOQyrYWv9P0PyeoT468drbwsXFwGBGmLg/s800/MilkweedLabel800.jpg" style="color: black; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="492" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjoklhi8fHhDXrdntgtF8ULP4JlViJBdiRDpMS1ThMmAz06JIl_YZDkdXu1lTIAe3D8T-THFMMKTFWdUOYfZqG0IKAizOO9tFBpgMR5qLoyWDwH1z1Jcmlmmsg7hAOKVRR_tNbvq-TxwwFhG6JYUV_pjX6UYOQyrYWv9P0PyeoT468drbwsXFwGBGmLg/s16000/MilkweedLabel800.jpg" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br />As most of you know if you read my <a href="https://nessydesigns.blogspot.com/2023/05/faith-in-seed-solo-exhibition.html" target="_blank">post about the show</a>, I have been especially drawn to Buddhism in recent years. But I have never written much about my Catholic upbringing. If I had to choose one thing that resonated with me from my time going to church all those years, it would be the Virgin Mary. I remember there was a statue of her at the front of the church. I loved to look at it. It was a statue of her in her blue robes with her arms down at her sides. I thought she was beautiful and liked to think I could feel love emanating from her. I didn't know it then, but the subject of the Divine Mother has come to fascinate me. I love reading about the subject and all of her various forms. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">One of my original ideas for the show was to convey the idea that the miraculous is everywhere if we only have eyes to see it. When I saw how real milkweed seeds all appear to be stamped with her form it made me ridiculously happy. I love the idea that "All forms are the Mother." If we can't find her in a plant called "milkweed" than I don't know where else to look. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">Expand the word, "Mother"</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">Let it emcompass the hills,</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">the morning,</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">that which feeds you.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">Mother is much too big a word</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">for one person alone to hold.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">Take it off her shoulders,</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">Hand it to community,</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">warm baths, anything that soothes and restores.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">Healing is learning to know where to find The Mother</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">in her myriad forms</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">whenever you need her.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica;">—Chelan Harkin, <i>Susceptible to Light</i></span></div></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: black; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi014MVaq5RhZ2vlOIL3ixcmfZ3HNgKJIS7d_3j9dZ_2qnAasVe_nxuEUsQqHyuTNVN0xTaYRKgB3SpztTovPiSxesyd0G8ETRHLNPpx8McdEbasjoo9qY9oopNsXWDbnEgaQkArvFr1IoQiwujiRxe_9PxfWiSER_1on0scg5VbY61vrDfz47NaFifhg/s750/Show750_144807629.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="487" data-original-width="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi014MVaq5RhZ2vlOIL3ixcmfZ3HNgKJIS7d_3j9dZ_2qnAasVe_nxuEUsQqHyuTNVN0xTaYRKgB3SpztTovPiSxesyd0G8ETRHLNPpx8McdEbasjoo9qY9oopNsXWDbnEgaQkArvFr1IoQiwujiRxe_9PxfWiSER_1on0scg5VbY61vrDfz47NaFifhg/s16000/Show750_144807629.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: black; text-align: center;"><br /></div>The "Milkweed" print is now available at <a href="http://NessyPress.com" target="_blank">NessyPress.com</a>. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: black; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div style="color: black; text-align: left;"></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq_pjR2S7vPr_RVjOn5sRLHzY_oD7dAGJVuT1sVQ5J8HRf_HXqWV2wET9AeuZ6NW64Aex9GVg2jDR8dIW7d_YG01pgeInoxibAjmq7Ghu9pU15tIEluCFhHDy2A4Wx0lfaQoyQkmd8xym2x3qoC91OhZ52byCO4lR7NxAqmOli9d4Z1gdEwyfWd_nFhA/s1600/MilkweedInRoom775NEW.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="601" data-original-width="775" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq_pjR2S7vPr_RVjOn5sRLHzY_oD7dAGJVuT1sVQ5J8HRf_HXqWV2wET9AeuZ6NW64Aex9GVg2jDR8dIW7d_YG01pgeInoxibAjmq7Ghu9pU15tIEluCFhHDy2A4Wx0lfaQoyQkmd8xym2x3qoC91OhZ52byCO4lR7NxAqmOli9d4Z1gdEwyfWd_nFhA/s1600/MilkweedInRoom775NEW.jpg" /></a></div>
</div><br /></div></div></div></div>Nessyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09162374688956449698noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2262034438607647152.post-51004581998669588042023-05-11T10:01:00.002-04:002023-09-27T23:27:22.355-04:00Faith In A Seed: Solo Exhibition
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguWHzMMQJFaD7rc0vZWSEdNiMbUQPcmsNpJrLx671nB6JdDhAg_HU_cWByClF0SxzKwfkivQ_mahk__fZlG2xZpRlPqGzWhfHcoO-cJqtL47KjZpFefmqIbRXtjMzZQIHEbHLd8QwrvnfvvAZ52qsTq-C8F3NqoB7ZWDHiPjqiQGKX6gTTzQ6kikdetg/s1600/SquareFlyer800.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguWHzMMQJFaD7rc0vZWSEdNiMbUQPcmsNpJrLx671nB6JdDhAg_HU_cWByClF0SxzKwfkivQ_mahk__fZlG2xZpRlPqGzWhfHcoO-cJqtL47KjZpFefmqIbRXtjMzZQIHEbHLd8QwrvnfvvAZ52qsTq-C8F3NqoB7ZWDHiPjqiQGKX6gTTzQ6kikdetg/s1600/SquareFlyer800.jpg" /></a></div><br /><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica;">FAITH IN A SEED</span><br /><br />At the end of April I opened my first solo, "Faith In A Seed," at the Weavers Guild of Cincinnati. The day was truly magical.<div><br /></div><div>When I arrived the exhibition committee was busy setting up the food which was not only beautiful but delicious!<br /><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0qLflDHbHZgFcEPxlYa79oYxBWDP4Mf1guF3CicFZTggie09HH_R4Imxflq-98eXpFdDMVdec0LlJhey-t5FlKod4VDLbI75cbF13WiICgSREAwJpXLGgfNvQgVvGK0KIWlhGf7vC5hy-BtlMR17dTsanbPUN8sFMAy0HfsIjOxZkWbcTymn4M7idPw/s700/Food_173327785.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="437" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0qLflDHbHZgFcEPxlYa79oYxBWDP4Mf1guF3CicFZTggie09HH_R4Imxflq-98eXpFdDMVdec0LlJhey-t5FlKod4VDLbI75cbF13WiICgSREAwJpXLGgfNvQgVvGK0KIWlhGf7vC5hy-BtlMR17dTsanbPUN8sFMAy0HfsIjOxZkWbcTymn4M7idPw/s16000/Food_173327785.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica;">THE TALK</span></div><div><br /></div><div>When I walked out to give my talk and saw my friends and family filling the room to capacity, it made me want to cry. I felt so supported in that moment and I want to thank every person who came out. I truly felt the love!</div><div>
<br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio_CSS75lvaegV5EKQMNHpVPQCVvaJQF6X10g2cCRsHVlHVF3gx2H9BG2ntrZHXKtgu2LAOZ36xuDs16QkgztjsyLos13LVHK6UjJxws9Wga7QY9iLLLnBwQfunU626rQY_m4jcYPme4nN9LfuZDzWKoffpDwY5AB8UK7UuPY2wZp8xhm2ZRFgYCj5Wg/s700/VTalk7002pics.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="352" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio_CSS75lvaegV5EKQMNHpVPQCVvaJQF6X10g2cCRsHVlHVF3gx2H9BG2ntrZHXKtgu2LAOZ36xuDs16QkgztjsyLos13LVHK6UjJxws9Wga7QY9iLLLnBwQfunU626rQY_m4jcYPme4nN9LfuZDzWKoffpDwY5AB8UK7UuPY2wZp8xhm2ZRFgYCj5Wg/s16000/VTalk7002pics.jpg" /></a></div> <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj12UfRsrYyE7b_EriF8i5Khic6RmZTmWcvhgRo1IeoEOjBl3eIyHF5ikDMVZn4ZkGPtoZVzjbiQsxTuQf4Um-sIHFdwwS-MOa-5qxyzLaJLaIizgGx4saLBpttY-JKk4f0IP8Dyw__6EV-RzFNQ5dVlFbB8a_5iWWAt3cgV-WE8g0lB1rWRA2vX6BZQQ/s1600/Audience700_202826.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="468" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj12UfRsrYyE7b_EriF8i5Khic6RmZTmWcvhgRo1IeoEOjBl3eIyHF5ikDMVZn4ZkGPtoZVzjbiQsxTuQf4Um-sIHFdwwS-MOa-5qxyzLaJLaIizgGx4saLBpttY-JKk4f0IP8Dyw__6EV-RzFNQ5dVlFbB8a_5iWWAt3cgV-WE8g0lB1rWRA2vX6BZQQ/s1600/Audience700_202826.jpg" /></a></div>
I was both nervous and excited to give my talk. I haven't had to speak in public in a long time and was a bit rusty. I planned my talk so that I could ease into it by reading this wonderful quote that encapsulated the whole theme of my talk.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQV9OyDITOIHI8_t0Qtrk69enaToeWeZfU26S4HK-Nhz01hMS1fGpb2Klu2d2q9L-kaGjCAiU2db6XJ9YwYQSUf2dBtbLbrjkIXwSLrKV9e3mHB5BI1l0cpHz9HWQGaAI-qAiCVQEHt6PwpLrR6W96kzMJ0HTFaoOayoh5p3-aDfOXnaxJ0sEZgXmGYQ/s1600/QuotePuzzleRing.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQV9OyDITOIHI8_t0Qtrk69enaToeWeZfU26S4HK-Nhz01hMS1fGpb2Klu2d2q9L-kaGjCAiU2db6XJ9YwYQSUf2dBtbLbrjkIXwSLrKV9e3mHB5BI1l0cpHz9HWQGaAI-qAiCVQEHt6PwpLrR6W96kzMJ0HTFaoOayoh5p3-aDfOXnaxJ0sEZgXmGYQ/s1600/QuotePuzzleRing.jpg" /></a></div> <br />
I then moved on to my first question, "Why embroider paper?" The short answer to that question was that Barbara Moss, the head of the Exhibition Committee, contacted me last September and asked me if I wanted to have a solo show. I, of course, answered, "Yes." She then said they had seen a piece I had embroidered into at the Kennedy Heights Arts Center a year ago and "could I make new work that would have embroidery?" I said yes and that is the short answer to why I made five new pieces with embroidery.<br /><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg5JQQyVdgRJJlZJS6nICKGXA523tJfanD-iEmPH1t45ExI3h022ODswoNgV1dsWbpuiqyH_Sz_3TFiqKAq8RpAZpv7ZzYyOvTZDU0_zliXs7Vsw0fDMMtNHvWXK0PR1lSxJtIq73oBPf9NBTlccNKu6a1KD-_f79sKhKvcgtXggIJmyDNaErEHVCGjg/s700/WhyEmbroiderPaper700.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="492" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg5JQQyVdgRJJlZJS6nICKGXA523tJfanD-iEmPH1t45ExI3h022ODswoNgV1dsWbpuiqyH_Sz_3TFiqKAq8RpAZpv7ZzYyOvTZDU0_zliXs7Vsw0fDMMtNHvWXK0PR1lSxJtIq73oBPf9NBTlccNKu6a1KD-_f79sKhKvcgtXggIJmyDNaErEHVCGjg/s16000/WhyEmbroiderPaper700.jpg" /></a></div><br />But I have long been interested in combining different materials in my work. And when I looked back I could see the roots of this in cards that I had embroidered for my family for various occasions. The brown and pink Valentine's Day card at the top shows how I was starting to become interested specifically in how printed paper can interact with embroidery. Plus, I had to admit, I just think it looks cool!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgJG9zCNlWH0kbA6cONugWaGsW3FpPRwrElWQV1r6afiEi2QK3yZofbEhyhfiri7mjmKR0EtaMnHUbu-ZOifCeYdBSiDA4QFNuS8cZ7tRWPCrI0KOb9GSLU9-lpBkaRbrUmitb0mV6zDC1Vybeo9pQYSbzA1Ik1SoVJq6RGzB7aC3kVwLG51QDi07ecQ/s700/EmbroideredCards.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="395" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgJG9zCNlWH0kbA6cONugWaGsW3FpPRwrElWQV1r6afiEi2QK3yZofbEhyhfiri7mjmKR0EtaMnHUbu-ZOifCeYdBSiDA4QFNuS8cZ7tRWPCrI0KOb9GSLU9-lpBkaRbrUmitb0mV6zDC1Vybeo9pQYSbzA1Ik1SoVJq6RGzB7aC3kVwLG51QDi07ecQ/s16000/EmbroideredCards.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><div style="text-align: left;">I also told a short story that while in college in the 90s I was employed at Cox Arboretum in Dayton. And one of my first assignments on the job was to pick a quote and put it on the bulletin board. I remember choosing the quote below and I think it has been working on my psyche ever since!</div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijL1eG5mUCgWBY5c328roCe5egkpwDpYjZu20CH1A2XUNu0BCtD4EfPckgcuKl1kDJ8B7KDgZGq43EShJ9GGqJ3_kWloOoOTFQ50p7u9aD3VNHFPa_YHB58RaMBb_mZGmEommfFVikqKN3Jl9O-QYWypXx77JyCjRB2uzwislg1rZY7FZZIsqP6RwbhQ/s700/BuddhaQuote700.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="393" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijL1eG5mUCgWBY5c328roCe5egkpwDpYjZu20CH1A2XUNu0BCtD4EfPckgcuKl1kDJ8B7KDgZGq43EShJ9GGqJ3_kWloOoOTFQ50p7u9aD3VNHFPa_YHB58RaMBb_mZGmEommfFVikqKN3Jl9O-QYWypXx77JyCjRB2uzwislg1rZY7FZZIsqP6RwbhQ/s16000/BuddhaQuote700.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I believe that my whole life has indeed changed from noticing the miracle of a single flower, acorn cap, or seed pod. In the talk I described how this idea of finding the miraculous in the mundane has been a theme that has pervaded my work from day one until the present... and is indeed the purpose behind all of my work.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip1dvat0C8HdtCppyNUnl-p8z3MpxTpUz4S3jTJafzydbZk7uBKXC9IBjQluLXBFxxjrFOnFOjZ_il2YqrjDYTt5z5RY4OdX1Sxjs02Y_EjcEsPZZ37wboMayNfKqXOmycYQkwNfsZav8XKRzVuRLWCpHDhKLAG9hrpV_nEFpf2LYF8lTDoalm1j6NKA/s1600/MiraculousMundane700.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="437" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip1dvat0C8HdtCppyNUnl-p8z3MpxTpUz4S3jTJafzydbZk7uBKXC9IBjQluLXBFxxjrFOnFOjZ_il2YqrjDYTt5z5RY4OdX1Sxjs02Y_EjcEsPZZ37wboMayNfKqXOmycYQkwNfsZav8XKRzVuRLWCpHDhKLAG9hrpV_nEFpf2LYF8lTDoalm1j6NKA/s1600/MiraculousMundane700.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><div style="text-align: left;">The next portion of the talk was describing the process I went through to make the new embroidered work. I used the "Buddha Seeds" as my example and showed videos of each step. I am going to write a blog post about each piece, so if you are interested in the process, it is coming soon!</div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVb8j_B0s186bELp4DngOViUXak37Z7Ke1SZU5PzZMkpo_vjIyvNOeCtd_GO9Tl85xn4tAUWNmQMyBjRnXeVgf_xauMVUQ8_9PqjgP7PH6OsE68ep029p7lPiELOOl0xAFwmUa8tM_Jz6UspPUYgPO4O3vVYAc-2mXO4oGYzrldKfGrBdx_meOrx_sog/s700/Process700.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="394" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVb8j_B0s186bELp4DngOViUXak37Z7Ke1SZU5PzZMkpo_vjIyvNOeCtd_GO9Tl85xn4tAUWNmQMyBjRnXeVgf_xauMVUQ8_9PqjgP7PH6OsE68ep029p7lPiELOOl0xAFwmUa8tM_Jz6UspPUYgPO4O3vVYAc-2mXO4oGYzrldKfGrBdx_meOrx_sog/s16000/Process700.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica;"><br />ARTIST STATEMENT</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">During my talk I described how each piece took me on quite a journey. There were amazing highs and some real low points. But every single time I learned something more about myself. Even while working on my artist statement for the show I had a major epiphany. I had written the bulk of the statement a couple weeks prior to the show and in it I kept using metaphors related to seeds. I described how a seed was planted in me and how that seed grew and produced flowers and fruit.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The last week before the show I kept fussing with the wording of my artist statement. I would think I was finished and would save the "final" jpg and send it off to the committee chair. Not only that, but I would print it out and mount it to foam core for the show. I probably did it five times thinking I was finished (and had to go buy more foam core!) But days before the show I had a major realization that I had to include in the final sentence. Here is the statement in its entirety (see below image for legible words).</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuCHYra2Jz9Ub-XAq1Hl75KEXxEbfp-cjhRugAp3aOXPozzcMc3wUUu3ULgjK_rAemhxOm5Um2E9T7axdt20D5RRvxmCeOojNC_QqYQoCJ5Y_VxNukdQKyNGYZiDYVg2GmIA99Ck0eXc4C5GD69c-jLxDAd5kUHqQYg28jOxPFr0GduUb2Frvs5UTumA/s1600/ArtistStatementFaithInASeed800.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuCHYra2Jz9Ub-XAq1Hl75KEXxEbfp-cjhRugAp3aOXPozzcMc3wUUu3ULgjK_rAemhxOm5Um2E9T7axdt20D5RRvxmCeOojNC_QqYQoCJ5Y_VxNukdQKyNGYZiDYVg2GmIA99Ck0eXc4C5GD69c-jLxDAd5kUHqQYg28jOxPFr0GduUb2Frvs5UTumA/s1600/ArtistStatementFaithInASeed800.jpg" /></a></div>
<div><span style="color: #0b5394;">"It is not lost on me that my favorite subjects (plants and their seed pods) are symbols of fertility. And that my artistic journey began ten years ago after my struggle with infertility. When I look back on that now I don’t think it is a coincidence. My “descent” into infertility was a very real walk into the darkness. Sometimes the path was excruciatingly painful. Spending years in the dark, you get to know it well. I was desperate to end my suffering and coming from an academic background I asked myself, “Who knows about suffering?” In my mind, the answer was “The Buddhists do!” I threw myself into studying suffering and how to end it. I read book after book. What I didn’t know then was that a seed was planted in that darkness…a seed that began to grow.</span></div><div><span style="color: #0b5394;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: #0b5394;">I wouldn’t have put it this way at the time, but my lack of fertility success gave me the gift of time. It allowed me to investigate my interest in three things: spirituality, plants, and printmaking. My intense study of suffering/healing/self-help eventually led me to a meditation retreat that changed my life. I sat for days in the darkness of my closed eyelids. And through some miracle of fate, I found something in that darkness that was so achingly beautiful I am forever and profoundly altered. Sitting in that dark, rich silence I discovered a light in me that I never knew existed and to this day brings tears to my eyes. When I returned home, I quit all my paying jobs and very soon began working on my printmaking full-time. </span></div><div><span style="color: #0b5394;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: #0b5394;">I became obsessed with plants, particularly the structure of seed pods. I would go on long walks and would stumble across an acorn cap or dried seed pod. I loved photographing them. Often when I would get home and look at the photos close-up, I would be left in awe. Their forms are miraculous and yet we all walk by them every day and don’t even notice! I knew I wanted to enlarge the images and make prints to draw attention to their incredible beauty. </span></div><div><span style="color: #0b5394;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: #0b5394;">And every single print I made took me on quite a journey. Printmaking is a long, drawn-out process for me. I would spend a week on the sketch, a month on the carving, and depending on the number of colors, another one to four weeks printing. Each print would offer up unique challenges. By the time the final print was pulled, I would know each plant’s curves, nooks, and crannies intimately. When I completed each print, I would finally sit down to write the blog post. And I could see the plant and the print were my greatest teachers. As I was working on the “Chinese Lantern” image of a seed in its spherical “cage” I found it was teaching me about having good, protective boundaries. Or when I would have a rough day printing, I learned about self-care, tenacity, and the balance between the two. And when making design decisions I learned to listen to my intuition. I would often find interesting connections and synchronicities that I could not have imagined existed. One time I was working on a print of a seed pod to represent Women’s Suffrage. I selected an image of a pod online to use as a reference and later found it was from a “She Oak” tree (that became the title of the piece). Or I would put the image of the Buddha on a seed husk and find out there is a centuries old term that describes it perfectly (Tathagatagharbha!). </span></div><div><span style="color: #0b5394;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: #0b5394;">When I was asked to create new work for the Weavers Guild show with embroidery, I loved the challenge. At first, I focused on finding plants that might naturally lend themselves to adding threads. And then I realized another theme was presenting itself. To convey the idea that one can find the miraculous in the mundane, I started incorporating “mystical” elements into the pieces. Whether you call it magic, the divine, the mystery, Buddha-nature, God, or simply life, there is something astonishing happening here! In every leaf, petal, seed and flower it is there! Indeed, the more I look, the more I find! It is my hope the viewer senses the magic woven into these pieces…and recognizes this golden thread that surrounds and connects us all.</span></div><div><span style="color: #0b5394;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: #0b5394;">Ten years ago a seed was planted in the darkness. It wasn’t the seed I wanted or expected. But the seed has grown, flowered and produced fruit. It has taken me on a journey from, “This is the worst thing that ever happened to me... to the best thing.” I am so very thankful for this exact journey and grateful I don’t control everything. I can see now that creativity comes from emptiness, that my suffering led to inexplicable joy, and that “the design” is created by both light and dark. I have learned to have faith in life itself... and I have learned to have faith in a seed. I finally realized, that seed is me...that seed is me."</span></div><div> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgebzddRbKOgpWg5PIqi-PSUsOmm8_bwWobqIS1qKf-NGEswlIrVL1I6rLlTO7a9oUi4vPRXqUmuc73aI2gJOAx1EPP75a8h40gILTl2X7unYzBwrvACzVkRjMJPidz2cUnJl8JXG2UXh6t5rzN6f2aZvU14MCK2K8SwMnb55mzBq947zHZIMEKLcoqQA/s800/SeedIsMe800.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgebzddRbKOgpWg5PIqi-PSUsOmm8_bwWobqIS1qKf-NGEswlIrVL1I6rLlTO7a9oUi4vPRXqUmuc73aI2gJOAx1EPP75a8h40gILTl2X7unYzBwrvACzVkRjMJPidz2cUnJl8JXG2UXh6t5rzN6f2aZvU14MCK2K8SwMnb55mzBq947zHZIMEKLcoqQA/s16000/SeedIsMe800.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: center;"><span face=""helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif" style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;">“I have great faith in a seed.</span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: center;"><span face=""helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif" style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;">Convince me that you have a seed there,</span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: center;"><span face=""helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif" style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;">and I am prepared to expect wonders.”</span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: center;"><span face=""helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif" style="color: #38761d;">— Henry David Thoreau</span></div><div><br /></div><div>I was a bit anxious about sharing all of that with everyone. But for some reason I feel compelled to start making my outside look more like my inside. It is a scary thing to be so vulnerable, but I think this life is about trying to be "me" to the fullest extent I can. A bird is singing right now outside my window, and it makes me think that we all have our unique song and we are all deeply longing to sing.<br /><br /><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica;">PHOTOS OF SHOW</span><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhswzZUJQmNGtFdMmWspfN5qRRhwhh5fNe0wdishlMvuFwZ1zs7FeohQqQZCK4rBP4eOr3cOFlMshK9sed0QLGGvRmmaeYpJ228lYWme-uLLVzPq6flGqO4GE4rApFCbIf4bfB149m-lNpde8bVBPIZGmNJGsiD9LjIsKIHGgr12uhgSNfjLFvE2iBVlw/s700/Tathagatagarbha700_144613076.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="589" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhswzZUJQmNGtFdMmWspfN5qRRhwhh5fNe0wdishlMvuFwZ1zs7FeohQqQZCK4rBP4eOr3cOFlMshK9sed0QLGGvRmmaeYpJ228lYWme-uLLVzPq6flGqO4GE4rApFCbIf4bfB149m-lNpde8bVBPIZGmNJGsiD9LjIsKIHGgr12uhgSNfjLFvE2iBVlw/s16000/Tathagatagarbha700_144613076.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://nessydesigns.blogspot.com/2023/08/tathagatagharbha-buddha-seeds.html" target="_blank">Tathagatagargha</a></td></tr></tbody></table>
<br />I was so enjoying myself talking to everyone at the show that I completely forgot to take pictures! So most of these photos are from family and friends (thank you Mark, Mary, Dad, Jenny, Katie's Mom, and George).<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6FzRpDC9bYk3WgWSMhgvgewVMT80UJXotqzIY50hCyqPC22wzObr-6y3jIUpp7oEjNlFYlGPxhHZJVEXMJSTAcJgVMMqi1cxhgcY7ZTKt-l9egct1FmFIu8d58d71oxN2FmHvJwxHDYUGuSnQbWJpOjueUudcDbTOFkdF_EMtjVqygxASUf9bHKeVag/s700/MilkweedColumbine700_144807629.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="394" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6FzRpDC9bYk3WgWSMhgvgewVMT80UJXotqzIY50hCyqPC22wzObr-6y3jIUpp7oEjNlFYlGPxhHZJVEXMJSTAcJgVMMqi1cxhgcY7ZTKt-l9egct1FmFIu8d58d71oxN2FmHvJwxHDYUGuSnQbWJpOjueUudcDbTOFkdF_EMtjVqygxASUf9bHKeVag/s16000/MilkweedColumbine700_144807629.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://nessydesigns.blogspot.com/2023/06/milkweed-embroidered-linocut.html" target="_blank">Milkweed</a>, <a href="https://nessydesigns.blogspot.com/2023/06/columbine-embroidered-linocut.html" target="_blank">Columbine</a></td></tr></tbody></table>
<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilgIkmYxSeiwXjyzGHjzpSBDeV2RRqVFS2VPBcBW5V0aZaLCw6RVufvla9mqt_WimvCkvpnrABfRlLEtFzhm0tFCsrUvmeO7ac5IcTZVHmmCKXbD05GBII9u9pB1wYypM4eVqjiQfy9KmWdrU4-o-AJXQ5MZn39Wmsd7erDjXgKpGpDSmKgD0kRQ_5Kg/s700/PassionflowerTeasel700-WA0013.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="635" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilgIkmYxSeiwXjyzGHjzpSBDeV2RRqVFS2VPBcBW5V0aZaLCw6RVufvla9mqt_WimvCkvpnrABfRlLEtFzhm0tFCsrUvmeO7ac5IcTZVHmmCKXbD05GBII9u9pB1wYypM4eVqjiQfy9KmWdrU4-o-AJXQ5MZn39Wmsd7erDjXgKpGpDSmKgD0kRQ_5Kg/s16000/PassionflowerTeasel700-WA0013.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://nessydesigns.blogspot.com/2023/07/passionflower-embroidered-linocut.html" target="_blank">Passionflower</a>, <a href="https://nessydesigns.blogspot.com/2023/07/teasel-embroidered-linocut.html" target="_blank">Teasel</a></td></tr></tbody></table>
<br />I plan on featuring each new piece in a blog post and will be adding them to my website with each blog post.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO2Ev5APV3GQL15iaQLbgEiSC1qsJZb4yyXVkX5cO_TJ7da8aFYTubMXKAf6icf8oTtbrj5pCDqWOwkpTF_XUpuiyOZh9Ljy7_w9l_nyq4-Kf05e9_CRliuHlb5XRArtfpRQsSX5t5suwL-9IcfBHHldxZFeIDRf_t-F4CZR6N_8PVxcY2c1ovnik4Ng/s700/Bundleflower700tall-WA0015.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="525" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO2Ev5APV3GQL15iaQLbgEiSC1qsJZb4yyXVkX5cO_TJ7da8aFYTubMXKAf6icf8oTtbrj5pCDqWOwkpTF_XUpuiyOZh9Ljy7_w9l_nyq4-Kf05e9_CRliuHlb5XRArtfpRQsSX5t5suwL-9IcfBHHldxZFeIDRf_t-F4CZR6N_8PVxcY2c1ovnik4Ng/s16000/Bundleflower700tall-WA0015.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />Barbara, the exhibition chair, asked me if I had any frame holders to hold my cards up. I looked around the house and couldn't find any. But then I found the perfect card holder in these old seed pods and it made me weirdly happy.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3v7Z1KRmJoYa4YjaBtSIiG1h8SqsUf5riw7IWVdcKSwJfRlCqvwK0XTMAH5J-jeBBkiRAUn6GLgLAAmYYBQKgXBu-dEM68gj-ARRwnrk6HTqGAcNe-cg2NJpnFg9XNCUgHFvDfqBuZb_meRQNQF2fMiCoBCyfR4t8TdQbNJ8n9RHjgUa_-CKh25d7mw/s700/BusCards700_173416085.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="504" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3v7Z1KRmJoYa4YjaBtSIiG1h8SqsUf5riw7IWVdcKSwJfRlCqvwK0XTMAH5J-jeBBkiRAUn6GLgLAAmYYBQKgXBu-dEM68gj-ARRwnrk6HTqGAcNe-cg2NJpnFg9XNCUgHFvDfqBuZb_meRQNQF2fMiCoBCyfR4t8TdQbNJ8n9RHjgUa_-CKh25d7mw/s16000/BusCards700_173416085.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLS0xfuoCWVoWO9oK2WH3Nq_14P7xWoRUKFtBZuxG91VXNGf31canjfk3lXqhWrTCzqIwInPkNzh1kSOZNsioT3Ep9uhZyT4g5H818kPdKNR1ybhNEyQ1uEy1Q1yuX8B7ZcKi8IampwGAPWjrRIbdhw-WYQa19XrOErofc79Mv1wrRhtdNC1cfKk2geg/s700/People700_192753426.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="394" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLS0xfuoCWVoWO9oK2WH3Nq_14P7xWoRUKFtBZuxG91VXNGf31canjfk3lXqhWrTCzqIwInPkNzh1kSOZNsioT3Ep9uhZyT4g5H818kPdKNR1ybhNEyQ1uEy1Q1yuX8B7ZcKi8IampwGAPWjrRIbdhw-WYQa19XrOErofc79Mv1wrRhtdNC1cfKk2geg/s16000/People700_192753426.jpg" /></a> <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwxcmpe4jZkE1kYEjSQrpARmIxVnrV8EMHZ5sfsn1KeCxGm91EPx2ambLwakovAni04oNakJ-_mh4wih3DCb0-DQURho8jCoK18f9HdFxvl-YllPuOZXErqFG9RnDw5SinDtMd-cjV9HGjkEavoe682sGRLDWff_l3LUQI9gUNDFKhLWOrON94NeCjvw/s1600/MarkG70023196Sherper.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="525" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwxcmpe4jZkE1kYEjSQrpARmIxVnrV8EMHZ5sfsn1KeCxGm91EPx2ambLwakovAni04oNakJ-_mh4wih3DCb0-DQURho8jCoK18f9HdFxvl-YllPuOZXErqFG9RnDw5SinDtMd-cjV9HGjkEavoe682sGRLDWff_l3LUQI9gUNDFKhLWOrON94NeCjvw/s1600/MarkG70023196Sherper.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1EqjpKQxBbHAiz8hFgitxCTmifxu9pwpMGXDAN-9BSuCIe5sJGv2d9Kav04RACQ4JulE_CC6O5qsxtrYapmk2CSv6PHQ5KRvcjc-IwCO5aSUZ6YCf3g1aiNtTwFd1aulHMZuMC-JGq_31aDaKyjND0gd8E1_h13sDOqz9U4ZVxPZSLGn7fC_d658KuQ/s1600/VMag700-WA0002Sharpened.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="525" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1EqjpKQxBbHAiz8hFgitxCTmifxu9pwpMGXDAN-9BSuCIe5sJGv2d9Kav04RACQ4JulE_CC6O5qsxtrYapmk2CSv6PHQ5KRvcjc-IwCO5aSUZ6YCf3g1aiNtTwFd1aulHMZuMC-JGq_31aDaKyjND0gd8E1_h13sDOqz9U4ZVxPZSLGn7fC_d658KuQ/s1600/VMag700-WA0002Sharpened.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">All the prints in this post are now available on my website, <a href="http://NessyPress.com">NessyPress.com</a>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica;"><br />THANK YOU</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">A big thank you to the Weavers Guild for hosting the show and asking me to go on this journey. I also want to thank Jenny Thacker for loaning me her "She Oak" print at the last minute and for being such a supportive friend. My Dad also loaned me his "Weaver" print for the show. He not only loaned me his truck to transport it, but he wrapped it up so well it was like Ft. Knox trying to open it! Thank you for your love and support Dad! I also want to thank my Mom who is my biggest supporter. My Mom owns more prints of mine than anyone else in the world and she has no more wall space in her house! Thank you Mom!<br /><br />I also wanted to especially thank those who purchased prints. It made me feel like all that hard work was worth it and literally helps support me and the work. <br /><br />And finally I want to thank my husband George without whom none of this work would not be possible. He also kept me VERY well fed throughout the months and put up with A LOT of, "I need your opinion or help or shoulder to cry on." His patience, encouragement, and love has helped water, nurture and tend this seed that is me and I couldn't have a better partner on this crazy journey. Thank you. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0cg7oyzut98tdDxD32iprY2tqhwQ11i4Rz72ZVK-2V42AOgCSjkIxs0NvgVs6r7m0VOdpspgfe91mMt09aWCkJyH6ww-6oNTzLKBKS3jRS91IWkIoyP_skAXeQD4_kJxT-m_Vwf7w6mxZqXPgoimMEMTLt4Z1GRsDlfFI1GqM2N690vQYuu00CxmZwQ/s1600/VG700-WA0004.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="525" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0cg7oyzut98tdDxD32iprY2tqhwQ11i4Rz72ZVK-2V42AOgCSjkIxs0NvgVs6r7m0VOdpspgfe91mMt09aWCkJyH6ww-6oNTzLKBKS3jRS91IWkIoyP_skAXeQD4_kJxT-m_Vwf7w6mxZqXPgoimMEMTLt4Z1GRsDlfFI1GqM2N690vQYuu00CxmZwQ/s1600/VG700-WA0004.jpg" /></a></div></div> Nessyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09162374688956449698noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2262034438607647152.post-47650857243483959432022-12-18T19:24:00.001-05:002022-12-18T19:29:10.349-05:00Macramé Wreaths<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5CdFtNYFhpHk5-0jc-59C3uur-U2MuVlmJa9XXKObDhSxKOWCjG7Ye9JjqCSGuS7FgoNMTb5zobXEKQhwQQIitnwWRItZMYB_7uaffbRtluyeLtqbd23i4qLI-gV5vUw0sJLZCyIrknTxIVIzL1d1Em159EqWD2HGkRT49RogAvG_VIpoU4C1USZPEQ/s775/JoytoYou775_220456940.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="567" data-original-width="775" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5CdFtNYFhpHk5-0jc-59C3uur-U2MuVlmJa9XXKObDhSxKOWCjG7Ye9JjqCSGuS7FgoNMTb5zobXEKQhwQQIitnwWRItZMYB_7uaffbRtluyeLtqbd23i4qLI-gV5vUw0sJLZCyIrknTxIVIzL1d1Em159EqWD2HGkRT49RogAvG_VIpoU4C1USZPEQ/s16000/JoytoYou775_220456940.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">“Do anything, but let it produce joy.” – Walt Whitman</span></div><br />Instead of printing Christmas cards this year I decided to take a break and try something new. I thought I would make my family macramé wreaths and ornaments. I watched quite a few YouTube videos before I found the one I liked best. If you would like to make this ornament <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KCx8S-Db_aI" target="_blank">here is the link</a> to my favorite instructional video. <br /><br />I altered the video instructions just a bit and used #5 macramé thread on a 2.7 inch wood ring. I then cut fifteen 14 inch pieces, plus one 26 inch piece for the holding cord. <br /><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdpEJ19fkDVdOeIoYVlBw699eDu3Trq8C3gc4xdLWnN7IYrDhMNGIx1DOALhHg_9ae-1YvyEt09s83vbPhcfuTrRT1DtJ4sZr33aWD9jWOoyXoQwJdHEhBmNE-DN6psSoyQkU7AhomSCW-D2BvyDMj7cy8a3teOhuNhHRV7iqWs3MpZ6K2vjnnyhkq_Q/s800/WreathOrnament800Tall_190311213.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="556" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdpEJ19fkDVdOeIoYVlBw699eDu3Trq8C3gc4xdLWnN7IYrDhMNGIx1DOALhHg_9ae-1YvyEt09s83vbPhcfuTrRT1DtJ4sZr33aWD9jWOoyXoQwJdHEhBmNE-DN6psSoyQkU7AhomSCW-D2BvyDMj7cy8a3teOhuNhHRV7iqWs3MpZ6K2vjnnyhkq_Q/s16000/WreathOrnament800Tall_190311213.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">A good life is like a weaving. Energy is created in the tension. The struggle, the pull and tug are everything.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">— Joan Erikson</span></div><br /> Here is a timelapse video of the process:<br /><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="540" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/MHYNbkatGnU" width="650" youtube-src-id="MHYNbkatGnU"></iframe></div>
<br />As you can see below, the first one I made was not perfect, but I got better at it as I went along.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8Euwx_oCbGPBM9GXGQejPtf0EsxUkBwsoyevJ4wjCVQiVwUKUfIm7F-LJ9aaPlyLk4gJucrSE-U_4DcY5O2CRpiR-TwpesXv-mMNi960VTEhHBZ_jdhJn9PkG4Qha5kI5LUfzObnNPpmcDyW0WgFikh7o9CdekBYrgR2jZmu-Z0prhKIxjm00Gte-4A/s1600/WreathOrnament700NEW_023727407.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="525" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8Euwx_oCbGPBM9GXGQejPtf0EsxUkBwsoyevJ4wjCVQiVwUKUfIm7F-LJ9aaPlyLk4gJucrSE-U_4DcY5O2CRpiR-TwpesXv-mMNi960VTEhHBZ_jdhJn9PkG4Qha5kI5LUfzObnNPpmcDyW0WgFikh7o9CdekBYrgR2jZmu-Z0prhKIxjm00Gte-4A/s1600/WreathOrnament700NEW_023727407.jpg"/></a></div>
<br />After making a handful of the wreath ornaments I got ambitious and thought I would try a bigger wreath. I again watched A LOT of wreath making tutorials and found <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oP3ouKtNCmQ" target="_blank">this one that I liked the best</a>.<br /><br />I altered the "recipe" of the video a bit because my ring was smaller than hers. I used a 6 inch hoop and cut thirty-five 44 inch pieces of thread (7 cords for 5 sets). I also used #6 thread. Here you can see me starting the wreath by attaching my threads to the hoop. <br /><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXA2m49jyj0N_ox0l40QzaztJRtm-WSM7sctLUJOEzUMAm-pBaeVuN9gC9MJ_PWGXjubjyrZrFE-YuT_sFiHJ1qlWkmDKgC6tiWK2OsqzWZ5Y_EzMx0GOgkOWYmA7EVW1GRnOkcGSenJUklFZdVZc5809fu-bTDiuzvLfF_bMidFwHtMgUCn0LGBnSeA/s750/WreathProcess750_000138973.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="527" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXA2m49jyj0N_ox0l40QzaztJRtm-WSM7sctLUJOEzUMAm-pBaeVuN9gC9MJ_PWGXjubjyrZrFE-YuT_sFiHJ1qlWkmDKgC6tiWK2OsqzWZ5Y_EzMx0GOgkOWYmA7EVW1GRnOkcGSenJUklFZdVZc5809fu-bTDiuzvLfF_bMidFwHtMgUCn0LGBnSeA/s16000/WreathProcess750_000138973.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">When the wreath was finished I wanted to take a photo with something in it to show the scale. Otus volunteered to help out with that.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGBGibvRL1W4Z3S33Pfy1kpUJ6rYlQarTL2bTcyq4X7eEBIptwxES1fIo34YLfnOfDEevHOxLySJ_H8xfQ1cE2Z-OJ1LeaWCzWcMpxz-fDHHbEzFehLdTTc6lFSkptlXT7e96xbHnJqYsNAgnOxJ5HvU7d3kIyur9RFv8zDjBT78ti-AWxHTvl92e12A/s750/OtusWreath750_165408506.MP.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="667" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGBGibvRL1W4Z3S33Pfy1kpUJ6rYlQarTL2bTcyq4X7eEBIptwxES1fIo34YLfnOfDEevHOxLySJ_H8xfQ1cE2Z-OJ1LeaWCzWcMpxz-fDHHbEzFehLdTTc6lFSkptlXT7e96xbHnJqYsNAgnOxJ5HvU7d3kIyur9RFv8zDjBT78ti-AWxHTvl92e12A/s16000/OtusWreath750_165408506.MP.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgk7n_yzG5ScNzqS2d5s1P1MW8I3y93Pdm3itV64SYhAY3Fdr4UwOhCIH5MuG_qCslSv6q8Y6M9wmy0_T1Ia9hcfsq28qo_BC1YIiHcz7vdcJ4Nr4QXXQJuzAmHbH2z8TvDj0tA5vQCaF5r6yge34QV6sepAikh3uxrOYeWRmmmOhQaMJPN1NfaFPcDA/s750/OtusWreath750_1669741050306.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="505" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgk7n_yzG5ScNzqS2d5s1P1MW8I3y93Pdm3itV64SYhAY3Fdr4UwOhCIH5MuG_qCslSv6q8Y6M9wmy0_T1Ia9hcfsq28qo_BC1YIiHcz7vdcJ4Nr4QXXQJuzAmHbH2z8TvDj0tA5vQCaF5r6yge34QV6sepAikh3uxrOYeWRmmmOhQaMJPN1NfaFPcDA/s16000/OtusWreath750_1669741050306.jpg" /></a></div><br /><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">"The world is bound in secret knots." — Athanasius Kircher</span><br />
<br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicO9rO9PDEvemEY6BXn0AtAiWolctkLbI3H6m4hUfyVRjtzSr4G5Jj-r6sm3LLCA61zH_WFG4yARfhi3RU_jat0adpb7KOCyTPSXZozxhDp0rkzxU8foDKNDEgHnP1G9S8GO8QfFq12Q7TlLw-SEgj3o29GPgsUC401QtZdQXHh8vepvw5m0IVYyXHhQ/s750/Wreath750_165439158.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicO9rO9PDEvemEY6BXn0AtAiWolctkLbI3H6m4hUfyVRjtzSr4G5Jj-r6sm3LLCA61zH_WFG4yARfhi3RU_jat0adpb7KOCyTPSXZozxhDp0rkzxU8foDKNDEgHnP1G9S8GO8QfFq12Q7TlLw-SEgj3o29GPgsUC401QtZdQXHh8vepvw5m0IVYyXHhQ/s16000/Wreath750_165439158.jpg" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">For the first wreath I used unpainted beads because I thought my Mom would like the subtle tones. For the second one I made for my Dad I used red wooden beads. Here you can see my makeshift setup. I just happened to have a physical therapy band handy and it worked to hold the wreath as I knotted each set.</div>
<br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4jWmdL0yfWp5DhERiwF98Y0m1sSoTDhAlai08RkA9UtdNpLID5UsYXz1k--48B_jMggxkSuNni5AiY1wZN2H50_xNPbePLiJM6dGfHM5Ml20hsDLQLMt5rTcFE9sLWbq_MNZ9Qw3HajDZ95fKicZsasPm-eHa5hLBpbiUnbHNhwyCd_5-nZVZ-LE6ig/s750/WreathWorking750_020514081.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="422" data-original-width="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4jWmdL0yfWp5DhERiwF98Y0m1sSoTDhAlai08RkA9UtdNpLID5UsYXz1k--48B_jMggxkSuNni5AiY1wZN2H50_xNPbePLiJM6dGfHM5Ml20hsDLQLMt5rTcFE9sLWbq_MNZ9Qw3HajDZ95fKicZsasPm-eHa5hLBpbiUnbHNhwyCd_5-nZVZ-LE6ig/s16000/WreathWorking750_020514081.jpg" /></a><br /><br />
Below you can see both front and back.<br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG4n6iGDlbx5polJYr-cVzUXa1f5bHebgTwfqdkD5CTXbH7r5HWMpy7UkoTd-QO79spJsok9k1w1tB7H_OXYhrBGQ86IgXHZ_qvbQWUJGR3xXu4az20aW0C9aRETJDFAQDl4gI2XXhDm3-uufCrDGsdxJi1jg--aaYMCvAwdNUywBxlZx6cnf0b5t8IA/s775/FrontBack775NEW_042343700.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="775" data-original-width="689" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG4n6iGDlbx5polJYr-cVzUXa1f5bHebgTwfqdkD5CTXbH7r5HWMpy7UkoTd-QO79spJsok9k1w1tB7H_OXYhrBGQ86IgXHZ_qvbQWUJGR3xXu4az20aW0C9aRETJDFAQDl4gI2XXhDm3-uufCrDGsdxJi1jg--aaYMCvAwdNUywBxlZx6cnf0b5t8IA/s16000/FrontBack775NEW_042343700.jpg" /></a></div><br />
I learned so much from making these wreaths and it brings me joy just looking at them. I have always loved wreath/donut shapes. I not only like the beauty of the wreath itself, but I also think it is a celebration of the empty space in the middle. It is a contrast of cacophonous joy surrounding peaceful space and silence. I hope your holiday season is filled with both joy and peace, and I send each and every one of you a warm hug from Nessy!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">Love weaves itself from hundreds of threads.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">—David Levithan</span></div>
<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBqRTCw62q7uP_ljUWZdZjRGen-KYvVCnl296HIpOCuukwzZnaDR4IrpKlaZ-X4QapARCm1-vKqpQPQlqT8qqUBprKxGbANQLkoJISQym-wz7C_LhFdTmwgdTAeh5Fj9BvhorhiYqkPq6RiUUfJnrCOzop73-y9y5Yg0vwflC0QLDsUpYWc1qWUhLHYg/s775/HappyHolidays775_165449097.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="436" data-original-width="775" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBqRTCw62q7uP_ljUWZdZjRGen-KYvVCnl296HIpOCuukwzZnaDR4IrpKlaZ-X4QapARCm1-vKqpQPQlqT8qqUBprKxGbANQLkoJISQym-wz7C_LhFdTmwgdTAeh5Fj9BvhorhiYqkPq6RiUUfJnrCOzop73-y9y5Yg0vwflC0QLDsUpYWc1qWUhLHYg/s16000/HappyHolidays775_165449097.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /><br />
Nessyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09162374688956449698noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2262034438607647152.post-8264993126820804042022-11-08T09:52:00.002-05:002023-08-28T21:03:14.073-04:002022 In the Garden<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhohwcNwe62D5ZJ8PnRtXsHaXXT5ge0E_9D6saustG-rWJoJeU06q84Y3Enk_BLQsrmZl-8_3KbamTAhUirCBqAtJR2MdSiYp5l5hLA8YP0ggRkrBNCQcqx_Iga9LRGVu1HB8eOWhxz0fQqBG-pfOVb_ahAYHDbIrMWlaNYhs2O_xQw-gbIS6YRkrqjYw/s775/1Buddha775_181323650.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="542" data-original-width="775" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhohwcNwe62D5ZJ8PnRtXsHaXXT5ge0E_9D6saustG-rWJoJeU06q84Y3Enk_BLQsrmZl-8_3KbamTAhUirCBqAtJR2MdSiYp5l5hLA8YP0ggRkrBNCQcqx_Iga9LRGVu1HB8eOWhxz0fQqBG-pfOVb_ahAYHDbIrMWlaNYhs2O_xQw-gbIS6YRkrqjYw/s16000/1Buddha775_181323650.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">"Build pockets of stillness into your life."</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">―Maria Popova</span></div><br />I don't normally do a blog post about the garden, but this year I made some big changes so I thought a post was in order. As I sat down to write, it occurred to me the seeds of this project were planted 13 years ago! When we <a href="https://nessydesigns.blogspot.com/2009/08/screen-porch.html" target="_blank">added a screen porch to the back of our house</a>, the man who laid the pavers underneath asked us what we wanted to do with the extra dirt. I distinctly remember him asking, "Do you want us to haul the dirt away or put it in a mound in your back yard?" I recall looking over at George and my next door neighbor John and they said... "Oh, just put it in the back yard...maybe we can use it for something someday." <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">“Because of what you have done, things will happen later which can't possibly be foreseen.”</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">― Iris Murdoch</span></div><br />Well, that mound of dirt sat there for 13 years! Finally, last fall I decided to take some action. For two days I attacked the mound with a shovel and simply flung the dirt as far as I could. Did I hurt my back? Yes. Am I happy the mound is finally gone? YES! When my back told me I was done moving dirt, a low circle remained. At first I was irritated, but then it occurred to me I could build a low stone wall around it. It was late fall when this occurred to me...probably too late to complete the stone project, but not too late to plant a rhododendron. <br />
<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">"The first gesture of an architect is to draw a perimeter;<br />in other words, to separate the microclimate from the macro space outside.<br />This in itself is a sacred act." </span><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica;"><span style="font-size: medium;">— Mario Botta</span></span></div>
<br /><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica;">LOW STONE WALL<br /></span><br />This spring I was happy the rhododendron survived the winter and George and I started the project. After harvesting all the "extra" stone from around our yard I realized we needed a couple more rows. My Dad came down with his truck and we made a trip to <a href="https://www.ohiovalleystone.com/" target="_blank">Creech's Ohio Valley Stone</a>. The next day George and I built the wall. Below you can see the wall and the rhododendron. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFG45l-vkQpAjCWu8qL0_S0wohXPzLfRKv2dbXYykD9xpKxxUiy_C7RauKR5HmT9qkLCEFTmkFJsGDS5gg-ev4n6CJEWp1yaS9wdwqXar-Tx24G0aXC75Cs9OQJtigGmZpPcfWRqtRrzQ3kdFRa3J_gyzTshBOf7pCQoju3ncffxIjnx7AqryPs090oA/s750/2Stonewall750_173235339.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="422" data-original-width="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFG45l-vkQpAjCWu8qL0_S0wohXPzLfRKv2dbXYykD9xpKxxUiy_C7RauKR5HmT9qkLCEFTmkFJsGDS5gg-ev4n6CJEWp1yaS9wdwqXar-Tx24G0aXC75Cs9OQJtigGmZpPcfWRqtRrzQ3kdFRa3J_gyzTshBOf7pCQoju3ncffxIjnx7AqryPs090oA/s16000/2Stonewall750_173235339.jpg" /><br /></a></div>Later that week I had a wonderful time at Natorp's buying shade plants. I bought Jacob's Ladder, Lady's Mantle, shade Phlox, Mukdenia, ferns, and a hosta.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCSuJ1IfBDgRf5qOa6BW-jg0ihgNMjjqHW69jwbzfzv_Je6qZiBDSQSTQRCd5QFL9db2MwvCPrp4aD2krYYePo5un6Inqb87mUTd4y-eyhohxtBkxzdnuVBCNap90RsV6IXRejScCP0Ap3OVECf9Al8lMB9xsE0CwvDem7RomB3ZL5cvr3Mirb8IwTFA/s700/3StonewallPlants700_153549144.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="525" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCSuJ1IfBDgRf5qOa6BW-jg0ihgNMjjqHW69jwbzfzv_Je6qZiBDSQSTQRCd5QFL9db2MwvCPrp4aD2krYYePo5un6Inqb87mUTd4y-eyhohxtBkxzdnuVBCNap90RsV6IXRejScCP0Ap3OVECf9Al8lMB9xsE0CwvDem7RomB3ZL5cvr3Mirb8IwTFA/s16000/3StonewallPlants700_153549144.jpg" /></a></div>Below you can see the final wall with all the plantings.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrVUvcECRBlM8EfQhk5mQJ9WN6X1GcBeuKq1d0S15ciY5YKKpBuItR_k2AWYOC4yOklmhFq7Zaz0u4cvdpPU2sWuyCuuTfgabq3vQypyZ1n9vAyw-7uwiKY9XtG3wjGmuZH8NFfjZc0bC7yXb8ETDftQSHNmuVVRXlqea3GWZCeKnrwr4fve20KmzYNg/s750/4Stonewall750_190205938.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="563" data-original-width="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrVUvcECRBlM8EfQhk5mQJ9WN6X1GcBeuKq1d0S15ciY5YKKpBuItR_k2AWYOC4yOklmhFq7Zaz0u4cvdpPU2sWuyCuuTfgabq3vQypyZ1n9vAyw-7uwiKY9XtG3wjGmuZH8NFfjZc0bC7yXb8ETDftQSHNmuVVRXlqea3GWZCeKnrwr4fve20KmzYNg/s16000/4Stonewall750_190205938.jpg" /></a>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica;"><span style="font-size: large;">“Sometimes since I’ve been in the garden I’ve looked up through the trees at the sky and I have had a strange feeling of being happy as if something was pushing and drawing in my chest and making me breathe fast. Magic is always pushing and drawing and making things out of nothing.”</span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">― Frances Hodgson Burnett, <i>The Secret Garden</i></span></span></div>
</div><br />And here is the view from the other side before the wall and after. From this view you can see it is more of a crescent wall that ends as the elevation gets more shallow.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP53Dh08xDTpU8QdwInqaO0BcnrSU1SUxqAl9EPuM3XWc4hwkrI9YPvzE1OrfgjfAwbPNx0EoN83v6KNKGKLFM8c5c9OJvyL1avJ3S3Gf4nn9drdP-b2pHhS9xAbhu0nCRc1D3409uJwaHxfeJfz8NvqK2qOZSNuV34RcTC2LBNwER8oVaGlGE98sK_w/s1000/5BeforeAFterStonewall1000_190205938.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="667" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP53Dh08xDTpU8QdwInqaO0BcnrSU1SUxqAl9EPuM3XWc4hwkrI9YPvzE1OrfgjfAwbPNx0EoN83v6KNKGKLFM8c5c9OJvyL1avJ3S3Gf4nn9drdP-b2pHhS9xAbhu0nCRc1D3409uJwaHxfeJfz8NvqK2qOZSNuV34RcTC2LBNwER8oVaGlGE98sK_w/s16000/5BeforeAFterStonewall1000_190205938.jpg" /></a>
<br />
</div><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica;">BOULDERS</span><br /><br />Last fall we had two large, overgrown bushes removed from the front yard and their absence left two gaping holes in the landscape. So when I was at the stone store I couldn't help but notice the beautiful selection of boulders. Again, my Dad brought his truck down and I had a great time selecting bounlers. I was like a kid in a candy store and the guys at the stone store were so helpful, always happy to oblige me and roll this or that boulder over for inspection. At one point, I was walking around a giant pile of rocks and the man who was helping me was a native Spanish speaker. I apologized for taking so long but told him the stones "have to speak to me (tienen que llamarme)." He didn't miss a beat when he responded, "Yes, of course, they have to speak to your heart. (Por supuesto, tienen que llamar al corazón.)" After many "conversations" I came home with two beautiful boulders.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">"Even a stone, and more easily a flower or a bird, could show you the way back to God, to the Source, to yourself. When you look at it or hold it and let it be without imposing a word of mental label on it, a sense of awe, of wonder, arises within you. Its essence silently communicates itself to you and reflects your own essence back to you." </span><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">― Eckhart Tolle</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3UjYsUnkfISLgZUWKEQeVoGxY8Z32UFOblJ7pbmHQ-o2nhrM889ZLpR_aJbxsj-4VGrke2T7zvfTdhuorfwmrbOB2-UJVVkd7bZc_mh1Q3ET0Z2lyVMLRHby4QeA0DusLWRjo9_skOHGOD-4jTTYSw5IHjs2GuxECAXzKX0s8spTcxkQ1wazd9arlKA/s750/6Boulder750_180432623%20copy.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="563" data-original-width="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3UjYsUnkfISLgZUWKEQeVoGxY8Z32UFOblJ7pbmHQ-o2nhrM889ZLpR_aJbxsj-4VGrke2T7zvfTdhuorfwmrbOB2-UJVVkd7bZc_mh1Q3ET0Z2lyVMLRHby4QeA0DusLWRjo9_skOHGOD-4jTTYSw5IHjs2GuxECAXzKX0s8spTcxkQ1wazd9arlKA/s16000/6Boulder750_180432623%20copy.jpg" /></a></div>When we pulled into the driveway we weren't sure how we were going to get them to their new locations. But we were able to use to two old, sturdy boards to shimmy them down from the truck and roll them into their new homes.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj04AqRv17S5qIH8mR_JrNDhBYTKAoqubqK3A_hJwGmzhhHDkWNJyUxV8MKAKsPb86i8CKM08JJA-HVAwaMtBwMm7HJTCcB_JwT4dY5OHv9OzT8QkDsKKyXv_mmXME1tc2REauGB5p8UJ0GtfU0tQeoSXuYACO88Y_wFjoZR_4GK-Tpi1ulfGkalQaY3A/s750/7Boulder750_193502088.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="642" data-original-width="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj04AqRv17S5qIH8mR_JrNDhBYTKAoqubqK3A_hJwGmzhhHDkWNJyUxV8MKAKsPb86i8CKM08JJA-HVAwaMtBwMm7HJTCcB_JwT4dY5OHv9OzT8QkDsKKyXv_mmXME1tc2REauGB5p8UJ0GtfU0tQeoSXuYACO88Y_wFjoZR_4GK-Tpi1ulfGkalQaY3A/s16000/7Boulder750_193502088.jpg" /></a></div><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica;">PLANTER</span><div><br /></div><div>When we first bought our house we ignored the side yard for a good three years. When I finally turned my attention to it, you couldn't even walk from the front to the back yard due to the weeds that towered overhead. Once we cleared those weeds, I realized there was an underlayer of day lilies. We have spent the last twenty years trying to dig them up. They still appear and I still try and dig them. It is a gardening ritual that will probably last as long as we own the house. I have always had a vision for this side yard that included some sort of focal point in the middle. I envisioned a boulder fountain, or a bird bath, or a large pot. <br /><br />I like to be open to what solution might present itself. And this year I happened to visit <a href="https://grandmasgardens.net/" target="_blank">Grandma's Garden's</a> in Waynesville when I noticed this incredible stone planter. The intricate relief designs reminded me of Mayan carvings. I kept circling the display of planters, but that one pot kept calling me back to it... like "mi corazón" had ears . I think I saw it in May or June and didn't buy it because I thought it was a little pricey. But I kept thinking about that pot for a month and that's how I knew it was meant to be.</div><div><br />In July I met my Mom at Grandma's and I was nervous it would be gone. But I was so happy when I saw she was still in there in all her glorious detail. My Mom generously purchased it (and a load of plants to fill it) for me as an early birthday present and I am so in love with it. Thank you Mom! And thank you for always being a model of generosity and giving in my life. I strive to be more like you in this way.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVur6ur0ok1NK253GvpyjFmpTivKS6lo2shB41EssEcsSwJcLjWhVRAlPs6riOimyjts1Lovgp8f3yCNRoZYnhcHR0gcyGDsb89RdExzEquC2t_Z55qpqEkbTxBMeBSfqMsxgKtIIszT5C7nDqoO1T-pXTVFPKYXycWPGGxLmo5gq5fC-hA0lJh3U_IQ/s750/8Planter750_174207957.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="563" data-original-width="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVur6ur0ok1NK253GvpyjFmpTivKS6lo2shB41EssEcsSwJcLjWhVRAlPs6riOimyjts1Lovgp8f3yCNRoZYnhcHR0gcyGDsb89RdExzEquC2t_Z55qpqEkbTxBMeBSfqMsxgKtIIszT5C7nDqoO1T-pXTVFPKYXycWPGGxLmo5gq5fC-hA0lJh3U_IQ/s16000/8Planter750_174207957.jpg" /></a></div>I know not many people will walk around my side yard. But you can also see it when you look over the side porch. It made me happy every day to stand on the side porch and water it over the edge. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2IhDrZXvjJcWrBtgiBojIM-HdIR-pDLcnWF2RMAVn4vuV10_J9fwJT-VI6zMbQ9kgcQNBnyLlW8Skf5WMlWU3zkmVcCqwOysqJ3Aoqhot2g2Fsb1FHiYC5oSU1xudSXmfeWmXo9qI1BZk8TuV_5Yxi25NatYUDC67QKWQwaBxvplSfS1qRZKCd0aCIQ/s750/9Planter750_235721555.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="563" data-original-width="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2IhDrZXvjJcWrBtgiBojIM-HdIR-pDLcnWF2RMAVn4vuV10_J9fwJT-VI6zMbQ9kgcQNBnyLlW8Skf5WMlWU3zkmVcCqwOysqJ3Aoqhot2g2Fsb1FHiYC5oSU1xudSXmfeWmXo9qI1BZk8TuV_5Yxi25NatYUDC67QKWQwaBxvplSfS1qRZKCd0aCIQ/s16000/9Planter750_235721555.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">It was about finding the sacred within myself, my center, my peaceful core. We each have a sacred space within us, a part of us. This sacred space is a temple, a temple to our inner power, our intuition, and our connection with the divine. Discovery of psychic powers, spells, and meditation are all things that lead us to the temple. They help us find the road within and walk our path to the inner temple.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">— Christopher Penczak</span></div><br />I had to include a photo of this planter on the opposite side of the house. It was such a prolific bloomer this year you couldn't even see the pot. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3U4gkWJMeHlVdeHlyDwAZpp_I_s90Hv0mlgASJ_yRFNerCht8DSrpxSrbUBODk1bnledSpVDSMTaQCDY3Xc1hSare2DCXP9rSFWGxe9WrNaIpiy6QsfAdcbwcsHAO7j-GIdQKcmpUJBJxId2_AeMJ445g7KlvQwivfF8AEarTV9Kx79fqOwuiPTEwAA/s750/10Planter750_155938444.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="563" data-original-width="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3U4gkWJMeHlVdeHlyDwAZpp_I_s90Hv0mlgASJ_yRFNerCht8DSrpxSrbUBODk1bnledSpVDSMTaQCDY3Xc1hSare2DCXP9rSFWGxe9WrNaIpiy6QsfAdcbwcsHAO7j-GIdQKcmpUJBJxId2_AeMJ445g7KlvQwivfF8AEarTV9Kx79fqOwuiPTEwAA/s16000/10Planter750_155938444.jpg" /></a></div><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica;"><br />PAGODA</span><br /><br />The pagoda was another new addition to the yard this year. Towards the middle of July I met my Mom and Dad at <a href="https://aquaticgarden.com/" target="_blank">Aquatic and Garden Decor</a>. I knew I wanted to buy some sort of pagoda and they had quite a selection, but nothing exactly called out to me. Both my parents purchased items and as we were leaving I noticed half of the parking lot was filled with pallets of assorted statues and fountains. I wasn't sure these were even for sale, but I meandered over just to take a gander when I spied this pagoda. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS865BYgXu7bs6_SH0HGUhzQDPOMY3YxuTNkdakzvDYlVjiz79fOSTX7NdNDhv5zxPh_E6fXhLWOzpLur2TjBnc8Cn3DqCLPuEVX3fUQYJrd3vX9Vo8kmhekCgru8EJI1uuZI393ewb-9eDIAPjIxMQRr50LfI5nt2G68IItCsmtop1apr29afVed5-Q/s629/Pagoda_181306545.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="629" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS865BYgXu7bs6_SH0HGUhzQDPOMY3YxuTNkdakzvDYlVjiz79fOSTX7NdNDhv5zxPh_E6fXhLWOzpLur2TjBnc8Cn3DqCLPuEVX3fUQYJrd3vX9Vo8kmhekCgru8EJI1uuZI393ewb-9eDIAPjIxMQRr50LfI5nt2G68IItCsmtop1apr29afVed5-Q/s16000/Pagoda_181306545.jpg" /></a></div>
It was sitting in four pieces and I asked the man working there if he could put it together. When he finished placing the final piece on top I was struck by its "adorableness." But I still wanted to see what Grandma's might have to offer also. So I took a photo and we left to go on to Grandma's and that's when I got the stone planter mentioned above. Once I got the stone planter home and in place, I still couldn't get this adorable pagoda out of my mind. Or maybe I should say it kept tugging at my heart, "llamando a mi corazón." It seemed like such an extravagance to add yet another new garden feature, but I decided to treat myself to an early birthday gift. <br /><br />My Dad helped me dig up the old, slightly odd garden ornament that sat in this spot for at least twenty years. We had no idea that old ornament went down two feet! <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYbKMvDU-hnUKnjVjgSySUWw9ZxOEiy1niagxrJuPxne977Ovk--lJi3YOHv68XftQg-hrDZ7VKinXApPMVkqunfoEeT9lHz50uRVM62Vpi-plfWmJwxw-c6BPg-KCvTBGbsTZFHk4c0MBtSuiV5FYiT8JIwPX_SpgJyz0kgRgQppND5AZKhX3GW_94Q/s1600/DoubleYardOrnament.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="425" data-original-width="775" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYbKMvDU-hnUKnjVjgSySUWw9ZxOEiy1niagxrJuPxne977Ovk--lJi3YOHv68XftQg-hrDZ7VKinXApPMVkqunfoEeT9lHz50uRVM62Vpi-plfWmJwxw-c6BPg-KCvTBGbsTZFHk4c0MBtSuiV5FYiT8JIwPX_SpgJyz0kgRgQppND5AZKhX3GW_94Q/s1600/DoubleYardOrnament.jpg" /></a></div>But it was worth it because I love how this pagoda welcomes everyone who enters the yard or pulls in the driveway with its cheery presence.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsNCvw5pxkYA6KpndUs81Rg8JvemNPx1gh--XUtniQ0tThuB8TQU5gM_PyFjUQomCajXl9MyusKyU9-wBSjBqRhVWGVnBlvijF60burp8cArWh1Pz4ms3PrVyyJ68IkNiFOPqh-CXyONC0sPRdDeOtoXZ8ZijOjkt2DAr7Gl4m4iOtHCA3Vam6msS25A/s925/11Pagoda750_004406611.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="925" data-original-width="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsNCvw5pxkYA6KpndUs81Rg8JvemNPx1gh--XUtniQ0tThuB8TQU5gM_PyFjUQomCajXl9MyusKyU9-wBSjBqRhVWGVnBlvijF60burp8cArWh1Pz4ms3PrVyyJ68IkNiFOPqh-CXyONC0sPRdDeOtoXZ8ZijOjkt2DAr7Gl4m4iOtHCA3Vam6msS25A/s16000/11Pagoda750_004406611.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">“Portals must have guardians.”</span></div><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">― William Richard Lethaby, <i>Architecture, Mysticism and Myth</i></span></div></span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica;">DRY CREEK BED</span><br /><br />After George and I built the low stone wall I spent a fair amount of time watering the new plants in my newly created circle. One day I noticed there was a natural pathway between the new wall and the hydrangeas. I thought about what I could plant there, but it occurred to me that I don't need any more plants!... especially way back in the yard where it is hard to water! So I came up with the idea to put in a dry creek bed. I was inspired by my favorite section of landscaping on Xavier's campus where they use stones to create a simple pathway.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS6-1aMvzqNAKmluXyuqBuk7gsflC7qQrK9ZIH-oMeOdd9cyZjRlB_Ke2RIgEhT9wv6BWnPIPO7FDbFfFaFE0QlaI_Istbr-q9DLVDPYDlB0CvzLVQeNk5Mbz88BMDfbOogBMIFSNIeuISNkbPmDhPJC1jziLVCyxAv2sfNBlEoq-SXUCFRW2OX6T8-w/s1600/Xavier600_225447457.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS6-1aMvzqNAKmluXyuqBuk7gsflC7qQrK9ZIH-oMeOdd9cyZjRlB_Ke2RIgEhT9wv6BWnPIPO7FDbFfFaFE0QlaI_Istbr-q9DLVDPYDlB0CvzLVQeNk5Mbz88BMDfbOogBMIFSNIeuISNkbPmDhPJC1jziLVCyxAv2sfNBlEoq-SXUCFRW2OX6T8-w/s1600/Xavier600_225447457.jpg" /></a></div>
At first I thought it was just one of those ideas that pops into my head that is too hard to enact. I actually contacted a landscaping company, but they never got back to me. I don't know when it happened or whose idea it was, but at some point my Dad and I thought we would give it a go ourselves. <br /><br />At the very end of July George was going to be out-of-town visiting family and my Dad agreed to come stay with me for a long weekend. Right before George left he attempted to dig out the worst of the big roots and sapling trees. But my Dad and I still spent the entire first day clearing, clearing, clearing the pathway as best we could. Below is a photo after our first day. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2-JWn9to1Z-IHBKQKU9YNw_DkrMaeZHaRxAn-z4DyXwV-hzRfyzKSYEyX8wy9I0J9bPAc8U6h6e8XUiB-zDhTAzlael_HEHoeC9xwohPeeSyZiqutMt_mkNE5Lbkc3vm2h81x2aXQDppPDXaVRq_InmOhiMB35IDDdWyHRJ-GfjOJG5Kz4W666SKOog/s700/12DirtPath700_163020952.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="525" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2-JWn9to1Z-IHBKQKU9YNw_DkrMaeZHaRxAn-z4DyXwV-hzRfyzKSYEyX8wy9I0J9bPAc8U6h6e8XUiB-zDhTAzlael_HEHoeC9xwohPeeSyZiqutMt_mkNE5Lbkc3vm2h81x2aXQDppPDXaVRq_InmOhiMB35IDDdWyHRJ-GfjOJG5Kz4W666SKOog/s16000/12DirtPath700_163020952.jpg" /></a></div>The next day I was so excited to go back to the stone store. The same nice man recognized us and showed us all of our options. My favorite stone was the Colorado river rocks. The only problem was they only had "large" and "small" sizes available that day. He wasn't sure when the "medium" size would be in...it could be a day or a month...they never knew. I was disappointed, but was determined to proceed. After all, my Dad was here to help with his truck and I wasn't sure when all the stars would align again. I also wasn't sure exactly what sizes we needed. Plus I love big rocks and figured the bigger the better. So I bought half a pallets worth of the large rocks and figured we would return to buy the smaller ones once we finished laying the large. It turned out my Dad's truck could only hold half my purchase of the large rocks. So they loaded us up with half my purchase and off we went, slowly, slowly driving home with our heavy load.<br /><br />When we got home and unloaded the large rocks I started to freak out a little on the inside. I could tell they were a bit large for the space. But this is not something I could have know without actually placing them down! Below you can see they looked a little odd!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxJBMHrYIVBbHyZaKh99YgXRq6hlWv3sPqgaqMGv4x5jE9vhjjTddsiAFC3y-fyjXsN7MwSs-3vBKz8Ks6M7Qa87jZ_DgQtLgFxiJDqkeEEGTjtbW6ml_ZjR4AKPpS8UinDv9E_0u3NIZ7wwZc0kHfBQgI1bRDI0hvUO2wjQadinMaJpDCgtu23IJq8g/s700/13BigRocks700_175255232.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="525" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxJBMHrYIVBbHyZaKh99YgXRq6hlWv3sPqgaqMGv4x5jE9vhjjTddsiAFC3y-fyjXsN7MwSs-3vBKz8Ks6M7Qa87jZ_DgQtLgFxiJDqkeEEGTjtbW6ml_ZjR4AKPpS8UinDv9E_0u3NIZ7wwZc0kHfBQgI1bRDI0hvUO2wjQadinMaJpDCgtu23IJq8g/s16000/13BigRocks700_175255232.jpg" /></a></div>I was having an additional freak out because there was a sign at the cash register of the stone store that said, "All purchases are final." As we drove back to the stone store I was starting to really freak out. I didn't want any more large rocks! When I arrived back at the stone store I walked into the little hut where you pay and nervously asked if I could trade out the rest of my large rock purchase for small rocks. Luckily they were very nice and let me exchange the large rocks for small. Phew! I was so relieved!!! Below you can see Poppy and me unloading the small rocks from the back of his truck.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmBD2cymmUuvQQHJFdugScVuAKnPsIH9ifj46_XvsTnANKvQjjmHHnVp6v-SCwrbzqJbfAoVroXg9pNbjQU7-ObKp9pxHc2v5_LwgmT53YBICl2hIeF6We3AJnAWz1AQpe6ChRxhKnMMKMG1neB5n6c3Yabm9351ttvRLvbDS7xNLJpmMeYQvf1TTx-A/s700/14PoppyTruckBed700_182759095.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="525" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmBD2cymmUuvQQHJFdugScVuAKnPsIH9ifj46_XvsTnANKvQjjmHHnVp6v-SCwrbzqJbfAoVroXg9pNbjQU7-ObKp9pxHc2v5_LwgmT53YBICl2hIeF6We3AJnAWz1AQpe6ChRxhKnMMKMG1neB5n6c3Yabm9351ttvRLvbDS7xNLJpmMeYQvf1TTx-A/s16000/14PoppyTruckBed700_182759095.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">"One who can move mountains starts with the little stones."</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">— Confucius</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0wReh7kMFhyguy6WsRNXg1YAFQ6hZgwuYMiCSdbyJiXvTpLYDPN78hFbboQsER4f3iW08q1OP5do-d2RK45dt9ZOcby8ikRy60oBvdspfwz9-U2eXqSOW0dGUY_rtGmt89BDHe2l_hQ4gPOyIOnt8ZDB5LYnrLZ7FXCFnpU6MrKNLnu4O-Gjg_bxMsA/s1600/15VWheelbarrow700NEW_184714460.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="525" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0wReh7kMFhyguy6WsRNXg1YAFQ6hZgwuYMiCSdbyJiXvTpLYDPN78hFbboQsER4f3iW08q1OP5do-d2RK45dt9ZOcby8ikRy60oBvdspfwz9-U2eXqSOW0dGUY_rtGmt89BDHe2l_hQ4gPOyIOnt8ZDB5LYnrLZ7FXCFnpU6MrKNLnu4O-Gjg_bxMsA/s1600/15VWheelbarrow700NEW_184714460.jpg" /></a></div>
I was also extremely relieved to see the small rocks greatly improved the look of the creek bed and made it look more natural. Below you can see us exhausted, but happy at the end of a very long day of hauling stone.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdsNIQBA6DoWchGIHvWpBi4DTuAn_NR2jQ6sKVDfVsV__7K9O6XPNDp5mttkcTNuUJC3l_dyVNTLqZ2Hf9ciFh772-bAGNDCMrdnmD_VIf9m-e5brw6rJzwr34OJvBHY4qZ7lYC-zdnNM7YBy3I2d_sOEi_53YKVGIo2BCgDgOZeg6VWQVRhVoKo0lLA/s750/17Vanessa750_194322559.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="563" data-original-width="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdsNIQBA6DoWchGIHvWpBi4DTuAn_NR2jQ6sKVDfVsV__7K9O6XPNDp5mttkcTNuUJC3l_dyVNTLqZ2Hf9ciFh772-bAGNDCMrdnmD_VIf9m-e5brw6rJzwr34OJvBHY4qZ7lYC-zdnNM7YBy3I2d_sOEi_53YKVGIo2BCgDgOZeg6VWQVRhVoKo0lLA/s16000/17Vanessa750_194322559.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDA1iClLoLC6ymt_aeq4KU1P6qRIhjNe_3oFppbdO3EUx0RkakbLF7dTIGQfioZJTe1gyYG7FHbnW5CfWjOqFFGsNQTQmuU4evq4UhYZ2uXuY2NAaxtAhM7v57vAMHPMULgG8BbgoIlzKhEs3Pl59_jgDW2rBBqh7HR40TpwPWnf0T8Hom3T6_lD_I-A/s750/18Poppy750_194227147.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="563" data-original-width="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDA1iClLoLC6ymt_aeq4KU1P6qRIhjNe_3oFppbdO3EUx0RkakbLF7dTIGQfioZJTe1gyYG7FHbnW5CfWjOqFFGsNQTQmuU4evq4UhYZ2uXuY2NAaxtAhM7v57vAMHPMULgG8BbgoIlzKhEs3Pl59_jgDW2rBBqh7HR40TpwPWnf0T8Hom3T6_lD_I-A/s16000/18Poppy750_194227147.jpg" /></a></div>When I look at this selfie we took at the end of the day it brings me so much joy. My Dad is an amazing person. I can't even put into words how much his steady, kind, and loving presence means to me. He is always there...no matter what. We didn't know it at the time we took this photo, but life held some challenges in the coming weeks that made this stone pathway look like child's play. And again my Dad was there....always there by my side. I can hardly even keep typing because I am tearing up with so much gratitude and love. Thank you Dad for all your love and support. <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">"This is the mark of a really admirable man:<br />steadfastness in the face of trouble."</span></div><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">— Ludwig van Beethoven</span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div></span></div><div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDzpGYYUQdst8HueJxYZPNc06qx0a17yqwtOKwVRFQG7P3oSvSCEyg3awG8S7mU595lTPeGehDOBSwoDLAkRW7zvg15xA6kNuF8Oy_Xg-mVL6lLHqxEao9Gb-RTLsO91fZIMLlNfJ2TTR-pnl3f53LE-UrZ4cZDExe5ot_CflXlCWVp3HwfeinI-12QQ/s750/16PoppyMe750_191857511.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="563" data-original-width="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDzpGYYUQdst8HueJxYZPNc06qx0a17yqwtOKwVRFQG7P3oSvSCEyg3awG8S7mU595lTPeGehDOBSwoDLAkRW7zvg15xA6kNuF8Oy_Xg-mVL6lLHqxEao9Gb-RTLsO91fZIMLlNfJ2TTR-pnl3f53LE-UrZ4cZDExe5ot_CflXlCWVp3HwfeinI-12QQ/s16000/16PoppyMe750_191857511.jpg" /></a></div><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica;">THE BUDDHA</span></div><div><br /></div><div>The final addition to this year's garden was the Buddha. I know this is a statue and by their very nature statue's are steadfast. But when I water the plants and peer down through the leaves, I am reminded of my own unwavering, immovable, and abiding nature and I am filled with peace.</div><div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDs5LiQst9HxSJRhsgt6AZL-VWpoSohQ_IA1Auz88nxG9Sa_w8oIiWdyVcN6sb0iaCkXNNIKMiVPUqTF2_Bjsf144oFbaBUiVQK03UKJYedQonQA2_6lzMOA_PsXtQOYmFBPpDC_yrKMkKCEPxw6IOdLl9bhEefFvY9xkz0Z_UDUrK6gprxjwANVLHJw/s800/19BuddhaGreenLEaves800_211707357.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDs5LiQst9HxSJRhsgt6AZL-VWpoSohQ_IA1Auz88nxG9Sa_w8oIiWdyVcN6sb0iaCkXNNIKMiVPUqTF2_Bjsf144oFbaBUiVQK03UKJYedQonQA2_6lzMOA_PsXtQOYmFBPpDC_yrKMkKCEPxw6IOdLl9bhEefFvY9xkz0Z_UDUrK6gprxjwANVLHJw/s16000/19BuddhaGreenLEaves800_211707357.jpg" /></a></div>I have also noticed that there is a lovely, timeless quality about a statue Buddha sitting next to a stone river. In one sense, nothing moves or changes, yet everything around is in constant motion.<br />
<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">"In the midst of movement and chaos, keep stillness inside of you."</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">— </span><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Deepak Chopra</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgpH4LMsxBXsp7bE3mhodoGLRmvaGJLS24z0KKUWShoOYv_fJluOu0z4_Mn069rHvETagEApTru3u-f1VnwtxnZLlK9Fn5y1MfD0JkI8tpn-CplBUhmAP49f9H-uvArrbgcsXz1xmwTnr-uar4gsuC13EOgLAk2wJSG1dqWkA765RlkfG6ewZH_850Mg/s750/20Buddha750_174342629.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="563" data-original-width="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgpH4LMsxBXsp7bE3mhodoGLRmvaGJLS24z0KKUWShoOYv_fJluOu0z4_Mn069rHvETagEApTru3u-f1VnwtxnZLlK9Fn5y1MfD0JkI8tpn-CplBUhmAP49f9H-uvArrbgcsXz1xmwTnr-uar4gsuC13EOgLAk2wJSG1dqWkA765RlkfG6ewZH_850Mg/s16000/20Buddha750_174342629.jpg" /></a></div>As I look back at all the changes that took place in the garden this year I am struck by the sacredness of this space. Every change...the stone wall, the boulders, the planter, the pagoda, the stone river, and the Buddha...make the garden a little more of a reflection of me. And I believe that by making these changes in the external environment, that my internal environment is altered. By creating the sacred outside, I am creating the sacred inside. This is true not only because I was transformed by the experience of enacting these changes, but also because everything is "inside" of our consciousness. I believe the sacred can be exchanged in both directions...it is a two way street. By being still and listening, we can hear the call of our hearts. That can then inspire us to give and receive gifts outwardly...which then inspires us with gratitude to go inward and the journey goes on and on. It is a constant dance between action and inaction, movement and stillness, song and silence.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">"Among my stillness was a pounding heart."</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">―Shannon A. Thompson</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8usyJC_9lVdP3J124YTkvxj-pp3xXP5g2Nz76-MIdZho4M7Su3T5n6i1iUmYdmAP2rn1jQ1Gtr41jH3A0dNzDlZvLkWlPJXGSHd-anQ4ZaRzELB1hAQtdQTd8rAQLndzULH99xiK-pXQTMxowdOVLZIe8noph5-tM1DALmHUHj7VG8yIeLfp7LIoxYg/s750/21BuddhaRiver750_174353895.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="499" data-original-width="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8usyJC_9lVdP3J124YTkvxj-pp3xXP5g2Nz76-MIdZho4M7Su3T5n6i1iUmYdmAP2rn1jQ1Gtr41jH3A0dNzDlZvLkWlPJXGSHd-anQ4ZaRzELB1hAQtdQTd8rAQLndzULH99xiK-pXQTMxowdOVLZIe8noph5-tM1DALmHUHj7VG8yIeLfp7LIoxYg/s16000/21BuddhaRiver750_174353895.jpg" /></a></div>I am excited to see how the seasons will change the appearance of the garden. And the Buddha reminds me to remain steady within this world of constant change...this play of joy and sorrow. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6yk83dq4dgxb5ikgB8dsbTHCZGcsQm3DBChVS_JOQWPQkiiWGdjhi1Mrqx4vBW_XirzGwVtgsVcJKQBtuueNyca7GhSM4JCSzxMQX8WEqs8qOHZg7_GIm5L3a4eSRV79Kk3wgDklmVniM9-NTZEk4kso3XrBial_wDJ0mTyIdCeYqDDEllDqIxjEZ5A/s900/22BuddhaFar900Tall_181606351.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="675" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6yk83dq4dgxb5ikgB8dsbTHCZGcsQm3DBChVS_JOQWPQkiiWGdjhi1Mrqx4vBW_XirzGwVtgsVcJKQBtuueNyca7GhSM4JCSzxMQX8WEqs8qOHZg7_GIm5L3a4eSRV79Kk3wgDklmVniM9-NTZEk4kso3XrBial_wDJ0mTyIdCeYqDDEllDqIxjEZ5A/s16000/22BuddhaFar900Tall_181606351.jpg" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">"I said to my soul, be still, and wait...So the darkness shall be the light, and the stillness the dancing."</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">— </span><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">T.S. Eliot</span></div><br />Nessyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09162374688956449698noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2262034438607647152.post-37952266922803182642022-10-21T12:42:00.002-04:002022-10-21T12:46:32.299-04:00Folk Art Shutters<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGyaC0B5_MHhhpXSRvWPHaekrt0F077nDYf3N3vWcDbDOsC49VMKpduznXTLhYgNhYLmFIvsgWvbI6IULWbdrms9ubiamGpgwLVcV8J09lqZC58OhrJIH1N82lOgnoRtiDCd61FUnmZ7OLYUkV9KdKue85KUk9qw-_bUOktKCq1JRPP7N4ScLVG_Gifg/s1600/VShutterClose800_204658084.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="329" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGyaC0B5_MHhhpXSRvWPHaekrt0F077nDYf3N3vWcDbDOsC49VMKpduznXTLhYgNhYLmFIvsgWvbI6IULWbdrms9ubiamGpgwLVcV8J09lqZC58OhrJIH1N82lOgnoRtiDCd61FUnmZ7OLYUkV9KdKue85KUk9qw-_bUOktKCq1JRPP7N4ScLVG_Gifg/s1600/VShutterClose800_204658084.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">"The Burrow is the home of the Weasleys.<br />It's located outside of Ottery St. Catchpole</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">and it looks as if it's held together with magic</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">- which it probably is.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">Harry describes it as the best house he's ever been in."</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">―J.K. Rowling, <i>Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets</i><br /></span></div><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica;"><br /><br />INSPIRATION</span><br /><br />I loved this description of the Weasley's house and I wanted my house to appear as if it's held together by magic too. In my mind, there was no better way to achieve that goal than to add folk-art-painted shutters!<br /><br />I have been thinking about this project for many years. There are a couple houses in Cincinnati that have them and I admire them every time I pass by. Then a year ago my friend Margot put beautiful, hand-painted shutters on her house (you can see her lovely shutters <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CHtAEJpBEM4/?hl=en" target="_blank">here</a>) and it inspired me to finally start on my own shutter project.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2TPP0iNLsinHuKTcLxFGm-6nKTrzE5b3OVIkgg1RtBnVeaqMrWpH2VLvRwK7k_vGDxWi73OJTUbiNOBqmWVtSNiY6_0foX31MVrGKXxz3RnJYjzeHi2dLnYww8g-8iTk8JlMr0nE9V2FKsG_1kkEjKZmHDZzVA69INK8e1Whekj_SJ-4WCYlcnFAoxw/s1600/1After800NEW_135240488.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2TPP0iNLsinHuKTcLxFGm-6nKTrzE5b3OVIkgg1RtBnVeaqMrWpH2VLvRwK7k_vGDxWi73OJTUbiNOBqmWVtSNiY6_0foX31MVrGKXxz3RnJYjzeHi2dLnYww8g-8iTk8JlMr0nE9V2FKsG_1kkEjKZmHDZzVA69INK8e1Whekj_SJ-4WCYlcnFAoxw/s1600/1After800NEW_135240488.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica;"><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large; text-align: center;">"A building without ornamentation is like a heaven without stars."</span></div><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium; text-align: center;">―George Sandys</span></div></span></div><div><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span>
</div>SHUTTERS
</span><br /><br /><div>I thought about making the shutters myself, but knew that might add months to the project. In September of 2021, I purchased shutters from <a href="https://exteriorsolutions.com/" target="_blank">Exterior Solutions</a>. I was so nervous to get the size right because we have two wood supports for the dormer on either side of the window. So the shutter absolutely had to fit inside of those supports. I made cardboard mockups to make sure I got the size right.</div><div><br />The shutters sat in their boxes all winter and spring. Finally in mid-June of 2022 we pulled them out and painted them the same grey-brown as the window moulding. Note the quality control feline supervisor in the background. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHz4HEVztbJvVkeZc8HCfZTTLwqzGfdyXP9ZO3gBHPIdY1ZbV7QBfsy4cf0u0o85mhGs6nd9uTfX93uCTVI-c5W_RhdGaZ3mMTFablBXL6SdFvKU7XtN0CVMGU1jnqySmsWeQbIK734X_Cs2xh2Wke2_OZ7D-7IevpcyAs4yM0yhAx3A2eJNSwgUOJbA/s750/ScreenshotPaintingShutters.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="425" data-original-width="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHz4HEVztbJvVkeZc8HCfZTTLwqzGfdyXP9ZO3gBHPIdY1ZbV7QBfsy4cf0u0o85mhGs6nd9uTfX93uCTVI-c5W_RhdGaZ3mMTFablBXL6SdFvKU7XtN0CVMGU1jnqySmsWeQbIK734X_Cs2xh2Wke2_OZ7D-7IevpcyAs4yM0yhAx3A2eJNSwgUOJbA/s16000/ScreenshotPaintingShutters.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica;">DESIGN</span><div><br /></div><div>I knew I wanted to use elements from the design I painted on my back porch door in 2017 (you can see it <a href="https://nessydesigns.blogspot.com/2017/10/folk-painted-storm-door.html" target="_blank">here</a>). So I pulled up that file in Illustrator and started playing with different designs. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI5h_ZY_-YsZpSbnIEzJ8viVTJKLHxl60-944adkGfE0pZjc-qyh1ZRaGkMq9YjdzCrE7zJ_i0ZlT4l7h6aaBMb9CROS5IPITV1bGW21uLIIf3L2rsBHGWMWsdbjiV39qU9cfMDVeBeirFH_hE1ldTz9LRejm8tNNs1yYuZKigI-GMQDRm5xppm4mI_Q/s1600/2ShutterPlay700NEW.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="485" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI5h_ZY_-YsZpSbnIEzJ8viVTJKLHxl60-944adkGfE0pZjc-qyh1ZRaGkMq9YjdzCrE7zJ_i0ZlT4l7h6aaBMb9CROS5IPITV1bGW21uLIIf3L2rsBHGWMWsdbjiV39qU9cfMDVeBeirFH_hE1ldTz9LRejm8tNNs1yYuZKigI-GMQDRm5xppm4mI_Q/s1600/2ShutterPlay700NEW.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">In the end it came down to the following two designs below. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU5Hxq2wp2TAtrIQzS5dUOgSt5quHtkZUBS9oiO3DI79f8yxosAmEedtw9orzQjkldu9SuouKWoGjw1VACd7qnH7ueS-upCq1gpR083KToJ-ikjUnLVcJVk0A0sW0mIGlHqrmZJ5ALpz1r9c0O1ES4RTo-wl63ldW9NxoA35Xyz9Iqj7_d6Kz2CavqIw/s1600/3ShutterOptions550.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="550" data-original-width="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU5Hxq2wp2TAtrIQzS5dUOgSt5quHtkZUBS9oiO3DI79f8yxosAmEedtw9orzQjkldu9SuouKWoGjw1VACd7qnH7ueS-upCq1gpR083KToJ-ikjUnLVcJVk0A0sW0mIGlHqrmZJ5ALpz1r9c0O1ES4RTo-wl63ldW9NxoA35Xyz9Iqj7_d6Kz2CavqIw/s1600/3ShutterOptions550.jpg" /></a></div>
The nice thing about Illustrator is that you can make everything to full scale. So I knew once I finalized the design I could print them out and place them on the shutters to make sure everything fit. Below you can see both designs taped to the shutters. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik2mJTn90CJZrMKCRlXgRKn7btRlBF0vxMBlltZCf-ml2VRK7FMLfwJjOCpgJjymGNnvx56V7bzQMtNkrMEBHhjXPn84s35Y7eHfJGYqEGHls_Tov6qs2fZcgROOKZ8kVX4fzjYehLHMGavfU7aDx3kwitmGB9q7Mm7kOdKZaVQmie88c4_tL9OooO-w/s1600/4VanessaShutterMOckup550New_203909056.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="550" data-original-width="326" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik2mJTn90CJZrMKCRlXgRKn7btRlBF0vxMBlltZCf-ml2VRK7FMLfwJjOCpgJjymGNnvx56V7bzQMtNkrMEBHhjXPn84s35Y7eHfJGYqEGHls_Tov6qs2fZcgROOKZ8kVX4fzjYehLHMGavfU7aDx3kwitmGB9q7Mm7kOdKZaVQmie88c4_tL9OooO-w/s1600/4VanessaShutterMOckup550New_203909056.jpg" /></a></div>
I was having a hard time deciding so I photoshopped them onto the house. I posted these options to Facebook and got a lot of feedback which was about 50/50 either way. Sometimes the feedback can be helpful for me to figure out which way I am leaning. I was already feeling a nudge towards "scrunched" when Margot said that traditionally you don't paint the batten. That was all I needed to hear.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMOtTti_SXO_WpPx5GxW2Za-qTvYyXTJLQ9P5wAxHBkXbArnkPIxSxZfXylnKY8MsDiVd6N9C2a1ltCvdQMaWNznnfCRRWZofpIl7XlDfUkz9V66SRsLZ50VrAKvNgxEAXhRDZdoDTg7uj259ILgDY8phBd5PTFBL8q1UxMnFJIppnD3QJbRbLzndkvg/s1135/ScrunchyVert750.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1135" data-original-width="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMOtTti_SXO_WpPx5GxW2Za-qTvYyXTJLQ9P5wAxHBkXbArnkPIxSxZfXylnKY8MsDiVd6N9C2a1ltCvdQMaWNznnfCRRWZofpIl7XlDfUkz9V66SRsLZ50VrAKvNgxEAXhRDZdoDTg7uj259ILgDY8phBd5PTFBL8q1UxMnFJIppnD3QJbRbLzndkvg/s16000/ScrunchyVert750.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The winner was "scrunched"!</div><br /><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica;">STENCIL</span><br /><br />Once that decision was made I prepared the files to send to my friend Tiffany who has a laser cutter. Below you can see what the files look like that I sent her.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyCU_m5tbhk_lhyCbYPP9S5QErhl714JXUlAlUcH19ZpJn4zjkKLlD8TUHt0DAvguEBm8D6dmLdkoBmm7f8a1Pu503qxcV9fAA7jRZfowk-f_F6b6EdOUQ9qkx6WoBzFloEeuKlxd4McfTMQ0WCpIUxXzAOinjgdYwDHYv6Z3m4fJN2JGbxqjB4l1R-A/s700/5Stencil700.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="478" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyCU_m5tbhk_lhyCbYPP9S5QErhl714JXUlAlUcH19ZpJn4zjkKLlD8TUHt0DAvguEBm8D6dmLdkoBmm7f8a1Pu503qxcV9fAA7jRZfowk-f_F6b6EdOUQ9qkx6WoBzFloEeuKlxd4McfTMQ0WCpIUxXzAOinjgdYwDHYv6Z3m4fJN2JGbxqjB4l1R-A/s16000/5Stencil700.jpg" /></a></div>And here is a short video of the stencil being cut. The laser cuts through the Mylar like butter. (Thank you for the video Tiffany!)</div>
<div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='650' height='540' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxfoVBv_9MtebUohzORkmSuF6iR32MxXrTPviPYAaBB4pGDhfl7jKviWvKf3TgeQDHfeo_mLYKo3vmi7doPqA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe>
</div><span face="Roboto, Noto, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #0d0d0d; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></span><div><br /><br /><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica;">PAINTING THE STENCIL</span><br /><br />It was fun to place that first stencil onto the shutter. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRBdv0CTbgAcTo2xco9MZXptBkD7yOjxXlZgBmT71QAPZGthWfmTUI4p64mFg962sR-mAkDFEkQIgI37EcL0IzuPS0-PrmfvszfmFcG014cESMJoSEnwNzxY7cyq6JXAHHzJpiopFclpgZ5Al8P-w1g5D2IQB-tI4q-dRMLsxHeN1FrYgargpqf0Lg7Q/s750/6FlowerStencil750.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="357" data-original-width="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRBdv0CTbgAcTo2xco9MZXptBkD7yOjxXlZgBmT71QAPZGthWfmTUI4p64mFg962sR-mAkDFEkQIgI37EcL0IzuPS0-PrmfvszfmFcG014cESMJoSEnwNzxY7cyq6JXAHHzJpiopFclpgZ5Al8P-w1g5D2IQB-tI4q-dRMLsxHeN1FrYgargpqf0Lg7Q/s16000/6FlowerStencil750.jpg" /></a></div>After painting the very first layer of white it became clear I was going to need multiple layers to make it opaque...especially for the white. I ended up painting at least 4 layers on every stencil. That meant I had to let the stencil dry 4 times and that it would be extra "sticky". Below is a video of me pulling the stencil off the first time.<br />
<br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="540" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/hZw_5n6DSJw" width="650" youtube-src-id="hZw_5n6DSJw"></iframe></div><span face="Roboto, Noto, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #0d0d0d; font-size: 15px; text-align: center; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div style="text-align: center;">(Music by Scott Holmes, "Victoria")</div></span><br /></div>
As you can see from the video, the stencil "leaked." Luckily it was fixable. I was going to say it was easy to fix, but that would be a lie. I spent a lot of time touching the stencils up afterwards. Below you can see before and after touch up.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQIAQOfnt5_CaHVpeeyday9pC76WOux9jSFr8BOXr5jT_GQFNBubskT3bvLUzwuNcXKuIaeCjlbXOkqdBxoHRAc3NlZJT6Xmxley71zQcigTVvCW1bOg2xmTNq-UxVoSCuaklElMXfAMvUzvADhOp-cvqjkPF6RMKeVhbc4HLn_L_Gt2cwdcpcu8GMzw/s1000/9BeforeAFterVert1000.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="546" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQIAQOfnt5_CaHVpeeyday9pC76WOux9jSFr8BOXr5jT_GQFNBubskT3bvLUzwuNcXKuIaeCjlbXOkqdBxoHRAc3NlZJT6Xmxley71zQcigTVvCW1bOg2xmTNq-UxVoSCuaklElMXfAMvUzvADhOp-cvqjkPF6RMKeVhbc4HLn_L_Gt2cwdcpcu8GMzw/s16000/9BeforeAFterVert1000.jpg" /></a></div>
But to help with the "leaking" problem I did try something I'd heard about a long time ago. I painted the grey/brown background color onto the stencil first. This helped prevent the color from leaking under the stencil. It really did help quite a bit and even though it required an extra coat, I highly recommend taking the extra time.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmt5-bYqFwbrWfzC_AFuudWPq61RSZ5HCCP7Oq5lIqrHEXEoelT2ixs0550EwSEByM6zoQS4hGmd_1TCtkiLapCfGOuQDrmkH1q6Y704KkN3HLQlB9zWlzJFTBOj130Tes5MgvNFTzytD4zxn9yjwTcCJhTMUqgWmA-G3eGob4GhtqLOVID03Sm-jz1Q/s750/7BackgroundColorFirst750.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="432" data-original-width="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmt5-bYqFwbrWfzC_AFuudWPq61RSZ5HCCP7Oq5lIqrHEXEoelT2ixs0550EwSEByM6zoQS4hGmd_1TCtkiLapCfGOuQDrmkH1q6Y704KkN3HLQlB9zWlzJFTBOj130Tes5MgvNFTzytD4zxn9yjwTcCJhTMUqgWmA-G3eGob4GhtqLOVID03Sm-jz1Q/s16000/7BackgroundColorFirst750.jpg" /></a></div>
Another thing I did to help with "leakage," was to scrape my stencil edges clean after every shutter. Below you can see a photo of that process. It may have been easier to use mineral spirits, but I didn't have any. So my fingernails got worn down until I found an old credit card that worked just as well.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh69iLnysurBan_dx4_U2IRNlackWG0XTJatl8kE0gNLVZD9AmSeFmdlDla1W9mF__Q24gMvdh2V14qo25zJLfDxY_xdR-chdISWOCL_UM-9xJ-610GYQ9mDs4q2JpQ3tuqODSh0c7HTo0yXPoHIDpuBP2Da2mS8EK0mN0l8_Y4jOR8JMDGMQxucxk-og/s750/8CleanStencil750_174703371.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="563" data-original-width="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh69iLnysurBan_dx4_U2IRNlackWG0XTJatl8kE0gNLVZD9AmSeFmdlDla1W9mF__Q24gMvdh2V14qo25zJLfDxY_xdR-chdISWOCL_UM-9xJ-610GYQ9mDs4q2JpQ3tuqODSh0c7HTo0yXPoHIDpuBP2Da2mS8EK0mN0l8_Y4jOR8JMDGMQxucxk-og/s16000/8CleanStencil750_174703371.jpg" /></a></div>
It felt so good to finish painting and touching up all the shutters. Bubo was excited about it too.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi35qvgzU1ZTfv6_49dWa6vdn_IdupJBxEtTiEo9ZWcpiBjN83FSxerxhlgufnjgTfy2j44ubRu5rEc4KyjS4b4nXqXhSnFq2CG7JQSPiRYQH-yFNz4sBEMst_mbKySz6bKEzJstjKcFK76B8cmK-tfmonX39402VJTg-Ww-MCHPfbS7ApFlKZ1o4tF1Q/s750/10InstaShuttersBuboMe750.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi35qvgzU1ZTfv6_49dWa6vdn_IdupJBxEtTiEo9ZWcpiBjN83FSxerxhlgufnjgTfy2j44ubRu5rEc4KyjS4b4nXqXhSnFq2CG7JQSPiRYQH-yFNz4sBEMst_mbKySz6bKEzJstjKcFK76B8cmK-tfmonX39402VJTg-Ww-MCHPfbS7ApFlKZ1o4tF1Q/s16000/10InstaShuttersBuboMe750.jpg" /></a></div><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica;">
CLEAR COAT (VARATHANE DAY!)</span><br /><br />I wasn't sure I was going to even do this step. But when I pulled the stencils off sometimes the paint would pull up a little bit and I would push it down with my fingers. In order to secure everything I decided to spray the shutters with exterior water-based Varathane. I used this product on my Hex Sign project and it has worked well (click <a href="https://nessydesigns.blogspot.com/2021/12/pennsylvania-dutch-hex-sign.html" target="_blank">here</a> to see and for further discussion about clear coat options). I sprayed 3-4 coats and called them done!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjDy-th8Pmu2oWLaQGgpmwn9DWjPefU4WTUiT6q_WG-6ApuWXvSXVXJAKzMlpvERkbZVhHgZL5qpBjGLUnqvzx4PTUXnLTZz3P_e2BCzdzuSNO7jZQpKqBFSWr5eBrILqvNwK6PAgEt77gm0N3F-Mks1nU20ly72Uuaz4aJV_BE872Eqqiwap1O26jAw/s1600/11Outside_155141133.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="563" data-original-width="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjDy-th8Pmu2oWLaQGgpmwn9DWjPefU4WTUiT6q_WG-6ApuWXvSXVXJAKzMlpvERkbZVhHgZL5qpBjGLUnqvzx4PTUXnLTZz3P_e2BCzdzuSNO7jZQpKqBFSWr5eBrILqvNwK6PAgEt77gm0N3F-Mks1nU20ly72Uuaz4aJV_BE872Eqqiwap1O26jAw/s1600/11Outside_155141133.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF8NAqEgNMeuXTPkHdc-nvwvp7ByelRfp8fLcLi0Tirzpl3mwmL3dAxsQtxBCJYaRwA8z32sGP3H79uTInmRk7Hrnfuf7Kv5AQgoUWh5eiQkENspx5udoEg7-2lJ6DCHEbEJNIjf4lhxvVS-w989Us2g0tFQExVujxupAU6bjcVqpujslCVfWX6Nb7Fw/s750/12Outside750_154213330.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="563" data-original-width="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF8NAqEgNMeuXTPkHdc-nvwvp7ByelRfp8fLcLi0Tirzpl3mwmL3dAxsQtxBCJYaRwA8z32sGP3H79uTInmRk7Hrnfuf7Kv5AQgoUWh5eiQkENspx5udoEg7-2lJ6DCHEbEJNIjf4lhxvVS-w989Us2g0tFQExVujxupAU6bjcVqpujslCVfWX6Nb7Fw/s16000/12Outside750_154213330.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZZJs-ivnhKBv2VIGQJiaEyorxJPOGat9E-oUei7wIvIVxnt1jHFJmYHAaAHnIPzD2Na1ouaRoLdYW8ONMCSvRCh6aWeMiIwzVOIQ4ce9AVW5Jm1dgFu4Yf7n7ZmZ5S5ps5_dxm1RT9Ogrv7buQ3GJW6il1Zgq5Jsahfwm2pYvNKjzIIjpjPSFZkGjQg/s800/13Outside_162724377.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZZJs-ivnhKBv2VIGQJiaEyorxJPOGat9E-oUei7wIvIVxnt1jHFJmYHAaAHnIPzD2Na1ouaRoLdYW8ONMCSvRCh6aWeMiIwzVOIQ4ce9AVW5Jm1dgFu4Yf7n7ZmZ5S5ps5_dxm1RT9Ogrv7buQ3GJW6il1Zgq5Jsahfwm2pYvNKjzIIjpjPSFZkGjQg/s16000/13Outside_162724377.jpg" /></a></div><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica;">
HANGING THE SHUTTERS</span><br /><br />I finished painting the shutters mid-week and figured we would hang the shutters the following weekend. Unfortunately I discovered I hadn't ordered enough hinges. I originally ordered the hinges the previous year from <a href="https://www.larsonshutter.com/new-construction-center-hinge-pintle-set.html" target="_blank">Larson Shutters</a> and was worried it would be hard to get them again with all the pandemic shortages. Lucky for us, I found the same ones again and they arrived within a week.<br /><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEuqBYmMfeTwHLr0YcJtnpgT6rTd3GjiuHbDV4AhKBCh5gFQfpS9xD4n0BMngp8EP6OU0rtTpsiMhQA9shThOY65xnSj5Ve4UQlWodBp_wNJPTwx1edzrgws_xVQ7lvu9RGIxcvkz4Ro184Q7BMJt4tN23smrIt2wDj8-b6cAGzT08MtoA43LbDkexBA/s1600/Hinge400.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEuqBYmMfeTwHLr0YcJtnpgT6rTd3GjiuHbDV4AhKBCh5gFQfpS9xD4n0BMngp8EP6OU0rtTpsiMhQA9shThOY65xnSj5Ve4UQlWodBp_wNJPTwx1edzrgws_xVQ7lvu9RGIxcvkz4Ro184Q7BMJt4tN23smrIt2wDj8-b6cAGzT08MtoA43LbDkexBA/s1600/Hinge400.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /><br />During the week we were waiting on the new hinges we made a mockup of window moulding out of an old piece of wood that was about the same size. I wish I had taken a photo of that step because you could see how many time we failed. I thought I was going to lose my mind trying to get the hinge placement just right so that the weight would be evenly distributed between the two hinges. I made paper templates to scale in Illustrator probably 5 times trying to get it just right. <br /><br />When it came time to actually hang the shutters we used a life-sized template with holes in it that we placed on the lower edge of the window. I happened to have this weird "plastic-y" cardboard I had purchased to prevent the cats from jumping over the baby gates and it was the perfect material and stiffness for a template.<br /><br />We also learned from making our wood moulding mockup that unfortunately we would not be able to close the shutters. For some reason, George had his heart set on the shutters closing. I think he pictured himself opening the shutters every morning to sing with the birds 😄. We wrapped our heads around it and tried all sorts of things, but in the end we had to give that up. When we tried to close the shutter, the batten would hit the moulding. I would have had to order hinges that had a long pintel arm if we wanted them to close...and I didn't want the angle of the shutters to be too great or you wouldn't see the design. <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">“We're in this life together, tethered to each other, fumbling and trying to find our way...”</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">— Daniell Koepke</span></div><br />The day of the shutter hanging we tethered George with an old faded-pink climbing rope and out he went onto the roof. It was so nerve wracking that I didn't take any photos. He was tethered to me and I kept having visions of me being sucked tight against the window if he fell. Thank goodness all went well! And thank goodness for washers! Even with all my planning we still needed to use washers to make sure the weight was evenly distributed between the two hinges.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGgfyO9uzD1d_V9gf6hBpDbDqheDdPz9xXgguhqCizJQM9Q_OmM4nVCFS4PpADGPQdxrVhST8wYJIgbq_GCHN7vr1ito-DOOEyCL2dYxnDYr-5NjNdCPKa0i_TOsAsCD4ZlAXQoocuL4GdK9H04Hxgx9wch5peIMn2pZzhHKMZVNFOMPrE8kw4q14-fA/s800/14GeorgeandMeShutters_173243917.jpg" style="display: inline; padding: 1em 0px;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="537" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGgfyO9uzD1d_V9gf6hBpDbDqheDdPz9xXgguhqCizJQM9Q_OmM4nVCFS4PpADGPQdxrVhST8wYJIgbq_GCHN7vr1ito-DOOEyCL2dYxnDYr-5NjNdCPKa0i_TOsAsCD4ZlAXQoocuL4GdK9H04Hxgx9wch5peIMn2pZzhHKMZVNFOMPrE8kw4q14-fA/s16000/14GeorgeandMeShutters_173243917.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
Once the shutters were done we still had to secure the shutters with shutter dogs. (I also purchased the shutter dogs from Larson Shutters - here is the <a href="https://www.larsonshutter.com/product/HDW-088254PC.html" target="_blank">link</a>). <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5_I1dAfPL5Torzo619aTRX8jIh9Ua4h0MtAmiqlvby_9S0laL9jzOs0XJ996WesIVnYrHuG5YdIJrn-B0oGFRBL6S3w0a9ng2g7LEtgvn7G_YyOKaOls8G3ngaraXJ8bevdY6Bpl0hL4rewKLc45iqCYVNqeBYtBUlVIgCuOg_PNDVeNK09FHSbSnaw/s1600/Hardware650.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="407" data-original-width="650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5_I1dAfPL5Torzo619aTRX8jIh9Ua4h0MtAmiqlvby_9S0laL9jzOs0XJ996WesIVnYrHuG5YdIJrn-B0oGFRBL6S3w0a9ng2g7LEtgvn7G_YyOKaOls8G3ngaraXJ8bevdY6Bpl0hL4rewKLc45iqCYVNqeBYtBUlVIgCuOg_PNDVeNK09FHSbSnaw/s1600/Hardware650.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />The only problem was they didn't come with an anti-rattle or anti-vibration bracket. I ended up ordering that from Martell Hardware and it arrived within a week (link <a href="https://www.martellhardware.com/window-shutter-hardware/shutter-dogs/lynn-cove-foundry-nv1-shutter-anti-vibration-bracket-pair.aspx" target="_blank">here</a>). I liked this bracket in particular because it allowed us to control the angle of the shutter against the house. I wanted them almost parallel to the house because sometimes shutters can look droopy if they are pushed all the way back; plus I wanted the design to be fully visible. We ended up buying 6 inch lag bolts (instead of using the 4 1/2 inch ones that came with them) in order to have enough room for the anti-vibration brackets. <br /><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcac_y6E3eRDJpe3VfSTgsETjuntXuXJFUxg4jgvDoNaIL8w4FJrE3ZjY3lscsOFdZEkqHFcoXbiyQZzO04rEo4tPdQX1DNIvkAI3O-FiKo8u9sk4gUeT0VDis11bzDUoD5iQ2kBn1p0Ur-CpBi8CSE8bbv4-QJzGwf_w8kPlrR9IuUqSaUGMqTD7OdQ/s1600/SHutterCloseup750_204735060%20copy.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="751" data-original-width="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcac_y6E3eRDJpe3VfSTgsETjuntXuXJFUxg4jgvDoNaIL8w4FJrE3ZjY3lscsOFdZEkqHFcoXbiyQZzO04rEo4tPdQX1DNIvkAI3O-FiKo8u9sk4gUeT0VDis11bzDUoD5iQ2kBn1p0Ur-CpBi8CSE8bbv4-QJzGwf_w8kPlrR9IuUqSaUGMqTD7OdQ/s1600/SHutterCloseup750_204735060%20copy.jpg" /></a></div>
Above you can see the shutter dogs installed. Normally people put them below the shutter and they stick up. They are designed to rotate easily when closing the shutter and the weight of the larger scroll will automatically pull the shutterdog back into vertical place. However we had flashing below the window that we didn't want to drill into. We ended up placing ours to the side and both the batten and the anti-vibration bracket helped keep it in place.<br /><br />Below you can see George rejoicing after installing the shutter dogs and the job was finally, truly done!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO7rbKBtZ17gkOX6pJjzE8H_rIZAAR2GxzHhMK52GvALGpI9uNtYyYrOSg6aieAQC1eJxaPiPt70I_7Ex2apHsjdLkI9JjkouUGKsyAuF7Qbg3qpPtzqS6Dn0-OOWFvf_ePrqd46Qd-AGNWi7qNLsTJJ8CWzhB_5iVpY_EorLX_FBBEvIBQvqp0Q8YTw/s750/15GArms750_204911217.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="563" data-original-width="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO7rbKBtZ17gkOX6pJjzE8H_rIZAAR2GxzHhMK52GvALGpI9uNtYyYrOSg6aieAQC1eJxaPiPt70I_7Ex2apHsjdLkI9JjkouUGKsyAuF7Qbg3qpPtzqS6Dn0-OOWFvf_ePrqd46Qd-AGNWi7qNLsTJJ8CWzhB_5iVpY_EorLX_FBBEvIBQvqp0Q8YTw/s16000/15GArms750_204911217.jpg" /></a></div>
This project might win the prize for longest from start to finish, but it really was satisfying to see how the shutters transformed the house. When I pull into the driveway and see them it brings me joy every time.<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdnp188fdfKR82KVC7sTpHkGIv2jwiSvX6YqSBwya1giNPJfQJ2KDJpnbhSr-TUjIC7Mjdh2IgZWNlSRa9VqdPdmTsmrI1M4Sfpmy30j6O1ScHWntOy4nhnrQBSblzX-LsmFRBIoONp0z02VYQMgT1SThnwoBu9-7lpqw-RWif1-q1fP522fQRd2ACRw/s1600/1HalfBeforeAfter550.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="757" data-original-width="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdnp188fdfKR82KVC7sTpHkGIv2jwiSvX6YqSBwya1giNPJfQJ2KDJpnbhSr-TUjIC7Mjdh2IgZWNlSRa9VqdPdmTsmrI1M4Sfpmy30j6O1ScHWntOy4nhnrQBSblzX-LsmFRBIoONp0z02VYQMgT1SThnwoBu9-7lpqw-RWif1-q1fP522fQRd2ACRw/s1600/1HalfBeforeAfter550.jpg" /></a></div>
I usually like to end my posts with some deep thoughts about life. But this time I just want to say, "Do things that bring you joy." That's it... sweet and simple.
<br /><br /> A big thank you to Tiffany for cutting the stencils for this project. And a huge thank you to George for not only putting up with my crazy projects, but for helping me complete them. I couldn't do any of this without your love and support and delicious cooking.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR8bvmJjUB6W2_qQX9dP8vg0k24oQzCSKZYeIGNB_9xu4gE3fDU14nTvq1-UzNvEpLM1BhV9-C8l7SmPCDbcboe0tz8BlA5aC5AmX6Gw4FPRLWjUZIPgLLf7lSIupi2kXcT1XD28cZ5nL9szRUfuIEI2yNbgmIk9lMpc0FI-FnvrUuIh3FePFqDyrvSw/s1600/16VG775NEW_205032709.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="436" data-original-width="775" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR8bvmJjUB6W2_qQX9dP8vg0k24oQzCSKZYeIGNB_9xu4gE3fDU14nTvq1-UzNvEpLM1BhV9-C8l7SmPCDbcboe0tz8BlA5aC5AmX6Gw4FPRLWjUZIPgLLf7lSIupi2kXcT1XD28cZ5nL9szRUfuIEI2yNbgmIk9lMpc0FI-FnvrUuIh3FePFqDyrvSw/s1600/16VG775NEW_205032709.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">"Decorating golden rule: Live with what you love."</span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">―Unknown</span></div></span>
<br /><br /><br />
Nessyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09162374688956449698noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2262034438607647152.post-31942063962696043472022-10-17T20:10:00.002-04:002022-10-19T10:23:45.184-04:00Tudor House: Watercolor Portrait
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0q8oV1N9ImHhLGFrz5-VtOWDq41JN8e7bokiIY0suLnIpr_ArXmnkDoDNSujMfAx04jspQc9TPmc4EEMqonzAmvywurR1kiFvFkQZ3UYoQJemcrggIpJQByVi8XNUCk6bvGOujayqn1qKfIcGofNj0jOjNEpu53uDbMMSw6ANbuQHsPb3NKBqlajO8A/s1600/Tudor775New2.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="620" data-original-width="775" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0q8oV1N9ImHhLGFrz5-VtOWDq41JN8e7bokiIY0suLnIpr_ArXmnkDoDNSujMfAx04jspQc9TPmc4EEMqonzAmvywurR1kiFvFkQZ3UYoQJemcrggIpJQByVi8XNUCk6bvGOujayqn1qKfIcGofNj0jOjNEpu53uDbMMSw6ANbuQHsPb3NKBqlajO8A/s1600/Tudor775New2.jpg"/></a></div>
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><div style="text-align: center;">"You can't really say what is beautiful about a place,<br />but the image of the place will remain vividly with you."<br />—Tadao Ando</div></span><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;">
<br />The Tudor architectural style is my favorite. When we moved to Cincinnati and were looking for a house, I didn't want to look at any house that was not a Tudor. (We looked at one house that was not a Tudor and that is the one we ended up in...but that is another story.) So when my neighbor asked me to do a house portrait and I saw her house was a Tudor, I was super excited.<br /><br />Tudor houses are characterized by:<br />
<p style="margin-left: 5%; margin-right: 5%;"><br /> "a steeply pitched roof, often with multiple overlapping, front-facing gables (the triangular portion of the roof) of varying heights... they're accented (often in those triangular gables) with decorative half-timbering: essentially a mock frame of thin boards with stucco or stone filling in the spaces between the boards."<br />
<br />"The windows used in Tudor houses are also a unique nod to medieval architecture. Windows are tall and narrow with multiple panes."<br /><br />"Though often not in the center of the house, the front door is still a significant architectural feature on Tudor homes. They typically have a round arch at the top and tend to be bordered by a contrasting stone that stands out against the brick walls." (Source: <a href="Though often not in the center of the house, the front door is still a significant architectural feature on Tudor homes. They typically have a round arch at the top and tend to be bordered by a contrasting stone that stands out against the brick walls. " target="_blank">House Beautiful</a>) <br /></p>
<br />Usually, when I start a house portrait I like to photograph the house from numerous angles and I often like to stand a bit to the left or right side to show the three-dimensional depth. I tried my usual tactic with this house, but my favorite photos were consistently from the front. I think Tudor houses don't usually have much depth to them, and the front façade is what is most spectacular. But it did make my job a little more difficult than normal, because adding the shadows to a house makes it really pop. It became clear as I worked there wouldn't be that many shadows to indicate depth.<br /><br />Below you can see my pencil sketch partly inked. </div>
<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSY7tfqHo70V1coleNL9jum-_zd8swWNVjrxaVfMDBhDK3zHe0wHn7Vut7bQuIx_D8mHCMRcCVYzfCPjqdKeoC4FMDvHQ3RP2eDDbgS0IX01sqUM4TV5FAyfWXv0JQ1awyBsWcvkUelXs8tLaoa1M6JY6iKZ_TqHOkN8vHl4uxN5lYT_c8NwYBRePC5w/s700/Pencil700_165628704Flat.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="525" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSY7tfqHo70V1coleNL9jum-_zd8swWNVjrxaVfMDBhDK3zHe0wHn7Vut7bQuIx_D8mHCMRcCVYzfCPjqdKeoC4FMDvHQ3RP2eDDbgS0IX01sqUM4TV5FAyfWXv0JQ1awyBsWcvkUelXs8tLaoa1M6JY6iKZ_TqHOkN8vHl4uxN5lYT_c8NwYBRePC5w/s16000/Pencil700_165628704Flat.jpg" /></a><br />
<br /><br /><div separator="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpCXcPZ9gMXTMEnn8PWo7kYy0tlj2XHL4Ld9a4Ps7PqXiH7rPVbDALScfWl8IY6ALBXqUoG1iJRAThL9EIIvbkf4pUsqFBR5XUL0S2AVWFxZ4zsQ3GcP9m6ienf1OoBBE-2hO05JuIpoqh9OVJqT4MW6hmPvvOekqtl-NJclbHT_Y9kljSpU4ARpUwXw/s700/BW700_165910409.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="537" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpCXcPZ9gMXTMEnn8PWo7kYy0tlj2XHL4Ld9a4Ps7PqXiH7rPVbDALScfWl8IY6ALBXqUoG1iJRAThL9EIIvbkf4pUsqFBR5XUL0S2AVWFxZ4zsQ3GcP9m6ienf1OoBBE-2hO05JuIpoqh9OVJqT4MW6hmPvvOekqtl-NJclbHT_Y9kljSpU4ARpUwXw/s16000/BW700_165910409.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">After I inked in each stone, I could see it was going to be too much to ink the roof. So I left it as pencil. I ended up using the pencil lines as a guide for my watercolor slates.</div>
<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_nQcURIO1QnrlsmhVZsWvYwHykCrV-SkVru8esPTLriKw8d_MNZOGHSaQkW9K4xFziTF4LN8bzkZcLvYL_9wEmAfxwx_ipW7P_1bIhjHtdR0gyd6rkx_kFOU4wDpmQcTvpDyRjd8tX4-YqzlcJBw5yC_xHRcjFEfUQkyzSTScouDONUhvBCbXdfL11w/s700/BWPen700_171223529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="525" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_nQcURIO1QnrlsmhVZsWvYwHykCrV-SkVru8esPTLriKw8d_MNZOGHSaQkW9K4xFziTF4LN8bzkZcLvYL_9wEmAfxwx_ipW7P_1bIhjHtdR0gyd6rkx_kFOU4wDpmQcTvpDyRjd8tX4-YqzlcJBw5yC_xHRcjFEfUQkyzSTScouDONUhvBCbXdfL11w/s16000/BWPen700_171223529.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Below is a short video of the entire watercolor process from start to finish.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="540" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/OTmRZUmu7O4" width="650" youtube-src-id="OTmRZUmu7O4"></iframe></div>
<br /><div style="text-align: left;">Each house portrait has its own challenges. What I've found is that the house itself usually helps me find the solutions. For example, I don't always ink in each stone. In fact, it is a little unusual for me to do so. I usually use some ink to indicate the presence of stone as I did <a href="https://nessydesigns.blogspot.com/2022/06/stone-house-watercolor-portrait.html" target="_blank">here</a>. But for this Tudor house, the stone was the most striking element. If the stone had covered the whole house it would have been too much...but because it was half the house I thought it really worked to balance the large expanse of stuccoed areas. </div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfj1zH7T0YAyueDfjHPsEtjEuN_ei-h68i6K_Y0yFjReRQBejWum_9dLsYFtH16H5g16EUVOK5SNCYW00NF_MiYdwlj-9CHsSSHmlhC6uqXWRM8BBkyz405eIKYjIcDJOCSvuVLOmP5lQeyRyzDpC0aR-h41Xn5pgEIJhfFPwI8w2tjaroxzysu2WjKA/s750/Painting750.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="593" data-original-width="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfj1zH7T0YAyueDfjHPsEtjEuN_ei-h68i6K_Y0yFjReRQBejWum_9dLsYFtH16H5g16EUVOK5SNCYW00NF_MiYdwlj-9CHsSSHmlhC6uqXWRM8BBkyz405eIKYjIcDJOCSvuVLOmP5lQeyRyzDpC0aR-h41Xn5pgEIJhfFPwI8w2tjaroxzysu2WjKA/s16000/Painting750.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">The landscaping is another important feature that needs to be taken into account when decided on how much detail to put in. This particular house had beautiful landscaping which added so much interest to the portrait. I try to give the landscaping its own character while not letting it overwhelm the piece.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPJmqkDSMqxpbtPDZQRPu2nHdETTZbYDIlCzdg8msBQdOmZ89P7ie1rLk5HjBpO63KYGb8hSLqpXO3_Zw5-YUd9IlVDrdo3aRR9gm2vKmlI2l0GwyJ6Jhj2sD_m9jG73N7bpyzEPaDNvHVQZuvFOfu48hIRtYSgqSWaEZRgTqOWivT73rjEEpIH4sddw/s1600/TudorClose750_140434276.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="563" data-original-width="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPJmqkDSMqxpbtPDZQRPu2nHdETTZbYDIlCzdg8msBQdOmZ89P7ie1rLk5HjBpO63KYGb8hSLqpXO3_Zw5-YUd9IlVDrdo3aRR9gm2vKmlI2l0GwyJ6Jhj2sD_m9jG73N7bpyzEPaDNvHVQZuvFOfu48hIRtYSgqSWaEZRgTqOWivT73rjEEpIH4sddw/s1600/TudorClose750_140434276.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /><div style="text-align: left;">Once the piece is finished I add my initials in some hidden spot. I would prefer not to put anything on the piece because I find it a distraction... but people seem to want it.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgimBHVJBfDZiVYcuq36tKL1X9sF7tSFStBTF8us6VXfA2dbB7kC0h2XWh2xUn36MIJubTu53IX8enum3NGyHSRGh4mQwIUz0G8snP0V6HWLLfzHNB6yDo6Yx3bKQow30JVTrvOf9sOxUAxT7ghBPfQ85PSTqfNBdCdsxYbwv7gMhRmhkUntoN9IB9-aw/s1600/Signature750_140533628.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="563" data-original-width="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgimBHVJBfDZiVYcuq36tKL1X9sF7tSFStBTF8us6VXfA2dbB7kC0h2XWh2xUn36MIJubTu53IX8enum3NGyHSRGh4mQwIUz0G8snP0V6HWLLfzHNB6yDo6Yx3bKQow30JVTrvOf9sOxUAxT7ghBPfQ85PSTqfNBdCdsxYbwv7gMhRmhkUntoN9IB9-aw/s1600/Signature750_140533628.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /><div style="text-align: left;">After signing the piece I cut the paper off the block, spray the back lightly with water and press it. Although I paint the piece on a block that is glued around the edges, it inevitably will be wavy. I was irritated because I had to press this portrait three days! Every day I would take the books and rocks off and be disappointed that even the binding of a book can create a new wave in the paper.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Below you can see the binding of the black book at the bottom of the pile is turned to the center. It created a small wave in the paper. The next day I turned it around, but somehow another book did the same thing. I finally found a big piece of book board that covered the whole piece and pressed it. Duh! Sometimes it takes me a while.</div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHGPmFoNPI19kcIkMij9TBqdWAs2TZCvPTJIafxI_O-AsBbJ87oYbqegySN25DzU7146EFm96TGCGhCWhWSik94JSu-mTRZeOmC5up-cTmCH3N68vRQ6rdsoJ5WqmnA9p-MjM7tNeLw-B8hH6xnoyfcIvAedm-Fmg5QenR4jQ9Idt09x4S29oHgiUmOQ/s650/Pressing650_143437967Crop.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="562" data-original-width="650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHGPmFoNPI19kcIkMij9TBqdWAs2TZCvPTJIafxI_O-AsBbJ87oYbqegySN25DzU7146EFm96TGCGhCWhWSik94JSu-mTRZeOmC5up-cTmCH3N68vRQ6rdsoJ5WqmnA9p-MjM7tNeLw-B8hH6xnoyfcIvAedm-Fmg5QenR4jQ9Idt09x4S29oHgiUmOQ/s16000/Pressing650_143437967Crop.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">The very final step of the house portrait is to cut a sheet of glassine to protect the portrait. And then to make a cardboard or foam core portfolio. I just happened to have extra white "plastic-y" board that I used to stop the cats from jumping over the barrier gates, so I used it to make the portfolio this time. </div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHD4_ggG_56OZgIouBtziNLsrqCOKDTFyOrWOibGQP8DCyzKWXgbdWglr7EFKV4jbZpXtsbZadLeR_JDWQtx1Ut7U6oZtT_sKIuq8u2Z8dXM0xjxH98PqOHJm88oohQeY6c5Ke-zQCYMPVQm4LgzDy8zi0ZbKfpmRRldJSMbroC7Ee4o0HuynxsABwxw/s1224/FinishingTouches%20copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1224" data-original-width="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHD4_ggG_56OZgIouBtziNLsrqCOKDTFyOrWOibGQP8DCyzKWXgbdWglr7EFKV4jbZpXtsbZadLeR_JDWQtx1Ut7U6oZtT_sKIuq8u2Z8dXM0xjxH98PqOHJm88oohQeY6c5Ke-zQCYMPVQm4LgzDy8zi0ZbKfpmRRldJSMbroC7Ee4o0HuynxsABwxw/s16000/FinishingTouches%20copy.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">This afternoon I will hopefully deliver the portrait to my neighbor. I've said it before, but I will say it again. Doing these house portraits gives me such an appreciation for the craftmanship that went into these beautiful old homes. I imagine the guy who had to choose each stone of the chimney and what an art form it is. Spending time studying each house I draw makes me love and appreciate the city of Cincinnati. I feel lucky to live here and to own one of these centenarians myself. Maybe one day I will draw my own house. But today I will be happy to walk up to this gorgeous, wood front door, see the stonework close-up, and deliver a small package of Cincinnati history rendered with love and care. <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">Love makes you see a place differently, just as you hold differently an object that belongs to someone you love. If you know one landscape well, you will look at all other landscapes differently.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica; font-size: x-large;">—</span><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"> Anne Michaels</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT0Ib4yAb7Q3SPQ_SyTJpg2xcbV-r_gVfSwTaa4eHkatgfuOoaX8ztgk29FC1t9_Tf_7encH6DCf6XXRVNlusBxJL_57RJSEoNsWrTk5Q5_XLjbBAcLZvMmlrY90hm8Rdipsc1Pq5menbpeWSL5E70X_S3WIaVzwSOQ4cvdPq2is_ZemwMCy7-rg_z6Q/s1600/TudorClose_140415790.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="563" data-original-width="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT0Ib4yAb7Q3SPQ_SyTJpg2xcbV-r_gVfSwTaa4eHkatgfuOoaX8ztgk29FC1t9_Tf_7encH6DCf6XXRVNlusBxJL_57RJSEoNsWrTk5Q5_XLjbBAcLZvMmlrY90hm8Rdipsc1Pq5menbpeWSL5E70X_S3WIaVzwSOQ4cvdPq2is_ZemwMCy7-rg_z6Q/s1600/TudorClose_140415790.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /><br /><br /><br /></div>Nessyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09162374688956449698noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2262034438607647152.post-66375841253280719212022-10-02T18:17:00.005-04:002022-10-02T18:29:51.696-04:00"Los Gatos" Linocut Print<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="499" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhARD6Omt1jPCVhH7EUTZTjLj08QY4z4SBAuZSkcB75X4VOlFi20YCQVgm11EM12CqLcngJAsFmZ4JfH6h6yPvwPZhtW2TBDC3INcMgLGollpVb1QtxWn_BTQ5He0hoGyWRPr2QSuqne7c5RN5qYdjZKjuPAf4MgKrQsLcCcwiXa5SDazPPJWVbapF0pw/s1600/1LosGatos700Tall_191654499Crop.jpg" /></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">I first met my friend Christina at a Cincinnati Illustrators lunch. Christina ran the lunches and is a tremendously talented illustrator (check out her website <a href="https://christinawald.com/" target="_blank">here</a>). Before I knew it she had convinced me to fly with her to Denver and then drive down to Taos for a travel journal workshop by <a href="https://www.amybogard.com/" target="_blank">Amy Bogard</a>. It was quite an adventure and I had an incredible time. <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica;"><span style="font-size: large;">“Find a group of people who challenge and inspire you;</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">spend a lot of time with them, and it will change your life.”</span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">– Amy Poehler</span></span></div><br />Both during and since that trip I have gotten to know Christina. In addition to her incredible talent, she is one of the most open-hearted, non-judgmental, kind people I know. She has also influenced me (and many others) profoundly as an artist. I've learned so much from simply sketching next to her and peering over her shoulder to see how she illustrates a building, or a hippo, or a friend. She is always encouraging and genuinely wants success for her fellow artists and has the tendency to pull others up with her. I want to be more like that.<br /><br />But back to the story at hand, last weekend Christina and Troy and their friend Misha invited me over for a belated birthday hotpot dinner. Misha spent time in China and to be invited to hotpot is quite a treat! Everything goes into the pot...enoki mushrooms, fishballs, noodles, bacon, bok choy, some kind of delicious root, and more that I am forgetting. So delicious!<br /><br />That night Christina gave me an adorable owl tea towel and mug by <a href="https://www.sktceramics.com/" target="_blank">SKT ceramics</a>. She knew I would love them because we named our cats Bubo and Otus after two different owl genera (<i>Bubo virginianus</i> and <i>Otus asio</i>). In addition she illustrated the gift bag with a drawing of Otus smelling daffodils! So dang cute! Plus Troy 3-D printed me a mini watercolor palette. <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">“Why did you do all this for me?' he asked. 'I don't deserve it.<br />I've never done anything for you.' <br /><br />'You have been my friend,' replied Charlotte.<br />'That in itself is a tremendous thing.”<br /><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">― E.B. White, Charlotte's Web</span></div></div></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTXI3RBV2OliK-MguSIKphSXGMSyShKR-QfOhoxsBF7by59vwu2bkrSCa8TLriivfvoFseYwss6xbIm8uMSfcxLyegBmMW4DMHTzvQZVofjYKXvjgTBGDCkChBu4TUf8BB43E1Qhtiad3lys2n56KPfo2ycFwZqD2YDxS6LRpVQZtjwQ1uhCW_u-c8MQ/s1600/BdayatChristinas700Wide.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1355" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTXI3RBV2OliK-MguSIKphSXGMSyShKR-QfOhoxsBF7by59vwu2bkrSCa8TLriivfvoFseYwss6xbIm8uMSfcxLyegBmMW4DMHTzvQZVofjYKXvjgTBGDCkChBu4TUf8BB43E1Qhtiad3lys2n56KPfo2ycFwZqD2YDxS6LRpVQZtjwQ1uhCW_u-c8MQ/s1600/BdayatChristinas700Wide.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />That night I realized Christina's birthday was the following week, so I took a few photos of her cats thinking I might make something cat-related for her . When I met Christina and Troy they had two cats...Miffy (above center) and <a href="https://nessydesigns.blogspot.com/2020/10/spike-cat-linocut.html" target="_blank">Spike</a>. Spike passed away recently and they adopted two new cats...Conan (above right) and Bob. Unfortunately Bob died after only a few months. Conan kept trying to play with senior cat Miffy and she was having none of it. So they recently adopted Thundarr (another orange tabby boy - above left). <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">“One cat just leads to another."</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">[Letter from Finca Vigia, Cuba, to his first wife, Elizabeth Hadley Richardson (1943).]</span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica;"><span style="font-size: medium;">― Ernest Hemingway, Selected Letters 1917-1961</span></span></div><br /></div>
<br /><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica;">The Sketch</span><br /><br />The Monday after our dinner I sat down to sketch out ideas for a linocut. I knew I wanted to make it a standard size so I drew a 5x7 box. At first I thought I would just draw Christina with the three cats. Once I finished, I realized it would be more of a square with just her. So I added her husband Troy in the background (below left). I ended up liking Troy's sketch and wanted to keep him, but the composition was all wrong. So I scanned my sketch and brought it into Photoshop to play around with it. I thought about adding Christina's mom, but in the end I moved Troy to the middle and added some games/books (below middle). <br /><br />At this point I got out a 5x7 mat and realized the opening is only 4 1/2 by 6 1/2 inches. This happens to me EVERY single time. I also realized that I should leave room at the bottom for my signature. So I drew a new box and scrunched everybody in (below right). I also like to have my subject matter break the border line a bit, so it really helps to work it out ahead of time in Photoshop.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkkyvUMwMn62Y6F5I170jEZmEHAJgLy6tQKBx-o-UcBBMG0WOQtdVISCLfIw8IcM9EXzLRsTigEgJ-DON8h7MNjCwxDXytRrw8Tq_7DNCZ-rUARR4sN1nymPGPHaGayZ0JvEOoqo-NI20i2KI8MVHP06pEwFQ8u4AsSLfCO33btiScYhr1OASDhY04yg/s800/2Composition.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="377" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkkyvUMwMn62Y6F5I170jEZmEHAJgLy6tQKBx-o-UcBBMG0WOQtdVISCLfIw8IcM9EXzLRsTigEgJ-DON8h7MNjCwxDXytRrw8Tq_7DNCZ-rUARR4sN1nymPGPHaGayZ0JvEOoqo-NI20i2KI8MVHP06pEwFQ8u4AsSLfCO33btiScYhr1OASDhY04yg/s16000/2Composition.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />I also had a fantasy that maybe I would make this a 4 color print. I figured I would need black, light orange, dark orange, and green for the chair. For those of you who aren't printmakers...adding printed colors to the background makes it a lot more complicated. Your registration has to be perfect and you have to use multiple blocks. It was a big decision so I decided to mock it up in Illustrator. <br /><br />Below you can see my Illustrator drawing. I am glad I went to the extra trouble to do this step because I realized I would need five colors! (I was missing the blue before). That was the final straw and I decided to just add color to the black and white print using watercolor. It is much much easier and I thought I could still achieve the look I desired, which was flat fields of color.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="437" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRaOdYlnkMqCFzX1SdJ2YS-W0PAM38PC6uM6jwtjC-w9Cb3OagwATccG4p2Dvw2oGZl9kf3DXElZMxMBo-8gOgCvmih5Yt5UVPoBIo4XR2MLZ2jicZWe-hlsqoeaktNDnA8VaWip648cCwTir-eK220A3Gy3e_OHQ7fCn-h0R_kZTV_65qhgqpKbX5nQ/s1600/3halfIllustrator600TAll.jpg" /></div><br />With that decision made I moved on to transferring my design to the block. Here you can see my pencil sketch on the left which I turned over and burnished onto my Safety-Kut lino block on the right.</div>
<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxATZs5exAgUejtGFk65gvZbez7TOD4XWJfDUgMz_y2aVeHwj_JaWNbQnCPomPbJlPIlUsqddA5eW_DtPP0EBGIq_04p9twAesgOTWoDQRcO1hUqn7H4HO8c7tcQA1hTiX3tMCGDFrSCayctF4X-g3pXre0BeuNHvBW1ZrFPbh1Sa1yIDh0FH6WgcLNA/s750/3Transfer750_182644120.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="525" data-original-width="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxATZs5exAgUejtGFk65gvZbez7TOD4XWJfDUgMz_y2aVeHwj_JaWNbQnCPomPbJlPIlUsqddA5eW_DtPP0EBGIq_04p9twAesgOTWoDQRcO1hUqn7H4HO8c7tcQA1hTiX3tMCGDFrSCayctF4X-g3pXre0BeuNHvBW1ZrFPbh1Sa1yIDh0FH6WgcLNA/s16000/3Transfer750_182644120.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />It took me almost 2 hours to carve the block. Of course Bubo had to come over to investigate what I was up to. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4FHd2IGAzXj5ztVqtEbxC2OrGk_sG7fO58RgpM80cI-vdwMTImaLKG7sn1x8_Q3Nbkn2cfqMyFkDnB5avdq6vI0Xc1yjbjmcQWbuv1NF55ZLxu6e9uFtSp-EdWzceriG0plzBD5Pvd3u4CGr81mnRZEzqWIT3SwO844TKfcv10JRmHn79j38CW6Q4zg/s1600/Carving.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="527" data-original-width="775" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4FHd2IGAzXj5ztVqtEbxC2OrGk_sG7fO58RgpM80cI-vdwMTImaLKG7sn1x8_Q3Nbkn2cfqMyFkDnB5avdq6vI0Xc1yjbjmcQWbuv1NF55ZLxu6e9uFtSp-EdWzceriG0plzBD5Pvd3u4CGr81mnRZEzqWIT3SwO844TKfcv10JRmHn79j38CW6Q4zg/s1600/Carving.jpg" /></a></div>
The following video shows me pulling a quick test print using a stamp pad. Again, there is a special guest appearance.<br />
<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="540" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/KEgA-FuYpjI" width="750" youtube-src-id="KEgA-FuYpjI"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: center;">(Music by Scott Holmes: Amber)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9P5RW55CDomfp1V-mjQmsv4SebX1kQ8l29CSgwvGylErB-iTmKnX-qE7RCoBxFRwa9y9LFZLscOt8sq_4uLHUDeFTp7or3AwF3bWuPF1odnTXjKsh3Ez_nVTgvdGxoM0BAN2RggCR1-A2szeuck9jq8G9crmGwRVESIRne0-FhHQad4z9aLILtblVSw/s1600/6BW600New_173045311.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="457" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9P5RW55CDomfp1V-mjQmsv4SebX1kQ8l29CSgwvGylErB-iTmKnX-qE7RCoBxFRwa9y9LFZLscOt8sq_4uLHUDeFTp7or3AwF3bWuPF1odnTXjKsh3Ez_nVTgvdGxoM0BAN2RggCR1-A2szeuck9jq8G9crmGwRVESIRne0-FhHQad4z9aLILtblVSw/s1600/6BW600New_173045311.jpg" /></a></div>
I let the ink dry for two days and then I added color with watercolors. Watercolor works really well with oil-based ink because the ink repels the water and forces the color to stay inside the lines.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi165GdpGM6fVnYTQUxYSTaCPib5PE2vHNUICVdDGyP0CXQLP1LkvZowJPfjcaW55Y0alZB0_fJ2zdNAhhWs4m57qyesD2avvFACefqTF4JPJaYn0C9G-f7oNpBeedoQo0xp7rI_WYFaH01JaVU6GFLZNDYYseN2GmXBWSUQed1mduHl2tChL30ZXwMDA/s750/7Color750Tall_190939208.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="563" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi165GdpGM6fVnYTQUxYSTaCPib5PE2vHNUICVdDGyP0CXQLP1LkvZowJPfjcaW55Y0alZB0_fJ2zdNAhhWs4m57qyesD2avvFACefqTF4JPJaYn0C9G-f7oNpBeedoQo0xp7rI_WYFaH01JaVU6GFLZNDYYseN2GmXBWSUQed1mduHl2tChL30ZXwMDA/s16000/7Color750Tall_190939208.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">“Madame Lefoux accepted a cup of tea and sat on another little settee, next to the relocated calico cat. The cat clearly believed Madame Lefoux was there to provide chin scratches. Madame Lefoux provided.”</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">― Gail Carriger, Changeless</span></div><br />I pulled three prints, but the first two had tiny "errors" that I corrected. So I essentially only had one good print. This added a little stress as I was painting because I knew I couldn't mess it up. Luckily I did not. Below you can see my messy drawing board with shutter stencils behind the prints. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg14ZpLl64OOkA46f4LFVqtqVnXCk_NUmldmRwDy-tMVwS7RD12R0dklRtjX88zCc_ldh45dif5E-m_bVRtL89LiRM8bwNyHS0xGa8YthdR3GmBdNksF8LZLyzNI9cCnkpQdcC9aQO4CP76qmWnJDGKtXZxFelDlU22KWj3BALloRSn9gDCTIIy0-zz0A/s750/8Studio750_191955464.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="563" data-original-width="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg14ZpLl64OOkA46f4LFVqtqVnXCk_NUmldmRwDy-tMVwS7RD12R0dklRtjX88zCc_ldh45dif5E-m_bVRtL89LiRM8bwNyHS0xGa8YthdR3GmBdNksF8LZLyzNI9cCnkpQdcC9aQO4CP76qmWnJDGKtXZxFelDlU22KWj3BALloRSn9gDCTIIy0-zz0A/s16000/8Studio750_191955464.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />I framed the print in a simple black frame with a nice thick mat. Again, Bubo had to come check out the final print and give Miffy and the boys a sniff. He also provides a good size reference for the piece.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTgsrf7SXb2wLO2okXGma6P0WtO70cFpP9LJAx52LeVZ0t5nm19wsrl0LqnjCEQDX33zZHKCblbTEiuGKyWazrZVNH7unCbqL6uJrAhDSQxXRueXAHjn7I6Ec9ldxwWXFja5VzpTZUEYsF0tzeBDtCZlsw-fB-71yPNWxNuB_np7ZLw6UbsE4WoiAzbg/s700/9Bubo700Tall_143246047.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="525" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTgsrf7SXb2wLO2okXGma6P0WtO70cFpP9LJAx52LeVZ0t5nm19wsrl0LqnjCEQDX33zZHKCblbTEiuGKyWazrZVNH7unCbqL6uJrAhDSQxXRueXAHjn7I6Ec9ldxwWXFja5VzpTZUEYsF0tzeBDtCZlsw-fB-71yPNWxNuB_np7ZLw6UbsE4WoiAzbg/s16000/9Bubo700Tall_143246047.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />If possible I like to photograph everything outside. The lighting is much better and there aren't harsh lights reflecting on the glass.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmcOR9lUUCBTepsAnCLjqQHrXRw5r4-KYq9HjM9uLlWdz1yBDjIjA_wNsC76tpVyJSedAMHrtFyBMza9RkyWoP-sDfSXkK90f3uhQaGkJR2oi20grTEpiwZTopnHx_UoUlvxPeAE0UfmfiVbEX2hiNdbqhm4JddZhwTaeCMeVTsLwi8Roq5MYSEeIW4g/s725/10Framed725Tall_143355064Crop.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="725" data-original-width="626" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmcOR9lUUCBTepsAnCLjqQHrXRw5r4-KYq9HjM9uLlWdz1yBDjIjA_wNsC76tpVyJSedAMHrtFyBMza9RkyWoP-sDfSXkK90f3uhQaGkJR2oi20grTEpiwZTopnHx_UoUlvxPeAE0UfmfiVbEX2hiNdbqhm4JddZhwTaeCMeVTsLwi8Roq5MYSEeIW4g/s16000/10Framed725Tall_143355064Crop.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /><div style="text-align: center;">I played games with Christina last night and gave her the print. I think she liked it.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Happy Birthday Christina! Wishing you a year filled with joy, purrs, travel and sketching!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ0wuGNRKOu9ehr7aH8cE_tvwUSboXazbLpubQYUt221kHgn-EEIx0zSQSUyK0Ma9BHNMlgZpz0D68Jfk2CTnHsJVZhNzmZLhDnmyiggg2xGDASeZHDiqmLe_PL94OhjjYQ_QsystWwlBAXMGGIEISj8SlCivtK4XXPTjhWKhg6xJzkIiyN_JJkXHtXA/s656/Christina500_022346724.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="656" data-original-width="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ0wuGNRKOu9ehr7aH8cE_tvwUSboXazbLpubQYUt221kHgn-EEIx0zSQSUyK0Ma9BHNMlgZpz0D68Jfk2CTnHsJVZhNzmZLhDnmyiggg2xGDASeZHDiqmLe_PL94OhjjYQ_QsystWwlBAXMGGIEISj8SlCivtK4XXPTjhWKhg6xJzkIiyN_JJkXHtXA/s16000/Christina500_022346724.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">“A true friend is someone who thinks that you are a good egg<br />even though [s]he knows that you are slightly cracked.”</span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">― Bernard Meltzer</span></div><br /></div><br /><br />Nessyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09162374688956449698noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2262034438607647152.post-47811547976468990992022-09-26T15:48:00.006-04:002022-09-27T00:05:42.289-04:00Earth Mandalas at Knebel's Flower Farm<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiacCbQbYHrY2VCUaFQ6IzZ2x0hq9XpXCSDcfn3ThB5lPncsHLos2sXgo90-03FkLqbBH9gZgpHoO3FpXMr2iHst9Ik_OdqL1KPfbZfhHX9cO-reggLRjS0TJyBhAKydiQfNLExRtDAgN260J5Mm4wzov-tig7l-5lPmREUKs3vhxLG0kU60NNxJW8w8Q/s1600/Mandala800New_165638147CROP5.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="759" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiacCbQbYHrY2VCUaFQ6IzZ2x0hq9XpXCSDcfn3ThB5lPncsHLos2sXgo90-03FkLqbBH9gZgpHoO3FpXMr2iHst9Ik_OdqL1KPfbZfhHX9cO-reggLRjS0TJyBhAKydiQfNLExRtDAgN260J5Mm4wzov-tig7l-5lPmREUKs3vhxLG0kU60NNxJW8w8Q/s1600/Mandala800New_165638147CROP5.jpg" /></a></div><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">"A mandala is a geometric configuration of symbols. In various spiritual traditions, mandalas may be employed for focusing attention of practitioners and adepts, as a spiritual guidance tool, for establishing a sacred space and as an aid to meditation and trance induction. A mandala generally represents the spiritual journey, starting from outside to the inner core, through layers." <span face="Roboto, arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white;">—</span> Wikipedia</span></div></span><br />About a month ago I saw a post by my friend <a href="https://www.theresagateskuhr.com/" target="_blank">Theresa Gates Kuhr</a> that she was offering an Earth Mandala class at her sister's property, <a href="https://www.knebelsflowerfarm.com/" target="_blank">Knebel's Flower Farm</a>. The class would include learning about Ayurvedic philosophy and morning rituals, building earth mandalas with flowers, breakfast, and picking our own flower bouquets from the farm. Everything about this was right up my alley, but my one hesitation was that we would have to meet EARLY on a Saturday morning. As many of you know, I am not a morning person. But it seemed silly not to do it for that reason...so I signed up.<br /><br />On Saturday at 6 am I woke up with the thought, "I am one lucky girl." It was a strange thought because I haven't felt very lucky lately. As I got out of bed I noticed it was lightly raining, but the weather forecast said it should clear up. When I headed out the door at 6:45 I saw my phone battery said 26% and I was so sad because I knew I would be wanting to take a ton of photos that day. I ran back in and got my phone charger, hoping to charge it once I arrived. <br /><br />It took me a little over half an hour to arrive at the road to the farm. I turned onto the road and headed up and up and up. The road was pretty rough and I thought I should have put the car in all wheel drive. It reminded me of my old bear project days and I thought to myself, "This is going to be quite an adventure!"<br /><br />When I finally got to the top of the road I was reassured I was in the right place when I was greeted by these signs.<br />
<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuJ7ZBFLOLmjyy4-x97Yf485-WStC8kuTZ1oNNgJISnoKclGXZBwnzZi2h3Xil3y7Rfg0GEccVzdKzrm_Lp_4IiV9-bGog1s1wPkF9NA17W7Tu5hNIJYrtkcvn9MBcwjUWXdfeOaZ_JAMHH8Ns5zmJggQ1k-bh6X7HFssb-gZmcNBK2ORfgPEs0p9KTw/s1600/Signs.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="587" data-original-width="775" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuJ7ZBFLOLmjyy4-x97Yf485-WStC8kuTZ1oNNgJISnoKclGXZBwnzZi2h3Xil3y7Rfg0GEccVzdKzrm_Lp_4IiV9-bGog1s1wPkF9NA17W7Tu5hNIJYrtkcvn9MBcwjUWXdfeOaZ_JAMHH8Ns5zmJggQ1k-bh6X7HFssb-gZmcNBK2ORfgPEs0p9KTw/s1600/Signs.jpg" /></a></div>
As I got out of my car I was welcomed by Barb, the owner of the flower farm, holding an umbrella. It is funny how in just a few words exchanged you know you like someone.. and that was how it was with Barb. I asked it I could plug my phone in and she pointed to the plug next to the water heater for tea. As I sat down to drink some tea, I was also surprised and happy to see my fellow printmaker and friend Nancy Turner show up for the class. Nancy's presence is like a ray of sunshine on a cloudy day. <br /><br />Once we were all assembled, we each got to choose a basket with a vintage tablecloth in it.
<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDHxXKoeOc1U3hUWHXygwhmMHeObBYlmaBSXXBrCw26WMNYRxxIV3pZTzVtvr5LPVohZjlHHQIk8DWDikyPxfR5lPtlgOlzQHgceAPl8Kfsyao25jtGcf9MGQLEODunpp70tjfekTeIHSKrCgMVEe2NKeYVMzensQ4LTe4sG1YMHNVKk9_WjjLtl91FQ/s1600/Flowers600New_115400286.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="479" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDHxXKoeOc1U3hUWHXygwhmMHeObBYlmaBSXXBrCw26WMNYRxxIV3pZTzVtvr5LPVohZjlHHQIk8DWDikyPxfR5lPtlgOlzQHgceAPl8Kfsyao25jtGcf9MGQLEODunpp70tjfekTeIHSKrCgMVEe2NKeYVMzensQ4LTe4sG1YMHNVKk9_WjjLtl91FQ/s1600/Flowers600New_115400286.jpg" /></a></div>
Below you can see Nancy and I happily holding our basket of fresh flowers. (Thank you for the photo Nancy!)<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoDrdd0-FpXAXe1c4DmXUmJhHVPgU488ILim0UgtotyQ8ODpDmSy97RLUPEtPVVcRkDyC3BvTr0Gp9nKGrUfQ3GeX6DIYYtQL4aVU2UwFQ3zKpWJu_a5KNbtuvy8qtENHqwMuij9cVjvBvCyWpPBMlrLpkQI7QdZeHtnNitMGw11DD3h7ZY3sSeueFow/s1600/NancyMe700New.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="530" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoDrdd0-FpXAXe1c4DmXUmJhHVPgU488ILim0UgtotyQ8ODpDmSy97RLUPEtPVVcRkDyC3BvTr0Gp9nKGrUfQ3GeX6DIYYtQL4aVU2UwFQ3zKpWJu_a5KNbtuvy8qtENHqwMuij9cVjvBvCyWpPBMlrLpkQI7QdZeHtnNitMGw11DD3h7ZY3sSeueFow/s1600/NancyMe700New.jpg" /></a></div>
When everyone had their flowers, I grabbed my half-charged phone and we headed off to walk the property.<br />
<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC4AgxdHLipCUCDKGJD0Sl8aN8_CqFKwd06CX6UcbSKf0vLGN33IWAf6Uaek5jsTUWVrPWzUSTBnwaohB-8uTrHXCNOg7gsj2d6Rn2KD7OcyIUh9IbCYjnjndN4jAkrke49MH6T7fiBLS_8zGj1EF4T8kt_kvWD71YVbtxoZaxzj5o3Pw5kXlvfd-y2g/s1021/Walking.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1021" data-original-width="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC4AgxdHLipCUCDKGJD0Sl8aN8_CqFKwd06CX6UcbSKf0vLGN33IWAf6Uaek5jsTUWVrPWzUSTBnwaohB-8uTrHXCNOg7gsj2d6Rn2KD7OcyIUh9IbCYjnjndN4jAkrke49MH6T7fiBLS_8zGj1EF4T8kt_kvWD71YVbtxoZaxzj5o3Pw5kXlvfd-y2g/s16000/Walking.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />We headed around the flower fields and down a beautiful dirt road through the woods until we came to a clearing. We then made a circle and spread our vintage tablecloths out to sit on. Theresa gave a short talk and we went around the circle to introduce ourselves. <br /><br />There is something magical about women gathering in a circle. Somehow, there is always laughter and tears and a sense of being held by the group. And although our intros were brief, I couldn't help but find myself falling in love with each person. I so enjoy hearing people's stories and find myself wanting to know more as the time is always too short in these situations.<br />
<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKaVYavs5B-o8NNB9VYFpcRYShXvueckP3ryFTs2esNlqUy9FQ-isjqD_v77KMO0qCbO_dYfkyAIIdPqhVqJZyDSjcoRMrwSyQaJ3YG66rmhwzX4kt1_ZuDqdlVcX9yjJhF_a5hqX2-PvVhT4mmXbNQLfGaRm2I9jBNs-ZtqaUsBOgcV9dhZvyVbD2DA/s750/WomenCircle_120847331.MP.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="563" data-original-width="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKaVYavs5B-o8NNB9VYFpcRYShXvueckP3ryFTs2esNlqUy9FQ-isjqD_v77KMO0qCbO_dYfkyAIIdPqhVqJZyDSjcoRMrwSyQaJ3YG66rmhwzX4kt1_ZuDqdlVcX9yjJhF_a5hqX2-PvVhT4mmXbNQLfGaRm2I9jBNs-ZtqaUsBOgcV9dhZvyVbD2DA/s16000/WomenCircle_120847331.MP.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />After we left the circle we were instructed to wander the property while gathering any items we might want for our mandala and to look for the perfect spot. As I wandered I felt extra happy to find five perfect osage oranges, plus goldenrod, berries, and several unidentified plants.<br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-NvjNuoFri_GFmxi7UGEI3LKti473KQ5H6YnS61cGJq4Eb-YrO5BwATCag9Nmj-UQL-5Fe37pjq5FqNeI650ojMinhanM1QqtMl2Jtdkod7ZrETBEetiesxennXNkoY5fyR2tzSvk4JRHhNhAPZ_Dz2xOz6DKIVD8UaNNd_rQ4fz7rbqnBNHB19vncA/s700/Goldenrod_130436898.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="525" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-NvjNuoFri_GFmxi7UGEI3LKti473KQ5H6YnS61cGJq4Eb-YrO5BwATCag9Nmj-UQL-5Fe37pjq5FqNeI650ojMinhanM1QqtMl2Jtdkod7ZrETBEetiesxennXNkoY5fyR2tzSvk4JRHhNhAPZ_Dz2xOz6DKIVD8UaNNd_rQ4fz7rbqnBNHB19vncA/s16000/Goldenrod_130436898.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioZ2hAzNHEm5EARQWwRhVXPkF4oRMH4ZfTgtZoDDzeRb5iBmEgbuCWvX8blxR1f5lfrRDPKcGsDWrImi9Zh-s_OxxGn1uAK-GhIcZ6YvB77A6hzhW9uhvKdy49WoVAhgTTWjgqzmR7DLTrFK5rU0t7vw0xWMh0Lmz1TuXQfRBWNCtK6oGqFjb2-_0mDQ/s672/Berries_130531964.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="672" data-original-width="504" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioZ2hAzNHEm5EARQWwRhVXPkF4oRMH4ZfTgtZoDDzeRb5iBmEgbuCWvX8blxR1f5lfrRDPKcGsDWrImi9Zh-s_OxxGn1uAK-GhIcZ6YvB77A6hzhW9uhvKdy49WoVAhgTTWjgqzmR7DLTrFK5rU0t7vw0xWMh0Lmz1TuXQfRBWNCtK6oGqFjb2-_0mDQ/s16000/Berries_130531964.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />When I took the photo above, I could tell my phone was starting to act funny again. It would turn off every time I took a photo. At this point I knew I would be lucky to get any more photos...so I turned my attention to finding a spot for my mandala.<br /><br />I wandered around the lake but found myself close to where we met in the circle. I wanted to find a bright spot and I decided to make a little space for my mandala near the woodpile in the middle of the field. The woodpile was surrounded by lots of tall snakeweed, but there was a spot where there was a natural break in the weeds. Theresa had told us that it was easiest to make the mandalas on the dirt, but I thought maybe I could cut the vegetation down a bit to make it flat. Plus I knew the osage oranges were pretty big and that I would have to make my mandala "thick" to accommodate them. I also liked the idea of my mandala being nested into the arms of the bent-over snakeroot.<br /><br />Theresa had instructed us to think about the purpose of our mandala. Would it be symbolic? Would it honor someone or something? At first I thought about honoring a family member, or my family. But in the end I decided to honor my self. I decided to take this class at the end of a difficult month and as a way to do something for me. So when I started building it I knew I wanted to make it more of a wreath...because you all know I am obsessed with donut shapes and shapes that having "nothing" in the middle. Below you can see my final mandala nestled into the snakeroot.
<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="581" data-original-width="775" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7N-Gwbi03CIrb-83EnmhsN6jpoayNvA2NIlduo6wTXlGcERwAt4RSBTOWGFIvWpvXLW7c8mc75NTkSa_8YikKlYh29RPTt1mAu2ImQlAoEg94oZmitVJ_KYmfRPxkfV_FQWhhcTSnWGkzvhorPU-8ozXEI9gn5OxtXbbgpWkVxEr0RLXK-MZNCTolHQ/s1600/MandalaNestled775New_135703055.jpg" /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Looking at it now as I write this blogpost, the mandala reminds me of a swirling hurricane with a still point in the center. It made me think that we are all like human hurricanes walking around, not knowing our own power. And not realizing that at our core we can always find peace. We are both the swirling storm and the calm at the center. <br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeOc_uR0XRRQ4-16fY_m92y7N9-Sf7GHTSKywQuCH3fdOAnYFudFEvqEjBMGe2SGoZ_-pkUoy3WOtGjQ1hXFGpFnAo9WTRs8dw3LTOQvcInDQv0TqlEXn_2EuwFR6NcrRygdq8umUDdePeOzYs9ChNFWFlVwC4mZdFQqVJjeQoTeoLTwOlUW9FwhhUMQ/s933/VanessaMandala750_135632946.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="933" data-original-width="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeOc_uR0XRRQ4-16fY_m92y7N9-Sf7GHTSKywQuCH3fdOAnYFudFEvqEjBMGe2SGoZ_-pkUoy3WOtGjQ1hXFGpFnAo9WTRs8dw3LTOQvcInDQv0TqlEXn_2EuwFR6NcrRygdq8umUDdePeOzYs9ChNFWFlVwC4mZdFQqVJjeQoTeoLTwOlUW9FwhhUMQ/s16000/VanessaMandala750_135632946.jpg" /></a></div><br /><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">“The center of the Mandala is the Now-moment, where, through the quality of attention, we constantly create ourselves anew.” — Richard Moss</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDnvdWsr-4ui9QwFXC57Q67RW2Vog9n0I-Hw4MkZjNM0V7jxKMTYSmxEJRSNZaoEbVew7mjDLh3V4tjF_bSycyLKYqfKivQNFY8hTHHVG2eFlbaxYlNY-puW1QsN9vr708YL_QKzLac7tkgFe9osedJ16ZqOc2Z4fdwDBpxm8Zu8oSVeLaSw7xT1V3bw/s1600/Vanessa650_135727869.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="488" data-original-width="650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDnvdWsr-4ui9QwFXC57Q67RW2Vog9n0I-Hw4MkZjNM0V7jxKMTYSmxEJRSNZaoEbVew7mjDLh3V4tjF_bSycyLKYqfKivQNFY8hTHHVG2eFlbaxYlNY-puW1QsN9vr708YL_QKzLac7tkgFe9osedJ16ZqOc2Z4fdwDBpxm8Zu8oSVeLaSw7xT1V3bw/s1600/Vanessa650_135727869.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /><div style="text-align: left;">After finishing my mandala, I hurried back to meet the group. At this point my phone died...so I missed photographing everyone with their mandala. But I did enjoy walking to see everyone's mandala and listening to the descriptions of each one. It truly was a lovely surprise to come upon each person's lovely mandala on the ground and to see how each one was different and the materials used.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">When we finished our walk we headed back to the flower field where Barb and Theresa (and their husbands) had prepared quite a lunch for us. I quickly plugged my phone in at the house and ran back to eat lunch. Nancy let me use her photo of this incredible spread.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_RL5aOc5SQk7S4Dgbg43Hsd9YwTXh1z41XixudSK8h5h8Yn6fLixTfPCM5f-KYUC_UV_eSKqUg-UPNJf_VccgdXjsW3eCAFrPis2oV1NjxFhmDJMc78KWJx4E0StnneUXFKOn_W6DopCAri_zfylF3kUiUDF7iTm7UQwdPiXB--7nPY-Btdv4hoEu5g/s700/Food.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="604" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_RL5aOc5SQk7S4Dgbg43Hsd9YwTXh1z41XixudSK8h5h8Yn6fLixTfPCM5f-KYUC_UV_eSKqUg-UPNJf_VccgdXjsW3eCAFrPis2oV1NjxFhmDJMc78KWJx4E0StnneUXFKOn_W6DopCAri_zfylF3kUiUDF7iTm7UQwdPiXB--7nPY-Btdv4hoEu5g/s16000/Food.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />After lunch both me and my phone were recharged and I got to take a couple more photos of the day.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4UrUduMdohlO95C86W3nr-Kl98TsgaPX0UtuMFiY8iWp1MYlVJ_zj_NJalHXrI1UKFG1vjkuTAxSqgJXxAYlaE9aHpdgkwhInFIZQjuCWPZJ9ARewODQ_zUwBZrV-xvXjHivUy1jNob9omwigpvFK-KjKleDVvqKqgPhA0WfcDNu6hXq58zleL6Y7ow/s700/Eating700_152616029.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="525" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4UrUduMdohlO95C86W3nr-Kl98TsgaPX0UtuMFiY8iWp1MYlVJ_zj_NJalHXrI1UKFG1vjkuTAxSqgJXxAYlaE9aHpdgkwhInFIZQjuCWPZJ9ARewODQ_zUwBZrV-xvXjHivUy1jNob9omwigpvFK-KjKleDVvqKqgPhA0WfcDNu6hXq58zleL6Y7ow/s16000/Eating700_152616029.jpg" /></a></div><br />Below you can see each of us got an empty jar for our bouquets and how every little detail of this experience was delightful.<br /><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOI7__2fxvFzwbu83HOBYQBxlbzCLEvlPvlCDAHmj24TWGBce4JTUNyGJIcexBLMEhREasNhkFzGwpxFATHjWNLne4fUKXNK6O5xRkb4QLi3k0Bm34S3BNsuCR8NW-88ZSP9gHo9LGdaaOvbQdPd7CWLL5X4TJKAQM648XGFaEcCyUdC0YPOGSPZd3_w/s700/Jars700_152620990.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="525" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOI7__2fxvFzwbu83HOBYQBxlbzCLEvlPvlCDAHmj24TWGBce4JTUNyGJIcexBLMEhREasNhkFzGwpxFATHjWNLne4fUKXNK6O5xRkb4QLi3k0Bm34S3BNsuCR8NW-88ZSP9gHo9LGdaaOvbQdPd7CWLL5X4TJKAQM648XGFaEcCyUdC0YPOGSPZd3_w/s16000/Jars700_152620990.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">I can't tell you how much fun it was to walk the rows of this field cutting flowers for our arrangements. And there is nothing more merry than a bunch of women arranging flowers. And if you are interested, Barb offers "pick and pay" experiences for people or groups (check out her <a href="https://www.knebelsflowerfarm.com/" target="_blank">website</a>!).</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrT_RFnz-unyscxNHzM_Z2DgQ_yu54Te-L5PzsZ3lIhkJulfqDmrSgRkqLwVcU9uj_Ivug1YPK_7NQ_tBhIqoIyhrzptFihu_SLkjqwRXcWcjRtdXE5OKBLg1L8F90QMY7jy1yWaTEy1dt5t0dzQwekuhFdW7hcn0dhw7Y4ylS3JihS0ud6MGrLYWMrA/s750/Flowers750_161143433.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="563" data-original-width="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrT_RFnz-unyscxNHzM_Z2DgQ_yu54Te-L5PzsZ3lIhkJulfqDmrSgRkqLwVcU9uj_Ivug1YPK_7NQ_tBhIqoIyhrzptFihu_SLkjqwRXcWcjRtdXE5OKBLg1L8F90QMY7jy1yWaTEy1dt5t0dzQwekuhFdW7hcn0dhw7Y4ylS3JihS0ud6MGrLYWMrA/s16000/Flowers750_161143433.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /><div style="text-align: left;">Barb truly is a master at what she does. It was fascinating to listen to her tell us about growing flowers and what is involved. And I learned so much from watching her make a bouquet.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqLkLm1sb19XLSjFGNxu1YDfqsI5ixLUknxFtNyRQS2b3qBxzfLgieP38eimZcBIGY7CFKFP1xCYMHNr7gl5HBp9aRPOsPGYMnJYDu1px54p4qrU3G5gWdVQd_bV__lOOGWY5b2ApcmTmEDmKIAYddBE9S0npe5SvZywkOntUnj1lHh1dNQNov4OalmA/s700/Flowers700_162750446.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="525" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqLkLm1sb19XLSjFGNxu1YDfqsI5ixLUknxFtNyRQS2b3qBxzfLgieP38eimZcBIGY7CFKFP1xCYMHNr7gl5HBp9aRPOsPGYMnJYDu1px54p4qrU3G5gWdVQd_bV__lOOGWY5b2ApcmTmEDmKIAYddBE9S0npe5SvZywkOntUnj1lHh1dNQNov4OalmA/s16000/Flowers700_162750446.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /><div style="text-align: left;">As you can see below I had such a good time in this class. The flowers, the people, the mandalas, the food, the scenery...the whole experience was such a joy. I am so happy that I pushed myself to wake up early and try something new. </div><br /><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="657" data-original-width="650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyKUxIIm54uNnYOe8HCW3F-cTp9dvsTlbEl3CIBKrRIpLj3pMCLhhu5sy1u6Ycjri3mOB3fZaMUFPlsGd8hYeOFNrtmlYF4AxPm8cFJ-9s8RCRBkIBJ5fFoh-abysJ2tdiXDf-fSsRTccQaqWJ1CdbZAr4ZmbtR5bUexda72oybHpj0tWK-DSOdqWJQA/s1600/VanessaFlowers650_164259601.MPCROP.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica; font-size: x-large;">“Each person’s life is like a mandala – a vast, limitless circle. We stand in the center of our own circle, and everything we see, hear and think forms the mandala of our life.” — </span><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica; font-size: x-large;">Pema Chödrön</span><br /><br /><br />After saying our goodbyes I wandered back to each mandala and took a photo.<br />Here they are in all their loveliness.</div><br /><br />
<br /><div style="text-align: center;">Theresa's mandala</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtWvEg8oHIhhWECJWar0qaScmyW3iRuekMNXOOT_cLJe2VVxYwcLAfsMwo8SXGoTt3DBzIz60ow0fEb8oheMDG56sXIbHZU3zJi0aOSZgYay3M6Kk-qa0eATkNXGYrcn7f62wCohL6OaY8F3bAWdXS3IofPJY1fx1_6p1iBSNzdfq8ummRSkL_QAvyjQ/s1600/TheresaMandala700_165153460Crop.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="863" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtWvEg8oHIhhWECJWar0qaScmyW3iRuekMNXOOT_cLJe2VVxYwcLAfsMwo8SXGoTt3DBzIz60ow0fEb8oheMDG56sXIbHZU3zJi0aOSZgYay3M6Kk-qa0eATkNXGYrcn7f62wCohL6OaY8F3bAWdXS3IofPJY1fx1_6p1iBSNzdfq8ummRSkL_QAvyjQ/s1600/TheresaMandala700_165153460Crop.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Alicia's mandala</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlhxOJp_rtWPpInVAi35QQ-YaXMVvr6ZycHAtWmFsQUWx9Bt6sp7DbeAVxkI0bE-ekYDi0RemLiJOSHOh_wPgMQi34LgO3JzSduw_YhKkpJ_Nq9lIdgV6V5HfFOVQcKvijVoYYsQ-3nSemUgoJ0Tynd1XHAFTInBnvP_9Z_78tlTzI3o66GEJ2XIOK1Q/s1600/AliciaMandala700_165238315Crop.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="778" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlhxOJp_rtWPpInVAi35QQ-YaXMVvr6ZycHAtWmFsQUWx9Bt6sp7DbeAVxkI0bE-ekYDi0RemLiJOSHOh_wPgMQi34LgO3JzSduw_YhKkpJ_Nq9lIdgV6V5HfFOVQcKvijVoYYsQ-3nSemUgoJ0Tynd1XHAFTInBnvP_9Z_78tlTzI3o66GEJ2XIOK1Q/s1600/AliciaMandala700_165238315Crop.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Sue's mandala</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizSs7lqf60kwl78-pzG7hFJQo5h32Gc7fhgK7hoUFrY3fEWosLE8U5qvYz1bQXhQDBYeWJDPMcX19nF9fPUgQH2Ys5SUmyCdHfNRHOn7tBBCSUPamEBfylAofc0WPsVbIk6LYWGje3HbZKIpl7I50TfKL6GK3S96VeLOvPpL_gQCUNycSJaoqcfXrVTQ/s1600/SueMandala700_165409927Crop.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="681" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizSs7lqf60kwl78-pzG7hFJQo5h32Gc7fhgK7hoUFrY3fEWosLE8U5qvYz1bQXhQDBYeWJDPMcX19nF9fPUgQH2Ys5SUmyCdHfNRHOn7tBBCSUPamEBfylAofc0WPsVbIk6LYWGje3HbZKIpl7I50TfKL6GK3S96VeLOvPpL_gQCUNycSJaoqcfXrVTQ/s1600/SueMandala700_165409927Crop.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Janet's mandala</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl3Ne-QXwwUYmffjgoDtAMTxol9deiPRqSg0Gm0qsj0_DH8V9OyKHilkCpst_sqrvZiEBtBGnPrJHVRQfTDrD3wGqOZ7f6RttMmctk8sSXACSVDKeTuLNVvMi9BL4CabONMgbw97BfMBcqbEXWK9AGl_wVXEmwSQk9zcP1v2Cv7Kj6SDHeidMPUmI2uw/s1600/JanetMandala700_165551026Crop.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl3Ne-QXwwUYmffjgoDtAMTxol9deiPRqSg0Gm0qsj0_DH8V9OyKHilkCpst_sqrvZiEBtBGnPrJHVRQfTDrD3wGqOZ7f6RttMmctk8sSXACSVDKeTuLNVvMi9BL4CabONMgbw97BfMBcqbEXWK9AGl_wVXEmwSQk9zcP1v2Cv7Kj6SDHeidMPUmI2uw/s1600/JanetMandala700_165551026Crop.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Nancy's mandala</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQoHdDMyGazXB1ehGGkSuyPS-aVYN5No4UcYvM4gcGiDLg3wmEZQg3iODI2GQayMTfdJVyqSvfaaOeVPLHgxoaTcSARwd4igBvjBXK2_IbYD7mfBqTQoBR0cUjRgQUjP26e84hLgcRbyFH6mDvsj2WSpQUBNqjBLEG5-x8P2t7e_FGn-NTmWRaIQrC2Q/s1600/NancyMandala700_165855307Crop.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="684" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQoHdDMyGazXB1ehGGkSuyPS-aVYN5No4UcYvM4gcGiDLg3wmEZQg3iODI2GQayMTfdJVyqSvfaaOeVPLHgxoaTcSARwd4igBvjBXK2_IbYD7mfBqTQoBR0cUjRgQUjP26e84hLgcRbyFH6mDvsj2WSpQUBNqjBLEG5-x8P2t7e_FGn-NTmWRaIQrC2Q/s1600/NancyMandala700_165855307Crop.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Krista's mandala</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRxH_JULWWnuzC5ZWTxYgu5fmEBayyusUjDZJ3gjVWNBMYopCQ_EZFY_bgn_ZIU8hP2pJHX1uC8hyRKqaTGWSOUHQY8YqSIyN_WlnMjcdOZmoMxhBZMB8fDIZs9CBMXOzXgXmHnQBvSgcEm2jXqI4r6WToTfZ6JGKut0WArR4mrU9tN1yBGV3E4V9aFg/s1600/KristaMandala700_165101932Crop.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRxH_JULWWnuzC5ZWTxYgu5fmEBayyusUjDZJ3gjVWNBMYopCQ_EZFY_bgn_ZIU8hP2pJHX1uC8hyRKqaTGWSOUHQY8YqSIyN_WlnMjcdOZmoMxhBZMB8fDIZs9CBMXOzXgXmHnQBvSgcEm2jXqI4r6WToTfZ6JGKut0WArR4mrU9tN1yBGV3E4V9aFg/s1600/KristaMandala700_165101932Crop.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Barb's mandala</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR9WrbVkcAF81v0_Uo-5xp1czrhXXZSMme4KwK4FUTQACIpK9NmxFF1jWSd2Z0iLH7LFJV7zooEm1yTlNONoSXg4EW98MjUJ397nmQQaAYZLj48UfgpM1Wg4l97zaOT01EK06UIjy63U_Z_eB8kNUgyXdh_vUa1Mka9DK1c42bdl3pD9KlrSyqZzKsnQ/s1600/BarbMandala700_170056993.MPCrop.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="652" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR9WrbVkcAF81v0_Uo-5xp1czrhXXZSMme4KwK4FUTQACIpK9NmxFF1jWSd2Z0iLH7LFJV7zooEm1yTlNONoSXg4EW98MjUJ397nmQQaAYZLj48UfgpM1Wg4l97zaOT01EK06UIjy63U_Z_eB8kNUgyXdh_vUa1Mka9DK1c42bdl3pD9KlrSyqZzKsnQ/s1600/BarbMandala700_170056993.MPCrop.jpg" /></a></div>
The leaves of Barb's mandala had already started to crinkle by the time I made it to hers. It reminded me of how these will fade and return to the earth over time. I wish I could return to all of them in the coming days to see how they might change. <br /> <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibfwPZ8z1wdH8RzkDIqpHCBAx4CgipX1-ebjUsajKQUc1yXqRfTcQqNX2iKy6hClro2Pl7YS85DBpoMJVDZRHjM5POCHyzAp-wKhCViCMseTgHocW2lo8_0SLBl6NBbLD0-mPrJKttGVNaUjp6s6MU4SX4BeTzBo0m3s2FSQIorWRu1odflIRpmhJRjA/s700/BarbMandalaClose700_170118663.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="525" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibfwPZ8z1wdH8RzkDIqpHCBAx4CgipX1-ebjUsajKQUc1yXqRfTcQqNX2iKy6hClro2Pl7YS85DBpoMJVDZRHjM5POCHyzAp-wKhCViCMseTgHocW2lo8_0SLBl6NBbLD0-mPrJKttGVNaUjp6s6MU4SX4BeTzBo0m3s2FSQIorWRu1odflIRpmhJRjA/s16000/BarbMandalaClose700_170118663.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">When I got home and was looking through the photos I remembered my first thought of the morning...that I was lucky. It gave me pause when I considered the day. My mind immediately searched for evidence to the contrary. I had been so disappointed that my phone didn't work correctly. One of my favorite things in the world is to take photos of an event like today and my phone chose today to freak out. I sat with that for a while. And then I also realized that my phone had worked just barely enough for me to document the day, even allowing me to walk back and take photos of each person's mandala. It just barely had enough battery for me to finish the class. So in that sense, I had been very lucky. <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica; font-size: x-large;">"Luck is believing you're lucky." — Tennessee Williams</span></div><br />I don't really know how much we get to control in this life. But I do know that we can sometimes control our responses to situations. Or maybe it is better to say we can control how we view a situation. I would not describe myself as someone who sees the glass half full or empty all the time. But I know I have work to do in this area. If there is any truth to the idea that we make our own luck, then I want to be there planting those seeds. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1fsy3ZojSSIi94p67TAayY_u19dv6ULamINj2IM1uGn1LNumKxPc2xEbJCZCvJO7B_eAGAKDeGp1vKT9WwvuX8c18Uo_vdLa6b9RgoGubBocnIiEFtXXYISx_Pwag8RF0D0WEjDRxduwVandaGYCtbpaRBG0Vq25fN4wfzPetrRS2AY_YzLuMnQmbMA/s700/Sunflower700_170335270.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="525" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1fsy3ZojSSIi94p67TAayY_u19dv6ULamINj2IM1uGn1LNumKxPc2xEbJCZCvJO7B_eAGAKDeGp1vKT9WwvuX8c18Uo_vdLa6b9RgoGubBocnIiEFtXXYISx_Pwag8RF0D0WEjDRxduwVandaGYCtbpaRBG0Vq25fN4wfzPetrRS2AY_YzLuMnQmbMA/s16000/Sunflower700_170335270.jpg" /></a></div><br />A big thank you to Theresa and Barb for such a lovely day.<br /><br />If you are interested in learning more about Ayurveda or taking a class, please visit Theresa's website, <a href="http://theresagateskuhr.com">theresagateskuhr.com</a>. <br /><br />And if you would like to pick yourself some flowers or have a group event, visit Barb's website, <a href="http://knebelsflowerfarm.com">knebelsflowerfarm.com</a>. <br /><br /><br /></div></div>Nessyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09162374688956449698noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2262034438607647152.post-5878764255106361292022-09-12T13:53:00.003-04:002022-09-16T21:42:30.741-04:00"La Alegría" - Variations on a theme<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVZMAQew9jOLBtgn1QjnIfGbG7E-TyDApAwLHy1QiwfBIJc-x-kcnRk03y68Ys2Z2IiDaNWHPTNfLcoT88eBAI3fZdlrPQC3msAxqLSp4JbuEqELNdtkunfm3Xsg3wO8aGSdc3PHPPSdSUkcN3yo5Zv9uSdKnFoinZqB7jQsys2hMfroYiRRfMn8iPFA/s800/1Variations800.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="398" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVZMAQew9jOLBtgn1QjnIfGbG7E-TyDApAwLHy1QiwfBIJc-x-kcnRk03y68Ys2Z2IiDaNWHPTNfLcoT88eBAI3fZdlrPQC3msAxqLSp4JbuEqELNdtkunfm3Xsg3wO8aGSdc3PHPPSdSUkcN3yo5Zv9uSdKnFoinZqB7jQsys2hMfroYiRRfMn8iPFA/s16000/1Variations800.jpg" /></a></div><br />For the past four years I have participated in a show called, "Think Square." The show features local artists and the premise is that all artwork must be five inches by five inches. The first year I carved a <a href="https://nessydesigns.blogspot.com/2019/10/cat-and-mouse-linocut-print.html" target="_blank">"Cat and Mouse" linocut</a>, the next year a <a href="https://nessydesigns.blogspot.com/2020/10/blue-corn-linocut.html" target="_blank">"Blue Corn" linocut</a>, and the third year was the <a href="https://nessydesigns.blogspot.com/2021/06/medicine-buddha-stone-basket.html" target="_blank">"Medicine Buddha" linocut printed on a stone woven into a hanging basket</a>.<br /><br />This year I knew I wanted to explore an idea I've had for a while which was simply painting a folk design onto wood. Because I have never done this before, I wanted to work the design out completely beforehand. I picked three flowers from one of my favorite books, "Decorative Flower and Leaf Designs" by Richard Hofmann. These black and white images are free for use and the "designs were originally intended for a wide range of uses, from hand and machine stitching to stenciling, on materials such as leather, silk, and lace." <br /><br />I probably went through about ten to fifteen iterations playing with my design. Below you can see I started with a leaf-edge border...but when I printed the design out, I felt the flowers were too small. In order to make the flowers larger I dropped the leaf border. In the end, I added a green line border.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0FhlKl6PyCz3VhtW6JMJb05TtfU88fWwUeZncD3YPkfWWE-BxgMS4hzvlY0p2UAtVrK0GdkmbwO3NTADuS0Ojfyjr7p5d6h2lpqfueoTqH4LILW0fGHjQZvweRlVQJi_60A1jiOF9runLLiBIsCupxcfmDEucO5zdejK4Vdk1Kvhw6OXqqdkwyzRdkA/s775/2IllustratorVar775.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="263" data-original-width="775" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0FhlKl6PyCz3VhtW6JMJb05TtfU88fWwUeZncD3YPkfWWE-BxgMS4hzvlY0p2UAtVrK0GdkmbwO3NTADuS0Ojfyjr7p5d6h2lpqfueoTqH4LILW0fGHjQZvweRlVQJi_60A1jiOF9runLLiBIsCupxcfmDEucO5zdejK4Vdk1Kvhw6OXqqdkwyzRdkA/s16000/2IllustratorVar775.jpg" /></a></div><br />Working digitally also allowed me to play with color options. I may eventually try printing a green version.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlxhgpWqk0pT350N_cBJU-GBJ5Gk-y49LJoJCgrciaTrm5wxH3g8UF4G4Xq8G19Y44kkzWwm9nXh_ZAKYx4y0W5tdntxqpKuwFXt4G3pqe_oHKqP2SNzSxxmlfNxCtSQdpn_Zz87aKkVxQvusXkG1hPydaE4173m_Yrn9F9_AknOSwMjxqJn4AXMz7Aw/s750/3IllustratorVarColor750.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="387" data-original-width="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlxhgpWqk0pT350N_cBJU-GBJ5Gk-y49LJoJCgrciaTrm5wxH3g8UF4G4Xq8G19Y44kkzWwm9nXh_ZAKYx4y0W5tdntxqpKuwFXt4G3pqe_oHKqP2SNzSxxmlfNxCtSQdpn_Zz87aKkVxQvusXkG1hPydaE4173m_Yrn9F9_AknOSwMjxqJn4AXMz7Aw/s16000/3IllustratorVarColor750.jpg" /></a></div><br />My original idea was to ask my friend Mark if he could cut me a scallop-edged five inch square. He has an amazing array of woodworking tools in his basement and has helped me in the past with my crazy projects. I sent him the file and he said he thought he could do it with his shaper tool, but asked me what was the latest date I needed it. I told him I would need it a week before it was due. Little did I know a family emergency would take me out of town for most of the next month. About 10 days before the project was due I decided I just needed to make something and have it done while I had a few days at home. So I decided to change plans and transfer my design to a linocut.<br /><br />LINOCUT<br /><br />Below you can see the design carved into "Safety-Kut." <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVGHYyaUK4KOcYqwy6rzho0XT42GfsX6XeuJjG9MMKfIBmadLR428oK1IOKBwnuWIDynrI81o5Sl_iowscVBGgmvNH7vIUiqPI6tF4gcH5x9xLo1s9Q59GRjmls1ZAo4WFPxbYWfNPk8Smb2-aY47MuqH1pFp2R--rHB_tWxhnMOVigJ2aczWc6O649Q/s750/4Carving750_005447297.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="563" data-original-width="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVGHYyaUK4KOcYqwy6rzho0XT42GfsX6XeuJjG9MMKfIBmadLR428oK1IOKBwnuWIDynrI81o5Sl_iowscVBGgmvNH7vIUiqPI6tF4gcH5x9xLo1s9Q59GRjmls1ZAo4WFPxbYWfNPk8Smb2-aY47MuqH1pFp2R--rHB_tWxhnMOVigJ2aczWc6O649Q/s16000/4Carving750_005447297.jpg" /></a></div><br />I used a drill bit to make most of the small circles. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimyNTkG5OBlzbnsRPRFx9ldomHE8E8f3YLfFYlhoHRx9V7_aOk-iD3ziTUgxrFtVlSlcng4crUZchKM3KT1LHXtNU3PqqjzVPklmAkvArLD4WYGzgf4sJB9Ni5tDMW8UPF0NSdht4bOx-fy1xgEQVoU60wBiwCQ4D8a2-cL4QImmqCA9nDqXpOebSXNA/s800/5Carving800_005522693.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimyNTkG5OBlzbnsRPRFx9ldomHE8E8f3YLfFYlhoHRx9V7_aOk-iD3ziTUgxrFtVlSlcng4crUZchKM3KT1LHXtNU3PqqjzVPklmAkvArLD4WYGzgf4sJB9Ni5tDMW8UPF0NSdht4bOx-fy1xgEQVoU60wBiwCQ4D8a2-cL4QImmqCA9nDqXpOebSXNA/s16000/5Carving800_005522693.jpg" /></a></div><br />After carving the design, the final step was to cut out the scallop edge. My trusty helper Bubo was always there to help.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin8icZnNihbWTrmhNmPEkK6fwLwp8XkZKCAaZ4bgwTQG8U4-zbj4pCITtaCLRrTSRNajbDjJeuLroZVxAE0_jwXKjAratITPxrmPU4-rjF-l8vhwX0x7KBuOHfpZrQ0M20KGabrQY7tKTxD9bgYbIVriblpYxb2omHkCk15_ZviiS4b-ovc-9ROxmMCA/s800/6Bubo800_012158841.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin8icZnNihbWTrmhNmPEkK6fwLwp8XkZKCAaZ4bgwTQG8U4-zbj4pCITtaCLRrTSRNajbDjJeuLroZVxAE0_jwXKjAratITPxrmPU4-rjF-l8vhwX0x7KBuOHfpZrQ0M20KGabrQY7tKTxD9bgYbIVriblpYxb2omHkCk15_ZviiS4b-ovc-9ROxmMCA/s16000/6Bubo800_012158841.jpg" /></a></div><br />Below is a video of me pulling a quick test print using a stamp pad. I don't always do this, but it is helpful to get a quick peak to see what needs further carving.<br /><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="540" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/tx29GZNYtm4" width="650" youtube-src-id="tx29GZNYtm4"></iframe></div>
<br />The actual printing went amazingly well. Working with a small plate like this is so much easier than my usual large plates. Below you can see my setup.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr8G4KXECTSBTpECZrbv3KX1HG1njo9ueIj0gxmfBeHO3F3hG4dv4_-7Hsc9cNGioMLKuWZPfYKjemMpxNVoLpyqQ7IdOskiGG2Ns7BVEvbK25DE0K2sgMVPMAG2mMySzBcpprzrcLYjKEu59O97addEPam6q5FBZ-PD0vOUyhIqHvF2Nrhri7KqM9Tg/s750/7Printing750_171716922.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="563" data-original-width="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr8G4KXECTSBTpECZrbv3KX1HG1njo9ueIj0gxmfBeHO3F3hG4dv4_-7Hsc9cNGioMLKuWZPfYKjemMpxNVoLpyqQ7IdOskiGG2Ns7BVEvbK25DE0K2sgMVPMAG2mMySzBcpprzrcLYjKEu59O97addEPam6q5FBZ-PD0vOUyhIqHvF2Nrhri7KqM9Tg/s16000/7Printing750_171716922.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMknkk-Wg8U66PDsUOcCNryxDbGuAZwrUUc5yUyRVGwPpkkCS2jqTUQPTlF124iKM6G5aKBvGMOJT3UpB4RFNGXbkq4OZkRMDYLXClyOnQ5Cw6m04e1aOzhI48FcTQjk4YpaF_Nr5d4ktEqEDfqqe7aVXZBNDNhgHMz1bRbYHf9rMZQSLvT6-3_A-ieQ/s750/8WetPlate750_171738787.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="563" data-original-width="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMknkk-Wg8U66PDsUOcCNryxDbGuAZwrUUc5yUyRVGwPpkkCS2jqTUQPTlF124iKM6G5aKBvGMOJT3UpB4RFNGXbkq4OZkRMDYLXClyOnQ5Cw6m04e1aOzhI48FcTQjk4YpaF_Nr5d4ktEqEDfqqe7aVXZBNDNhgHMz1bRbYHf9rMZQSLvT6-3_A-ieQ/s16000/8WetPlate750_171738787.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">The video below shows me inking the plate, hand-burnishing, and pulling a print.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="540" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/HqSN_NMXjsA" width="650" youtube-src-id="HqSN_NMXjsA"></iframe></div>
<br />I knew I only needed one good print for the show, so I only printed 8. I may go back and make more at some point...maybe in another color.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3GXrTGZCOTFAdpa49XXeRPWoqiflhuUGEFcz-m4ubXGTIKRGY2xTRqh29ATHHUoAvcvRahJFJAycIY-htCMf9A2JnrbyYpavXvuNAX9yrlqUu_kXTrkNiqfGP0j1ymXCS86kxqNScRbIZ0R__h7aCgNQf7ankvfvlLlcCyFf0GonRcXh9Fv3818Kzjg/s1600/OneColorPrint700_200941780.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="629" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3GXrTGZCOTFAdpa49XXeRPWoqiflhuUGEFcz-m4ubXGTIKRGY2xTRqh29ATHHUoAvcvRahJFJAycIY-htCMf9A2JnrbyYpavXvuNAX9yrlqUu_kXTrkNiqfGP0j1ymXCS86kxqNScRbIZ0R__h7aCgNQf7ankvfvlLlcCyFf0GonRcXh9Fv3818Kzjg/s1600/OneColorPrint700_200941780.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8LxniCu4yJo5MX0TgFfLPt0KFbfzc3w_XUXtwjiMS_Lxrpcq0Z23ZJhTvmTTDL9OsuLGm0F3U17PkrRSciY52XGgAdu4w7IUTTVAtvcLL22KEspJInZf-GZSALa3GNqY9FeM0HOj-V8qULZiyhiyRu2LEYoDF4wsnhoix-FgYN692pk5eAPgkgOVKGg/s1600/Drying750_200836998.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="563" data-original-width="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8LxniCu4yJo5MX0TgFfLPt0KFbfzc3w_XUXtwjiMS_Lxrpcq0Z23ZJhTvmTTDL9OsuLGm0F3U17PkrRSciY52XGgAdu4w7IUTTVAtvcLL22KEspJInZf-GZSALa3GNqY9FeM0HOj-V8qULZiyhiyRu2LEYoDF4wsnhoix-FgYN692pk5eAPgkgOVKGg/s1600/Drying750_200836998.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Once the prints were dry I pulled out my watercolors to paint the flowers.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimeEWNUGiehkzBTXLAQw4jxm1t9XXxYAMLBJi8isopzQOGND_NDyaMSZ-YxoIINb0gXR0WA3GObiV2Xuf0Po3EbwyikBiuPcIMqINZNrKqDu0zsOf2H7e5rC-UqpZtjs3DnIh46ly6VBZa_wyMQRPB6Os6RTBqSLQFATrKcq8c06iV_myVsnrgp_MElA/s750/10Painting750_185052881.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="563" data-original-width="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimeEWNUGiehkzBTXLAQw4jxm1t9XXxYAMLBJi8isopzQOGND_NDyaMSZ-YxoIINb0gXR0WA3GObiV2Xuf0Po3EbwyikBiuPcIMqINZNrKqDu0zsOf2H7e5rC-UqpZtjs3DnIh46ly6VBZa_wyMQRPB6Os6RTBqSLQFATrKcq8c06iV_myVsnrgp_MElA/s16000/10Painting750_185052881.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiknDWChzSCoNUjeg2swMpktBnD-AR1dEBrLwrfqemLYwCGkIbuc3iEOGstVBo5nIBvVOu1fmZ7HVvMuS59ATnkYL5oi7qTPekEWHARgqjUFShf202uWsHxEcmyXO6Cy8psUBHLRW_QdOKYEvFI2HtjbpL7wLb8mBQidaor0soSDJDAjoS1KAtTYyXw8w/s750/11Painting750_185105042.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="563" data-original-width="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiknDWChzSCoNUjeg2swMpktBnD-AR1dEBrLwrfqemLYwCGkIbuc3iEOGstVBo5nIBvVOu1fmZ7HVvMuS59ATnkYL5oi7qTPekEWHARgqjUFShf202uWsHxEcmyXO6Cy8psUBHLRW_QdOKYEvFI2HtjbpL7wLb8mBQidaor0soSDJDAjoS1KAtTYyXw8w/s16000/11Painting750_185105042.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">This print is now available on my website, <a href="https://www.nessypress.com/alegria" target="_blank">NessyPress.com</a>.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0rJ4tZSBtRGQ-YtwtwyP-M9nN8Oz31OYteoLhwn-0M2pbpu-BWYkzwtHfLTYbPXGVLGZSog74crMpfkKZ1US9hlvxNa3vCZ_8bWc5NV67HInvQp5sR1kNHQs4CswcJVEzjslfWsaH5F8A-mWVHYtind5N7k2rdi6qVExCOzOC_uYI3ULdEifLtINDVA/s750/12Linocut750_185029447.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="562" data-original-width="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0rJ4tZSBtRGQ-YtwtwyP-M9nN8Oz31OYteoLhwn-0M2pbpu-BWYkzwtHfLTYbPXGVLGZSog74crMpfkKZ1US9hlvxNa3vCZ_8bWc5NV67HInvQp5sR1kNHQs4CswcJVEzjslfWsaH5F8A-mWVHYtind5N7k2rdi6qVExCOzOC_uYI3ULdEifLtINDVA/s16000/12Linocut750_185029447.jpg" /></a></div><br />WOOD<br /><br />The day after I finished my linocut my friend Mark told me he finished cutting my scallop-edged wood. When I saw it, I couldn't believe how perfect it was! It seemed like a work of art all by itself.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYnBbXNNRK_G_RTI30WuA9UZwyvR0FTqR0noIVEMCpAtiOnikTKbQ8uvjZZNf5VNM_RgY_EvjkGpDckIpjGXlGLOvnfgPeF4KPp7JRToFB4dmIZVPphOofmvRTtGRzQ19OESQb7xkplhKacXFoOxEKhz5GQgNmT4GUZUWv6xRGW7CcfVuVCQFSHQEk8Q/s755/13Wood750_190742378.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="755" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYnBbXNNRK_G_RTI30WuA9UZwyvR0FTqR0noIVEMCpAtiOnikTKbQ8uvjZZNf5VNM_RgY_EvjkGpDckIpjGXlGLOvnfgPeF4KPp7JRToFB4dmIZVPphOofmvRTtGRzQ19OESQb7xkplhKacXFoOxEKhz5GQgNmT4GUZUWv6xRGW7CcfVuVCQFSHQEk8Q/s16000/13Wood750_190742378.jpg" /></a></div><br />In a way, I hated to paint it. In the very beginning I had toyed with the idea of carving the design and I did stop to re-consider that option, but I knew that would take me a long time so I proceeded to paint.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNnzZ2MtF4gujtHUbfbHy2J7V7lQWtbSvVjmWjmAEeV_hUb0fQ3Ay_8Td_duOO7Vb4Nce3yZRa-2x5z7Kmtv2h9iePx1Z-pDyKh1ZGU4kZF28l9PBOKWlbchrSnHi8YwpX_Vp96_pNVyfMwXki_Zuvzt1RDeUNl035M1cx5y-YDaGa5UVpgxHuElTqyg/s750/14WoodBaseColor750_224412268.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="563" data-original-width="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNnzZ2MtF4gujtHUbfbHy2J7V7lQWtbSvVjmWjmAEeV_hUb0fQ3Ay_8Td_duOO7Vb4Nce3yZRa-2x5z7Kmtv2h9iePx1Z-pDyKh1ZGU4kZF28l9PBOKWlbchrSnHi8YwpX_Vp96_pNVyfMwXki_Zuvzt1RDeUNl035M1cx5y-YDaGa5UVpgxHuElTqyg/s16000/14WoodBaseColor750_224412268.jpg" /></a></div><br />As you can see from above, I didn't like my first color. The blue above was straight out of the tube. For my second coat I added a little black to produce a more muted navy color. <br /><br />To transfer my design to the dark surface I used white Saral paper.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhusaYYT7tp3Y3X4e9hLeY4YTwjPIyJIec53VqYO8nX6BDo2Gy95OgNj7Ew2OFwaVkjFX8Quaix9u_jUqP0Sn5p0GWC0Ap3ExQX5zEtjT6q6xXFYPwSRKISN4gEt5q57AK2d2A30WbmV0A8UvrRRAVKLLFoQXC1qekGc7Xz_CtLU3ixhYTneIRkcXlDtA/s794/15WoodTransfer750_160530895.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="794" data-original-width="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhusaYYT7tp3Y3X4e9hLeY4YTwjPIyJIec53VqYO8nX6BDo2Gy95OgNj7Ew2OFwaVkjFX8Quaix9u_jUqP0Sn5p0GWC0Ap3ExQX5zEtjT6q6xXFYPwSRKISN4gEt5q57AK2d2A30WbmV0A8UvrRRAVKLLFoQXC1qekGc7Xz_CtLU3ixhYTneIRkcXlDtA/s16000/15WoodTransfer750_160530895.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Here you can see the painting about halfway through.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi372sDPjSwl0Z4CYW3EC9Lzld-99QPihjg5kui17fcwHh5S1Y5W_YBEcw0QIWBNdtyFApEwgSNLr2et0x4s11KAVjP6_7X5SGQKWXNChE-TzZRdGgDH7o8jM5QwJLsBkwP15x50NUfXKYMAymafThmUJTXeNugR0gdh8i4JvJ7Rn0Ylb1CY_9HLuIIXg/s750/16WoodProcess750_214050036.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="670" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi372sDPjSwl0Z4CYW3EC9Lzld-99QPihjg5kui17fcwHh5S1Y5W_YBEcw0QIWBNdtyFApEwgSNLr2et0x4s11KAVjP6_7X5SGQKWXNChE-TzZRdGgDH7o8jM5QwJLsBkwP15x50NUfXKYMAymafThmUJTXeNugR0gdh8i4JvJ7Rn0Ylb1CY_9HLuIIXg/s16000/16WoodProcess750_214050036.jpg" /></a></div><br />And here you can see the piece mostly finished. I used acrylic paint that I have had for twenty years. It worked amazingly well, but the yellow/orange color was a little thick and left a lot of lines. If I had to do it again I would buy new acrylic paint that comes in the short squeeze bottles that would be a thinner consistency.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzCr-6jB7g28rPw19IGbv6liUZBQesfY7-FG-1q8YjLZxr8KVVjpNbvjs-cT_5FQX4OPVumksqKQXfC5gQQhxIJg7fIxDommd_QKuJt6Kzwgcj995wpt68zaeZKUjSUbJyx2F-OQhzEhDo12sZUIqk8tkO9mRDpCDgABIc7ATTaPKf5JbYUj_VZu56PA/s750/17WoodPainting750_195724149.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="563" data-original-width="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzCr-6jB7g28rPw19IGbv6liUZBQesfY7-FG-1q8YjLZxr8KVVjpNbvjs-cT_5FQX4OPVumksqKQXfC5gQQhxIJg7fIxDommd_QKuJt6Kzwgcj995wpt68zaeZKUjSUbJyx2F-OQhzEhDo12sZUIqk8tkO9mRDpCDgABIc7ATTaPKf5JbYUj_VZu56PA/s16000/17WoodPainting750_195724149.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica; font-size: large; text-align: center;">“It relaxes my mind to paint flowers." — Pierre-Auguste Renoir</span></div><br />I thought about calling this piece "La Diversión" which technically means "fun" or "hobby, pastime," but also references the idea of a diversion. I painted this piece while under a great deal of stress and the activity of painting was a life-saver. The act of focusing my concentration on making precise brush strokes forced me to be in the present moment. And when you are in the present, the mind cannot be thinking about the past or worrying about the future. <br /><br />It also occurred to me later, that the idea of being present could help me in the longer term. I realized after the immediate crisis was over and I returned home, that I was carrying the weight of the situation around with me all the time...it felt like carrying very heavy mental luggage 24/7. Once I saw this, I tried to ask myself the question, "What is happening right now in this moment?" This helped me see how my mental luggage was preventing me from feeling the sun and breeze on my skin while sitting on the back porch, or feeling the soft fur of my cat. It reminds me of a story Rick Archer sometimes tells on his <a href="https://batgap.com/" target="_blank">podcast</a> about a person who gets on a train carrying heavy luggage on each arm. Once they are on the train, they keep holding it tight until someone says, "You know you can put that luggage down and let the train carry that weight?" Somehow, holding tight to that luggage makes one feel in control, but in reality only wearies the holder. Plus, it is harder to enjoy the view while holding all that luggage. I am slowly learning to let life help me carry that weight... I am learning to put down those heavy, controlling, worrisome thoughts that pull me away from the present moment. I am certainly no expert, but I can see how liberating it can be and how joy is often waiting for me on other side.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">“Your life situation may be full of problems — most life situations are — but find out if you have any problem at this moment. Not tomorrow or in ten minutes, but now. Do you have a problem now?”</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">― Eckhart Tolle, The Power of Now: A Guide to Spiritual Enlightenment</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8go0jxrrGxSrRkV6wK3Q7hnmkDYlYx8-EyZXLSRTjLO8jP8qendgw5SiBbQ9iOuwxWp2nHzwPbbt_rxzPPrSTCXn-oCf17smHk9Wd2M29DjHPW63kXsnmZ2pbUgD21nOhnmrn0S19ssSpYV5idKDn5oSezz3velEI9opyVURp479wREjzS0-utSYxFw/s750/18WoodSig750_191028015.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="736" data-original-width="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8go0jxrrGxSrRkV6wK3Q7hnmkDYlYx8-EyZXLSRTjLO8jP8qendgw5SiBbQ9iOuwxWp2nHzwPbbt_rxzPPrSTCXn-oCf17smHk9Wd2M29DjHPW63kXsnmZ2pbUgD21nOhnmrn0S19ssSpYV5idKDn5oSezz3velEI9opyVURp479wREjzS0-utSYxFw/s16000/18WoodSig750_191028015.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Below is a photo of the final piece.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcUy9ZAu9G_5uoM2IUl_zTPXhv_qJH4LJBqsKWGKEYJ3xq3Or5tY2R3O228pzUIOXbovQZ6gVTJzw93QaRH5HAbnw0poM_Xn6fhXwLhKzuwSGwueYTZO5izpSJFX7_JbclliKwlpsF_WUKNc2dWU7udD_6kyHPneBs5kmRQoG6snyfyqXxxMJaxxMSkA/s750/19Wood775_191353044Crop.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcUy9ZAu9G_5uoM2IUl_zTPXhv_qJH4LJBqsKWGKEYJ3xq3Or5tY2R3O228pzUIOXbovQZ6gVTJzw93QaRH5HAbnw0poM_Xn6fhXwLhKzuwSGwueYTZO5izpSJFX7_JbclliKwlpsF_WUKNc2dWU7udD_6kyHPneBs5kmRQoG6snyfyqXxxMJaxxMSkA/s16000/19Wood775_191353044Crop.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>If you would like to come to the show, the opening reception is Friday, September 16th from 4-8 pm at the Think Shop in Newport, KY. The show is also up from September 16th through November 18th. The show has been known to sell every piece so it is a good idea to go early!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIi0-mqqrohiY62OdTOR9A7_sdJQXsV-zeGNDO21HIQCohzmKGh-sPWstmIulxl683QXkA9N2h0QDrIONYKVd7FWGEkGti3FIvP-BVf0EBzlYR9mquS49whgz2sO14oEz0gogdkEX3PK3_Br5IGSCIfySf13C_au7R2hpdBeg_lvbrHATsRRpgFaXbbA/s800/20ThinkSquareInfo800.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="560" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIi0-mqqrohiY62OdTOR9A7_sdJQXsV-zeGNDO21HIQCohzmKGh-sPWstmIulxl683QXkA9N2h0QDrIONYKVd7FWGEkGti3FIvP-BVf0EBzlYR9mquS49whgz2sO14oEz0gogdkEX3PK3_Br5IGSCIfySf13C_au7R2hpdBeg_lvbrHATsRRpgFaXbbA/s16000/20ThinkSquareInfo800.jpg" /></a></div><br />I loved how the shadows of the scallops and the frame emphasized the depth of the piece. Overall, I think this foray into folk painting on wood was a success and I hope to do more in the future. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0dvNeOwNUMK5cTvlfFeOnAZocGikQogqBMz-_cQPL4jPl8QAWJKAuL03Jvd-DdGZwOZxuVk-EM6V_aq8gFWg5N4FhuhCo08NE-g8jz9CWUvwmtfgyhb35H5BTUlLhVTj0NZireTcB20WrWquU2ASSa4NfIjFqT2e5v2INc9cC79e7mckyBvNonv7_UQ/s805/21FramedWood775_205556591.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="805" data-original-width="775" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0dvNeOwNUMK5cTvlfFeOnAZocGikQogqBMz-_cQPL4jPl8QAWJKAuL03Jvd-DdGZwOZxuVk-EM6V_aq8gFWg5N4FhuhCo08NE-g8jz9CWUvwmtfgyhb35H5BTUlLhVTj0NZireTcB20WrWquU2ASSa4NfIjFqT2e5v2INc9cC79e7mckyBvNonv7_UQ/s16000/21FramedWood775_205556591.jpg" /></a></div><br />A big thank you to my friend Mark for cutting my wood and always supporting me in my artistic endeavors. Also a big thank you to George for listening to me debate everything and for feeding me delicious food throughout. It takes a village!<br /><br /><p></p>Nessyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09162374688956449698noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2262034438607647152.post-77978062631380425962022-06-21T08:04:00.002-04:002022-06-21T08:06:45.836-04:00"Emu Boy" Linocut<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV-UNc5zavvKXCX1GG5xQL_xw8tV0nu7zXxuo_uzS_pfOKxUgFcyUNkv1jOSrWLFuC-40yo66fLt3XWSZDSgnravCJovSPzMK4JOMl5tuZI93tC1wZ9Ky2ygMbDOMwL2H-_QrfBomuNU_ejgf0vOJChWqMqnduChnhCZJp-5NQyDIXWg4zyOoyLWPvaQ/s1600/FinalPrintHand700_024746713.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="525" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV-UNc5zavvKXCX1GG5xQL_xw8tV0nu7zXxuo_uzS_pfOKxUgFcyUNkv1jOSrWLFuC-40yo66fLt3XWSZDSgnravCJovSPzMK4JOMl5tuZI93tC1wZ9Ky2ygMbDOMwL2H-_QrfBomuNU_ejgf0vOJChWqMqnduChnhCZJp-5NQyDIXWg4zyOoyLWPvaQ/s1600/FinalPrintHand700_024746713.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">“The love for all living creatures is the most noble attribute of man.”</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">― Charles Darwin</span></div><br />My friends Tiffany and Brian are always up to some interesting mischief. Whenever I talk to them Brian has some new piece of farm machinery and Tiffany is diving into a new glass-blowing, CNC, or programming project. I would describe them both as "makers." <br /><br />I met Tiffany at a local gathering of creatives and immediately knew I wanted to be her friend. She is funny, whip-smart and always tinkering with things I don't totally understand, like arduino and rasberry pi (and no, I don't mean the kind you eat.) One of her interests is 3-D printing and this spring she sent me the most thoughtful gift. She 3-D printed me a mini-press! So for her birthday last week I thought I should make her a print using the press she made me.<br /><br />When I was thinking of ideas of what to print I scrolled through our WhatsApp conversations and came across this photo of Brian. Brian loves animals and this photo of him holding a baby emu shows him in his element.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg87r-nPslSuakwdRfqaXoCCTY1-Xlf1MyY0aXMMYdFATVWjhwt2xDqsxueUGoH8KS00Wah6xwKmtPvNba2dUNg4R77WK9m910vaDAe7Xn2iglnCF6KUgCg142k_zH7fM8OfMpWRB9onB_730JyhuKRv_ieYhYUobVap3-KMlzOA8xQnEy2vywGsTd8Dw/s500/2Brian500.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg87r-nPslSuakwdRfqaXoCCTY1-Xlf1MyY0aXMMYdFATVWjhwt2xDqsxueUGoH8KS00Wah6xwKmtPvNba2dUNg4R77WK9m910vaDAe7Xn2iglnCF6KUgCg142k_zH7fM8OfMpWRB9onB_730JyhuKRv_ieYhYUobVap3-KMlzOA8xQnEy2vywGsTd8Dw/s16000/2Brian500.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">“I’m youth, I’m joy, I’m a little bird that has broken out of the egg.”<br /><span style="font-size: large;">– James M. Barrie</span></span></div><br />I started by sketching the photo. On the left below you can see my first sketch. I liked it because it really looks like Brian. But I was worried about my ability to carve the tiny details in his face. So I decided to stylize his face a bit and enlarge it.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUjXZaCSSy18Emgaf363eMGXyS4YxT-X5B4q1SvtPzivENdCs9O-vfWwHZX_IgB7Rw8UdVw8iIcze352V06Uask97ywbLm54vDUlQZwXBnv5gQ1BFQVD_hLFa1j6VAEUSzGukxYI4w_ox3iwJDqNzzW7BaqaRTzcqr58YKw605IzBD5XNzOPvZXBPrbg/s700/3BrianSketch700.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="377" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUjXZaCSSy18Emgaf363eMGXyS4YxT-X5B4q1SvtPzivENdCs9O-vfWwHZX_IgB7Rw8UdVw8iIcze352V06Uask97ywbLm54vDUlQZwXBnv5gQ1BFQVD_hLFa1j6VAEUSzGukxYI4w_ox3iwJDqNzzW7BaqaRTzcqr58YKw605IzBD5XNzOPvZXBPrbg/s16000/3BrianSketch700.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Below you can see my sketch transferred to my plate. I used "Safety-Kut" as my carving material.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj09jsvMssEu47C-HksLAVk_XdZxJumRV7-saDfnwtwTsZK7Mhl1ycv7eY7aGFIpBQE3qjLgnHHG6VhEN_UKfeskHfabHynqI9sZdcDlu164uFxDHsSG3q2jEieCH2v4Hde5pDWB_NNetn-xi0AxUvsTy5sFVK656PkeLGCb4Ex32fdyqK-uwUgN3ZIsA/s700/4SketchonPlate700Tall_220043643.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="481" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj09jsvMssEu47C-HksLAVk_XdZxJumRV7-saDfnwtwTsZK7Mhl1ycv7eY7aGFIpBQE3qjLgnHHG6VhEN_UKfeskHfabHynqI9sZdcDlu164uFxDHsSG3q2jEieCH2v4Hde5pDWB_NNetn-xi0AxUvsTy5sFVK656PkeLGCb4Ex32fdyqK-uwUgN3ZIsA/s16000/4SketchonPlate700Tall_220043643.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">It only took me half an hour or so to carve the image.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsXpLwSVLsmT1oiDkzJcD7KxfRNSFavO6CWBKerBcIRxGNqmjeJiipqvS-7pi9PtjplfgwsXmq0jo_9upgdnWrfOubbE6JjtMPPmGPfCz_56n20Fp1OOknb4-me8IY3OB64tVdK1m_8XGiElO0hjLxQIvzf9ruFDhoY_jt5tC2gCcOFSozFBLZ0cRjfQ/s700/5Carving700_225718313.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="525" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsXpLwSVLsmT1oiDkzJcD7KxfRNSFavO6CWBKerBcIRxGNqmjeJiipqvS-7pi9PtjplfgwsXmq0jo_9upgdnWrfOubbE6JjtMPPmGPfCz_56n20Fp1OOknb4-me8IY3OB64tVdK1m_8XGiElO0hjLxQIvzf9ruFDhoY_jt5tC2gCcOFSozFBLZ0cRjfQ/s16000/5Carving700_225718313.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Below you can see my first test print on a piece of scrap paper.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGpFub3oH9jcgHSYkNqKY9NvYOhJKbURKAIgd0N6fl_SMEh7xS0xdSjfUzJsNr7QB83GeAA8qI6jtCIRf9KjGWJWj2I2M5asSA-axRANWDULKEFatgJKdjkBRTjDHlwLV0xGYufGlIwCkngz9ChLZrAX5hGBEf9X7gqeP4Ra7qGardTmwE9Owmz7wMlA/s700/6TestPrint700_230153553.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="525" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGpFub3oH9jcgHSYkNqKY9NvYOhJKbURKAIgd0N6fl_SMEh7xS0xdSjfUzJsNr7QB83GeAA8qI6jtCIRf9KjGWJWj2I2M5asSA-axRANWDULKEFatgJKdjkBRTjDHlwLV0xGYufGlIwCkngz9ChLZrAX5hGBEf9X7gqeP4Ra7qGardTmwE9Owmz7wMlA/s16000/6TestPrint700_230153553.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">"The world is a looking glass and gives back to every man the reflection of his own face."</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #274e13; font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">—</span><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"> William Makepeace Thackeray</span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">I kept tinkering with tiny details and made a few more test prints.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggpMl8N9M1FiLORnQ3JWDxLmD8jwPXPe1vvkaLZvIWy88JzmikOaVujYSNMOwcKjeYDmSoR9DmmEiq5ZmY9cgJOpCQG9JyFCKwU9jeBfCSCvfpzQjwkvUVqA278sF3IUelGuxTZ8By6hpgIvqW6McIG82SIdWqPsJhgZsZ9BZlWIme620dYwsR5mSiXw/s700/7TestPrints700_231204280.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="525" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggpMl8N9M1FiLORnQ3JWDxLmD8jwPXPe1vvkaLZvIWy88JzmikOaVujYSNMOwcKjeYDmSoR9DmmEiq5ZmY9cgJOpCQG9JyFCKwU9jeBfCSCvfpzQjwkvUVqA278sF3IUelGuxTZ8By6hpgIvqW6McIG82SIdWqPsJhgZsZ9BZlWIme620dYwsR5mSiXw/s16000/7TestPrints700_231204280.jpg" /></a></div><br />I knew when I started carving that the "Safety-Kut" material might mush under the pressure of the press. Usually, if I am going to use a press I use wood or linoleum. But I have always thought that if you had the pressure just right, maybe you could use a soft-carve material like Safety-Kut. I decided now was the time to test it. Below you can see the plate on the press. <br />
<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLwzibO72hU4oQf8nCFmTYclaGyPxnsn_yk7ij9VWBh6jYn-wQeE9Ll2Vm84wJjhruRfnRgBK1nGxhYzUYM61_vAlMc20rNEfjgq1UPsWg7XReXrKPP0nMEK8w2_uKEaOJi61MhD8igMP13ZmS1Orf9_ecBWAeUQw88i53EjSqjQdrf-cPF4sv9A2HlQ/s700/8PresswithPlate700_232824047.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="525" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLwzibO72hU4oQf8nCFmTYclaGyPxnsn_yk7ij9VWBh6jYn-wQeE9Ll2Vm84wJjhruRfnRgBK1nGxhYzUYM61_vAlMc20rNEfjgq1UPsWg7XReXrKPP0nMEK8w2_uKEaOJi61MhD8igMP13ZmS1Orf9_ecBWAeUQw88i53EjSqjQdrf-cPF4sv9A2HlQ/s16000/8PresswithPlate700_232824047.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">I pulled quite a number of prints trying to get the pressure just right.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh-lPOufdjqdnglRuKuiUwEYXuiTHGKDgA-OVwykabZwZuTe9hDT87-OnVCjYRWuHSYXn9CjqKuTOb0L2JDPYSe3hREQkS8ZjND-xGV5HUkH7ddRikXvQW18-yz6dT928WVVNXuHaDLrUxrb7GujbHs915xAURQwP0U1Jh0gTxTeJlVMnnzDzCdIZoLA/s700/10PressPrints700_234404619.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="525" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh-lPOufdjqdnglRuKuiUwEYXuiTHGKDgA-OVwykabZwZuTe9hDT87-OnVCjYRWuHSYXn9CjqKuTOb0L2JDPYSe3hREQkS8ZjND-xGV5HUkH7ddRikXvQW18-yz6dT928WVVNXuHaDLrUxrb7GujbHs915xAURQwP0U1Jh0gTxTeJlVMnnzDzCdIZoLA/s16000/10PressPrints700_234404619.jpg" /></a></div>I came pretty close to pulling a good print but I finally gave up when I ran out of paper. I think if I had spent more time I probably could have gotten the pressure just right. By the end, it was just a little light on the left side.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj28_QPpvyowjWfm9EFb8mfXIbeYQY1xIrQBzgDkdKdea-XX-BhicT4s_Q6A11UwUurPe8pkaQpVtCrdkQ5vyuVum_qMNPR1bvUj-HFTCq0xAo8KzaOkcD-gIZy8Hz1rgdWz1yEgmUX529triD538Z-HKuQ_46_xjeDyJKATjbbTfdnGkRCgsMhImw-BA/s700/9PrintingProbs700.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="318" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj28_QPpvyowjWfm9EFb8mfXIbeYQY1xIrQBzgDkdKdea-XX-BhicT4s_Q6A11UwUurPe8pkaQpVtCrdkQ5vyuVum_qMNPR1bvUj-HFTCq0xAo8KzaOkcD-gIZy8Hz1rgdWz1yEgmUX529triD538Z-HKuQ_46_xjeDyJKATjbbTfdnGkRCgsMhImw-BA/s16000/9PrintingProbs700.jpg" /></a></div>Luckily, I hand-pressed a couple good ones in the beginning, so I packaged one up and sent it off to the birthday girl. Although my experiment didn't turn out the way I wanted I am so in love with this baby press (next time I use the press I will use real linoleum.). If you are interested in purchasing or printing one of your own, you can visit <a href="http://OpenPressProject.com">OpenPressProject.com</a>. <br /><br />A BIG thank you to Tiffany for my little press. I wish you a year filled with joy, abundance, curious projects and emus, cats, dogs, bears, and mustelids. A big hug to you and the "Emu Boy". <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">“Delight is all around us you know, from the food we eat, to the night sky, to the dreams we have. It surrounds us with every moment, you just have to stop and take it in whenever you can.”</span></div><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: helvetica;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">― Jonathan Maas, Horsemen</span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh2d2tNp0wWE81m4R5c4Kx5flB8aUDD0yzvkhY2M5HpkOtUwUNbLLUvz-MLMrF7wpL9dY_1A88ypKT2PmbaeeF6N-SqCU-MQhAPY1QyP5qU7e1bpBOCZxGGzGmpen_7BAjiZFcj9dL-Zk-5h8EROz1jeNUHuf7DtpsnqxBkIPlOwk5QW_KcKn4RlK4ug/s1600/EmuboyPrint750_024843358.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="563" data-original-width="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh2d2tNp0wWE81m4R5c4Kx5flB8aUDD0yzvkhY2M5HpkOtUwUNbLLUvz-MLMrF7wpL9dY_1A88ypKT2PmbaeeF6N-SqCU-MQhAPY1QyP5qU7e1bpBOCZxGGzGmpen_7BAjiZFcj9dL-Zk-5h8EROz1jeNUHuf7DtpsnqxBkIPlOwk5QW_KcKn4RlK4ug/s1600/EmuboyPrint750_024843358.jpg" /></a></div>Nessyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09162374688956449698noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2262034438607647152.post-34104644993777789672022-06-13T11:14:00.002-04:002022-06-13T22:58:19.449-04:00Stone House Watercolor Portrait - Cincinnati<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWoCF89t6BL44QN9Y_JgSz12fe99ykj6CgcLUs0b4HLTBELZepgESeKDeLdfNWRRPLCZmNnSdd6i2AchwSrUcYPJGrsA1sgkXe6rCYMH6Hgt7ScytnWccMWbzX3RGoRuD_9yfL-zQYUu0r6sO1sGYC1szKbWMRMCSD7E2Q3Yy9NrZwkjlYDfC01jVDbA/s750/1Avondale750.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="591" data-original-width="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWoCF89t6BL44QN9Y_JgSz12fe99ykj6CgcLUs0b4HLTBELZepgESeKDeLdfNWRRPLCZmNnSdd6i2AchwSrUcYPJGrsA1sgkXe6rCYMH6Hgt7ScytnWccMWbzX3RGoRuD_9yfL-zQYUu0r6sO1sGYC1szKbWMRMCSD7E2Q3Yy9NrZwkjlYDfC01jVDbA/s16000/1Avondale750.jpg" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">“Attention is the most basic form of love.<br />By paying attention we let ourselves be touched by life,<br />and our hearts naturally become more open and engaged.”</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">― Tara Brach</span></div><br />After posting photos of my <a href="https://nessydesigns.blogspot.com/2022/05/american-foursquare-house-sketch.html" target="_blank">last house portrait</a> in our neighborhood Facebook group, I received a message from a neighbor asking if I would paint their house too. He told me his address and when I looked it up I was so excited to see this was the house! This is one of my favorite houses in the neighborhood. I have always loved the massive stone facade and the gorgeous arches. I also particularly like the aqua-blue verdigris color of the exposed rafters and gabled window. The combination of that color with the orange-red of the tile roof makes me swoon. <br /><br />I asked my architect friends what the style of the house was and they said that "the house has some Mediterranean influences, but is basically an eclectic expression, typical to the pretty free-flowing fashions of the 1890s/early 1900s" and it could be described as a "rustic country villa." </div></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_NUyZFtC-d6wAo7MKDbP6eQclGA6B5S-mgk4-50PqJwX-3Qg2wiI4Gg47VYlefnuq-BJW8-ymnPDoW3hTJDadAbZGGVlcF0Rzmk5LQ_LTQCD2XRwhZc1STLu4LTSHkWwzdGhNAVNzix3eZWv7i0k9rgJJrFjRbXydQaaWxJbm2X9V9GKptgZzn7nJxQ/s700/2BW700_153826746.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="525" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_NUyZFtC-d6wAo7MKDbP6eQclGA6B5S-mgk4-50PqJwX-3Qg2wiI4Gg47VYlefnuq-BJW8-ymnPDoW3hTJDadAbZGGVlcF0Rzmk5LQ_LTQCD2XRwhZc1STLu4LTSHkWwzdGhNAVNzix3eZWv7i0k9rgJJrFjRbXydQaaWxJbm2X9V9GKptgZzn7nJxQ/s16000/2BW700_153826746.jpg" /></a></div><br />Below you can see some progress photos. I always start by inking in my pencil sketch with a Micron pen and then slowly build up my color layers.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcU81D_CBEx_lhtkBbkCtVNbTWrvwUbkmD8nYYMhvHvsGZUYbe1UocQDV3F4iWS66pEs9OGLUIBhDaupeeSEKH-hE13dNmUrppwSKbSONr5GJnQBxU1-RQ3QOQ4W2MKBACirMOe7UM2N9xrjaAvUIDavBw6kOxIysJw6V0fTUHxtp3IIP524NgwHJSUQ/s700/3BW700_153811313.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="525" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcU81D_CBEx_lhtkBbkCtVNbTWrvwUbkmD8nYYMhvHvsGZUYbe1UocQDV3F4iWS66pEs9OGLUIBhDaupeeSEKH-hE13dNmUrppwSKbSONr5GJnQBxU1-RQ3QOQ4W2MKBACirMOe7UM2N9xrjaAvUIDavBw6kOxIysJw6V0fTUHxtp3IIP524NgwHJSUQ/s16000/3BW700_153811313.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8bNax6qspoHERHd8rubtGxGG4_0sfH1jNflx-MPEV6PYHU-zgDyYXNirxznoVzxcxNaYl4QqsJjYxhSFcUPrUmuwWz0tY7LzeCQXCiv5mLN0kfdyssEnrFxJeO_tkTZ-HUlyES8bVpL2aU3hJQpS-Wl3iHC7I04PXvx3jrjOCS1k7siVWg0dTIr6Lzw/s700/4BlueRed700_20220606_204620141.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="525" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8bNax6qspoHERHd8rubtGxGG4_0sfH1jNflx-MPEV6PYHU-zgDyYXNirxznoVzxcxNaYl4QqsJjYxhSFcUPrUmuwWz0tY7LzeCQXCiv5mLN0kfdyssEnrFxJeO_tkTZ-HUlyES8bVpL2aU3hJQpS-Wl3iHC7I04PXvx3jrjOCS1k7siVWg0dTIr6Lzw/s16000/4BlueRed700_20220606_204620141.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0bjarzPHiDz37JaNZAqejU4PKkTrJX91Ml_iSdpbuVjNt0rKJZ8ht4VvzMTbx0J67L-y5oSspMZWEBQiyTxrtJYVH6qnY1JKHf2RBDea_Kl5KxKRWV7u3iAJ2IDcixORiLjnU38Ni8_HSbp51gc9Z3ndCw312uSJveVV8l2BZoL8tpVMYJrTDzsX65g/s700/5WithGrass700_223506086.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="525" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0bjarzPHiDz37JaNZAqejU4PKkTrJX91Ml_iSdpbuVjNt0rKJZ8ht4VvzMTbx0J67L-y5oSspMZWEBQiyTxrtJYVH6qnY1JKHf2RBDea_Kl5KxKRWV7u3iAJ2IDcixORiLjnU38Ni8_HSbp51gc9Z3ndCw312uSJveVV8l2BZoL8tpVMYJrTDzsX65g/s16000/5WithGrass700_223506086.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTKBb2_C9ufJMTBZx6tyT0SD_AkqdLW4WhFobHTj6vNxfzwWqhPdxMKjwlNoXDOnRoWrfqgrnwQnnJ7ClHYrVbAIBFMIQfP1X8VcKomQgm0pyIVtTjlzk5sCBbdJLkDDsVAMnpCUt3qb58k3e2tA4SCThdle374ecou9GspWTL8crzZa3sneKyUtH-Rw/s1600/6WithBlue_235606599.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="527" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTKBb2_C9ufJMTBZx6tyT0SD_AkqdLW4WhFobHTj6vNxfzwWqhPdxMKjwlNoXDOnRoWrfqgrnwQnnJ7ClHYrVbAIBFMIQfP1X8VcKomQgm0pyIVtTjlzk5sCBbdJLkDDsVAMnpCUt3qb58k3e2tA4SCThdle374ecou9GspWTL8crzZa3sneKyUtH-Rw/s1600/6WithBlue_235606599.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">Once all the colors are laid in, the fun begins. I keep darkening the colors until the house starts to pop.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmlw6r_l-T3Tpt8X_gkd2kySQlO_cl5l-fIRtHpcqn9wQCC5mj8kNzRPelbU0CPzOZpBRfXGsF7gZ6FOSaV52nDpbGwn8lGJg-Gr9q4bNGk9KjjqAa5nrFcBWKHZXVgVvOhMbaOhm-i1sh2YsL-bh-JRYv8_HBG89I-9ZPYdWsyPpq9CGLo5qx6lIUlw/s700/7WithPhoto700_025105955.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="525" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmlw6r_l-T3Tpt8X_gkd2kySQlO_cl5l-fIRtHpcqn9wQCC5mj8kNzRPelbU0CPzOZpBRfXGsF7gZ6FOSaV52nDpbGwn8lGJg-Gr9q4bNGk9KjjqAa5nrFcBWKHZXVgVvOhMbaOhm-i1sh2YsL-bh-JRYv8_HBG89I-9ZPYdWsyPpq9CGLo5qx6lIUlw/s16000/7WithPhoto700_025105955.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"></div>If I have the time, I like to tinker with it for a couple days. I work on it, then take a break, and when I come back I see something that needs more work. I keep returning until I don't see anything that needs touching up. It is best to give it time and go slowly until finally, it doesn't need anything else. <br /><br />Now, when I am on my walks I am starting to feel like I really know the houses in my neighborhood. When I pass one that I have drawn, I feel like I am passing by an old friend who I used to know very well. A friend who I have studied very closely and my eyes have taken in their every nook and cranny. Perhaps, an old lover would be a better analogy. Because, when I think about it, drawing these old homes (or anything for that matter) is an act of love. Giving something your full attention and spending time with an object (or person) is certainly devotion. And this kind of appreciation most certainly precipitates love in the case of me and these old homes. I didn't think I could love my neighborhood more, but painting these portraits has shown me a deeper way...a delightfully slow and observant way. <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">“When I slow down, I can dive deeper—and that’s how I prefer to live.” <br /></span><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: helvetica;"><span style="font-size: medium;">— Cait Flanders</span></span><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: helvetica; font-size: x-large;"> </span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW-2kNteNmnfhmMkOkSNveEA1IJ4OBb1aiY8RaBrahtttLxcggal9qFzPLC272owq6m-yYAmY5INU6ztsvFtXUr4SGdgjNnQ30AVPNxi4DHJ1dYckqNxTpFcUxrhzE4ezuuKXs54W0woRJG4889TRwMxW-p7rXUeU1k7A0B25K2ZF3bjUbuNCjDM8xPg/s700/8FinalAngle700_195818113.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="525" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW-2kNteNmnfhmMkOkSNveEA1IJ4OBb1aiY8RaBrahtttLxcggal9qFzPLC272owq6m-yYAmY5INU6ztsvFtXUr4SGdgjNnQ30AVPNxi4DHJ1dYckqNxTpFcUxrhzE4ezuuKXs54W0woRJG4889TRwMxW-p7rXUeU1k7A0B25K2ZF3bjUbuNCjDM8xPg/s16000/8FinalAngle700_195818113.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">“In an age of speed, I began to think,<br />nothing could be more invigorating than going slow.<br />In an age of distraction,<br />nothing can feel more luxurious than paying attention.” <br /></span><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: helvetica;"><span style="font-size: medium;">— Pico Iyer</span></span></div><br /><br />Nessyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09162374688956449698noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2262034438607647152.post-73737825175027415612022-05-19T17:41:00.003-04:002022-05-19T17:57:31.675-04:00American Foursquare House Portrait- Cincinnati <p> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc3k_sYpUs3uQWG3x6ion7-D_3hZn74ZS0P44gNRYf8gCY4eOxRaMZ127sdi71wNozW3rlkLhuFeL9Jmn3W9qdZS46HAQrnQzN7iUN0a1b94f6zUPYnrIL2JCUe5IAPtc45U1Z4K9hZfVMT2iegqv7A1J_oREICjofRcd4Bcg-C3RytC7nKCxHItp-_A/s750/Redway750New.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="588" data-original-width="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc3k_sYpUs3uQWG3x6ion7-D_3hZn74ZS0P44gNRYf8gCY4eOxRaMZ127sdi71wNozW3rlkLhuFeL9Jmn3W9qdZS46HAQrnQzN7iUN0a1b94f6zUPYnrIL2JCUe5IAPtc45U1Z4K9hZfVMT2iegqv7A1J_oREICjofRcd4Bcg-C3RytC7nKCxHItp-_A/s16000/Redway750New.jpg" /></a></p>Whenever I draw a house it's hard not to fall in love with it. And that was certainly the case with this stunning American Foursquare home in the middle of my neighborhood. When I looked the house up to find more details I was surprised that it was categorized as American Foursquare. I thought it might be a Craftsman-style Victorian...Craftsman because of the amazing stone front porch, and Victorian due to the curved, leaded windows. But when I looked up American Foursquare, I understood why. The definition of American Foursquare is "a two-story house with a rectangular footprint and a front porch that runs along the full width of the house." (<a href="https://archive.curbed.com/2017/8/31/16229566/american-foursquare-house-history-for-sale" target="_blank">source</a>) <br /><br />For this house sketch I hired my next door neighbor to take aerial photos with his drone (his photos are stunning...check our his website <a href="https://www.skydrosolutions.com/" target="_blank">here</a>). I ended up using a combination of his photos with a couple I took from the house across the street. After I completed my pencil sketch I transferred it to my watercolor paper and then inked it in. Below you can see the finished black and white drawing.<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU5z1XpzKpV7__GdS1WjdbyxidJFfhulWtE6ryw5p_lHYej_8O5O1G9TPUUmEX4nVF35UoN8Lm_JoogaexHoLzmsfmDw8wRUKp-g-uIggJlPB02M-gd8FbV7MFRqF5r_Ns_mO6dztXSxCKvRzlVo1uWiuE9XtBq6hcpnPB4GQCU-A4TugTVSPE0oi5Lg/s700/BW700_185607173.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="538" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU5z1XpzKpV7__GdS1WjdbyxidJFfhulWtE6ryw5p_lHYej_8O5O1G9TPUUmEX4nVF35UoN8Lm_JoogaexHoLzmsfmDw8wRUKp-g-uIggJlPB02M-gd8FbV7MFRqF5r_Ns_mO6dztXSxCKvRzlVo1uWiuE9XtBq6hcpnPB4GQCU-A4TugTVSPE0oi5Lg/s16000/BW700_185607173.jpg" /></a></div><br />And here you can see the very beginning color on the house and plants.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS7UM-Rw-Y1WVFzNxyKagRr5W5Ly---y-1fCLSSkqWwDdEmCoNFwC5pOeby8yk75kf03KbkY1FOeZerp-u0UKrrf1ghK51QKCTIfj_mysdUzQpa3EuajnGkT1NceL_lAyk7MLm9HEoPp57LON10u_EV4VY-lHnmWVpLydB9uixJ2Ez3vooafkRaTauaA/s1600/Process700_160757480.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="525" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS7UM-Rw-Y1WVFzNxyKagRr5W5Ly---y-1fCLSSkqWwDdEmCoNFwC5pOeby8yk75kf03KbkY1FOeZerp-u0UKrrf1ghK51QKCTIfj_mysdUzQpa3EuajnGkT1NceL_lAyk7MLm9HEoPp57LON10u_EV4VY-lHnmWVpLydB9uixJ2Ez3vooafkRaTauaA/s1600/Process700_160757480.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">I like to work sitting in front of the computer so I can Zoom in on details from the photos. It was really helpful to have aerial photos from above to see certain elements from different angles. This was especially the case for this drawing because the actual house was obscured by lots of trees and I had to make up the parts of the house I couldn't see. </div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs4BvesIvUD2rhJaQDHTcdxhxTA_710fks1_TmVIYkXXW4CPJS6LaQqxWC2vx2zs5KX7neBxGei5YT2pansbX03NXDTJHK-xnOLkll6hncIzXclQhG0LN0ZzPrgkk0mKcWL3K80jZPJoEHbLhAMwZkoMT9tN0JqQoznzBfAC9qXxUSwy1t_SdxaSNmQw/s700/Watercolors700_172255981.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /><img border="0" data-original-height="525" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs4BvesIvUD2rhJaQDHTcdxhxTA_710fks1_TmVIYkXXW4CPJS6LaQqxWC2vx2zs5KX7neBxGei5YT2pansbX03NXDTJHK-xnOLkll6hncIzXclQhG0LN0ZzPrgkk0mKcWL3K80jZPJoEHbLhAMwZkoMT9tN0JqQoznzBfAC9qXxUSwy1t_SdxaSNmQw/s16000/Watercolors700_172255981.jpg" /></a></div><br />Below you can see a close-up of the stone porch. I absolutely love this element of the house and how round the stones are.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXFP7r4ECAV9mf_Prjj0xpQO4aifH2HBq2bErsLaegmiKNQfdLnB-p9CZ-xifnj_fXgvEA8zMgM4RZPwj3R-ifMHlzqWn9-SoH2syjAy6LTI0y5GoalithQmNAHbIyzxXkt8f0uMcgwkJ3BC4c21li3685xtBOHamQFPB7UCS61_5gOaUQKdOj5Ww9vQ/s700/LeftSide700_163121047.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="525" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXFP7r4ECAV9mf_Prjj0xpQO4aifH2HBq2bErsLaegmiKNQfdLnB-p9CZ-xifnj_fXgvEA8zMgM4RZPwj3R-ifMHlzqWn9-SoH2syjAy6LTI0y5GoalithQmNAHbIyzxXkt8f0uMcgwkJ3BC4c21li3685xtBOHamQFPB7UCS61_5gOaUQKdOj5Ww9vQ/s16000/LeftSide700_163121047.jpg" /></a></div><br />I am normally kind-of slow when I do a house portrait. But I was forced to work even slower because one of our cats attacked the other and we've had to keep them separate. Plus George has been out-of-town for two weeks...forcing me to grab an hour here and there. In some ways I think it has been good to slow down even further. Each day I would look at it and I could see "this need darkening or that needs more color." It was like the painting would tell me what it needed every day. I was happy when it finally stopped needing anything and then I knew it was done. <br /><br />I deliver the painting to the owner tomorrow. I told her it has been the only thing keeping me sane in this crazy time of cat fights and separations. And I truly am thankful to this house for taking my mind off of cat gates and vet appointments and researching feline aggression and hours of YouTube cat behaviorists. I think work can be a kind of salve for me. I can lose myself in it and be truly present in the moment...just the painting talking to me and my brush responding. <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica;"><span style="font-size: medium;">“The only thing that is ultimately real about your journey<br />is the step that you are taking at this moment.<br />That’s all there ever is.”<br />—Eckhart Tolle </span></span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHxgKj2YNwwelWAz9-BJ8YV-uXDUvNpkbIkVx24frTX_1ILzUeqEAEbZM2SnhOs8fGDgAKSwIcTn6tkXF-kOWlHMQK4rpayGt_VTwaMggLmNa5tQ90OGdZ_jJIYMsbAa__iY5_AOMDiR1Y7A74KGoYFXNMHz0tsGkJ_mq_qVkq3Tq_oFZJTtRpS7mimg/s700/RightSide700_160237446.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="525" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHxgKj2YNwwelWAz9-BJ8YV-uXDUvNpkbIkVx24frTX_1ILzUeqEAEbZM2SnhOs8fGDgAKSwIcTn6tkXF-kOWlHMQK4rpayGt_VTwaMggLmNa5tQ90OGdZ_jJIYMsbAa__iY5_AOMDiR1Y7A74KGoYFXNMHz0tsGkJ_mq_qVkq3Tq_oFZJTtRpS7mimg/s16000/RightSide700_160237446.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Nessyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09162374688956449698noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2262034438607647152.post-69933976283777489592022-04-19T10:10:00.000-04:002022-04-19T10:10:40.282-04:00Magnolia Woodcut: Final Print<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAdf-VQ8CW2XI0TE1sO0gKpTmVRB3BhsKSZEG83I-UgZaOhEI7hi8CsdxxgSUlH_R9MKmbiNnAMBUDoIOx4YNwfHIYAJ7E-yQGOZaZNz-HZDocNnhHOIpZOzCZfMn7pzRxIQWD4Dw8985W9ewTii7tS6qPCRpH784doUbknG71VYp3MhLhCXvOG_TUKQ/s750/VPrint750Square_3624.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAdf-VQ8CW2XI0TE1sO0gKpTmVRB3BhsKSZEG83I-UgZaOhEI7hi8CsdxxgSUlH_R9MKmbiNnAMBUDoIOx4YNwfHIYAJ7E-yQGOZaZNz-HZDocNnhHOIpZOzCZfMn7pzRxIQWD4Dw8985W9ewTii7tS6qPCRpH784doUbknG71VYp3MhLhCXvOG_TUKQ/s16000/VPrint750Square_3624.jpg" /></a></div>
<div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">“Form is emptiness, emptiness is form.”<br />—Heart Sutra</span></div><br /><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: helvetica;">INSPIRATION</span><br /><br />Aside from literally finding magnolia seed pods underfoot while on a walk (and loving their shapes), there are several reasons this subject appealed to me. The themes of emptiness, the feminine, creativity and motherhood were interwoven throughout in deep, surprising, and sometimes hilarious ways. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGlZ0v-c_qEH3jZTSt4tlA0p0UygynH7uqL4-iMVqwl3QivrLgVaBntMuObjUXRBW3T2jK-pl6unTDKh02Bpkugm5Kd7qejDuFxj8-HapPNKS49MY5PdBBRQnA-NaLWddqQmuSNhBuCGhvcZtjApZAPqodU9YpolLorHuBUFP85NJnaWlwdDbXhaZp0Q/s750/4Stages750_174727970.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="288" data-original-width="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGlZ0v-c_qEH3jZTSt4tlA0p0UygynH7uqL4-iMVqwl3QivrLgVaBntMuObjUXRBW3T2jK-pl6unTDKh02Bpkugm5Kd7qejDuFxj8-HapPNKS49MY5PdBBRQnA-NaLWddqQmuSNhBuCGhvcZtjApZAPqodU9YpolLorHuBUFP85NJnaWlwdDbXhaZp0Q/s16000/4Stages750_174727970.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />When I submitted my application for the <a href="http://bigink.org" target="_blank">BIG INK</a> in January 2022, I wrote the following summary of my inspiration for this print:<br /><br />"The form of the seed pod is exquisite, and the body is composed of numerous individual spoked pods with cavernous spaces from which the red seeds emerged. The seed heads on the ground were in various states of decay. Some still had seeds protruding from the pods, but some only had empty voids. When I examined the individual pods, I could see each also contained paper-thin tissue that I assume had covered the seeds. The shape of these wrinkled coverings fascinated me, and I could see each spoke contained a leaf of tissue that when put together with its neighbor completed each other, forming a protective covering for the seed while also creating the space from which the seed emerged. </div><div><br />
</div><div>When I first saw these pods, I thought I wanted to make a print that included the red seeds. But after studying the seed heads close-up I realized the decaying pods told a story all their own. The empty spaces were created by the growing seeds and the growing seeds came from the empty space. These pods reminded me of the heart sutra, 'Form is emptiness, emptiness is form.' And when I think about this, plus the incredible shape of the pods, it seems to me the magnolia pod is like a gorgeous celebration of creativity itself."</div><div><br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbgr_XJ8pSIeLog7XHWWycbU61tB3ijivFoT9wbULjD8VIFSmeuNlSdTWnbbUFSU07jvzrMYb7JYO_A25s-40O3i78K5dfV4KTJtb5Vm7rxC1nzWO3ji9irPKKVldA9_l1pk_A5cEBv-PKJXDrjbDMpMq5YgOEKbAK2WkTDF6xmxfn4fRAPLp6zNy07w/s700/Close700_211227347.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="525" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbgr_XJ8pSIeLog7XHWWycbU61tB3ijivFoT9wbULjD8VIFSmeuNlSdTWnbbUFSU07jvzrMYb7JYO_A25s-40O3i78K5dfV4KTJtb5Vm7rxC1nzWO3ji9irPKKVldA9_l1pk_A5cEBv-PKJXDrjbDMpMq5YgOEKbAK2WkTDF6xmxfn4fRAPLp6zNy07w/s16000/Close700_211227347.jpg" /></a></div>Also when I began this print, I showed my friend Tiffany the sketch and she exclaimed, "You are a Vagartist!" I had never heard that term before and it made me laugh so hard. It got me thinking about plants and reproduction and I realized you can't be a lover of seed pods without appreciating this form. If you think about it, the feminine form is spacious...and it has to be! Life emerges from this spacious emptiness. In this sense "Mother" equals "Space" equals "Creativity". <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">The fundamental reality of “emptiness” is nothing at all.<br />But that nothing is infinitely fecund,<br />and marvelously healing to the human heart.”<br />—Henry Shukman</span></div>
<br /><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: helvetica;">FINAL CARVING</span><br /><br />At the BIG INK we printed three magnolia prints, which I signed as "Artist Proofs." When I returned home I studied the prints and decided to thin a couple lines down. And when I say thin, I mean I was shaving about half the width of a pencil line off some of the tendrils!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWYWF6AG_V8KrF9CDrr5NtzOFFo6THRH7KAXCLfvJ9rpsnjXyVG4jfvYW24GkFjDhWNdNsqRF_z1MPJAH2FLaxmefQEzqNjHf2cu1iP9sW5Z8Fsgab0BPvTPL_JQUOYWXkup6gCrk3E4CX1vdLbaPGLl0cgUYaBSiv0I7WX21LEGCYlr6VE1sqY0oZTg/s700/Carving700_183821617.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="525" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWYWF6AG_V8KrF9CDrr5NtzOFFo6THRH7KAXCLfvJ9rpsnjXyVG4jfvYW24GkFjDhWNdNsqRF_z1MPJAH2FLaxmefQEzqNjHf2cu1iP9sW5Z8Fsgab0BPvTPL_JQUOYWXkup6gCrk3E4CX1vdLbaPGLl0cgUYaBSiv0I7WX21LEGCYlr6VE1sqY0oZTg/s16000/Carving700_183821617.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Otus kept me company while I made my changes.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR7WoVmhrxGdbYroEkf3xImsJFZ6WMz4jtG9ER8EYK__mdjDduGzN1yDg17mi2LhJ73FLP6zh1TxBZ2h-1VRHpKOOMwnq8HdQafJdYpKfPh4kMHHjeNQ7xlbFp2bsDhhAYQg4h2lYpOm9P0m5swrPHbP6Bu9Ie6Cb_F1JBAH808L575_LPcAoBndnAyg/s600/Carving600_181540086.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR7WoVmhrxGdbYroEkf3xImsJFZ6WMz4jtG9ER8EYK__mdjDduGzN1yDg17mi2LhJ73FLP6zh1TxBZ2h-1VRHpKOOMwnq8HdQafJdYpKfPh4kMHHjeNQ7xlbFp2bsDhhAYQg4h2lYpOm9P0m5swrPHbP6Bu9Ie6Cb_F1JBAH808L575_LPcAoBndnAyg/s16000/Carving600_181540086.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">"Creativity — like human life itself — begins in darkness."</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">—Julia Cameron<br /><br /></span></div></div><br /><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: helvetica;">
HAND-BURNISHING PRINTS</span><br /><br />My goal was to print six hand-burnished prints on Stonehenge paper the weekend after the BIG INK. Saturday morning, George and I began printing.<br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhUa1VhiHhHdG-92mJD071K4dkFjeZKyetWmWDDltbOIqa3hKkt83ixvFYXk0JNU2KLSNuPArE-EjzuHBQFtHJabsuM7qq98R_SIgGO8jtEnQCqx3rI74v1K4XF6h6fwyLdKYKH7x9JQ1mrwyMOPOEhH_ZZwDDrx1haDj7ZYcnjUVsJwoOLdRdgRCSyA/s700/GV700_175841044.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="525" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhUa1VhiHhHdG-92mJD071K4dkFjeZKyetWmWDDltbOIqa3hKkt83ixvFYXk0JNU2KLSNuPArE-EjzuHBQFtHJabsuM7qq98R_SIgGO8jtEnQCqx3rI74v1K4XF6h6fwyLdKYKH7x9JQ1mrwyMOPOEhH_ZZwDDrx1haDj7ZYcnjUVsJwoOLdRdgRCSyA/s16000/GV700_175841044.jpg" /></a><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Below you can see the plate with a shiny coat of ink on it.<br /><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEithHEI4MqCG2wlHADMOlf9qwfgMbVpFebVZhmjPnWXdIKB7T1OInV3-Qu7tIyIpdOvnJdNZizYhDwlGCc6b0awEoDi5MdLsIKE8Jt9yn_meS6oRzie67HSGiHvKNzJ8izYIEZmcD1KZzY7QIUcz_wORjJUAYbHGwu65zrUnZcaEot_TPHdsw6DuUT9Hw/s700/WetPlate700_162902592.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="525" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEithHEI4MqCG2wlHADMOlf9qwfgMbVpFebVZhmjPnWXdIKB7T1OInV3-Qu7tIyIpdOvnJdNZizYhDwlGCc6b0awEoDi5MdLsIKE8Jt9yn_meS6oRzie67HSGiHvKNzJ8izYIEZmcD1KZzY7QIUcz_wORjJUAYbHGwu65zrUnZcaEot_TPHdsw6DuUT9Hw/s16000/WetPlate700_162902592.jpg" /></a></div><br /><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">“Emptiness is the pregnant void out of which all creation springs.” </span><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">—</span><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Wayne Muller</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPkpi9AsZ5o8k5-Jtd7JI-9HwG72BTiTZf2qBBI99H0NfWl_WwaF8m75hFpux_QVn8P6lPDdKqxZ1oFBZEHTEclKmT-LNOH48qBELpVae-vauwxH5ihROV7mpjUjCfx24G-a5EnvFbOzAiM-iukGgO8o2gVcVQ-xOlQXj8giolMirokGjShefEh_U3BQ/s700/WetPlate700_162942695.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="525" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPkpi9AsZ5o8k5-Jtd7JI-9HwG72BTiTZf2qBBI99H0NfWl_WwaF8m75hFpux_QVn8P6lPDdKqxZ1oFBZEHTEclKmT-LNOH48qBELpVae-vauwxH5ihROV7mpjUjCfx24G-a5EnvFbOzAiM-iukGgO8o2gVcVQ-xOlQXj8giolMirokGjShefEh_U3BQ/s16000/WetPlate700_162942695.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidGxfhUG4Ug6r1t_7gESA82sez67KLAsl5aljqQ4a9_o_ISNBJhiB-HSvTaDhQ1laRgBNfDGCviB6_GO4KSzn2-1Oo9JfnBjDrQdopzHLAAWMSGLJdZpdDUGOU9iPlp5iV_YDk8TwKYbczgBLvhC0EouUKwwyjxKAgfr-0vePbWMlCuAKtQj_tC11sjw/s700/WetPlate700_162807443.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="525" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidGxfhUG4Ug6r1t_7gESA82sez67KLAsl5aljqQ4a9_o_ISNBJhiB-HSvTaDhQ1laRgBNfDGCviB6_GO4KSzn2-1Oo9JfnBjDrQdopzHLAAWMSGLJdZpdDUGOU9iPlp5iV_YDk8TwKYbczgBLvhC0EouUKwwyjxKAgfr-0vePbWMlCuAKtQj_tC11sjw/s16000/WetPlate700_162807443.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">That first Saturday, I was disappointed we ran out of ink after pulling three prints. But my arms and hands were done by that point anyway. So I ordered more ink and we printed three more the following weekend. Below you can see me holding my favorite spoon, which George cracked while burnishing.</div></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvLnMqEVbqWU8mLUalVlf49NhPPrIfXmKX_1jdh2rVsfLyYUTb894LkQy2E9d8RbB4sM1ZHhsVK6j7vYONVE3pSbKsyEipD53EkRX0iXrksST8Nc6SkfRP1GOCoITWuCPVt4Iz_ViSdniZMnS3Q06OiWVOJC-Hbmm64zaQ34nJypxzlsZnpnsFlyXjiA/s700/Vanessa700_163247596Crop.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="525" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvLnMqEVbqWU8mLUalVlf49NhPPrIfXmKX_1jdh2rVsfLyYUTb894LkQy2E9d8RbB4sM1ZHhsVK6j7vYONVE3pSbKsyEipD53EkRX0iXrksST8Nc6SkfRP1GOCoITWuCPVt4Iz_ViSdniZMnS3Q06OiWVOJC-Hbmm64zaQ34nJypxzlsZnpnsFlyXjiA/s16000/Vanessa700_163247596Crop.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">This video shows George and me inking, burnishing and pulling a print. It condenses an hour of work into 48 seconds. When I added this epic music to the video, the drama of it made me laugh out loud. But it really was an epic moment for us to finish printing these. (Music: Epic Cinematic by Scott Holmes)</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="498" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/NIzbQxltsqI" width="600" youtube-src-id="NIzbQxltsqI"></iframe></div>
<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: helvetica;">DRYING</span><br /><br />The day of printing I could hardly take in the whole print. Once it was off the plate, we whisked it right over to the drying rack. A couple of days later I went down to check on them and was relieved to see six gorgeous prints. I pulled three of the prints out to try and get a photo of them all together. I had to put a ruler under one of them for support because they barely fit on my table!<br /><br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_ageklZPyNqnChtZZX6dmrnim0aY2lUEukgIvr3SfdEKoFY0N7-xcXQWSKk4xCyl3B22HTXbHWBCnMaZbFleSHqRroBPVxXSNdnoC7G2mRRKA2YAt8PV-DT5kkMw97Id2iUOT3kLZXZUnNPB0wxF7GMX1sYRnFXgCzSlnnMfp-45CfewB6NMT9RK9FQ/s700/PrintsonTable700_150459515.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="525" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_ageklZPyNqnChtZZX6dmrnim0aY2lUEukgIvr3SfdEKoFY0N7-xcXQWSKk4xCyl3B22HTXbHWBCnMaZbFleSHqRroBPVxXSNdnoC7G2mRRKA2YAt8PV-DT5kkMw97Id2iUOT3kLZXZUnNPB0wxF7GMX1sYRnFXgCzSlnnMfp-45CfewB6NMT9RK9FQ/s16000/PrintsonTable700_150459515.jpg" /></a><br /><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLq2Z-nkoTsl6l-NVnFoGkh8VodKO9TRdy_mjEMndncLOByyaJKjrsxEnI53OcXP17uK5pnSGEF2RVseL80uNCXUIFU8dSGBeMEi-kqXVqRHYVAb07ZgWybJ-W6NuY__nC_RPndGHejNi_zIox96etZ8zm0wHkwEPG3a1uIrZGGrbjELnlOunZai1m8A/s700/PrintsonTable700_150533593.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="525" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLq2Z-nkoTsl6l-NVnFoGkh8VodKO9TRdy_mjEMndncLOByyaJKjrsxEnI53OcXP17uK5pnSGEF2RVseL80uNCXUIFU8dSGBeMEi-kqXVqRHYVAb07ZgWybJ-W6NuY__nC_RPndGHejNi_zIox96etZ8zm0wHkwEPG3a1uIrZGGrbjELnlOunZai1m8A/s16000/PrintsonTable700_150533593.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">"Small things done with great love will change the world."</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">—</span><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Mother Teresa</span></div></div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSMLI3tCF6I3iDyKZuKNZErPi1IBvDa1JAAqIGBmxZ3GP-vYTuYyYIjJaKfBfZzZGNGTLmED_nJOr6aBF3YrLFc8gA7bGtKWhtVKjg74L66-wKTPeIxiSn4HkNZEDEv2RFUEzp529wtfbryzF6tfFDBI_5lNQEeqKlIqDLMevbr3Jq8wXG_bRp6rObrQ/s700/PrintsonTablr700_150524318.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="525" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSMLI3tCF6I3iDyKZuKNZErPi1IBvDa1JAAqIGBmxZ3GP-vYTuYyYIjJaKfBfZzZGNGTLmED_nJOr6aBF3YrLFc8gA7bGtKWhtVKjg74L66-wKTPeIxiSn4HkNZEDEv2RFUEzp529wtfbryzF6tfFDBI_5lNQEeqKlIqDLMevbr3Jq8wXG_bRp6rObrQ/s16000/PrintsonTablr700_150524318.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica;">SIGNING, NUMBERING, TITLING AND CHOPPING</span> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />Don't let my smile fool you... I completely dread all aspects of this stage. You would think this would be the easy part, but I worry I will write crooked or I won't like my handwriting or I will mess up the numbering. Which have all happened...but at least you can erase the pencil (although I hate to do it).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0q7B770vtV0we4rVA1FbqBxzuYBXM8glnzNUWplJR7LzbaUacyCE69drQeBrZIHHjSMlEY2yPFGR-eI5YFSLif7e2pQsHPXnKaaMgoIwoIaRNJDtrvjC6G6sfWTfGvdZeC4zQXVY515JngWgVer8PDqut15w0owk9JzGm_RxERyGKcxo4r5IXJPp29w/s600/Signing600_171638332.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0q7B770vtV0we4rVA1FbqBxzuYBXM8glnzNUWplJR7LzbaUacyCE69drQeBrZIHHjSMlEY2yPFGR-eI5YFSLif7e2pQsHPXnKaaMgoIwoIaRNJDtrvjC6G6sfWTfGvdZeC4zQXVY515JngWgVer8PDqut15w0owk9JzGm_RxERyGKcxo4r5IXJPp29w/s16000/Signing600_171638332.jpg" /></a></div><span style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;">The REALLY stressful part is adding the chop signature. If you smear the stamp you have ruined the whole print. It is an awful pressure to get it right and you really have to push all stray thoughts out of your head. Luckily I had no smearing... just a tiny red stray dot that I was able to get off with my sandpaper eraser after it dried.</div></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg14RqOBGdP6a5lOpksKvOijRLppGKt8GqWZZXz3_ItzKgqj6K4GC9-xXCdlwLsHjzPX58g-jWiigxIO6Hq5Q5Hip9cFTUsfeNtRJP-i8p_S5Bx6zGrw6N_kGYkQ-ApWRqZUikO1-QoDptcZ1rklMhg48J4Q3K_Sj1vkxqHbTRhbqiiD_zGIIv4TjqkRg/s600/Chop600_210621586.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg14RqOBGdP6a5lOpksKvOijRLppGKt8GqWZZXz3_ItzKgqj6K4GC9-xXCdlwLsHjzPX58g-jWiigxIO6Hq5Q5Hip9cFTUsfeNtRJP-i8p_S5Bx6zGrw6N_kGYkQ-ApWRqZUikO1-QoDptcZ1rklMhg48J4Q3K_Sj1vkxqHbTRhbqiiD_zGIIv4TjqkRg/s16000/Chop600_210621586.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: helvetica;">FINAL PRINT</span><br /><br />The journey to get to this point has been long. As I sit here writing this blog and looking at the print, I feel so thankful. I have poured myself into this work and there is nothing I would rather be doing. I hope I have created a piece that brings joy and one that honors this amazing plant.<br /> </div></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFkqxEcEM0MMQvUc0ksihIsBOpZHV6nHHqY5amMdWTwV4NcOKxrMW2O8o6LiLQjVYIpRxGkJ9QWKU4nFTQ26xNXgg-9ILTh73AmqYjLDwyqzOuxMWZIy75drjUdwD_13ZVZjoeUNoRl2_gjZ0TgCVv0XjvhDwL-D2DuLDSZFCriXv9y-C_MMUGAlP0aQ/s700/Magnolia700Paper_150749650.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="524" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFkqxEcEM0MMQvUc0ksihIsBOpZHV6nHHqY5amMdWTwV4NcOKxrMW2O8o6LiLQjVYIpRxGkJ9QWKU4nFTQ26xNXgg-9ILTh73AmqYjLDwyqzOuxMWZIy75drjUdwD_13ZVZjoeUNoRl2_gjZ0TgCVv0XjvhDwL-D2DuLDSZFCriXv9y-C_MMUGAlP0aQ/s16000/Magnolia700Paper_150749650.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />One of my favorite things to do is photograph the print from all angles.<br />It is so fun to see the individual personalities of each tendril up close.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv8mKU2KbZZhMSsIJSbW01iTj-wI3-vS3FfrGiQvAiRqX7fofuTtEQ6P0y6YFxopNw8prEmXZgv_y5fTqY_dBnSFZrYno9JCToMcENIrcEw6j0ebOUO892vEQNHVF1Mm6CkFn9115xaDwfSeA6ivqrJ1HuW7sG1jdefFuf1TzgQa2wYfeK6e38oExeqw/s1600/Close700_210949862.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="525" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv8mKU2KbZZhMSsIJSbW01iTj-wI3-vS3FfrGiQvAiRqX7fofuTtEQ6P0y6YFxopNw8prEmXZgv_y5fTqY_dBnSFZrYno9JCToMcENIrcEw6j0ebOUO892vEQNHVF1Mm6CkFn9115xaDwfSeA6ivqrJ1HuW7sG1jdefFuf1TzgQa2wYfeK6e38oExeqw/s1600/Close700_210949862.jpg" /></a></div>My original sketch didn't have the "shadow" tendrils.<br />I am so happy I added them later because I think they add so much to the piece skulking around back there.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirWxh9a-P0HiDhglcDz8xUAZFa0hhZlHeRe8RMe7-ReERoTeIdAZWCfqadRY9BVCds8nrPj2makw7A7vVWgb4jdjez-gOe3jB47UlmIPCeLzH6mtV7CmgoI4XuKcPCoWEs8wcGOoPVuD_-83t7mRfG5e7vOvaqWfvU8eHHAA3dKqoECZihRMorY5wy7g/s700/Close700_211428951.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="525" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirWxh9a-P0HiDhglcDz8xUAZFa0hhZlHeRe8RMe7-ReERoTeIdAZWCfqadRY9BVCds8nrPj2makw7A7vVWgb4jdjez-gOe3jB47UlmIPCeLzH6mtV7CmgoI4XuKcPCoWEs8wcGOoPVuD_-83t7mRfG5e7vOvaqWfvU8eHHAA3dKqoECZihRMorY5wy7g/s16000/Close700_211428951.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij3cBL5CmyEq6zlUlkMGpV5mpWmh0M9cmFD5AEOOXxl7O5PxXlWgWsGgAXIc4gnpbyjfUGi5PLjvjFJ9xEIJOInRlod2_WrYD6aN0EVpotaqqwCtw-wse1qelXpoWcVNDJQU0_cZbPCDZlr_qBUyM-5H3ymFlBiA2EcveaEd3QxdsxZPNO5p65XYkbCw/s700/Close700_211238989.jpg" style="display: inline; padding: 1em 0px;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="525" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij3cBL5CmyEq6zlUlkMGpV5mpWmh0M9cmFD5AEOOXxl7O5PxXlWgWsGgAXIc4gnpbyjfUGi5PLjvjFJ9xEIJOInRlod2_WrYD6aN0EVpotaqqwCtw-wse1qelXpoWcVNDJQU0_cZbPCDZlr_qBUyM-5H3ymFlBiA2EcveaEd3QxdsxZPNO5p65XYkbCw/s16000/Close700_211238989.jpg" /></a><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">"Love is the Divine Mother's arms; when those arms are spread, every Soul falls Into them."</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">—</span><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Hazrat Inayat Khan</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4uRQPCDTk79MBpteCTwRfUc1owkgsKbYqGR1Bv7eD6V2WGIDkewFhO__CLGhJ3a7n_xfcCldFmu7cW6godw1BQvOdndZQSesMfPEOJXgkO2R7jvA4TGpADREzgxAYSYpO4AtvzBWPpt5FYVcKeiftB7FD0oKxLS5s_LbZp9FkVyrevORtfBypjBosXA/s700/Close700_211008278.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="525" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4uRQPCDTk79MBpteCTwRfUc1owkgsKbYqGR1Bv7eD6V2WGIDkewFhO__CLGhJ3a7n_xfcCldFmu7cW6godw1BQvOdndZQSesMfPEOJXgkO2R7jvA4TGpADREzgxAYSYpO4AtvzBWPpt5FYVcKeiftB7FD0oKxLS5s_LbZp9FkVyrevORtfBypjBosXA/s16000/Close700_211008278.jpg" /></a></div>
This tendril looked like the Virgin Mary to me.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTOljSf-MnDQFIy47QrgsD228g_P1mmXgjoLd6_DyUiuRnwmexe2FqKstblJrnziZUVGDsjQOxs-ZqiBKgaT2NSFPs3SLiUbf6WqsPIh6Y9mPqc8ndIHjdC7N1QPhHhrPjWajNnK2I20RxWg5Tmz4krk0R-rgo-Q8jBKKUuYxdT4twgdsFI_WgcMdYCw/s700/CloseVM700_211152454.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="525" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTOljSf-MnDQFIy47QrgsD228g_P1mmXgjoLd6_DyUiuRnwmexe2FqKstblJrnziZUVGDsjQOxs-ZqiBKgaT2NSFPs3SLiUbf6WqsPIh6Y9mPqc8ndIHjdC7N1QPhHhrPjWajNnK2I20RxWg5Tmz4krk0R-rgo-Q8jBKKUuYxdT4twgdsFI_WgcMdYCw/s16000/CloseVM700_211152454.jpg" /><br />
<br /> </a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">"All forms are the Mother. The Divine Mother has the whole universe in her."<br /></span><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">—</span><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium; text-align: left;">Adilakshmi quoted in <i>Hidden Journey</i> by Andrew Harvey</span></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: helvetica;">CONCLUSION</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The whole time I was working on this print I assumed I would title the print "Magnolia." But one day the thought occurred to me that I should call it "MA". We grew up with a magnolia tree in our front yard and the tree always reminds me of my Mom. One year I even photographed the tree and made a book of photos for her for Mother's Day. The tree recently died and she had to have it taken down. Giving the print the title "MA" seemed the perfect way to honor my Mom and the tree. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The name also worked on other levels. By the looks of it, this beautiful pod was quite the creatrix and probably produced quite a number of red seeds. Plus the letters were perfect. My Mom's name is Mary, I call her "Ma" and it is the first two letters of "Magnolia". And you can't ignore the appearance of the Virgin Mary! One musn't ignore the Divine Feminine when she goes out of her way to send you a message. So for all of these reasons, I named the print, "MA."</div>
<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><div><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">"I bow before this empty husk</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">To marvel at her drying form</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">I worship in her empty temples</span></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Filled with dark creativity</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Her entire body...</span></div></div><div><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Hands in prayer<br /></span></div><div><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Devoted to the sun"<br />—Vanessa Sorensen</span></div></div><div><br /></div></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz8xO87VoFQCd6jXdAZWBgInWSeHg5_DhfLaN_Jp5x1Sd8TaiMOt2FwIvjJPCps4B4c-ojZR8XTYXhLQ8ItinDD1q_EprxxdGKRbEdZH3bRQSTTU6u-xkG2kQNyLJ7OPodZ0Y5ImQ1FNGimbrroo3xoD8PbF8X_RJ7MuQmSYFBDLZ9DalC5NbvUjbN6g/s750/FinalPrintShutter750_1686416056.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz8xO87VoFQCd6jXdAZWBgInWSeHg5_DhfLaN_Jp5x1Sd8TaiMOt2FwIvjJPCps4B4c-ojZR8XTYXhLQ8ItinDD1q_EprxxdGKRbEdZH3bRQSTTU6u-xkG2kQNyLJ7OPodZ0Y5ImQ1FNGimbrroo3xoD8PbF8X_RJ7MuQmSYFBDLZ9DalC5NbvUjbN6g/s16000/FinalPrintShutter750_1686416056.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">If you would like to purchase a print, please visit<br /><br /><a href="http://NessyPress.com">NessyPress.com</a><br /><br /><br /><div><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">"Emptiness is bound to bloom, like hundreds of grasses blossoming." </span></div><div><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">—</span><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Dogen</span></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW-Wlznz2nggmAs7h4OaR-jtGjxeIX7utoI-XVmmGV4QrNTqxWHbBS2wAiD0GpMMOiZ823l0loJcGs0FqRVjhUrOT1udW7yMTI-R9_fLbn5fnKXA3IvvoY5gdxlBUv-fQQigNN8T6BeRyXAlFhTBv9yv5C6pF8N5R2w_sDfEA7C73kNRaLqcKeqPjtwA/s750/PrintRoom750AdobeStock_170859807.jpg" style="display: inline; padding: 1em 0px;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="503" data-original-width="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW-Wlznz2nggmAs7h4OaR-jtGjxeIX7utoI-XVmmGV4QrNTqxWHbBS2wAiD0GpMMOiZ823l0loJcGs0FqRVjhUrOT1udW7yMTI-R9_fLbn5fnKXA3IvvoY5gdxlBUv-fQQigNN8T6BeRyXAlFhTBv9yv5C6pF8N5R2w_sDfEA7C73kNRaLqcKeqPjtwA/s16000/PrintRoom750AdobeStock_170859807.jpg" /></a></div><br /> A big thank you to my husband George. This print was made possible with your love and support and burnishing and cooking and proof-reading and more burnishing. Thank you.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Previous Magnolia blog posts:<br /><br /><a href="https://nessydesigns.blogspot.com/2022/04/magnolia-woodcut-carving.html" target="_blank">Magnolia Woodcut: Carving</a><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://nessydesigns.blogspot.com/2022/04/magnolia-woodcut-big-ink.html" target="_blank">Magnolia Woodcut: BIG INK</a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div>Nessyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09162374688956449698noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2262034438607647152.post-15919952001303022142022-04-08T10:06:00.005-04:002022-04-19T10:14:24.175-04:00Magnolia Woodcut: BIG INK<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigdwyxccKfJ1BtZsWQsrPjkrfGAE-_xMvm8JRhDeqX9IaeyfmuBgQNaX_BdB5fJPXQvBYaByEF2lz8pizLaCaJBTE2JGft4AlUmyIbK-J6sI2PjQWUZgbNiOBjth4RBdXiSZH7-073T121n2DeOwKMBvaUmXCzgZbVcGT3Nd6KvgHif1gZB0DAXfuScQ/s775/Title.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="581" data-original-width="775" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigdwyxccKfJ1BtZsWQsrPjkrfGAE-_xMvm8JRhDeqX9IaeyfmuBgQNaX_BdB5fJPXQvBYaByEF2lz8pizLaCaJBTE2JGft4AlUmyIbK-J6sI2PjQWUZgbNiOBjth4RBdXiSZH7-073T121n2DeOwKMBvaUmXCzgZbVcGT3Nd6KvgHif1gZB0DAXfuScQ/s16000/Title.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica;">BIG INK</span><br />
<br />On March 26 and 27, 2022 I participated in the <a href="https://www.bigink.org/" target="_blank">Big Ink</a> at <a href="http://tigerlilypress.org/" target="_blank">Tiger Lily Press</a>, Cincinnati, Ohio. The <a href="https://www.bigink.org/" target="_blank">Big Ink</a> was started by Lyell Castonguay and Carand Burnet to inspire greater public appreciation of large-scale woodblock printmaking. They travel the country with their giant press, "The Big Tuna," printing local artists' woodblocks. In my humble opinion, the Big Ink is an incredible example of how two people can change the world. They bring an experience to artists that is not otherwise possible and it has a ripple effect on the whole community. The effort involved is substantial and I really can't thank them enough.<br /><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbbv3Vj7mASse3y2GtTTi11pdboxFK4f40jo2N9Gzrjvo9CIvzaEWtKZohp2z5y3Snvk1akYGiNmlSUc_PzsxbVLHv_zKwl5vmhufaQ9ItRQsI_tGB2OHPC_lDofG5xcsjfR5oUOMNcqGWne2RFf-T2cVqUs_beXUi_dEw1ccUtey9LSW-xD3V_KAl3w/s1600/LyellBigTuna_132258616.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="421" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbbv3Vj7mASse3y2GtTTi11pdboxFK4f40jo2N9Gzrjvo9CIvzaEWtKZohp2z5y3Snvk1akYGiNmlSUc_PzsxbVLHv_zKwl5vmhufaQ9ItRQsI_tGB2OHPC_lDofG5xcsjfR5oUOMNcqGWne2RFf-T2cVqUs_beXUi_dEw1ccUtey9LSW-xD3V_KAl3w/s1600/LyellBigTuna_132258616.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lyell and Carand with "The Big Tuna"</td></tr></tbody></table><br />During the months leading up to the event, each artist is emailed instructions as to how to carve a woodcut. The only caveat is, the print must be a black and white image and at least 24'' by 36'', with a maximum length of eight feet.<br /><br />The event is a two-day event with the larger prints usually going the first day. It is quite an event to attend because everyone has put so much time and energy into their pieces and the excitement to see the prints come out of the press is palpable. It is also very satisfying to see the plates turn from blue to black as they are inked for the first time and the image magically appearing under the roller. <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8THtUYfpZ4LC1KSQpTYMe4JGIcgPwy2Z8FLWXYpB0b2c3a4VFHjarVMlUMs0JdubZ5bizJvelXzZcEhDpdSUOOoFKMHfQ8NSrKess7sYH7uB9rxcAfIrHekNSBpbueI8JnAvxWRSJ-O32UTsaKujI4JEMN-Yay923t74AIn3aeI8NBol1E_phP3U66A/s600/Lyell_170143677.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8THtUYfpZ4LC1KSQpTYMe4JGIcgPwy2Z8FLWXYpB0b2c3a4VFHjarVMlUMs0JdubZ5bizJvelXzZcEhDpdSUOOoFKMHfQ8NSrKess7sYH7uB9rxcAfIrHekNSBpbueI8JnAvxWRSJ-O32UTsaKujI4JEMN-Yay923t74AIn3aeI8NBol1E_phP3U66A/s16000/Lyell_170143677.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lyell inking Karen Albanese Campbell's woodcut.</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><div style="text-align: left;">I attended the first day of the Big Ink to get the lay of the land and to meet the other printmakers. I had followed several artists' progress on Instagram and it was so fun to finally meet them. I was only there a couple hours and took a photo of each artist with their prints. I then returned home to keep carving!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">On the second day I arrived at 9am at Tiger Lily Press, excited and nervous, with my magnolia woodcut in tow. I started the sketch for this print the first of January and the carving in mid-January. Now, at the end of March, I was ready to see this thing printed! (To read about the carving process click <a href="https://nessydesigns.blogspot.com/2022/04/magnolia-woodcut-carving.html" target="_blank">here</a>).</div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpy1of6Mk-_G1VasirhC9K8QhBhCCWA2jEYLYXVaBF_kzmYRRcfBTWX6f8ELwqhYpEXofNOMIqg8P7tFy_NCiDGRG5kqZ8482Z5rkfhdTSjQcg2BiDsqaZri6fjYh0nkVVeWTmRWBJa-B9af8ObxBSu5RADjtYAzbda_dS2ik3EWaw8RvVERjPSAQOtA/s750/Vanessa_174903544NewBlogLow.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="605" data-original-width="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpy1of6Mk-_G1VasirhC9K8QhBhCCWA2jEYLYXVaBF_kzmYRRcfBTWX6f8ELwqhYpEXofNOMIqg8P7tFy_NCiDGRG5kqZ8482Z5rkfhdTSjQcg2BiDsqaZri6fjYh0nkVVeWTmRWBJa-B9af8ObxBSu5RADjtYAzbda_dS2ik3EWaw8RvVERjPSAQOtA/s16000/Vanessa_174903544NewBlogLow.jpg" /></a></div><br />The day began with Lyell instructing us how to complete our three prints and the roles we could take to help. Each plate needed to be brushed and inked, paper loaded into the press, and prints taken off the press, then carefully rolled. I mostly helped load the paper into the press. <br /><br />When the time came for my block to print I was a "Nervous Nessy." I felt full of nervous energy and like a chicken running around with my head cut off. I decided to have a go at using the giant brayer, but warned Lyell that I wanted him to take over (because he is REALLY good at it.) After a couple rolls, I switched to inking the edges with the little brayer. In the video below you can see the whole process from inking to press to finished print.<br /><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="498" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/nDgE24d9o0I" width="600" youtube-src-id="nDgE24d9o0I"></iframe></div>
<br />I didn't include it in the video, but when the first print was pulled, the paper was too short because we forgot to turn the block sideways. Then, the second print was a too light in spots. "Nervous Nessy" was getting worried. So when the third print came out I was so relieved! <br /><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFTFta0Ad9gvD-_GIOg3ASet08OwdBTPAp-XYSoe-6iEtTBLhOXG9Up3AL2WxjfVuqggykA9Wolde_7kIsjNgwjAt_i7OeiGPRnyfK82pOfI6TbQW8YvFVdPAthAf_JCvcVo3J2M0TLNgMOJW-X6QQwU0IgwUjuwVU2lf6iHNrgTxCFbFLcUBSRcMjaQ/s600/Vanessa_180758259.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFTFta0Ad9gvD-_GIOg3ASet08OwdBTPAp-XYSoe-6iEtTBLhOXG9Up3AL2WxjfVuqggykA9Wolde_7kIsjNgwjAt_i7OeiGPRnyfK82pOfI6TbQW8YvFVdPAthAf_JCvcVo3J2M0TLNgMOJW-X6QQwU0IgwUjuwVU2lf6iHNrgTxCFbFLcUBSRcMjaQ/s16000/Vanessa_180758259.jpg" /></a></div><br />As I mentioned in my first <a href="https://nessydesigns.blogspot.com/2022/04/magnolia-woodcut-carving.html" target="_blank">post</a>, I was thankful to receive the <a href="https://www.speedballart.com/" target="_blank">Speedball Art Products</a> Alumni Scholarship. This meant that my entry fees to the BIG INK were covered. And Lyell would keep one of my prints to give to Speedball to hang in their permanent collection in Statesville, NC. <br /><br />In order to "finish" my print for Speedball, I needed to add my chop signature to the bottom right-hand corner. It is always risky to add a chop because you run the risk of messing up the print with a blurry stamp. I try not to think too much about it. In this video you can see me adding the chop.<br /><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="322" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/E1rKQs0plC0" width="400" youtube-src-id="E1rKQs0plC0"></iframe></div>
<br />At the end of the day I was exhausted, but "happy exhausted." To see something you've spent months working on finally come to life is so satisfying. I will be putting the final prints up on my website soon! You can visit my website, <a href="http://NessyPress.com" target="_blank">NessyPress.com</a>, or follow my Instagram, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/nessydesigns/?hl=en" target="_blank">@NessyDesigns</a> to be updated. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA798YIzpXCpyjZximuwv3v5-Ttla-j1Dp2vYciIkJmNGvPSqpHQ0_iGW0SzPXZfFBAkaTlbDeTFLSxZB_DYeIXGY0LGrirkuKQVuRKd5_6mmqK77ej7ib8EyQZssP6xa8edF0NkxTDT5Y4ux8e9svSWFCOAOiLu2SGVdIOqQsuGxs1I6ISeyUa_TtbA/s600/Vanessa_180930673Crop2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="476" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA798YIzpXCpyjZximuwv3v5-Ttla-j1Dp2vYciIkJmNGvPSqpHQ0_iGW0SzPXZfFBAkaTlbDeTFLSxZB_DYeIXGY0LGrirkuKQVuRKd5_6mmqK77ej7ib8EyQZssP6xa8edF0NkxTDT5Y4ux8e9svSWFCOAOiLu2SGVdIOqQsuGxs1I6ISeyUa_TtbA/s16000/Vanessa_180930673Crop2.jpg" /></a><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRFkO8GEWhs_Pu3s2fyvWttPLsqW6h8Q-uzME6OZ-NjzUHBqwX_XkH9TSyh1t3Y_aI_7gLkZklNtA7D8auLHt1CZs0QI3lLABEKvFXzIeVHEcy_xdrzdSESB-x4NJg86BMRTgr6PE9NMRTHcKJqNApdyLN5PYO4jyRWLePYdlH_IeEEEFVoVzstOkqYg/s600/VanessaMagnolias_181810874.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="415" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRFkO8GEWhs_Pu3s2fyvWttPLsqW6h8Q-uzME6OZ-NjzUHBqwX_XkH9TSyh1t3Y_aI_7gLkZklNtA7D8auLHt1CZs0QI3lLABEKvFXzIeVHEcy_xdrzdSESB-x4NJg86BMRTgr6PE9NMRTHcKJqNApdyLN5PYO4jyRWLePYdlH_IeEEEFVoVzstOkqYg/s16000/VanessaMagnolias_181810874.jpg" /></a><br /><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica;">DAY 2</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />One of the biggest surprises of the day was how much I enjoyed meeting the other artists. Not that I didn't think I wouldn't like them, but I thought I would be more focused on printing the magnolia. Instead, the other printers were a real highlight of the day. I think when you meet and realize that everyone there has poured their heart and soul into their work for the past two months, you can't help but feel a real connection. You realize there are people out there just as crazy, or crazier, than you! And I felt so happy when another's print was successfully pulled off the press. I was also blown away by their work! By the time I left at the end of the day I was flying high, feeling such an appreciation for the community formed by this event. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />Below you can see everyone's work who participated over both days. The day was such a blur that I couldn't exactly remember the order in which we printed our plates. But in general, they were printed big to small and that is the order I put them in below.<br /><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica;"><u>Stephen Wiggins</u></span><br /><br />Stephen Wiggins is an artist based out of Lexington, KY. He is a Speedball Art Products demo artist and Kentucky crafted juried member. Stephen has been printmaking since 2003 and has been carving linocuts since 2007. His woodcut, "Armor of God," is the largest woodcut block he has carved, measuring 36'' x72''!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />Website: <a href="http://wigginsartwork.com" target="_blank">wigginsartwork.com</a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/wigginsartwork/?hl=en" target="_blank">@wigginsartwork</a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV9yDlu1-L0Qj4CKHnJEyjVc8rfnqrWwn6tYmQaJK6njfOcNqhHHRX3t4I1l7KA__X_uxuMtdcAf8L3-1GYo0G-C8SmabnWH_0BvRlLjyP-6CfvUQgh371rEMZfxtidckMr56DwTbLzb0rm92bhu5EQGdJzYtDtJTExxkzeG4_xAqPKtxUXuWopkcCHg/s600/StephenWiggins_152423324.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="593" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV9yDlu1-L0Qj4CKHnJEyjVc8rfnqrWwn6tYmQaJK6njfOcNqhHHRX3t4I1l7KA__X_uxuMtdcAf8L3-1GYo0G-C8SmabnWH_0BvRlLjyP-6CfvUQgh371rEMZfxtidckMr56DwTbLzb0rm92bhu5EQGdJzYtDtJTExxkzeG4_xAqPKtxUXuWopkcCHg/s16000/StephenWiggins_152423324.jpg" /></a><br /><br /></div>
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuURaWsKq_mNzylIYdmck-_W1XdZjPeLEufvSjw2u7fof3LR9xGgN4LBhFGAI9gAB_qUsxpHGeaaT3OqFyZLbgdPfrBOMAAMrf_fqMAFw2Y71zP08f8meIxsd99WkGmG8qIbDAMn4YQcckre3WYNFkpMe-5TsjfmyQ7YBCsrymj9z4XgYhGYeHlZKqaQ/s600/StevphenWiggins_141632665.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuURaWsKq_mNzylIYdmck-_W1XdZjPeLEufvSjw2u7fof3LR9xGgN4LBhFGAI9gAB_qUsxpHGeaaT3OqFyZLbgdPfrBOMAAMrf_fqMAFw2Y71zP08f8meIxsd99WkGmG8qIbDAMn4YQcckre3WYNFkpMe-5TsjfmyQ7YBCsrymj9z4XgYhGYeHlZKqaQ/s16000/StevphenWiggins_141632665.jpg" /></a></div><br /><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica;"><u>Emmett Baggett</u></span><br /><br />Emmett Baggett is an illustrator, painter and printmaker living in Buffalo, New York. His piece, "The Joker and The Thief," measured 48''x 36''.<br /><br />Website: <a href="http://BothEndsStudio.com" target="_blank">BothEndsStudio.com</a><div>Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/bothendsstudio/" target="_blank">@bothendsstudio</a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdWRmKRkJ-d3obArj-_9VCmiZj_bwqYldRG6nwaQxbsmGboCZDTMQzc4XthdLpiEhzFanVcVGYB-Vp0MEFP5TCtygWnnrNn25q1AcFYrarM9V1zcnkqEYaOp6WPNPm0m79Dd5QGBfGzZCZu31GhssiICSdu4vvITPmmMCQLInr35RAJtUyLp0BGuQckA/s600/EmmettBaggett_141424999.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="447" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdWRmKRkJ-d3obArj-_9VCmiZj_bwqYldRG6nwaQxbsmGboCZDTMQzc4XthdLpiEhzFanVcVGYB-Vp0MEFP5TCtygWnnrNn25q1AcFYrarM9V1zcnkqEYaOp6WPNPm0m79Dd5QGBfGzZCZu31GhssiICSdu4vvITPmmMCQLInr35RAJtUyLp0BGuQckA/s16000/EmmettBaggett_141424999.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIMiv6BC0z2PbtPYVeq7OeQvzUELglzAdvdNi6ludmjD1fDCByu9s1ksvfrTm7NRrWKW0dJRSFolHw6RYk2akDis8wT40wkHzHDL8bIfmJx85KclQ1gveFqD7o7M05h3HMjvQhYkgvkPmYvlKtg0polmekEZo9AKboGqr7UwTBJi28qnCrVZpmrC8y1A/s600/EmmettBaggett_160109849.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="442" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIMiv6BC0z2PbtPYVeq7OeQvzUELglzAdvdNi6ludmjD1fDCByu9s1ksvfrTm7NRrWKW0dJRSFolHw6RYk2akDis8wT40wkHzHDL8bIfmJx85KclQ1gveFqD7o7M05h3HMjvQhYkgvkPmYvlKtg0polmekEZo9AKboGqr7UwTBJi28qnCrVZpmrC8y1A/s16000/EmmettBaggett_160109849.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjjZoS_35xAI7QU50xz2xLyu0gEhRQGL2wgYjbYYyLs5UDcRolGyeorT32reaI4gyDm2-JrzdbMWswUFQVU82AdPnepTRRXXgLLUWWeI_jAoF31dHNYohpFpEr7X8fbFuJmbEr0LCpWsgcfgCBVJXobtSe7sbjJl37w289mpoUcHLBe5jJnCVMe4HSxw/s600/EmmettBaggett_160229205.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="462" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjjZoS_35xAI7QU50xz2xLyu0gEhRQGL2wgYjbYYyLs5UDcRolGyeorT32reaI4gyDm2-JrzdbMWswUFQVU82AdPnepTRRXXgLLUWWeI_jAoF31dHNYohpFpEr7X8fbFuJmbEr0LCpWsgcfgCBVJXobtSe7sbjJl37w289mpoUcHLBe5jJnCVMe4HSxw/s16000/EmmettBaggett_160229205.jpg" /></a></div><br /><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica;"><u>Lizzy DuQuette</u></span><br /><br />
Lizzy is a multi-media Cincinnati-based illustrator and teaching artist. Her adorable piece was 40''x 40'' and was titled, "Garden Party."<br /><br />Website: <a href="http://LizzyDuQuette.com" target="_blank">LizzyDuQuette.com</a><br />Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/lizzy_____duquette/" target="_blank">@lizzy_____duquette</a><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYsX0GBS8SKuXXg6NInfvkMB95cx6fZs2NGq-CB59ag9I99HoNz5Cytu5ZxVVAuzDo612XsEt7tObnFjWu7Ilt8U3QhZEx3J0qJNvyaQPRi9f4MHTN7TE4dYD_C3pl6AWZRH9VXUFqcz0_vmY3cdwZg3n1kghBoJGVMcznVUoH6AZRG0zoeVqqBDP4BA/s600/LizzyDuquette_141329471.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="530" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYsX0GBS8SKuXXg6NInfvkMB95cx6fZs2NGq-CB59ag9I99HoNz5Cytu5ZxVVAuzDo612XsEt7tObnFjWu7Ilt8U3QhZEx3J0qJNvyaQPRi9f4MHTN7TE4dYD_C3pl6AWZRH9VXUFqcz0_vmY3cdwZg3n1kghBoJGVMcznVUoH6AZRG0zoeVqqBDP4BA/s16000/LizzyDuquette_141329471.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8LLL2a0E-LQ5e28IShwX6977Jx6fiNyJ2XAgsUiAGFc2hHkbAFu_UQgd-I3_IiQ1iSZWcEgKBcK6_dJoPXbgECDoIJCP1I0e-4xNM3tKb1ZH-7I3MWerGn3hSPKyX1sXIzPMGBnoXv-1nyIw-312rYKkOFK9TbplPm26x9Mj8QHQDKlM6TaEOh_316Q/s600/LizzyDuquette_162732358.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="489" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8LLL2a0E-LQ5e28IShwX6977Jx6fiNyJ2XAgsUiAGFc2hHkbAFu_UQgd-I3_IiQ1iSZWcEgKBcK6_dJoPXbgECDoIJCP1I0e-4xNM3tKb1ZH-7I3MWerGn3hSPKyX1sXIzPMGBnoXv-1nyIw-312rYKkOFK9TbplPm26x9Mj8QHQDKlM6TaEOh_316Q/s16000/LizzyDuquette_162732358.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjda8T_qnvVzjCsR6-q7ZuCk5Q0MDhq0-uv1ZMzJ9j0nqmSGqUNE7hi-yu-LYC27vgjr2cURKaTcp_ZK5-Q8NK1sRG1MkBn7-9aDH06sjBOoxl8kPBPC5wH-78jHBnuHnOloFJATKxdctPAT_DsHPc-8PXUTS_BdAv7E2S7bmVVed37AhMnUCUMMaoWeQ/s600/LizzyDuquette_165458254.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="566" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjda8T_qnvVzjCsR6-q7ZuCk5Q0MDhq0-uv1ZMzJ9j0nqmSGqUNE7hi-yu-LYC27vgjr2cURKaTcp_ZK5-Q8NK1sRG1MkBn7-9aDH06sjBOoxl8kPBPC5wH-78jHBnuHnOloFJATKxdctPAT_DsHPc-8PXUTS_BdAv7E2S7bmVVed37AhMnUCUMMaoWeQ/s16000/LizzyDuquette_165458254.jpg" /></a></div><br /><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica;"><u>Samantha Hayes</u></span><br /><br />Sammi Hayes is a printmaker, designer, and artist born and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio. She owns her own custom stationery business, <a href="https://www.luckyjackalope.com/" target="_blank">Lucky Jackalope</a>. I had a great conversation with Sammi about her piece, "Persephone" and why she is reaching for those pomegranates.<br /><br />Website: <a href="http://LuckyJackalope.com" target="_blank">LuckyJackalope.com</a></div><div>Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/luckyjackalope/" target="_blank">@luckjackalope</a></div><div>Etsy: <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/LuckyJackalopePrint" target="_blank">LuckyJackalopePrint</a></div><div> <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXFin6vrfqqWxhRP7UQ3S6tYrkRMTq_JUn3ATcArVCv1mSBUIEV7QGLs29841h6hXkriUDrqtNx-4N5YkwCFsrI_cfYXL3AHGu0zPT5_kIvAWWfYbj8JGRwGs8YORFNFOph7A-wsaQPX9rMCn4ua6cS0iYk-LjlqxO81OJMnvInfoLep_BvFBgnvy4cg/s600/SamanthaHayes_143358234.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="387" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXFin6vrfqqWxhRP7UQ3S6tYrkRMTq_JUn3ATcArVCv1mSBUIEV7QGLs29841h6hXkriUDrqtNx-4N5YkwCFsrI_cfYXL3AHGu0zPT5_kIvAWWfYbj8JGRwGs8YORFNFOph7A-wsaQPX9rMCn4ua6cS0iYk-LjlqxO81OJMnvInfoLep_BvFBgnvy4cg/s16000/SamanthaHayes_143358234.jpg" /></a><br /><br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj50QhMTBoOiExsEwPoRaahe0xhlgFVYZZ0dJ-PnhWzo_v_639Nwfiqo6SIMdAnyISUmis1vZ_y6oGAccEb1kEosT5fst0-k6xwbWSO1OD0-jH_E86cP4I_FUfdqzzoPesHCFs96B0CN5kHlxFujuZvD6xDl0F6T4E3Wa3z-Cfk_-yg4tLhMOJ6FUoFOQ/s1600/SammiHayesRolling_150536106.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="543" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj50QhMTBoOiExsEwPoRaahe0xhlgFVYZZ0dJ-PnhWzo_v_639Nwfiqo6SIMdAnyISUmis1vZ_y6oGAccEb1kEosT5fst0-k6xwbWSO1OD0-jH_E86cP4I_FUfdqzzoPesHCFs96B0CN5kHlxFujuZvD6xDl0F6T4E3Wa3z-Cfk_-yg4tLhMOJ6FUoFOQ/s1600/SammiHayesRolling_150536106.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6DP7nVh2or1AsOLX4dJHqasF9Pm-ABx4UQYVmI_1SEd13x3xFPgpmZA1TYjWmc3rs81AesAubVtgwf9V9f52_5lVGXWkjqFJjjR18QCjY4U7L96zd5tKl0hvU2faGeH5wHKBbSwVCNXwA1jsu1s3XNUz12UhGws_FwDzF-U18StU1Iiqgwf6wXV4EdA/s600/SammiHayes_152450348.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6DP7nVh2or1AsOLX4dJHqasF9Pm-ABx4UQYVmI_1SEd13x3xFPgpmZA1TYjWmc3rs81AesAubVtgwf9V9f52_5lVGXWkjqFJjjR18QCjY4U7L96zd5tKl0hvU2faGeH5wHKBbSwVCNXwA1jsu1s3XNUz12UhGws_FwDzF-U18StU1Iiqgwf6wXV4EdA/s16000/SammiHayes_152450348.jpg" /></a></div><br /><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica;"><u>Reyne Davis</u></span><br /><br />Reyne Davis is an art teacher who carved her first woodcut for the Big Ink. Of course, I loved this piece because I saw corn in her piece and you know I am obsessed with <a href="https://nessydesigns.blogspot.com/2020/10/blue-corn-linocut.html" target="_blank">corn art</a>!<br /><br />Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/naynay27/" target="_blank">@naynay27</a><br /><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCNRz6m-pQo2XQ-TS92s7F7_LO6czc8rhHWPOYg3Rk2L0tkoQfKBDVvM0l5ukp2VdUxgN0pWqAm2xwTw7mQtM_rtV-7nllifBq0W-koLKG9PPSse00yZ-Q0NkwFB8yQIszXxZxM3eeu7afD-h4AMimhE1q_eFqXGQwDgW9AGLHP4mchUsF7fQpRt_qCw/s600/ReyneDavis_142020492.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="442" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCNRz6m-pQo2XQ-TS92s7F7_LO6czc8rhHWPOYg3Rk2L0tkoQfKBDVvM0l5ukp2VdUxgN0pWqAm2xwTw7mQtM_rtV-7nllifBq0W-koLKG9PPSse00yZ-Q0NkwFB8yQIszXxZxM3eeu7afD-h4AMimhE1q_eFqXGQwDgW9AGLHP4mchUsF7fQpRt_qCw/s16000/ReyneDavis_142020492.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEL5l0cDGR5utbizsRptTQ213VrpPNClo7t7Zx_tXH3hqOBLuqX3-qFr4G20t8d9_gxAVlIdIPnfS_f0uoLKydAO6q4TCyPZcj1q4WYxtUivL-075rlmbKBjoSg0a3cCQmP9LApsbkTRYAZQZPzomHvDKAQloovVKxz9ZSLXVO7oG-rk7eQn3PGy9A3Q/s600/ReyneDavis_191155566.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEL5l0cDGR5utbizsRptTQ213VrpPNClo7t7Zx_tXH3hqOBLuqX3-qFr4G20t8d9_gxAVlIdIPnfS_f0uoLKydAO6q4TCyPZcj1q4WYxtUivL-075rlmbKBjoSg0a3cCQmP9LApsbkTRYAZQZPzomHvDKAQloovVKxz9ZSLXVO7oG-rk7eQn3PGy9A3Q/s16000/ReyneDavis_191155566.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim7t8apyQZUxBYky9MwunVW2gwj5JqM0BZrnHWPiMZ2ZNY8IlHAt9-1MPRIWuLiA6SHJxyiko5mYs6VCKt52mXgp66BPHSBTTQrbsjM6C1Sf4S9zR88EWPxbvOFmtm3ok1_Pw3nDwiV6vOFt8RLq8FRJn2nmQpqDVx0ZCJaZcZmlzDZ5XQoBwTVxDuQA/s600/ReyneDavis_190723784.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="473" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim7t8apyQZUxBYky9MwunVW2gwj5JqM0BZrnHWPiMZ2ZNY8IlHAt9-1MPRIWuLiA6SHJxyiko5mYs6VCKt52mXgp66BPHSBTTQrbsjM6C1Sf4S9zR88EWPxbvOFmtm3ok1_Pw3nDwiV6vOFt8RLq8FRJn2nmQpqDVx0ZCJaZcZmlzDZ5XQoBwTVxDuQA/s16000/ReyneDavis_190723784.jpg" /></a></div><br /><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica;"><u>Karen Albanese Campbell</u></span><br /><br />Karen Albanese Campbell is a Columbus-based artist and the president of the Phoenix Rising Printmaking Cooperative. Her woodcut is titled “She Smiles at the Future” and was completed as artwork for the WIC program. The detail in this piece was stunning.<br /><br />Website: <a href="http://KarenAlbaneseCampbell.com" target="_blank">KarenAlbaneseCampbell.com</a></div><div>Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/petersmadre/" target="_blank">@petersmadre</a> and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/justwalls_publicart/" target="_blank">@justwalls_publicart</a><br /><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvgKZ4_yD_MmTi2Lgd4LKRoy1n0LOzB8ZPU3q271IIT3t7TPT-oPXlGXxQ13xHGFvUiaJCWDmu7e9gsmogPOew3xiVgqyQ5nhhe9Zvsx39knY4gxRfnR-riHeJUEumf1Ooub1p3Z93jzIWDIHekMQTdxqYS5ILOWyeaQzEcCSEzWM6hXrC4ZCzD6zUPQ/s600/KarenAlbaneseCampbell_142600535.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="506" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvgKZ4_yD_MmTi2Lgd4LKRoy1n0LOzB8ZPU3q271IIT3t7TPT-oPXlGXxQ13xHGFvUiaJCWDmu7e9gsmogPOew3xiVgqyQ5nhhe9Zvsx39knY4gxRfnR-riHeJUEumf1Ooub1p3Z93jzIWDIHekMQTdxqYS5ILOWyeaQzEcCSEzWM6hXrC4ZCzD6zUPQ/s16000/KarenAlbaneseCampbell_142600535.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheNXMl_HdmxgPkHWkvxHkawS078s_HLxui_tNDgLL_mn0Z2CTNrW1u9ZfyzUARmTRRHUYeYzN6qC4BCf8jdIg_Ogix2B5xJPd929c1UKgOdTVQYyN4QzRBPYc4DTaqQXz_lAeBfxpgxW4VlEp9EW4uF1ZJ9RvGpbm9ffU10cVY1AazvFXT4y27tdyDAg/s600/KarenCampbell_172024106.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="502" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheNXMl_HdmxgPkHWkvxHkawS078s_HLxui_tNDgLL_mn0Z2CTNrW1u9ZfyzUARmTRRHUYeYzN6qC4BCf8jdIg_Ogix2B5xJPd929c1UKgOdTVQYyN4QzRBPYc4DTaqQXz_lAeBfxpgxW4VlEp9EW4uF1ZJ9RvGpbm9ffU10cVY1AazvFXT4y27tdyDAg/s16000/KarenCampbell_172024106.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJG66hIjb74gje5mAed3qAsIUguqhnfW9LhIHoYJDEeJCAxgkgNFVsvOOZ9_JgTFd_-Ijj_ZOQQzv4VFmsrSTF4OVeY07XLb1x261Kosdcf3aIDS5b4834sWx2H5CXwvTViCT1EGE3X_7IlMGKNjFt2t4GsOfQmsUCkblZ2NW_-FPlhaqfDUMv6asmgw/s600/KarenAlbaneseCampbell_174400486.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="470" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJG66hIjb74gje5mAed3qAsIUguqhnfW9LhIHoYJDEeJCAxgkgNFVsvOOZ9_JgTFd_-Ijj_ZOQQzv4VFmsrSTF4OVeY07XLb1x261Kosdcf3aIDS5b4834sWx2H5CXwvTViCT1EGE3X_7IlMGKNjFt2t4GsOfQmsUCkblZ2NW_-FPlhaqfDUMv6asmgw/s16000/KarenAlbaneseCampbell_174400486.jpg" /></a></div><br /><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica;"><u>David Henderson</u></span><br /><br />David Henderson is a Dayton-based artist. His woodcut was 36'' x 48'' and incredibly detailed. I think he said it wasn't completed and he was just pulling a proof, but what was complete was impressive. I found this description of his piece on Instagram: " This piece is about a person's unstoppable progression through life, and the things that change them for better and worse. All these seemingly unrelated images are events that impact the subject as he falls towards the bottom of the frame, from directly impactful events such as injury and sickness, to less obvious factors such as nutrition, station in life, and supportive family."<br /><br />Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/horsehorse.tigertiger/" target="_blank">@horsehorse.tigertiger</a></div><div>Etsy: <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/horsehorsetigertiger" target="_blank">horsehorsetigertiger</a><br /><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnRhe3DcRSbStPR4SkFQYGWILXq4oPbupEGuYwk_pTqenlcUjmPc43LK7WniebMVRrS4Ed3cK1i7xQqS0kZKBylOsAdj3fYQbAg9fDFHR5zEzdYSCQ4pijQmbWo6uhM1ky5DzyU3q4oGFyHnOvqnagL6oafTXYggMHRH6XHq_LHyx776t8egKWYXUsjQ/s600/DavidHendersonPlate_142136291.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="436" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnRhe3DcRSbStPR4SkFQYGWILXq4oPbupEGuYwk_pTqenlcUjmPc43LK7WniebMVRrS4Ed3cK1i7xQqS0kZKBylOsAdj3fYQbAg9fDFHR5zEzdYSCQ4pijQmbWo6uhM1ky5DzyU3q4oGFyHnOvqnagL6oafTXYggMHRH6XHq_LHyx776t8egKWYXUsjQ/s16000/DavidHendersonPlate_142136291.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheR--X9EjntIEvEQG6goSYtCjP8PnoVB2XNzILElom0fD3UEIakolZvYx9Ez3helE_D1RQsEz090F5QjILKR16XZ4k50BlmFP5vAdwG2vbYWKBh0KSOYXslKFcPAnnmvVSJh8pZl-RMZG248cZRniW0-GnXU3p97A6U1pPk-aZA3k64Ep6k3Al-kAnjQ/s600/DavidHendersonProff_145818475.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="560" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheR--X9EjntIEvEQG6goSYtCjP8PnoVB2XNzILElom0fD3UEIakolZvYx9Ez3helE_D1RQsEz090F5QjILKR16XZ4k50BlmFP5vAdwG2vbYWKBh0KSOYXslKFcPAnnmvVSJh8pZl-RMZG248cZRniW0-GnXU3p97A6U1pPk-aZA3k64Ep6k3Al-kAnjQ/s16000/DavidHendersonProff_145818475.jpg" /></a></div><br /><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica;"><u>Julie Lonneman</u></span><br /><br />Julie Lonneman divides her time between Bellingham, Washington, and Cincinnati, Ohio. She freelances as a graphic designer and illustrator and is an accomplished printmaker. Julie's woodcut, "Garry Oak, San Juan Islands" was 36''x 24'' and took her five weeks of carving. I wish I had taken a closer picture. The detail and composition were impressive and lovely.<br /><br />Website: <a href="https://www.julielonneman.com/" target="_blank">JulieLonneman.com</a><br />
Blog: <a href="https://www.julielonneman.com/blog-1">https://www.julielonneman.com/blog-1</a><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK4oa_NbwTLl6vqmbBbAQJSpw7vD9N18Sf-G5rmODfUONOyLeJvZ3L75lvDN_Qvy1VN9w9j5ah5TKqh6uNLkdK6TOeTJZpCp3FSzC8sm5cLNoq05Xp4FNzTvBMl8DCWdGiNkWWt6cXXZ1SD4BCXA25RLwJEa-ff84dX2nqYHdzIByJvqnekfGH5QlaeA/s600/JulieLonnemanPlate_141125061.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="486" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK4oa_NbwTLl6vqmbBbAQJSpw7vD9N18Sf-G5rmODfUONOyLeJvZ3L75lvDN_Qvy1VN9w9j5ah5TKqh6uNLkdK6TOeTJZpCp3FSzC8sm5cLNoq05Xp4FNzTvBMl8DCWdGiNkWWt6cXXZ1SD4BCXA25RLwJEa-ff84dX2nqYHdzIByJvqnekfGH5QlaeA/s16000/JulieLonnemanPlate_141125061.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSIj-Jto_gbCCZKLut1YACmyIe0UDWGdCtiuV7y2kOVDmvr5H3OQk9SKvUPFclu6s7quy_aqN0Cv_pG9AebIz4tqje_xgZhcJHQJ_jyLjC7K77M1pjJNQwZVdkXJ9CCxmJZy_yy8ZybmXKsMPJXKBFKKmbQLga8xu92VWIadGWJaN4hycmXoCySkzA7A/s600/JulieLonneman_184830734.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSIj-Jto_gbCCZKLut1YACmyIe0UDWGdCtiuV7y2kOVDmvr5H3OQk9SKvUPFclu6s7quy_aqN0Cv_pG9AebIz4tqje_xgZhcJHQJ_jyLjC7K77M1pjJNQwZVdkXJ9CCxmJZy_yy8ZybmXKsMPJXKBFKKmbQLga8xu92VWIadGWJaN4hycmXoCySkzA7A/s16000/JulieLonneman_184830734.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF0MnBPLFQp7CNe06JORHeXsgLaeYMvTKileHNCGaIkiUyX6Pf-m3xZvEZS4zxhHwsPSw7eWy5GXn3sE1JZhuIrAroaUqgUhvd9ytAGH1W7dzrweNIShWoZ2D8m2mtb2jbyziYdB1yDD3_hG3ZJySHgTcu_HvOhbs9rl_bU1hHKCdxceh2imu0wYFE2g/s600/JulieLonneman_185025815.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF0MnBPLFQp7CNe06JORHeXsgLaeYMvTKileHNCGaIkiUyX6Pf-m3xZvEZS4zxhHwsPSw7eWy5GXn3sE1JZhuIrAroaUqgUhvd9ytAGH1W7dzrweNIShWoZ2D8m2mtb2jbyziYdB1yDD3_hG3ZJySHgTcu_HvOhbs9rl_bU1hHKCdxceh2imu0wYFE2g/s16000/JulieLonneman_185025815.jpg" /></a></div><br /><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica;"><u>Kate Kern</u></span><br /><br />Kate Kern is a Cincinnati-based visual artist who creates installations that combine drawing, artists' books, and stop motion animations (and printmaking!). Her work, "is inspired by an exploration of the seen and unseen and a searching for the divine in daily living expressed by contradictory measures of playfulness, compulsion, jubilance, and sorrow." The day was so busy I didn't get to talk to Kate as much as I would have liked. After visiting her website I can see our work has a lot in common.<br /><br />Website: <a href="http://KateKern.com" target="_blank">KateKern.com</a></div><div>
Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/kmkern/" target="_blank">@kmkern</a><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO9t5SqREK0zVGUBNjTUVTyOql8QOvQYPlvnZzKZEF8TbfnaDrW5ri_hXzeRstTczpsxvzIm41TdHD3rMfd52LXunS6HIckVdCEU67nzrDtRGmYBNriNi7_7uma1eEZahznyzAi06QjcRyRYfzWOqrDYzP7576Jz8sxteYs4q2KgojZGK_l0XVU-DTXg/s600/KateKernPlate_141152579.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="452" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO9t5SqREK0zVGUBNjTUVTyOql8QOvQYPlvnZzKZEF8TbfnaDrW5ri_hXzeRstTczpsxvzIm41TdHD3rMfd52LXunS6HIckVdCEU67nzrDtRGmYBNriNi7_7uma1eEZahznyzAi06QjcRyRYfzWOqrDYzP7576Jz8sxteYs4q2KgojZGK_l0XVU-DTXg/s16000/KateKernPlate_141152579.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-u_mowzli1pR4TL3BGAGwj4cpJVZo_O_uTjjsvL0ynIrS9WWQU_O-wXQhWLjn_heDrtSGDZEQ17joJw0d4yaa8V9hRFDnLXRLYGBL_eKWVnaZ6dFgkofo9moQHwNF9-AJM086Uh6Ik6_iHXGbOBUBa3e-xJO_nGkkpxFupc8gltjJ-OyLlp3m9sG8hA/s600/KateKern_192611574.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="489" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-u_mowzli1pR4TL3BGAGwj4cpJVZo_O_uTjjsvL0ynIrS9WWQU_O-wXQhWLjn_heDrtSGDZEQ17joJw0d4yaa8V9hRFDnLXRLYGBL_eKWVnaZ6dFgkofo9moQHwNF9-AJM086Uh6Ik6_iHXGbOBUBa3e-xJO_nGkkpxFupc8gltjJ-OyLlp3m9sG8hA/s16000/KateKern_192611574.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica;">DAY 1</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica;"><u>Randy Steward (Luplollo)</u></span><br /><br />Randy Steward is a Lexington, Kentucky based artist. When I went to Randy's Instagram the first time and read, "Cat Butt Art... and Other "Serious" Works", I knew I was going to like him. I followed his progress all along the way and so enjoyed finally meeting him and seeing his GIANT woodcut. His print, "Tanjie Looooooooongcat,” measured 96''x 40''!<br /><br />Website: <a href="http://Luplollo.com" target="_blank">Luplollo.com</a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/luplollo/" target="_blank">@Luplollo</a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Etsy: <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/luplollo" target="_blank">Luplollo</a></div>
<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTTjuLeB6-7I4WWBUQhqapIRb3OgAEO1uFtYMFzftYgpdqcI8OIKlbWX93cw4GewYO7TewleBYiO2hp7GOtzGZ6f6cQRBBrkmEyZjVdR62K_R0Oaj6uigVoKDrd6mBlp01Tdb-pynoePIrFUmGO_yHf1h4bON_dwQFVN9FJ8R7xF7Yy4Ag3ccugeI36A/s600/LuplolloRandySteward_20220326_185236977.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTTjuLeB6-7I4WWBUQhqapIRb3OgAEO1uFtYMFzftYgpdqcI8OIKlbWX93cw4GewYO7TewleBYiO2hp7GOtzGZ6f6cQRBBrkmEyZjVdR62K_R0Oaj6uigVoKDrd6mBlp01Tdb-pynoePIrFUmGO_yHf1h4bON_dwQFVN9FJ8R7xF7Yy4Ag3ccugeI36A/s16000/LuplolloRandySteward_20220326_185236977.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica;"><u>Katrina Dienno</u></span><br /><br />Katrina's woodcut "Tiamat" measured 73.5'' x 37.5'' and caught my eye as soon as I walked in the room. Tiamat is a goddess of the primordial sea. As the story goes, she was split in two to form heaven and earth. But in Katrina's piece, Tiamat is splitting a ship full of men in two. Mythological themes run through Katrina's work and I love how she puts a modern spin on ancient tales. <br /><br />Website: <a href="https://www.katrinadienno.com/" target="_blank">KatrinaDienno.com</a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/katrinadienno/" target="_blank">@katrinadienno</a> </div>
<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkf-sUl8yV209mUe8ujqnk7GE3I7rzAs3aFWBB9TkNT5k3likMcdlqh4DAK7kClykdOEKHWYA_SpV9hi9i1cHbQTU10ccg_TcWmCGK5GpaPnThxJBvX74ZEGm5v2_wOiEhI0HBFeUMJwpDtxPhEi5WQYspqAJGFpZCXotuvkoxzY57jeSNoGTgrIH18Q/s600/KatrinaDienno_190127930Crop.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="336" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkf-sUl8yV209mUe8ujqnk7GE3I7rzAs3aFWBB9TkNT5k3likMcdlqh4DAK7kClykdOEKHWYA_SpV9hi9i1cHbQTU10ccg_TcWmCGK5GpaPnThxJBvX74ZEGm5v2_wOiEhI0HBFeUMJwpDtxPhEi5WQYspqAJGFpZCXotuvkoxzY57jeSNoGTgrIH18Q/s16000/KatrinaDienno_190127930Crop.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica;"><u>Dawn Grayford</u></span><br /><br />Dawn Grayford is a Cincinnati-based printmaker and her Big Ink woodcut measured 36'' x 70''. When I asked Dawn about her subject, she told me the print depicted an enlightened courtesan named Jigoku-tayu, which translates to "Hell Courtesan." When I googled it, I found a lovely explanation of her story <a href="https://yokai.com/jigokutayuu/" target="_blank">here</a>. If you ever get the chance to see this print in person, take it. The detail of the chair vertebrae and the dancing skeletons on her Obi sash are remarkable. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/dawngrayford/" target="_blank">@DawnGrayford</a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Etsy: <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/CrowBarCollective" target="_blank">CrowBarCollective</a></div>
<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSkp7hXO-Erik6RWSCbBZO3CiRovqyvXfN_MA45bQkbP9-U5wwcW7S435DzY6pzQgUk9X3WGEAEtb6FDCmzbOrfUOeFtnkcY9cMZ-ea1WZamJPPpJA_tugKdDkTHj-Lyac3T54X1KIDlIqV-6uYMOAzdh7OXdp9uzCadvxmBtexXXIf8dKf5vWj_dRqw/s600/DawnGrayford_185317155.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="573" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSkp7hXO-Erik6RWSCbBZO3CiRovqyvXfN_MA45bQkbP9-U5wwcW7S435DzY6pzQgUk9X3WGEAEtb6FDCmzbOrfUOeFtnkcY9cMZ-ea1WZamJPPpJA_tugKdDkTHj-Lyac3T54X1KIDlIqV-6uYMOAzdh7OXdp9uzCadvxmBtexXXIf8dKf5vWj_dRqw/s16000/DawnGrayford_185317155.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica;"><u>James Billiter</u></span><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div>James Billiter is a Cincinnati-based artist who is well known for his iconic Cincinnati scenes. I have admired his work for some time and finally met him in Columbus at the <a href="https://nessydesigns.blogspot.com/2019/10/sweetgum-woodcut-big-ink.html" target="_blank">last Big Ink</a>. His work is always meticulous and his piece, "Cincinnati Riverfront at Night" was no exception. This woodcut measured 60''x 30''. You all should visit his website and check out the video on his home page!</div><div><br /></div><div>Website: <a href="http://BilliterSudio.com" target="_blank">BilliterSudio.com</a></div><div>Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/billiterstudio/" target="_blank">@billiterstudio</a></div></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkvwzun9p3uaYR__ZfOtWn76iB5NjnfZQw7POtKyZShkxkvO7p5tAwseUSATC2raEp5XePTm-45tMaDK6spPu8TUKNoPhzzKNM3B4x6ONSgJQMSNKDhOQzbSGnR0lJ9ArXZzd9wJIVBTzlLp6rT2ZzIyW4XCWJ2qHwtTt1nEaz8krBe7PFH8o4O7WUVQ/s600/JamesBilliter_192956209.MPCrop.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="430" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkvwzun9p3uaYR__ZfOtWn76iB5NjnfZQw7POtKyZShkxkvO7p5tAwseUSATC2raEp5XePTm-45tMaDK6spPu8TUKNoPhzzKNM3B4x6ONSgJQMSNKDhOQzbSGnR0lJ9ArXZzd9wJIVBTzlLp6rT2ZzIyW4XCWJ2qHwtTt1nEaz8krBe7PFH8o4O7WUVQ/s16000/JamesBilliter_192956209.MPCrop.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica;"><u>Milo Whitson</u></span><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div>Milo Whitson is a Cincinnati-based artist whose first woodcut, "Temperance," tarot card measured 40''x 60''. "Temperance is all about patience, life in flow, purpose. The lessons of the card came through in each step of the process of creating this piece, and that’s some magic stuff." </div><div><br /></div><div>Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/possumsneeze/?hl=en" target="_blank">@possumsneeze</a></div><div><br /></div></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ0Y2zAq92XRaN2xs7YRwdJdKogOwZnLgqYLTs5KvYUrBbfweZGYKmYNdZxlAwS8jH-4Mj1grVd5XmjfG40TzH0IX1tfrnPNQUMz_zoSxZY7HW9jDsbh7FdrOqbqgMBnVST24CWGhgVU2g1yXRQexF4gnB8ylWyoBSfieyRA162-B0VXrtQE4cTrmh-w/s600/Milo_191819343.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="564" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ0Y2zAq92XRaN2xs7YRwdJdKogOwZnLgqYLTs5KvYUrBbfweZGYKmYNdZxlAwS8jH-4Mj1grVd5XmjfG40TzH0IX1tfrnPNQUMz_zoSxZY7HW9jDsbh7FdrOqbqgMBnVST24CWGhgVU2g1yXRQexF4gnB8ylWyoBSfieyRA162-B0VXrtQE4cTrmh-w/s16000/Milo_191819343.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica;"><u>Fred Daniell</u></span><br /><br /><div>Fred Daniell is a Cincinnati-based artist whose work is "characterized by their subtle narrative undertones and are inspired by the master printmakers of from Japan (Ukiyo-e and Shin-hanga) and the Eastern European and American printmakers of the early 20th century." His gorgeous piece, "Mater Terra" measured 40''x 60''. Fred is currently the president of Tiger Lily Press and a super nice guy (I know this because one time he let me come to his house and pick up a frame I desperately needed at the last minute). </div><div><br /></div><div>Website: <a href="https://www.freddaniellart.com/" target="_blank">FredDaniellArt.com</a><br />Etsy: <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/FredDaniellPrints" target="_blank">FredDaniellPrints</a></div><div>Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/fred_daniell_art/" target="_blank">@fred_daniell_art</a></div><div><br /></div></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqloGmPVHieNzrgZR7Cseakc9i6DgGsK6wpxDsfcBeAkxEKI9VqxBzIIXI0BOJafdxqGVMX5tJfAJAbTEzNPFFPsO4ADjBhm3RzigAQ6xpkQWKCu30QjMikTIYYHJg3BO4T41eMlpZo48VoP-_9QETlUv7bh9lir8DNtjfncJN6EcW5yaftCUaW_JYvA/s494/FredDaniell_185206977.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="470" data-original-width="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqloGmPVHieNzrgZR7Cseakc9i6DgGsK6wpxDsfcBeAkxEKI9VqxBzIIXI0BOJafdxqGVMX5tJfAJAbTEzNPFFPsO4ADjBhm3RzigAQ6xpkQWKCu30QjMikTIYYHJg3BO4T41eMlpZo48VoP-_9QETlUv7bh9lir8DNtjfncJN6EcW5yaftCUaW_JYvA/s16000/FredDaniell_185206977.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica;"><u>Jonpaul Smith</u></span><br /><br /><div>Jonpaul Smith is a Cincinnati-based artist. His "Brahmin Moth" measured 40''x 30''. A big thank you to Jonpaul for helping to bring the Big Ink to Tiger Lily Press. Jonpaul has participated in the Big Ink numerous times and is a prolific printmaker as well as "weaver" of prints. You have to visit his website to see his large woven pieces! Plus visit his Instagram to see the beautiful permutations of his "Brahmin Moth" collaboration with DIY printing.</div><div><br /></div><div>Website: <a href="https://www.jonpaulcsmith.com/" target="_blank">JonpaulCSmith.com</a></div><div>Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/jonpaulsmithart/" target="_blank">@jonpaulsmithart</a></div></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFJNQRJN145t7CFPKdTJkGtEI3haznCuv17N7q_pzUJEjAy-INDauvx1afAcUmzndIo8XhAz5804l2KTcFdlruNSSOzYJE9GN4oD0jI2V6voZIMYrhtGJYnPHrZQFaAVLFCnSQiHUEBPXup0Fne_1EjbtJyqZPw2Ku60FNtqt1liA0omr08TBZQLj6hA/s600/JonPaulSmith_191058670.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="509" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFJNQRJN145t7CFPKdTJkGtEI3haznCuv17N7q_pzUJEjAy-INDauvx1afAcUmzndIo8XhAz5804l2KTcFdlruNSSOzYJE9GN4oD0jI2V6voZIMYrhtGJYnPHrZQFaAVLFCnSQiHUEBPXup0Fne_1EjbtJyqZPw2Ku60FNtqt1liA0omr08TBZQLj6hA/s16000/JonPaulSmith_191058670.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica;"><u>John Lanzador</u></span><br /><br /><div>John Lanzador is a Cincinnati-based printmaker who I found out is my neighbor! His stunning piece, "Tiger Dragon" measured 36''x 48''. I'm especially interested in learning more about his painted carvings.</div><div><br /></div><div>Website: <a href="http://johnlanzador.wixsite.com/artstuff" target="_blank">johnlanzador.wixsite.com/artstuff</a></div><div>Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/john.lanzador/" target="_blank">@john.lanzador</a></div></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqYprn5M4syG6QNnjrw5BBEDzaZJMfhWNiyRqFHvKJqp-PWu9n7OZd1Cwc_xEaSbApZmWC_FW5JOCL4apvbURWaaaySke2XBYUqTMW5eb7ssZ9-suG8w_TNl4LDW36ChEghejj90DGJJbbX9nd0dCdfpmpzzU5WiHu6f0_KR9A9rqgh5h4AXcxy95VbA/s544/JohnLanzador.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="544" data-original-width="542" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqYprn5M4syG6QNnjrw5BBEDzaZJMfhWNiyRqFHvKJqp-PWu9n7OZd1Cwc_xEaSbApZmWC_FW5JOCL4apvbURWaaaySke2XBYUqTMW5eb7ssZ9-suG8w_TNl4LDW36ChEghejj90DGJJbbX9nd0dCdfpmpzzU5WiHu6f0_KR9A9rqgh5h4AXcxy95VbA/s16000/JohnLanzador.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo: Courtesy John Lanzador</td></tr></tbody></table>
<br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica;"><u>Aubrey Sarna</u></span><br /><br /><div>Aubrey Sarna took about two months carving her, “Jupiter, God of the Sky.” Her 36''x 36'' print was "inspired by images of Jupiter especially those taken by the Juno spacecraft in 2017." </div><div><br /></div><div>Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/aubrey.sarna/" target="_blank">@aubrey.sarna</a> </div></div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHw2q-ES0NdAxLQydbXv6ADRuW6eEskCuqWTykxKed-FxxGLO-10qt1q0JKBgrKBJ6orSaADYLc731Vf2tcuLE0onYYa82BVNoX4sojcQ12xHIeyrCaGuzuMc0HNPv56z0JNV5VNkq_SkEq1Qm4VSiKW6VDrtkscWWLUt-iTH5spfGg4zMoq6x4pQzHQ/s600/AubreySarna_191000281.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="536" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHw2q-ES0NdAxLQydbXv6ADRuW6eEskCuqWTykxKed-FxxGLO-10qt1q0JKBgrKBJ6orSaADYLc731Vf2tcuLE0onYYa82BVNoX4sojcQ12xHIeyrCaGuzuMc0HNPv56z0JNV5VNkq_SkEq1Qm4VSiKW6VDrtkscWWLUt-iTH5spfGg4zMoq6x4pQzHQ/s16000/AubreySarna_191000281.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica;"><u>Jennifer Brown</u></span><br /><br /><div>Jennifer Brown is a Columbus-based artist. Her goddess print contained beautiful, fine carving, especially in the background plants.</div><div><br /></div><div>Website: <a href="https://twoartists.biz/author/jennifer/" target="_blank">https://twoartists.biz/author/jennifer/</a></div><div>Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/jenjolleybrown/?hl=en" target="_blank">@jenjolleybrown</a></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNPzAIOQS1naIGYMAjOacpPuGrpfqDE4JO4OTY-PwEPymFl9S2x0ZHhQYWbWPZixKKCikwTv4P4v3w4vDrkBpprWsual4q9VB0jIMCheMYJfBqv6InUDnb5RfiXe24Q08W7iM8VyOMp7P1PC8jQvN0GZsCqDpNMcJ0QRNB0fXmNMsB5VJaLl-O5F4ZLA/s600/JenniferBrown_192334466.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="402" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNPzAIOQS1naIGYMAjOacpPuGrpfqDE4JO4OTY-PwEPymFl9S2x0ZHhQYWbWPZixKKCikwTv4P4v3w4vDrkBpprWsual4q9VB0jIMCheMYJfBqv6InUDnb5RfiXe24Q08W7iM8VyOMp7P1PC8jQvN0GZsCqDpNMcJ0QRNB0fXmNMsB5VJaLl-O5F4ZLA/s16000/JenniferBrown_192334466.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica; text-align: left;">THANK YOU</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica;"><u>Lyell Castonguay</u></span></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />Lyell Castonguay not only runs Big Ink, but is an incredible artist in his own right. He often depicts animal subjects and is a self-described "avid consumer of natural history, literature, and entertainment." I learned he particularly likes birds and was lucky to snag his last "Merlin" print. <br /><br /><div>Website: <a href="https://www.lyellcastonguay.com/" target="_blank">LyellCastonguay.com</a></div><div>Website: <a href="http://BigInk.org" target="_blank">BigInk.org</a></div><div>Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/biginkprints/" target="_blank">@biginkprints</a><br /><br /></div></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRmOh2KQzHsyYSdDkgMdigY2xTIppZ3S8HgopETN8vfZBr30WpwYrbBgNXqSzH6FuUrb-BEpMlVZ3Rp4XFi3jQf0jlJNND3p3Tcp0aDje5Yf2hHfEnJkA1Ww8AB-4RfrEJYlHfB5pXAKPC94VjyqUDZMBD5A70L1kWzofTQ1C05PLqQ81ev9SRdNUHAA/s606/LyellWork.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="606" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRmOh2KQzHsyYSdDkgMdigY2xTIppZ3S8HgopETN8vfZBr30WpwYrbBgNXqSzH6FuUrb-BEpMlVZ3Rp4XFi3jQf0jlJNND3p3Tcp0aDje5Yf2hHfEnJkA1Ww8AB-4RfrEJYlHfB5pXAKPC94VjyqUDZMBD5A70L1kWzofTQ1C05PLqQ81ev9SRdNUHAA/s16000/LyellWork.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo: from @BigInkPrints Instagram</td></tr></tbody></table><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica;"><u>Carand Burnet</u></span><br />
<br />Carand Burnet co-founded the Big Ink with Lyell Castonguay and is the Big Ink social media coordinator and video producer. In addition, she is a talented musician and plays the electric guitar. I got to hear some of her music during the Big Ink and it is amazing! She also sews and has collaborated with Lyell to produce woodblock-printed fabric which she transforms into garments. At the Big Ink, she and Lyell were wearing matching woodblock-printed clothes! Adorable! <br /><br />Website: <a href="https://kioea.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">kioea.bandcamp.com</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/kioeamusic/" target="_blank">@kioeamusic</a><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivhgQr_oMr0ku5ubGzmNcL4EbM_Flm_pTZtS9g-x14MfGSfUNCxzzpGSHeyrwEGPX5wINGAoZFRYuKUCjsnXVjL8qPZi4vz6YM7u7bve-G3KKpU8Cm4UNcaNgE0HzovaUcMBPcKHRttFyiOJvjS7YWJjk1l9B4Zen-Ik2Q-0Lvq8QFYhBEH24GEec0sw/s1600/Carand2Music600.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="302" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivhgQr_oMr0ku5ubGzmNcL4EbM_Flm_pTZtS9g-x14MfGSfUNCxzzpGSHeyrwEGPX5wINGAoZFRYuKUCjsnXVjL8qPZi4vz6YM7u7bve-G3KKpU8Cm4UNcaNgE0HzovaUcMBPcKHRttFyiOJvjS7YWJjk1l9B4Zen-Ik2Q-0Lvq8QFYhBEH24GEec0sw/s1600/Carand2Music600.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo from @kioea Instagram</td></tr></tbody></table>
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica;"><u><br />Garrett Dienno</u></span><br /><br />
<div>One last thank you goes to Garrett Dienno and Katrina Dienno for helping to ink all day both days of the Big Ink! It was a lot of work and that is one GIANT brayer! I was mad I didn't get a picture of Garrett and George together with their wild beards, but someone did. If you have that photo, please contact me! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTUst7Udqvxe40ofC4PGDc1cqGfNE0mo3SKGnOjutGoLOy2LAKqEou7BP-321zc_yCh1dfpFWAS43E6AA3c_fKhM8UdCzKcv5EHrcguZHiYPhfykCjTjg7kvyKrt85risfYdGqo2NxA7eIP8uVr0rD9MGyC41vBM_ZmrxWoYbUIRFguYyczMhYRXYJew/s1600/Garrett500_135735128.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="467" data-original-width="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTUst7Udqvxe40ofC4PGDc1cqGfNE0mo3SKGnOjutGoLOy2LAKqEou7BP-321zc_yCh1dfpFWAS43E6AA3c_fKhM8UdCzKcv5EHrcguZHiYPhfykCjTjg7kvyKrt85risfYdGqo2NxA7eIP8uVr0rD9MGyC41vBM_ZmrxWoYbUIRFguYyczMhYRXYJew/s1600/Garrett500_135735128.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica;">George Farnsworth</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I also wanted to thank my husband George for supporting me (and feeding me!) through this whole project (and for filming, taking photos, proofreading, and listening to my print ponderings). This project would not be possible without you.<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica;"><br />
<br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhanSR6_8fwqoHHrUfh45_GCrEPylFi3NCSdXST8FEYqabQFttI4IXHZHdXlHu_Vd32CobupQO94dA4Dd_ghmZKmoE_z_TVvC4gp_2Xk_bgNr7AzLG03yr3GzSvUNqT7I6Ez7yZ6vl0JwvchnKAyQt9AKHWqN27X9bHmHfF1WlK5VZLR1rAt0VEcNdJHw/s500/George_170108324.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="315" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhanSR6_8fwqoHHrUfh45_GCrEPylFi3NCSdXST8FEYqabQFttI4IXHZHdXlHu_Vd32CobupQO94dA4Dd_ghmZKmoE_z_TVvC4gp_2Xk_bgNr7AzLG03yr3GzSvUNqT7I6Ez7yZ6vl0JwvchnKAyQt9AKHWqN27X9bHmHfF1WlK5VZLR1rAt0VEcNdJHw/s16000/George_170108324.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica;"><br />CONCLUSION</span><br />
<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I just wanted to say a final BIG thank you to Lyell and Carand, <a href="https://www.speedballart.com/" target="_blank">Speedball Art Products</a>, and all those at Tiger Lily Press who made this event possible. I've been a bit of a hermit during the pandemic and my "coming out" day was this event. It reminded me that you can make art in your basement all you want, but it is the sharing where the real treasure lies. The sense of community created by this event was wonderful and a really nice re-entry back into the world. It was a magical day and I left on cloud nine. <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">“We don't accomplish anything in the world alone and whatever happens is the result of the whole tapestry off one's life and all the weavings of individual threads from one to another that create something.” ― Sandra Day O'Connor</span></div></div></div>
<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRPZQvKpwHFWNxBO3PLA82NvlZ4uefllp4-XI2J343m-iGWhaSOBZIry6xUDDdGcteUmTVbeGfohCI_O1UeDq4dtVkOHEg-1qDvz-boWVAepK6monCGpm--x_5gIZweszM67Dr3Rcig8Pm5opnDInvuIr_Vgfjtwtu644k8l1r6ij4O6AOJ9m5hFcWJA/s600/InkedPlateEnd600_183913273.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRPZQvKpwHFWNxBO3PLA82NvlZ4uefllp4-XI2J343m-iGWhaSOBZIry6xUDDdGcteUmTVbeGfohCI_O1UeDq4dtVkOHEg-1qDvz-boWVAepK6monCGpm--x_5gIZweszM67Dr3Rcig8Pm5opnDInvuIr_Vgfjtwtu644k8l1r6ij4O6AOJ9m5hFcWJA/s16000/InkedPlateEnd600_183913273.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Other Magnolia Woodcut blog posts:<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://nessydesigns.blogspot.com/2022/04/magnolia-woodcut-carving.html" target="_blank">Magnolia Woodcut: Carving</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://nessydesigns.blogspot.com/2022/04/magnolia-woodcut-final-print.html" target="_blank">Magnolia Woodcut: Final Print</a><br /><br /><br /><br /></div>Nessyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09162374688956449698noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2262034438607647152.post-83114446903399428702022-04-04T11:12:00.004-04:002022-04-19T10:15:40.800-04:00Magnolia Woodcut: Carving<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji-bIygECpBwoFzcrpSL0-dBTMe4xoRHK66UZ6b0cTddTSCiA9Bwe6oSiJCervZabKnbGlnYNBfq-vYst_scxNfGyLw9kFXDE0dZqwBhHQB3-OcbCqiBF0DRcmBhqaUDift1GexMktFJves77xhU5SNVY9Ej5Lexwi4ncQ9diIXxNt9lee4Ye73x7tRA/s700/Vanessa700_171454338Crop.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="525" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji-bIygECpBwoFzcrpSL0-dBTMe4xoRHK66UZ6b0cTddTSCiA9Bwe6oSiJCervZabKnbGlnYNBfq-vYst_scxNfGyLw9kFXDE0dZqwBhHQB3-OcbCqiBF0DRcmBhqaUDift1GexMktFJves77xhU5SNVY9Ej5Lexwi4ncQ9diIXxNt9lee4Ye73x7tRA/s16000/Vanessa700_171454338Crop.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">"It all started under the magnolia tree." <br />—Krittika Bhatta</span></span></div><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica;"><br />INSPIRATION</span><br /><br />Usually when I know I have a big project approaching I try and stay open for the universe to give me a nudge in the right direction. Last October I was mulling over what I should make for my <a href="https://www.bigink.org/" target="_blank">BIG INK</a> woodcut when I came across a magnolia tree in Norwood that was covered with seed pods in every stage of development. Some pods were still on the tree and had red seeds, and some had fallen to the ground and were in varying states of decay. For years I have taken note of these pods here and there, but on this day everything came together. I photographed the pods and collected a couple samples to bring home.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-6cfsO9P4FIt2HweCHFgVY9Nxpvpw_DMRhXIrOCwTCaDGiyElHj9Z6dPn9ClsEkcww5_Yr52cCZ2xWaVXotKU6EH82lmAMIXovRh-GfroOM5zXJk1B5HgVWOq-PSUxyO-9NuzHxuviehvwvlfyvLi7gACERw5wa5gcB7d7esNG1720Tbm0Mk8K_Ib4Q/s750/MagnoliaPods.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-6cfsO9P4FIt2HweCHFgVY9Nxpvpw_DMRhXIrOCwTCaDGiyElHj9Z6dPn9ClsEkcww5_Yr52cCZ2xWaVXotKU6EH82lmAMIXovRh-GfroOM5zXJk1B5HgVWOq-PSUxyO-9NuzHxuviehvwvlfyvLi7gACERw5wa5gcB7d7esNG1720Tbm0Mk8K_Ib4Q/s16000/MagnoliaPods.jpg" /></a></div>When I got home I poured through my photos and was specifically looking for something I could use for the <a href="https://www.bigink.org/" target="_blank">BIG INK</a>. The <a href="https://www.bigink.org/" target="_blank">BIG INK</a> was started by Lyell Castonguay and Carand Burnet to inspire greater public appreciation of large-scale woodblock printmaking. They travel the country with their giant press printing local artists' woodblocks. The only caveat is, the print must be a black and white image and at least 24'' by 36''. <br /><br />I hesitated to choose the magnolia because I always thought if I depict a magnolia it should include those bright, luscious red seeds. I was torn between finding a new subject or just proceeding with the magnolia. I played around with the image and made it black and white. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilHGDG23l_2V4_bYaY7c6sPMUuMYRVt_1I54qm02jC6TuqTL6pgyxSW3jpbaBRdohKpgTM5aFRpHjUx3Z3xGWbgBVDIvlKRA6KcYqBhg2-Bc_TwKlk0gdkuGxf_y0upCU4KMjIH9qS2qDllFUx4DSzK1W04Jz60CnQ6qVIy9Y540I8pOq1e8wHlcqGdw/s1600/MagnoliaPhotoBW550.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="550" data-original-width="398" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilHGDG23l_2V4_bYaY7c6sPMUuMYRVt_1I54qm02jC6TuqTL6pgyxSW3jpbaBRdohKpgTM5aFRpHjUx3Z3xGWbgBVDIvlKRA6KcYqBhg2-Bc_TwKlk0gdkuGxf_y0upCU4KMjIH9qS2qDllFUx4DSzK1W04Jz60CnQ6qVIy9Y540I8pOq1e8wHlcqGdw/s1600/MagnoliaPhotoBW550.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">“To see in color is a delight for the eye<br />but to see in black and white is a delight for the soul.”<br /></span><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">—</span><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"> Andri Cauldwell</span></div><br />When I saw the pod without color, I knew this was it. There was so much awesomeness going on in this pod, it didn't need the red seeds. <br /><br /><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica;">SKETCH</span><br /><br />I began by printing my photo to the size of my woodcut and doing a light tracing. At that point I stood back and moved things around until I liked the composition. Below you can see the pencil drawing from the early stage to finish. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguTssapyk0aWcC24_SxDZfqIaTghyl7tZDTpafu86XnQXVgoAson2Q4wJlog_Rgs-YEaXA_3COdLWZkIWYquRTTunm3YeCVMSVpyE16vVLFMl9Ob1w_9YJ8glSZTsg4o-ZMUkzAGtlQQbvXVFw3ouHfdes2OCbvL5s0R5xH23i4eCqm-VVzrvXFVXrtQ/s775/SketchCombo.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="354" data-original-width="775" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguTssapyk0aWcC24_SxDZfqIaTghyl7tZDTpafu86XnQXVgoAson2Q4wJlog_Rgs-YEaXA_3COdLWZkIWYquRTTunm3YeCVMSVpyE16vVLFMl9Ob1w_9YJ8glSZTsg4o-ZMUkzAGtlQQbvXVFw3ouHfdes2OCbvL5s0R5xH23i4eCqm-VVzrvXFVXrtQ/s16000/SketchCombo.jpg" /></a><br /><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLlJNwMx6vGyKmGYw19DPFvBuUiIsSCmcRDI1hJBIYKM9WRw7NEz9X80zrZloHyPK4qEl1-hw3C9X_nfy9FNK2wVwFrKJgIBfa1U660HgMVNJO16agVURwrPPhZ43uoPHpN1ExqMy1wJWf2a4I3PbIWfOoz_O8HMAa9DlVN8g5t0maL2RjPrkxdobzNg/s600/Sketch600_181203478.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLlJNwMx6vGyKmGYw19DPFvBuUiIsSCmcRDI1hJBIYKM9WRw7NEz9X80zrZloHyPK4qEl1-hw3C9X_nfy9FNK2wVwFrKJgIBfa1U660HgMVNJO16agVURwrPPhZ43uoPHpN1ExqMy1wJWf2a4I3PbIWfOoz_O8HMAa9DlVN8g5t0maL2RjPrkxdobzNg/s16000/Sketch600_181203478.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">As I was writing this blog post I finished one of my notebooks in which I write work notes. As I was flipping through it I found this description of a dream I had the day after I finished this sketch:</div><br />"When I woke up this morning I got a two-second glimpse into a dream I had last night. I dreamt about a piece I am working on depicting a magnolia seed pod. In the dream I was traveling along the mountains and valleys of the piece. It was exhilarating and felt like pure love... pure joy."<br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL8_7cxqndTrJN3QwafTI_S-ZPirvPWEszTxCH6Nij7BnrBZSrJX7cIzVYz0CeaxM1M5vJf4xnALWqvl7x5Iqtubx70_cYVPyfFbLpUziyWfAwnZatgDzPL-CArF6Zs9m7nUUTTgMaW6DVjR2FSsLjgKBvquShAjm-t74blZe8z4Ov8lhx4fi3gZQbhw/s700/SketchAngle700_182150550.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="525" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL8_7cxqndTrJN3QwafTI_S-ZPirvPWEszTxCH6Nij7BnrBZSrJX7cIzVYz0CeaxM1M5vJf4xnALWqvl7x5Iqtubx70_cYVPyfFbLpUziyWfAwnZatgDzPL-CArF6Zs9m7nUUTTgMaW6DVjR2FSsLjgKBvquShAjm-t74blZe8z4Ov8lhx4fi3gZQbhw/s16000/SketchAngle700_182150550.jpg" /></a><br />
</div><br /><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica;">PAINT WOOD</span><br />
<br />Before transferring the drawing to the plate, Lyell (of the BIG INK) recommended painting the wood plate a neutral color. The contrast between the paint and wood color helps the carver to better see their design. This video shows me painting the plate blue. (Music: La Vieja by Las Sirenas del Son)<br /><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="498" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/NoYiue2xAQ0" width="600" youtube-src-id="NoYiue2xAQ0"></iframe></div>
<br />I had a moment of freak out when I came down to the studio the day after painting. The plate had warped A LOT. I ended up wetting the back side and pressing with jars of rocks (you never know when your rock-hoarding habit will come in handy!)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB1o6U72X2hbfpEbzGKeVIXBsHPPywjcBR7vMMsuOEdpfW2dWTi09pBUfsAIOvdGF7At5SUp8e6OvNxXao1Ki0p1_gj5UgJabEQxDEcwlAFBsOGW4t2JK2QqBb5lWYE5G-T_EYMOQ1nQ_uN4mQD8XjXsOmIQIGDUFzZtAo5MhRQYuFzuYljNW9-yMT-g/s600/Flattening_180245272.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB1o6U72X2hbfpEbzGKeVIXBsHPPywjcBR7vMMsuOEdpfW2dWTi09pBUfsAIOvdGF7At5SUp8e6OvNxXao1Ki0p1_gj5UgJabEQxDEcwlAFBsOGW4t2JK2QqBb5lWYE5G-T_EYMOQ1nQ_uN4mQD8XjXsOmIQIGDUFzZtAo5MhRQYuFzuYljNW9-yMT-g/s16000/Flattening_180245272.jpg" /></a></div>The water helped quite a bit. My wood-working friend Mark said I should have painted both sides to begin with.<br />
<br /><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica;">TRANSFER</span><br /><br />Once the paint dried, I transferred my drawing to the plate using carbon paper. The blue does make it harder to see the pencil lines, but easy to see the carved marks.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipPTyTfXoIXNKMZxO6QlF6QXgJTE6BI6Ry9E6TGEfPhsP_gDJ0TAAoUwsWyzKt0XKiLmimVsudMR9mBFt3lS_7s1l-UevRUygIcy2J-2GLZ6IAK2uyYV79WRyst1WOUTWvLJCmBgCCkg0WViXcKracHKzf6_hTHMSxltuR_fYnjUdy_w_6OAfx1sPDvA/s600/Transfer600_175307588.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipPTyTfXoIXNKMZxO6QlF6QXgJTE6BI6Ry9E6TGEfPhsP_gDJ0TAAoUwsWyzKt0XKiLmimVsudMR9mBFt3lS_7s1l-UevRUygIcy2J-2GLZ6IAK2uyYV79WRyst1WOUTWvLJCmBgCCkg0WViXcKracHKzf6_hTHMSxltuR_fYnjUdy_w_6OAfx1sPDvA/s16000/Transfer600_175307588.jpg" /><br /></a></div>
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica;">CARVING</span><br /><br />I am always a little nervous to make the first cuts into the block, but I was pleased how this first tendril emerged.<br /><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDN0vtFI_cXbs0EZLemDddCR5XQ1lhDkXQLFDxYu8JZnqNPFnjZbc7PF3yCoTh2aD8xCAO26bcpjAWwvALpJp--q1U-xSiTHWSULqH9Rez-NM9-YNGTzZq8UQu91Qy7ZPmmn8emTG4RRFtR-8OauuzWw17YxoBCpBDM1_5hpAEg9iq3aaiWCYd3nCNVw/s600/FirstTenrdril600_174210270.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDN0vtFI_cXbs0EZLemDddCR5XQ1lhDkXQLFDxYu8JZnqNPFnjZbc7PF3yCoTh2aD8xCAO26bcpjAWwvALpJp--q1U-xSiTHWSULqH9Rez-NM9-YNGTzZq8UQu91Qy7ZPmmn8emTG4RRFtR-8OauuzWw17YxoBCpBDM1_5hpAEg9iq3aaiWCYd3nCNVw/s16000/FirstTenrdril600_174210270.jpg" /></a><br /><br />
Here you can see the drawing next to the carving, plus my Flexcut gouges and sharpening strop.<br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-A-ZB8ExIMXFn-Z1B5hux6hEbqTeqdJTnUJOsigbEG-H649ee9Sge3g_30_YLwdP2kV_aUW8yo8SzVunwkRFwnNSNGljuDbe4buCRS-u8_tjz4tYAxSLGyXO0p_AXZN8pA6iXhTzBduCFwwTHtbz2jHyThF41V0HN5qfVpBRqRwA0MFmEKvmVLxeZ4g/s700/CarvingTable700_194607730.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="525" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-A-ZB8ExIMXFn-Z1B5hux6hEbqTeqdJTnUJOsigbEG-H649ee9Sge3g_30_YLwdP2kV_aUW8yo8SzVunwkRFwnNSNGljuDbe4buCRS-u8_tjz4tYAxSLGyXO0p_AXZN8pA6iXhTzBduCFwwTHtbz2jHyThF41V0HN5qfVpBRqRwA0MFmEKvmVLxeZ4g/s16000/CarvingTable700_194607730.jpg" /></a><br /><br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0RMb6-P2OEZVOGUSiFeSDb2Txz6ZSmo0jsQbayTi-CcNHhfyE8NQpsQL8934gHHTy64e_bQ5uojGT4h8UWW1I8zXwTLM1tqrZssM0sgjby2hsDW8pb5YHUqQf-C_ufM3Zd-fzwygScs6KmgKsLELRLfqPeSvgZ6f9LWmr3JCiOIhQfnBZ9MRfJ84EOg/s700/Carving700_194805801.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="525" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0RMb6-P2OEZVOGUSiFeSDb2Txz6ZSmo0jsQbayTi-CcNHhfyE8NQpsQL8934gHHTy64e_bQ5uojGT4h8UWW1I8zXwTLM1tqrZssM0sgjby2hsDW8pb5YHUqQf-C_ufM3Zd-fzwygScs6KmgKsLELRLfqPeSvgZ6f9LWmr3JCiOIhQfnBZ9MRfJ84EOg/s16000/Carving700_194805801.jpg" /></a></div><br />My basement studio was cold this January and my friend Jenny gave me this cat hat. It isn't my usual style, but it quickly became my carving hat.<br /><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTX3Uy7RX_JX3I1uv0TxngDaddjwpqDtbW1ANVujrNtzPnc6OL6nFZ651OXudY8z5iM7Z6sMl7e8tCyF1S_255GJMJvkGPD5WgkfpinEMv_0vmiN_qm0_erg1NYBWqCGZsUoxj7MUusWaF8587iqF5uJjuLOVqbhEaasklk676-1PUDpXA3h3WUtx-pA/s700/Vanessa700_175409920.PORTRAIT.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="525" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTX3Uy7RX_JX3I1uv0TxngDaddjwpqDtbW1ANVujrNtzPnc6OL6nFZ651OXudY8z5iM7Z6sMl7e8tCyF1S_255GJMJvkGPD5WgkfpinEMv_0vmiN_qm0_erg1NYBWqCGZsUoxj7MUusWaF8587iqF5uJjuLOVqbhEaasklk676-1PUDpXA3h3WUtx-pA/s16000/Vanessa700_175409920.PORTRAIT.jpg" /></a><br />
<br /><div style="text-align: left;">This video shows me carving what I call the "gills" which was really the papery covering of the seeds. My cat Otus was hungry and makes an appearance to let me know it was lunch time. (Music: El Buscapies, Andres Flores and Amigos Project) </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="498" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/G1Pc5oyIiBE" width="600" youtube-src-id="G1Pc5oyIiBE"></iframe></div>
<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVh_rUZcfD33zi9lAUfqCOxZDWBibf03euKEhCNgkaUITaL8UNUaanpUk_as4z-CUHYa7hQiZVZZKz_DC9HjLe-vQz-puu_fdWtbWAG7dcQy49_hVA5tbUprf7SStTY460aozG0fF8JVOvwog9-LLl37CGkejDT0qMg8mn6fnuuLk6eAr2o3IhVKnjrQ/s700/DketchesandCarving_194836888.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="525" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVh_rUZcfD33zi9lAUfqCOxZDWBibf03euKEhCNgkaUITaL8UNUaanpUk_as4z-CUHYa7hQiZVZZKz_DC9HjLe-vQz-puu_fdWtbWAG7dcQy49_hVA5tbUprf7SStTY460aozG0fF8JVOvwog9-LLl37CGkejDT0qMg8mn6fnuuLk6eAr2o3IhVKnjrQ/s16000/DketchesandCarving_194836888.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />Every day I would vacuum all the wood chips, but inevitably I spread them throughout the house and am still finding them everywhere.</div>
<br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAXdVZTypNzJznaorbrRMF2R75cocyCUv0SbS1DH4fmMCMkvOQwEwn6Q8E5T2u0lQ3cEWf3MCLGqK8fMZQLD0sKYCbhTwjRFwI_MF-N8gtJyMNe11j6jgxL3b80t7qVcfWHgE9QANEEdK4EFb4Zlpg8AF6-PHY-RIYH-zQYLsFDpzOF6ENZWm_ltmxlA/s700/CarvingChips700_174456302.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="525" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAXdVZTypNzJznaorbrRMF2R75cocyCUv0SbS1DH4fmMCMkvOQwEwn6Q8E5T2u0lQ3cEWf3MCLGqK8fMZQLD0sKYCbhTwjRFwI_MF-N8gtJyMNe11j6jgxL3b80t7qVcfWHgE9QANEEdK4EFb4Zlpg8AF6-PHY-RIYH-zQYLsFDpzOF6ENZWm_ltmxlA/s16000/CarvingChips700_174456302.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">As you can see below, I had to scan and flip my pencil drawing so I could use it as a guide for carving.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv2pPf9JNKUxtxBcA-HsfdYeOGkP9T6a6JaNvnyG9Aq1yh8bmSwVfMmFCwXPegcKZx4y0gs-gV0bfZt0548IXPIDZd1g1-Vh0PWwnpahiw_rBXAgTDZ1bTPEBLjhF1V0_kNvcDMM6cR7TgtcogNGJ7fc4gh3kX9a9uN8wekkPexURjeUKP-Qq0eX5xqQ/s700/CarvingandSketch700_192248685.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="525" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv2pPf9JNKUxtxBcA-HsfdYeOGkP9T6a6JaNvnyG9Aq1yh8bmSwVfMmFCwXPegcKZx4y0gs-gV0bfZt0548IXPIDZd1g1-Vh0PWwnpahiw_rBXAgTDZ1bTPEBLjhF1V0_kNvcDMM6cR7TgtcogNGJ7fc4gh3kX9a9uN8wekkPexURjeUKP-Qq0eX5xqQ/s16000/CarvingandSketch700_192248685.jpg" /></a><br /><br />
The photo below shows the carving and flipped sketch about halfway through.<br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9hkyGR6IiT7cEVMhQcqoaDmWtRD0ajIXnt-q2Pt-_pb5oi9n2npSnlQfyPavXuF6S2Tuhdt57wlay6628CQP269omnFPVeEFhL2arl0apSAJLFVUeRGTr0a8SWKOnrio7z2_7_Vr0FyOMzqem9sdppM-p8v05SAQKPZyvjgBDNljvOID10nUcDsAl4g/s700/SketchandCarving_192528256New.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="525" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9hkyGR6IiT7cEVMhQcqoaDmWtRD0ajIXnt-q2Pt-_pb5oi9n2npSnlQfyPavXuF6S2Tuhdt57wlay6628CQP269omnFPVeEFhL2arl0apSAJLFVUeRGTr0a8SWKOnrio7z2_7_Vr0FyOMzqem9sdppM-p8v05SAQKPZyvjgBDNljvOID10nUcDsAl4g/s16000/SketchandCarving_192528256New.jpg" /></a></div><br />In this video I clear a large portion of the bottom right hand corner and it is satisfying to watch it sped up. This is probably about 60-80 minutes of carving condensed into 60 seconds. (Music: The Treasure Map by Fabien Tell)<br /><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="498" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/fY-t61MahdA" width="600" youtube-src-id="fY-t61MahdA"></iframe></div>
<br /><div style="text-align: center;">Bubo also came down everyday to check on my progress and cause trouble.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE7kGRL4Do40GitesyxB-WYFCbnenkRQZ6j00U1cmTPmyoGrGshCosAS0U0BSa7ox45x4j5afkFfba8i47lHXdJq9S2B-5iJRlGASostY3uof6FUQKTaLGbI-EzE1TAeqe88zpjuk_hlSu5Hmbx6OoXJyQuMot8gVio97HOWkvktxUB25HstpYhfwkQQ/s600/Bubo600_192731498.MP.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE7kGRL4Do40GitesyxB-WYFCbnenkRQZ6j00U1cmTPmyoGrGshCosAS0U0BSa7ox45x4j5afkFfba8i47lHXdJq9S2B-5iJRlGASostY3uof6FUQKTaLGbI-EzE1TAeqe88zpjuk_hlSu5Hmbx6OoXJyQuMot8gVio97HOWkvktxUB25HstpYhfwkQQ/s16000/Bubo600_192731498.MP.jpg" /></a><br />
<br /><div style="text-align: left;">I was excited and so thankful to receive the <a href="https://www.speedballart.com/" target="_blank">Speedball Art</a> Alumni Scholarship that covered my entry fee to the BIG INK. This allowed me to splurge and purchase a Japanese <a href="https://www.imcclains.com/catalog/woodblocktools/futatsuwari.html" target="_blank">Sankaku To</a> (v-gouge). It was so sharp I cut something off that I shouldn't have the first time I used it. </div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhinFBdpjd6rUpIu-fHo35j6GqAPUckxEul0fECLsK9NJYl81JKT51qSgCO7eyk80ti1h7NX6BmZhfxQ_l_-0WvTsV-LXRd4cunbq4OczihTdhPSslVZACE-ydL7i9WCQKdXOiTTw3tVWkIAdjIv-TZuxinKBTUtZcuIFhCUd0ccwo3nUm3q-rMNfbRpw/s600/HangiTo600_164455815.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhinFBdpjd6rUpIu-fHo35j6GqAPUckxEul0fECLsK9NJYl81JKT51qSgCO7eyk80ti1h7NX6BmZhfxQ_l_-0WvTsV-LXRd4cunbq4OczihTdhPSslVZACE-ydL7i9WCQKdXOiTTw3tVWkIAdjIv-TZuxinKBTUtZcuIFhCUd0ccwo3nUm3q-rMNfbRpw/s16000/HangiTo600_164455815.jpg" /></a><br /><br />
<br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBfI86VfkHoj_jKWt6gNfYQkD6Ewa_UFHp0rDWq9YZtpN3EoEj-YrssLeljmMWEOd4W28lRLuYkSQ14ekh_1aSoOytKSIqYpzB9AP5kXzWqoulAS6W4W_b4auPF9WdT6GhvcnkAjS6Z9yauZbvsyy5htWpyQRMZGxHFEnlLttYVGTEKK_X046rorm6gg/s600/CarvingClose600_204030248.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBfI86VfkHoj_jKWt6gNfYQkD6Ewa_UFHp0rDWq9YZtpN3EoEj-YrssLeljmMWEOd4W28lRLuYkSQ14ekh_1aSoOytKSIqYpzB9AP5kXzWqoulAS6W4W_b4auPF9WdT6GhvcnkAjS6Z9yauZbvsyy5htWpyQRMZGxHFEnlLttYVGTEKK_X046rorm6gg/s16000/CarvingClose600_204030248.jpg" /></a><br /><br />One day Otus came down and I thought I would get a photo to show the scale of the plate. But Otus is such a big cat he made the plate look small!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbLm7yBkGB5pUoaQqdTda8Z33_kPHJbNBfx-d4v7Nyx-Xtz9c_SmzehCJibC2l2sE0VgMChiodhRyajwrHcK0pWCjgtBnch6mrYYxQYn-0Nsw2TZo14daMTWQZpSNG3gf1hbjb2yTEJrXgJhla4o7jJXnRWw7mB9fNd8QWbv-jmUIRPgMS1qOqhg4SAQ/s600/Otus600_201027201.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbLm7yBkGB5pUoaQqdTda8Z33_kPHJbNBfx-d4v7Nyx-Xtz9c_SmzehCJibC2l2sE0VgMChiodhRyajwrHcK0pWCjgtBnch6mrYYxQYn-0Nsw2TZo14daMTWQZpSNG3gf1hbjb2yTEJrXgJhla4o7jJXnRWw7mB9fNd8QWbv-jmUIRPgMS1qOqhg4SAQ/s16000/Otus600_201027201.jpg" /></a><br /><br />
Right before I carved a section I would usually darken my pencil lines. Below you can see a darkened tendril.<br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8ckn1FYiHFKo5eg_w9rav1rS1oHbdPOnudINZn68fBy0gBjcgb6eUqFQJhOJkYPMiLo2dvXc36aDRLfNWyHGruHy2eW19GpjzCCSAD8AP1Fm_yiE-YYrsOvY_iCCQ-FyIUEihl3ozqWNTve01KCmGBMXfmOf01xhDTNN1h59AGsFgIwHvMh90_7Gr9Q/s700/CarvingPencilDrawing700_185100330.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="525" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8ckn1FYiHFKo5eg_w9rav1rS1oHbdPOnudINZn68fBy0gBjcgb6eUqFQJhOJkYPMiLo2dvXc36aDRLfNWyHGruHy2eW19GpjzCCSAD8AP1Fm_yiE-YYrsOvY_iCCQ-FyIUEihl3ozqWNTve01KCmGBMXfmOf01xhDTNN1h59AGsFgIwHvMh90_7Gr9Q/s16000/CarvingPencilDrawing700_185100330.jpg" /></a><br />
<br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMY2QQeXR--vjQHFI8__8jnrxLR7S52rCZ1YM_96cjC1MmGNPfQdPvxgy06oGH0nlGs1S-lAiW5zgvjEaJTZ5O2OA45t6EkBSCCftT5tqDKkPl9Nx5w_yp-oPV52W7tZWugl_Dx7NKhJHzDvkHbfPe8SL2DxMl79UEYA4MgvdII_zUZHB4IdZBtzJWdg/s700/CarvingAlmostDone700_203047239.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="525" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMY2QQeXR--vjQHFI8__8jnrxLR7S52rCZ1YM_96cjC1MmGNPfQdPvxgy06oGH0nlGs1S-lAiW5zgvjEaJTZ5O2OA45t6EkBSCCftT5tqDKkPl9Nx5w_yp-oPV52W7tZWugl_Dx7NKhJHzDvkHbfPe8SL2DxMl79UEYA4MgvdII_zUZHB4IdZBtzJWdg/s16000/CarvingAlmostDone700_203047239.jpg" /></a><br /><br />This video shows me finishing the carving, except for the stem. It was an exciting day for me.<br />(Music by La Molienda, El Toro Rabón)<br /><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="498" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/4HcaaPCd0d4" width="600" youtube-src-id="4HcaaPCd0d4"></iframe></div>
<br />
I love how the wood looks like waves in the open expanses.<br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqC4CX-wOJvLM-KHkIiWdtrSsRpu5NDJ81XuB9w0KxKQ1Uug7So7UxCQQdIazkrboC6VcHBQo8ov_p_lAhDyP7HOnZIWCBJ2cWqK0lNwj5baG3zLn9DtAg9u2-KwDklkaXm0Yt_2P8tjrpo65mANxHGLC0VkrXWv4dy5zTvCJ5BasGvW0vC_0zyDnfaA/s700/CarvingMtns700_203131681.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="525" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqC4CX-wOJvLM-KHkIiWdtrSsRpu5NDJ81XuB9w0KxKQ1Uug7So7UxCQQdIazkrboC6VcHBQo8ov_p_lAhDyP7HOnZIWCBJ2cWqK0lNwj5baG3zLn9DtAg9u2-KwDklkaXm0Yt_2P8tjrpo65mANxHGLC0VkrXWv4dy5zTvCJ5BasGvW0vC_0zyDnfaA/s16000/CarvingMtns700_203131681.jpg" /></a><br />
<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">"Every ripple on the ocean</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Every leaf on every tree</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Every sand dune in the desert</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Every power we never see</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">There is a deeper wave than this</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Swelling in the world</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">There is a deeper wave than this"<br />—Gordon Sumner, Songwriter</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOEuQ3u-X5pMeyOqeRmQWFbyC7YqXO3-Y4km_4cQtK7r8OyJO5eD1Qiuz_pPtBP2r5mE2bhtGVBW_R15AUlMCbdHXY5vBvKvIYFg0zaOBxec6aLkIPsBRrLgHTgeQtpLElftx-3AOqjhlQ8zua1gIUQqJr98cHlI6V-WOgPlhcfRSOev_FZUrUAc8jUQ/s700/CarvingFinished700_194009113.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="525" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOEuQ3u-X5pMeyOqeRmQWFbyC7YqXO3-Y4km_4cQtK7r8OyJO5eD1Qiuz_pPtBP2r5mE2bhtGVBW_R15AUlMCbdHXY5vBvKvIYFg0zaOBxec6aLkIPsBRrLgHTgeQtpLElftx-3AOqjhlQ8zua1gIUQqJr98cHlI6V-WOgPlhcfRSOev_FZUrUAc8jUQ/s16000/CarvingFinished700_194009113.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-cvT_xzVODTFgOFJVGloqAIfaOAr_FEoNomyw8y1hfOVJVFWs2Xl_qSoPL6PM-XLcCek55PR3Rt1idzEGZk_Yu3Jr4hHCPXGm-2NqVQWj4LMDO3SLIZZjnOa_4FFbkaayTxiACLyDBCqUMXjgZoa9q9a5yXdBz0NbupqLxsFoSyjXksQhy8-BrZ4jFw/s700/StemCarving700_172827511.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="525" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-cvT_xzVODTFgOFJVGloqAIfaOAr_FEoNomyw8y1hfOVJVFWs2Xl_qSoPL6PM-XLcCek55PR3Rt1idzEGZk_Yu3Jr4hHCPXGm-2NqVQWj4LMDO3SLIZZjnOa_4FFbkaayTxiACLyDBCqUMXjgZoa9q9a5yXdBz0NbupqLxsFoSyjXksQhy8-BrZ4jFw/s16000/StemCarving700_172827511.jpg" /></a><br /><br />This video shows the very last day of carving the stem.<br />(Music: Single Moment, by RomanBelov, Pixabay) <br /><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="498" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_JYsvIUlhGw" width="600" youtube-src-id="_JYsvIUlhGw"></iframe></div>
<br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica;">"FREEING THE TENDRILS"<br /></span><br />I call the final step, "Freeing the Tendrils". It entailed cutting the excess wood away from any tendrils that extended beyond the border. The last time I did the BIG INK I borrowed my friend Mark's Japanese razor saw; this year I figured it was time to buy my own.<br />
<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinhHUqaTcqBLlCmN0ZIufaBk_HjbuGBD1_9ILrqyzGCwHjc9xOmnreD48Qrgw_wi1DgJRm2f1fxmfkjvnq6M5h9dH7bFbE4zEG19U1kZqu_3Jy1Dwu-QPaQEjlogsIQtce83VLsKip81czOmF83Xs-glq1uY5zEi74WGqHoKVfLHaYvDYA2AHw8mu0Dw/s600/JapaneseRazorsaw600_221216241.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinhHUqaTcqBLlCmN0ZIufaBk_HjbuGBD1_9ILrqyzGCwHjc9xOmnreD48Qrgw_wi1DgJRm2f1fxmfkjvnq6M5h9dH7bFbE4zEG19U1kZqu_3Jy1Dwu-QPaQEjlogsIQtce83VLsKip81czOmF83Xs-glq1uY5zEi74WGqHoKVfLHaYvDYA2AHw8mu0Dw/s16000/JapaneseRazorsaw600_221216241.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />Of course, I should have done this step the first day before I put in weeks of carving. But I left it for the last step and I was VERY anxious about it. Especially because I am not the world's best saw-er. The video is sped up so much you can't see when I get the saw stuck in the wood numerous times. (Music: Stepping Up by Tiki Tiki) <br /><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="498" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/sOHvuNJvnaQ" width="600" youtube-src-id="sOHvuNJvnaQ"></iframe></div>
<br /><div style="text-align: center;">The photo below shows the "freed" tendril.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimhcDlqq3xvAcOGYJBPD3DqdEUnEWOJsiv6KioZTlryUsLIomLCaUuQJ_kq5IZwl2T-B5Apsj-qHNm3k1V2VLfM_yq59W5zmj0cYQ0sJYvOWdkkwlMBDLAeh-5aDB4LpXhnXyR6EKeRXBidhYvI1LuXc8Nxf6__qNmoe_OoisAIWR9hpqhfKWX9rImXg/s700/TopEdgeTenrils700_222222691.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="525" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimhcDlqq3xvAcOGYJBPD3DqdEUnEWOJsiv6KioZTlryUsLIomLCaUuQJ_kq5IZwl2T-B5Apsj-qHNm3k1V2VLfM_yq59W5zmj0cYQ0sJYvOWdkkwlMBDLAeh-5aDB4LpXhnXyR6EKeRXBidhYvI1LuXc8Nxf6__qNmoe_OoisAIWR9hpqhfKWX9rImXg/s16000/TopEdgeTenrils700_222222691.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica;">REPAIR</span><br />
<br />I made a fair number of carving mistakes throughout the project. This video shows how I repaired the most common type of mistake...carving through a line. It is a simple repair made with glue and is possible if you have the "missing" piece.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="498" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/XFBuOEntCVQ" width="600" youtube-src-id="XFBuOEntCVQ"></iframe></div><br />The photo below shows an example of a "Kwikwood" repair. This type of repair is necessary when you carve away wood and you don't have the missing pieces. On the second day of the project, I accidentally carved through my top border (cringe!). The Kwikwood filler is a two-part "chemical" wood putty that you mix between your fingers and then smear into the offending space. Lyell (of BIG INK) recommended it and it worked wonderfully.<br /><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYMIqV4S8Daw0i1zzZFJ20K8oCe8ZkTTrLQzNMAzvYvvICni09v1AbWehj2qOy2QR4EXj38eMvEK1ZDtwdng2vX0CPgsFP3kHGmU7SfmfSI1E-k_yCwslbw9Yw9z038YHlEC5pNdT8Ap6_95spiGj1HvvRni5PmYawsEjUyclZht-a5klmTILn4HHM-w/s700/Kwikwood700_221700414.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="357" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYMIqV4S8Daw0i1zzZFJ20K8oCe8ZkTTrLQzNMAzvYvvICni09v1AbWehj2qOy2QR4EXj38eMvEK1ZDtwdng2vX0CPgsFP3kHGmU7SfmfSI1E-k_yCwslbw9Yw9z038YHlEC5pNdT8Ap6_95spiGj1HvvRni5PmYawsEjUyclZht-a5klmTILn4HHM-w/s16000/Kwikwood700_221700414.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica;">FINAL CARVING<br /></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfpP79JxWwVNo5FXSR5v9WdhMPYpb1DUhZNjjE1_8qxgOfqgBPwXAUqlQ-GVWyqpuOZB3VBCuv-33Jn0sMSUPZF0Mv9Ztsy1jNd0CiNu2Y35dn2L33y1uQ75ucFYSfHzuZ9CHhWq0RSoCYe7tWa7Og_5Zemt06bv_oMYW1LmsnmheYqDbFxcazu3hqpQ/s700/FinishedCarving700_222425944.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="525" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfpP79JxWwVNo5FXSR5v9WdhMPYpb1DUhZNjjE1_8qxgOfqgBPwXAUqlQ-GVWyqpuOZB3VBCuv-33Jn0sMSUPZF0Mv9Ztsy1jNd0CiNu2Y35dn2L33y1uQ75ucFYSfHzuZ9CHhWq0RSoCYe7tWa7Og_5Zemt06bv_oMYW1LmsnmheYqDbFxcazu3hqpQ/s16000/FinishedCarving700_222425944.jpg" /></a><br />
<br /><div style="text-align: left;">I took a photo at the end of carving every day. (I wasn't going to do it this time because it is a pain to clean every day, but my friend urged me to do it...thank you Tiffany.) This video shows the daily progression and it is so fun to see the magnolia "growing" over time. (Music: The Olympic Team by Philip Ayers)</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="498" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/qHBW-1EvEXY" width="600" youtube-src-id="qHBW-1EvEXY"></iframe></div>
<br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizp-20XVBjKDn3nNkRa3WQ-BgsIVhWvB9YF6jEnXBdwE2xpy1jU6Lr4NM15cLb5KofekGVyqg_6ZOjBzQfCHVKNpWyz9gu3CJkck2u5ZITC1quugZ6m6EzztAiaRuGIyYC-gU9Wun2LDGrFuUuX3035NVZwvcU-sX8lF54bNe3JA1oj62C2UeF4uqPFw/s700/CarvingFinished700_220546844.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="525" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizp-20XVBjKDn3nNkRa3WQ-BgsIVhWvB9YF6jEnXBdwE2xpy1jU6Lr4NM15cLb5KofekGVyqg_6ZOjBzQfCHVKNpWyz9gu3CJkck2u5ZITC1quugZ6m6EzztAiaRuGIyYC-gU9Wun2LDGrFuUuX3035NVZwvcU-sX8lF54bNe3JA1oj62C2UeF4uqPFw/s16000/CarvingFinished700_220546844.jpg" /></a><br />
<br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica;">CONCLUSION<br /></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0iRf0Rp394gsA81DcqPBUolDGY27uGoLeDQQ55U2zppGFHUIJZ2wyf_7MAwrI0KfQtMYz_CHqpzHo2dzB3AHW9bXD3LYe3FNkywWbGibyGsukffi6jvgFsphSUHqqkEJkn2twRJUOUIf0bxlxA7Oxk1DeDkWktk2HRVRClwXDh9W7u_ciGnY0Zd8kWA/s700/CarvingFinished_193830101.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="525" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0iRf0Rp394gsA81DcqPBUolDGY27uGoLeDQQ55U2zppGFHUIJZ2wyf_7MAwrI0KfQtMYz_CHqpzHo2dzB3AHW9bXD3LYe3FNkywWbGibyGsukffi6jvgFsphSUHqqkEJkn2twRJUOUIf0bxlxA7Oxk1DeDkWktk2HRVRClwXDh9W7u_ciGnY0Zd8kWA/s16000/CarvingFinished_193830101.jpg" /></a><br />
<br /><div style="text-align: left;">Truly, the FINAL step was to deepen all the spaces. I ended up carving until the very last day trying to remove any high spots that might catch ink as the brayer rolls over it. Some people include these "chatter" marks in their design, but I usually carve them away. It is a matter of choice. During the BIG INK you can put tape over areas that catch ink where you don't want it, but it can be time consuming. Lyell recommended carving to a depth of an eighth inch for white areas. As you can see below I almost carved as deep as a quarter inch in places.</div></div><br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBUAyuiOHAanmVD90AN-PpaER5RgtRouDhqrSsTV9rkqGmWJ_90nCRPoNOneQfj9D1zZbu3IzkAGeAg-BYpmcKs_n5l3p4jWwgCm_DrgsA6D3KpENNFVhAZQBEF2QkI0-wFF88-iziKQPkpaVVGgjKDc_nhgTJr2_t0p2ysDkNXtwBNPEqSE-_qX3HQw/s600/Tendril600_222248793.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBUAyuiOHAanmVD90AN-PpaER5RgtRouDhqrSsTV9rkqGmWJ_90nCRPoNOneQfj9D1zZbu3IzkAGeAg-BYpmcKs_n5l3p4jWwgCm_DrgsA6D3KpENNFVhAZQBEF2QkI0-wFF88-iziKQPkpaVVGgjKDc_nhgTJr2_t0p2ysDkNXtwBNPEqSE-_qX3HQw/s16000/Tendril600_222248793.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /><div style="text-align: left;">As I was deepening the spaces, it dawned on me this process is simultaneously occurring in my life. Just like high spots on my plate might catch ink, I have been very aware of the places in my life where I get snagged by "negative" emotions (like anger). At first I was tempted to follow the analogy to its logical conclusion... that we need to clear away anything that "sticks up" and might "catch ink." But if you continue down that line of thinking we would clear away everything on the plate and be left with nothing. The questions arose, "But what about the design?" "What about the person?" "Do we really want a bunch of blank canvas, emotionless zombies walking around?" From one point of view, "realizing you are nothingness" is a valid goal (and I am not implying you are a zombie if you have had this realization.) However, I felt this analogy was pointing at something else. <div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwPsoiqPwvGyIgSbreY4F1gOnF_5nfaZKGX7lh5bW55mTLFbdAhg8AtDzrlTQxc34CcMjYfzS0OhNYfB0ysYhBxw5Yk5LaYoS3uFArys87kgct-gzq_Y5NKQoG9E37wFvSUdSzeyBbKEJHRiQiLiEa6U_jto9v0pkO5COVfrmHJYG7-7R4Gr_3Xr3QAg/s1600/Chatter_150617898.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="350" data-original-width="514" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwPsoiqPwvGyIgSbreY4F1gOnF_5nfaZKGX7lh5bW55mTLFbdAhg8AtDzrlTQxc34CcMjYfzS0OhNYfB0ysYhBxw5Yk5LaYoS3uFArys87kgct-gzq_Y5NKQoG9E37wFvSUdSzeyBbKEJHRiQiLiEa6U_jto9v0pkO5COVfrmHJYG7-7R4Gr_3Xr3QAg/s1600/Chatter_150617898.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /></div></div></div><div>After pondering this, it came to me that it isn't that we need to go and cut those places out...it is that these places need extra attention. They are signals that we need to tend to this area and see if this is where we want the ink to "catch." Because the "ink catching" isn't a negative...it is what creates the design. <br />
<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">"If our emphasis is to eradicate the unwanted material from our systems as quickly as possible,<br />we sacrifice powerful opportunities for self-awareness." </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #274e13; font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">—</span><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"> Matt Licata</span></div>
<br />I wasn't sure where this analogy was taking me and felt there might be more to it. So one day I went for a walk and put the question out to the universe. In the middle of my walk, the thought came to me that "We are both the design and all the spaces in between. We are the hills and the valleys, the negative and the positive." It is up to us to decide what we want the design to be... to be aware where the ink is catching and consciously decide if that is what we want. To see that life is a play between the dark and the light and that is where the beauty lies. <br />
<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">In Tantrism, we throw our entire beings in, endlessly, without distinguishing between pure and impure, beauty and ugliness, good and bad. All the pairs of opposites are dissolved in the divine. The deepest urges, the most sublime capacities – no one lacks them. We begin to communicate with the divine when we totally accept the complete spectrum of our thoughts and emotions. All beauty contains darkness. </span><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"></span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">—
Daniel Odier</span></div><div><br /></div>
<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3nKX_rTPSHyOKAfNleoA6mSAit-2gxFhweIx_wKmM4rpNOXvVx0byLMMocgLUiD8sWDRUQE2OUC05e5p57QeG8otufHAt2luCWTvANF2iqdgfSSzp27otKkZF1CwYyA7utW810_L9qAtZTOYmwbw8QvEoKpBxIPubvvZFThX056ZP7UydhTakS0jdRw/s600/DoubleTendril600_222324033.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3nKX_rTPSHyOKAfNleoA6mSAit-2gxFhweIx_wKmM4rpNOXvVx0byLMMocgLUiD8sWDRUQE2OUC05e5p57QeG8otufHAt2luCWTvANF2iqdgfSSzp27otKkZF1CwYyA7utW810_L9qAtZTOYmwbw8QvEoKpBxIPubvvZFThX056ZP7UydhTakS0jdRw/s16000/DoubleTendril600_222324033.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">To see this plate printed visit my next blog post: <a href="https://nessydesigns.blogspot.com/2022/04/magnolia-woodcut-big-ink.html" target="_blank">Magnolia Woodcut: BIG INK</a><br />To see the final print visit: <a href="https://nessydesigns.blogspot.com/2022/04/magnolia-woodcut-final-print.html" target="_blank">Magnolia Woodcut: Final Print</a></div><br /></div>Nessyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09162374688956449698noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2262034438607647152.post-9904317046671163822021-12-19T12:52:00.000-05:002021-12-19T12:52:12.786-05:00"Berries" Linocut <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiK9rebSrfO2kdUqbwB_lX7yPY_BKXQj1ARhzHiRBrc_ihAhf8Yf8lHf9jm5OaL-S7hhonWShzkp7xAh0DDhtP4mAY2GbKwshCKvY-oEbCImfUubIufLP4LLAVkYLCzqy185jvyDtRhnPJmrOPh5dHJg6JQJIuh6cUR3XQCdYnqxTFh_rpiJfFXC5_XhA=s700" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiK9rebSrfO2kdUqbwB_lX7yPY_BKXQj1ARhzHiRBrc_ihAhf8Yf8lHf9jm5OaL-S7hhonWShzkp7xAh0DDhtP4mAY2GbKwshCKvY-oEbCImfUubIufLP4LLAVkYLCzqy185jvyDtRhnPJmrOPh5dHJg6JQJIuh6cUR3XQCdYnqxTFh_rpiJfFXC5_XhA=s16000" /></a></div>
<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">"What will come from the briar but the berry." </span><span style="font-family: helvetica; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: medium;">— Irish Proverb</span><br /><br /><span style="color: red;">●●●●●</span></span></div>
<span><div style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><br />Willy Wonka:</span>
<span style="color: #38761d;"> </span><span><span style="color: #0b5394;">The strawberries taste like strawberries. The snozzberries taste like snozzberries!</span><br /><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Veruca Salt:</span><span style="color: #38761d;"> </span><span style="color: #0b5394;">Snozzberries? Who ever heard of a snozzberry?</span></div><div style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large; text-align: left;">[Wonka grabs Veruca's jaw]<br /><br /></div><div style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Willy Wonka:</span><span style="color: #38761d;"> </span><span style="color: #0b5394;">We are the music makers... and we are the dreamers of dreams.</span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">— Roald Dahl, <i>Charlie and the Chocolate Factory</i></span></div>
<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-family: helvetica;">●●●●●</span></div><br /><div style="font-family: helvetica; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: medium;">INSPIRATION</span></div>
<br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I told myself last year I wasn't going to do a Christmas card this year unless I had purchased a press. Well, I didn't have a press come late November and I had to decide whether or not to do it. I looked through my designs from years past and the alternate designs that never came to fruition. The only one that appealed to me was a two-color idea, but I knew with the high quantity it would be too much. So I decided to let it go a few days and see if any one-color ideas came to me. <br />
<br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><div style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">“There’s no earthly way of knowing which direction we are going.” </span><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">— Willy Wonka</span></div></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgwRPOtkN5uq15VkIktkIRrShJ7nvn-cdDbUSoIgI8Jt8PaC-JHIy-oD6RZcEh1yO0x-whdiu3fjNvqwg9Slr-wwfnSw5ayH90zQZycBHis3qQ8JMIcO1OSew12am_sZcVs7ymHZjtUSFUqFUNHyPsu9RkH67UeqPtu-gxA76hli_Gwh_aVYikUW8Gdpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="321" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgwRPOtkN5uq15VkIktkIRrShJ7nvn-cdDbUSoIgI8Jt8PaC-JHIy-oD6RZcEh1yO0x-whdiu3fjNvqwg9Slr-wwfnSw5ayH90zQZycBHis3qQ8JMIcO1OSew12am_sZcVs7ymHZjtUSFUqFUNHyPsu9RkH67UeqPtu-gxA76hli_Gwh_aVYikUW8Gdpg=s16000" /></a></div>
<div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">A couple days later I was coming in from the back porch and I spied a vintage tray that I bought a few years ago from my friend Sarah. It was super faded, but the idea came that I should do a simple, red and white folk floral design.</div>
<br /><div style="font-family: helvetica; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: medium;">SKETCH, ILLUSTRATOR, TRANSFER</span></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I began with a quick pencil sketch. I don't always re-draw my sketches in Illustrator, but I knew this sketch needed a bit more work. Below you can see how I altered the sketch once I traced it in Illustrator.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: helvetica; font-size: large; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhZDQucssj2cJ_f9xySx3fDzPvc8knrICk5qw5qIkQBZTAH1p1O4ExFqkNu5DVNbMZ0dVpug2-H6WaQNxW4uE3I8o4gREMucgz2oT5KlAraPK_6CFqOhI8jmKw5TCf7wHC785cZ-dNMnbnO-_evxgYYX_eIMCgkrntWiARCsXyxyDaUzk-3fyGNsxcdaQ=s700" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="520" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhZDQucssj2cJ_f9xySx3fDzPvc8knrICk5qw5qIkQBZTAH1p1O4ExFqkNu5DVNbMZ0dVpug2-H6WaQNxW4uE3I8o4gREMucgz2oT5KlAraPK_6CFqOhI8jmKw5TCf7wHC785cZ-dNMnbnO-_evxgYYX_eIMCgkrntWiARCsXyxyDaUzk-3fyGNsxcdaQ=s16000" /></a></div>
<div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">In the past if I began with a computer printout, I have simply scribbled the back with pencil and traced the design to transfer to the block. But I figured there had to be a more precise way. So I watched several YouTube videos about how to transfer a laser printout using acetone. In the video I watched, the person used a black printout. However, I had already printed my design in red and I was antsy to try it.</div></span>
<br /><div style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">“Stop. Don’t. Come back.” </span><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica;"><span style="font-size: medium;">— Willy Wonka</span></span></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I forged ahead using my red printout and after rubbing the back of my paper with the acetone I was sure the experiment had failed. The paper was shredding and at first, it didn't seem like the design transferred.</span></div><br /><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: helvetica; font-size: large; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh3gs_OW1hNeh4Va3jgLFp12CfqvfcXRpUx-GonDwCN9CKwlPO0nJMd5gdCLJSPPLcye-TYzsfAIAEMFzBc6eAPcJdul0vdnb-2YZ7m7rkxJKH9g2sLLVcr70NEnfgshTn5FojELGFmIJ7MnIEuAxtCBkGVAb4aCl09aj6mhCRjX-ac4v97_Ut0TDxzCA=s700" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh3gs_OW1hNeh4Va3jgLFp12CfqvfcXRpUx-GonDwCN9CKwlPO0nJMd5gdCLJSPPLcye-TYzsfAIAEMFzBc6eAPcJdul0vdnb-2YZ7m7rkxJKH9g2sLLVcr70NEnfgshTn5FojELGFmIJ7MnIEuAxtCBkGVAb4aCl09aj6mhCRjX-ac4v97_Ut0TDxzCA=s16000" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">But after a little more rubbing I could still see a faint yellow outline of my design.</span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: helvetica; font-size: large; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgsOSdfpky-nUyxQJRHSORDeP2VN0oX1ImLK-GHoXhXqxnJVkoj2Hi98-QQPo5_8hYyWkALxUQMQFGisjiPPywZwT6YtVNN8ysLU3ehNY4SqnhyAFWzqlQCUAOXMCgucJHzC50HOwUpcXRC8L_7VXUzKlonZBxr__v_4mNbQg2C6j0H3TB1HFt1q2sYPw=s600" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgsOSdfpky-nUyxQJRHSORDeP2VN0oX1ImLK-GHoXhXqxnJVkoj2Hi98-QQPo5_8hYyWkALxUQMQFGisjiPPywZwT6YtVNN8ysLU3ehNY4SqnhyAFWzqlQCUAOXMCgucJHzC50HOwUpcXRC8L_7VXUzKlonZBxr__v_4mNbQg2C6j0H3TB1HFt1q2sYPw=s16000" /></a></div>
<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">“Invention is 93% perspiration 6% inspiration 3% perspiration and 2% butter scotch ripple.”<br /></span><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica;"><span style="font-size: medium;">— Willy Wonka</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg0CI9wGBSl0VQ8M_kD_iceMjiCe5mWcXQTaOO_QwTfuC3LEZSy9hxsxFlNu_0Mcw2uwmBudlWFqFCF9qVT3qX5JKpFCgtfKz0LtafMvE7iSYOBUgVYWBi0LzMyvS_iUAyiGbP_fbg4F0P_I6uD0CGSNMluSm3e69_0fAVazjVWSrWQ5WUD5nUf5dVSiw=s700" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="525" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg0CI9wGBSl0VQ8M_kD_iceMjiCe5mWcXQTaOO_QwTfuC3LEZSy9hxsxFlNu_0Mcw2uwmBudlWFqFCF9qVT3qX5JKpFCgtfKz0LtafMvE7iSYOBUgVYWBi0LzMyvS_iUAyiGbP_fbg4F0P_I6uD0CGSNMluSm3e69_0fAVazjVWSrWQ5WUD5nUf5dVSiw=s16000" /><br /></a></div>
The whole right side didn't transfer so I re-drew that part on the plate. As you can see above, I used a ruler to recreate the right border, eye-balling it the best I could.<br /><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: helvetica; font-size: large; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgystCi1qpv64-XhbB2zsewxTRAFvu-C6FTddrvBp13BGeuvXjTDpvT2_tDToYadIVHRGAN7PLKjmzyNSV9Fp9KhbXcarJ2j2n7o6b0tXkRMmkmu6SiU_gcPTiy0eopmXEhfSMtTre3ShDIycFxNQ2ruMRJehJUVOOLZq2YEI9-b209OnqkNlSMkDxrFA=s600" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgystCi1qpv64-XhbB2zsewxTRAFvu-C6FTddrvBp13BGeuvXjTDpvT2_tDToYadIVHRGAN7PLKjmzyNSV9Fp9KhbXcarJ2j2n7o6b0tXkRMmkmu6SiU_gcPTiy0eopmXEhfSMtTre3ShDIycFxNQ2ruMRJehJUVOOLZq2YEI9-b209OnqkNlSMkDxrFA=s16000" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Once I finished carving, I again used acetone to clean the plate of the remaining ink.</span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: helvetica; font-size: large; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiaTYTCYzx2iMQkVa7TaaSBap9fz_BrC-QSLZ1NEF3_2x4NKqv994AgP-qWJ5PjObr-z6Cb55WcJjpp3bul926OUe0Po71zDbETb3uOJeXU4yzMSj58G1jkRX1h6O786ZEmlB30sIViLqWzSZpdbn_xKf84jZQbNtmP1RKVAP1lG1d4n-KJ6dMeYOp_Zg=s700" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="525" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiaTYTCYzx2iMQkVa7TaaSBap9fz_BrC-QSLZ1NEF3_2x4NKqv994AgP-qWJ5PjObr-z6Cb55WcJjpp3bul926OUe0Po71zDbETb3uOJeXU4yzMSj58G1jkRX1h6O786ZEmlB30sIViLqWzSZpdbn_xKf84jZQbNtmP1RKVAP1lG1d4n-KJ6dMeYOp_Zg=s16000" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: helvetica; font-size: large; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgZE3lLPbsao7DaquqcsnCJJzsQLlfr5JyVcEkgkybd7tQfWUhLUG3O6b3eCQWHZDb-9qk2orXmPC91Xe4cmSj2s0wSgFG39VLHeXCfP7GwVciihe0gyFP4T4Hi2aJXFx-vA0p9i4KFWm5wEKxxMx-kVgJmpeGWMaTjm5mR0SMSalsQdDZPGTxuGPHF1g=s650" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="650" data-original-width="488" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgZE3lLPbsao7DaquqcsnCJJzsQLlfr5JyVcEkgkybd7tQfWUhLUG3O6b3eCQWHZDb-9qk2orXmPC91Xe4cmSj2s0wSgFG39VLHeXCfP7GwVciihe0gyFP4T4Hi2aJXFx-vA0p9i4KFWm5wEKxxMx-kVgJmpeGWMaTjm5mR0SMSalsQdDZPGTxuGPHF1g=s16000" /></a></div>
<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">This video shows the entire process set to Jingle Bells (Music by <a href="/users/zakharvalaha-22836301/?tab=audio&utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=audio&utm_content=8644">ZakharValaha</a> from <a href="https://pixabay.com/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=8644">Pixabay</a>).</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: helvetica; font-size: large; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="540" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ri_tHAXKBB4" width="650" youtube-src-id="ri_tHAXKBB4"></iframe></div><br /><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">TEARING PAPER</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;">My Christmas list has grown quite a bit over the years and I knew I needed at least 136 cards. I bought my favorite Stonehenge paper and each sheet gave me 18, so I tore 8 sheets. People always ask why I tear the paper instead of cutting it and it is because printmaking paper gives a beautiful deckled edge when torn. It took me about 3 1/2 hours to tear the paper down to size (probably would have taken me the same amount of time to cut it).</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: helvetica; font-size: large; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj2EURGNCcBBhnkbKaLF7SBox4yMmQXWxzwaRGP-Sf-uk-VUbcQf4fuz7BSAbbbfIiM0CtnLLCDbm_miCKa7WyTPlzTpX3wmXs90W_rk2BcdaKHSezEjmQVARTkuZj3loz1KmlUydxWvkvXxGP7M7GR6aR8cjWBa3ICHRayI8HRuNQrqsC2huwwkt9zsQ=s600" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj2EURGNCcBBhnkbKaLF7SBox4yMmQXWxzwaRGP-Sf-uk-VUbcQf4fuz7BSAbbbfIiM0CtnLLCDbm_miCKa7WyTPlzTpX3wmXs90W_rk2BcdaKHSezEjmQVARTkuZj3loz1KmlUydxWvkvXxGP7M7GR6aR8cjWBa3ICHRayI8HRuNQrqsC2huwwkt9zsQ=s16000" /></a></div><br /><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">PRINTING</span><div style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">“When the time comes for you to make a change or to grow,<br />the universe will make you so uncomfortable you will eventually have no choice.”</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">— Iyanla Vanzant</span></div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;">I normally would never tear paper the same day of printing because it is simply too much. But I was worried about having time for the prints to dry after my never-drying <a href="https://nessydesigns.blogspot.com/2021/11/pigsqueak-linocut-tiger-lily-press.html" target="_blank">"Pigsqueak" experience this summer</a>. So after dinner I went down to pull a test print. (</span>Music by <a href="/users/lesfm-22579021/?tab=audio&utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=audio&utm_content=11418">Lesfm</a> from <a href="https://pixabay.com/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=11418">Pixabay</a>)<br /><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: helvetica; font-size: large; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="540" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/gtLLlIZ-n7c" width="650" youtube-src-id="gtLLlIZ-n7c"></iframe></div><br />
<br /><span style="font-family: inherit;">It makes me laugh watching the video now because it seems so idyllic and cheery. Nothing could have been further from the truth that night. That is because I spent a lot of time meticulously measuring 1/4 inch out from the plate and carefully marking it so I would know where to place the paper. When I put my test paper down, the plate barely fit on my perfectly-torn paper! How could this happen, you ask, when I did an acetone transfer? Well, remember when I said the right half of the transfer didn't work so I just eye-balled it? I guess I didn't eye-ball it square and the plate ended up skewed.</span><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<br /><div style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">"What is this, a freak out?"</span></div><div style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">— Violet Beauregarde</span></div>
<br /><span style="font-family: inherit;">Needless to say I wasn't very happy about it. In fact, I had a mini-meltdown and was ready to throw the towel in. I tried stretching the plate. In desperation I grabbed a pair of scissors and frantically cut a jaggedy hole around the plate so I could tape the plate directly to the table to compensate for the skew.</span><br />
<br /><div style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">“Well, fortunately, small boys are extremely springy and elastic.<br />So I think we’ll put him in my special taffy-pulling machine.<br />That should do the trick.”<br /></span><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica;"><span style="font-size: medium;">— Willy Wonka</span></span></div></div><div style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">
<br /></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;">This did not work. Tape is no solution for a skewed plate. In the end I glumly recognized the only way to proceed was to have perfect registration on every single print. </span><br /><br /><div style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica;"><span style="font-size: large;">“Impossible, my dear lady! That’s absurd! Unthinkable!”<br /></span></span><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica;"><span style="font-size: medium;">— Willy Wonka</span></span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: helvetica; font-size: large; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjKwFcrjZpojOPuPCInGDrDM7UyHWp22pZL-S_o5D9KlXOp3tYaekva-B7LeazRdi-xRi7X4CNziWefan6qv-5xfBdpFh-8oE364t5zdYCWL3YsIBH1T-vZSvw98Y_O0xbBqlwdGSGI-KMyxTk9rQYOPl9rnvHZgssBnFmvp1cPh1giGDYfC4o8i8ZQVg=s700" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="525" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjKwFcrjZpojOPuPCInGDrDM7UyHWp22pZL-S_o5D9KlXOp3tYaekva-B7LeazRdi-xRi7X4CNziWefan6qv-5xfBdpFh-8oE364t5zdYCWL3YsIBH1T-vZSvw98Y_O0xbBqlwdGSGI-KMyxTk9rQYOPl9rnvHZgssBnFmvp1cPh1giGDYfC4o8i8ZQVg=s16000" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;">To help me register the paper, I used a piece of wood taped to the table. Because of the skew, the right side had to be higher than the left. I quickly realized the blue tape allowed my wood guide to move too much. Plus, in order to apply enough ink at the bottom of the plate, I had to move the wood away every time. In the end I left it attached on the right side and flipped it away for inking. I then flipped it back for placing paper, using the edge of the plate as a guide. I just had to concentrate really hard every time to place the wood and paper very slightly higher on the right.</span></div><div style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">“No other factory in the world mixes its chocolate by waterfall…<br />But it’s the only way if you want it just right.”<br /></span><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">— Willy Wonka</span></div><div style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;">It actually worked surprisingly well until about 80 prints in when I started printing off the edge. The plate, which was double-sided-taped to the table, had slowly moved to the right from all the burnishing. I adjusted my technique and we were back in business. I probably only lost a handful to printing off the edge.</span><br />
<br /><div style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">“I don’t understand it. The children are disappearing like rabbits.<br />Well, we still have each other. Shall we press on?”<br /></span><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica;"><span style="font-size: medium;">— Willy Wonka</span></span></div>
<br /><span style="font-family: inherit;">In addition to my skewed plate woes, the plate kept giving me fuzzy edges. For two days we had fuzzy-edged prints. It is really disheartening to put your all into something and not get the results you would like. I finally had the idea to stop using the baren and only use the wooden spoon (instead of both). It helped. Sometimes it takes time to figure out the best way to print a plate.</span><br /><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: helvetica; font-size: large; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiWd2kENaPF1lVJhx2sQ7kZ32K7OAzk1rMluMJm74h6W8tCqb00b0Ah7qPlPGya7BRuEZAJrJbDbMSA4Tw7wNgzUdXv7JZT9Pgo8Z017encfvk_s9crprIouD9hhtbhBNrcm1AJ3Rv7sLnkPc7cdrfKz_MDBbiv7To_6MWW90o0Z9U1d64t9z-KS71mXg=s700" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="525" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiWd2kENaPF1lVJhx2sQ7kZ32K7OAzk1rMluMJm74h6W8tCqb00b0Ah7qPlPGya7BRuEZAJrJbDbMSA4Tw7wNgzUdXv7JZT9Pgo8Z017encfvk_s9crprIouD9hhtbhBNrcm1AJ3Rv7sLnkPc7cdrfKz_MDBbiv7To_6MWW90o0Z9U1d64t9z-KS71mXg=s16000" /></a></div>
<br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">We printed for three hours every day for five days. I usually like to power through to save on clean-up, but I was physically spent after each printing session. In the end, it took us 15 hours to print 154 prints (I tore some extra paper). That's almost 6 minutes per print. </span><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"> </span></span></div> <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: helvetica; font-size: large; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhOBqMZ69OkZ_91AFgD6OOOYdWoQWM7cyO--8HhM0Xqbx-VYhRonrcCkqWCxqsRbsyLHXqClSPDMe_Y_TPOS2dwIB9lzHLiMu1SoZLUwFf1QlhfRny-1c6ZilJ8WMPQ-0gOGB5sVQQ1BfAE5JGRr7ATPcnxxHOEEJSHBe9zaN7B4ocGdMD7D-GhjfS21Q=s700" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="525" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhOBqMZ69OkZ_91AFgD6OOOYdWoQWM7cyO--8HhM0Xqbx-VYhRonrcCkqWCxqsRbsyLHXqClSPDMe_Y_TPOS2dwIB9lzHLiMu1SoZLUwFf1QlhfRny-1c6ZilJ8WMPQ-0gOGB5sVQQ1BfAE5JGRr7ATPcnxxHOEEJSHBe9zaN7B4ocGdMD7D-GhjfS21Q=s16000" /></a></div>
<br /><div style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica; font-size: large; text-align: center;">“A jug fills drop by drop.” </span><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium; text-align: center;">– Buddha</span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: helvetica; font-size: large; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgfwl2GaiPZeyFdqksY6eXHgfS_PgNA7NVoJmSiCgIN_J5gjVuDlkpCXU6729CXQ4jYDXMTX6Cnmo_96qh0sQX49C421e48iT1alPJGjG2jcualPbFNq2n7hFqJWymCKQqRf-yTvagN_Ow4qzFmo7VSlZyIC-wqxziL1ym6hAb-Uo7qvPGtA6jFE-wRbw=s700" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="525" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgfwl2GaiPZeyFdqksY6eXHgfS_PgNA7NVoJmSiCgIN_J5gjVuDlkpCXU6729CXQ4jYDXMTX6Cnmo_96qh0sQX49C421e48iT1alPJGjG2jcualPbFNq2n7hFqJWymCKQqRf-yTvagN_Ow4qzFmo7VSlZyIC-wqxziL1ym6hAb-Uo7qvPGtA6jFE-wRbw=s16000" /></a></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><br />Violet Beauregarde:</span> <span style="color: #0b5394;">I'm a gum chewer mostly, but when I heard about these ticket things, I laid off the gum; switched to candy bars.</span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Mrs. Beauregarde:</span> <span style="color: #0b5394;">She's just a driven young women. I don't know where she gets it.</span></span></div><div><br /></div><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">DRYING</span></div><div style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;">After a week of drying in the basement I thought the prints were dry because I added a cobalt siccative. So, if you receive one of these prints, please do not lick them (this is NOT lickable wallpaper); it is bad for you to ingest!<br /><br /> I stacked the best twenty prints and brought them upstairs to sign and number. When I unstacked them, I realized the prints weren't quite dry because many of them printed themselves onto the backs of the print above. It was an extremely stressful moment as I realized I might have ruined twenty prints! After carefully unstacking them I found the tops were not smudged. I felt extremely lucky that none of them were ruined. I was hoping not to have to do this, but I brought all the prints up from the basement and placed them around the house on the radiators. It is always a risk to carry wet prints through a house of cats and cat hair.</span><br /><br /><div style="font-family: helvetica; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">"Cat hair is my glitter" </span><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">– Unknown</span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: helvetica; font-size: large; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjZuvDlfvoFrrlntgfG4YvtbKET2yWX9JmGZbrHoVbiOl1zaymBiYww_esk12B2tq1HrqgyC-y4NJSMrj_EiCXWmCG9o-a0gRVekkFZgoLvlDk6YGThxGlX3e1UGyeifNqtv1wPjFhQFhf8VUyFYMZtUr_6k7i2Q7RXILZOTxlgQD_7SmqCtWmQbYgVdA=s650" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="650" data-original-width="488" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjZuvDlfvoFrrlntgfG4YvtbKET2yWX9JmGZbrHoVbiOl1zaymBiYww_esk12B2tq1HrqgyC-y4NJSMrj_EiCXWmCG9o-a0gRVekkFZgoLvlDk6YGThxGlX3e1UGyeifNqtv1wPjFhQFhf8VUyFYMZtUr_6k7i2Q7RXILZOTxlgQD_7SmqCtWmQbYgVdA=s16000" /></a></div><br /><div style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica;"><span style="font-size: large;">“Hm… well, I think that furnace is only lit every other day,<br />so they have a good sporting chance, haven’t they?”<br /></span></span><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica;"><span style="font-size: medium;">— Willy Wonka</span></span></div><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;">I can tell when a project is pushing me to my limits because I stop taking photos. I normally would have taken a photo of the touching-up, numbering and signing, but I was starting to feel desperate to finish. It took me two days to do this part.</span><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"> </span><br /><br /><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">ADDRESSING</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;">Some times I need a break from the printing part of the process, so I procrastinate by designing custom stickers. This year I made a matching berry return label and berry joy sticker for the back. Each letter received four stickers: a custom berry return address, an address, a stamp, and a berry joy stamp.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgaEBK_jHwMh5x48ctwHtlgGamyyCl602NCNKjSl3NjyFeplKCHQZPjK__KGTMDuVOl504U5TCVxgE-1zubWydys1BQ1DIL3LAuSu-JnzX2hMZiJ7Obt5Qo4J-A6LgeAug-MP8N3xEL9mwpa41NW8O1eLFIyHt3XwVS8Eym6omqLGXOIyjl9ITg5WnyvA" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="419" data-original-width="623" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgaEBK_jHwMh5x48ctwHtlgGamyyCl602NCNKjSl3NjyFeplKCHQZPjK__KGTMDuVOl504U5TCVxgE-1zubWydys1BQ1DIL3LAuSu-JnzX2hMZiJ7Obt5Qo4J-A6LgeAug-MP8N3xEL9mwpa41NW8O1eLFIyHt3XwVS8Eym6omqLGXOIyjl9ITg5WnyvA" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">In years past, magical elf (and husband) George helped with the addressing and label-sticking part of the project. But this year he was only able to help do the return addresses because he went to Costa Rica to visit the jungle gnomes (smart man!).<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgXP248zMA3QveVdAMuK0azFMekty0cCJ1bWqvliuAxeeMrHPZcIgLF7z9kBd4Ais1PCHy5fuuLhlfoR_4xRhUbNwELsbtO4hy-6K6wkSG1QI2-ThKhFc81IEldnxqAGpfBp4m9sKxC0yQEEWpQzSzk5rRgEbiVp7OIP7RJ6-gvHWfdtcu-zhpNv78kmw" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgXP248zMA3QveVdAMuK0azFMekty0cCJ1bWqvliuAxeeMrHPZcIgLF7z9kBd4Ais1PCHy5fuuLhlfoR_4xRhUbNwELsbtO4hy-6K6wkSG1QI2-ThKhFc81IEldnxqAGpfBp4m9sKxC0yQEEWpQzSzk5rRgEbiVp7OIP7RJ6-gvHWfdtcu-zhpNv78kmw" /></a></div>
</span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica;"><span style="font-size: large;">“Of course they're real people. They're Oompa-Loompas...Imported direct from Loompaland...And oh what a terrible country it is! Nothing but thick jungles infested by the most dangerous beasts in the world - hornswogglers and snozzwangers and those terrible wicked whangdoodles. A whangdoodle would eat ten Oompa-Loompas for breakfast and come galloping back for a second helping.”</span></span><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"> </span><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica;"><span style="font-size: medium;">— Willy Wonka</span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiiJ3lDjCbqmeJc0iROGNHzwAxD6qEKl8z6YfVDpWZ59KBJ27CXCwPUA8hQbobr8UNgZ9WcUjmDTod3eqi_JLX6dTjstYiq-PPP-hMcFQFBtsUc64I9C0h5JuBSOCiIzA7iqmyKfptATt0Z9hLoImq_4aIdIKdRn4WYjM2-ihKbK1lOt6O_Q6gE6DVizA" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="397" data-original-width="650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiiJ3lDjCbqmeJc0iROGNHzwAxD6qEKl8z6YfVDpWZ59KBJ27CXCwPUA8hQbobr8UNgZ9WcUjmDTod3eqi_JLX6dTjstYiq-PPP-hMcFQFBtsUc64I9C0h5JuBSOCiIzA7iqmyKfptATt0Z9hLoImq_4aIdIKdRn4WYjM2-ihKbK1lOt6O_Q6gE6DVizA" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">POEM</span>
</div><div style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px;">The past couple years we have been including a poem with each card. This year's included a sliver of my bedroom "pandemic" sketch (you can read more about that </span><a href="https://nessydesigns.blogspot.com/2020/11/my-favorite-things-watercolor-cards.html" style="background-color: white; color: #cc6600; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">here</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px;">). </span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhyaYv4ZQOI16fsq_ewGN3Wlj8aEA7KBHjEl1I-G4VJNKoTdTBYUj9suIDpbLxL5HTmBs6uOdW9J32N59p56rNIOrQI2NexH799wTKjSxmB7pl5m0g0DEKZYjJjXz8BGDJNxPfz_QABow9Gxe-MGxZEZY5uRXN-wqaATJVhEcwLsbFjJ2ECg1rtyNYW8g" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="501" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhyaYv4ZQOI16fsq_ewGN3Wlj8aEA7KBHjEl1I-G4VJNKoTdTBYUj9suIDpbLxL5HTmBs6uOdW9J32N59p56rNIOrQI2NexH799wTKjSxmB7pl5m0g0DEKZYjJjXz8BGDJNxPfz_QABow9Gxe-MGxZEZY5uRXN-wqaATJVhEcwLsbFjJ2ECg1rtyNYW8g" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br />CONCLUSION<br /><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">It happens every time, they all become blueberries. </span><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica;"><span style="font-size: medium;">—Willy Wonka</span></span></div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;">In case you missed it in the poem, I decided this was the last year to send hand-printed cards. It may not have helped to be writing the poem after long, difficult days of printing. But I had been on the verge of that decision before even starting the cards this year. <br /><br />I am not one who easily embraces change. One time our neighbor came over and re-arranged the furniture (he is very skilled at it!). I could hardly stand it a day before I had to move it right back. Sometimes I think we need to be very uncomfortable before we make changes... and this year the universe made printing the cards excruciating.<br /><br />I know there are a variety of ways I could make it easier. I could shorten our list and make fewer cards. I could get a press. I could make a few prints and then send digital copies of the print (or make digital prints to begin with). I could also take a break from Christmas cards. I want to make choices for myself that are filled with more joy and less self-flagellation. I know that sounds obvious, but my actions speak for themselves. Somehow all my projects "turn into blueberries." They become giant and need to be rolled into the juicing room to be squeezed. (And I've twisted myself into a pretzel shape and turned blue by the end.) I don't know what will happen next year, but I do know for sure that something needs to change. Sometimes that is where we have to start... just recognizing the simple desire for change. <br /></span>
<br /><div style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">“If your compassion does not include yourself, it is incomplete.” </span><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">– Buddha</span></div>
<div style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></div><span><span style="font-family: inherit;">The other thing I know for sure is that I love spreading joy. I like to envision each person who receives this card smiling when they see the joy sticker on the back, delighting in their handmade print, and chuckling when they read the poem. It is my hope the future holds joy for you </span><i style="font-family: inherit;">and</i><span style="font-family: inherit;"> joy for me. I wish each and every one of you a holiday filled with snozzberry pie. And I was going to say, "I hope we can all give up chewing gum for chocolate to find our golden tickets in the New Year." But perhaps the better analogy would be to say I hope we spend our precious energy on buying one "scrumdiddlyumptious bar" for ourselves and one for Grandpa Jo. May your New Year be filled with peace and may you live in happiness too... like the Oompa-Loopa doopadee do!</span><br /><div><br /></div></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: helvetica; font-size: large; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhT60EsRmmd3t1qsEIyO4Y64tdNM56wULzxQ0lArD73O4ZLPaVUt_NjRbOf9mAjSGmZi-EAYPuSwDkmBybO-NG8ECCUmo-T4nd9GFzXlvDMdAmoFni2mPewSYGnTWJCNtUsLWpqDs3fN5FOh_-Q3WQFlHWQh1Je8rw45iKHsChxKYZmpKaVdP21rgSFsA=s700" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="525" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhT60EsRmmd3t1qsEIyO4Y64tdNM56wULzxQ0lArD73O4ZLPaVUt_NjRbOf9mAjSGmZi-EAYPuSwDkmBybO-NG8ECCUmo-T4nd9GFzXlvDMdAmoFni2mPewSYGnTWJCNtUsLWpqDs3fN5FOh_-Q3WQFlHWQh1Je8rw45iKHsChxKYZmpKaVdP21rgSFsA=s16000" /></a></div><br /><div style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Willy Wonka:</span> [to Oompa Loompa] <span style="color: #0b5394;">I want you to roll Miss Beauregarde into the boat and take her along to the Juicing Room at once. Okay?<br /><br /></span></span></div><div style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Mrs. Beauregarde:</span> <span style="color: #0b5394;">The Juicing Room? What are they gonna do to her there?<br /><br /></span></span></div><div style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Willy Wonka:</span> <span style="color: #0b5394;">Oh, they're gonna squeeze her. Like a little pimple. We've gotta squeeze all that juice out of her immediately.<br /><br /></span></span></div><div style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">[Mrs. Beauregarde gasps]</span></div><div style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">[Mrs. Beauregarde runs up to Blueberry Violet, who is stuck in the door]<br /><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Blueberry Violet:</span> <span style="color: #0b5394;">Mother, help me. Please!<br /><br /></span></span></div><div style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">[Mrs. Beauregarde helps Oompa Loompas push Blueberry Violet through door]<br /><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Violet Beauregarde:</span> [after stretching into a pretzel shape] <span style="color: #0b5394;">Look mother, I'm much more flexible now.<br /><br /></span></span></div><div style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Mrs. Beauregarde:</span> [disapprovingly] <span style="color: #0b5394;">Yes, but you're blue.<br /><div style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br />— Roald Dahl, <i>Charlie and the Chocolate Factory</i></span></div><div><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div><br /></span></span></div></div>Nessyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09162374688956449698noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2262034438607647152.post-81282845726126900732021-12-06T10:51:00.001-05:002021-12-06T10:51:32.011-05:00Pennsylvania Dutch Hex Sign
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjB7TfCjp7WYOcn47864O5IrYx90emy6Zb_FoDmdpIiv-Vt9IG4uBAd3qZQ4qX9AaxYnf4AZDBAlaUFaAxNW2l8guvw4nHOYJKo6NbyBsL8YOx5da-_uOnE9fCVKtRbVvl2NdkdS_tA6B5xH0nhU6rEoLhoBqpKxfujIoylkU1hXOXLTIqjjlP8YwdX6A" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="582" data-original-width="775" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjB7TfCjp7WYOcn47864O5IrYx90emy6Zb_FoDmdpIiv-Vt9IG4uBAd3qZQ4qX9AaxYnf4AZDBAlaUFaAxNW2l8guvw4nHOYJKo6NbyBsL8YOx5da-_uOnE9fCVKtRbVvl2NdkdS_tA6B5xH0nhU6rEoLhoBqpKxfujIoylkU1hXOXLTIqjjlP8YwdX6A" /></a></div>
<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">“You’re constantly surrounded by signs, coincidences, and synchronicities ,<br />all aimed at propelling you in the direction of your destiny.”</span><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica; font-size: x-large;"> </span><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica;"><span style="font-size: medium;">– Denise Linn</span></span></div><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">INSPIRATION</span><div><br /></div><div>In February 2021 a strange synchronicity occurred. I received a package in the mail from my friend, Courtney, who I hadn't seen for a while (I hadn't seen any of my friends in a while at that point due to the pandemic.) She sent me a booklet she saw at an antique store called <i>Hexology: the History and The Meaning of the Hex Symbols</i> by Jacob and Jane Zook. She said she saw it and thought of me. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiMU6FLgRfikZ7KO6YljGyQQQWFHQygsZVgRmdbkrTpkGNQpRU_0I6WDelP9e0bnLv71vD6HD7AP0S6F9j4YRgW7U82oP8CAb1PYD9Tdp43p0utgJxZFvuW57bwhh34GyIeCmuN_ihznYoiibSNEUm7ELS9vf7NufQx8t5SaJ10-zAYRcJiGu1xDttasg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiMU6FLgRfikZ7KO6YljGyQQQWFHQygsZVgRmdbkrTpkGNQpRU_0I6WDelP9e0bnLv71vD6HD7AP0S6F9j4YRgW7U82oP8CAb1PYD9Tdp43p0utgJxZFvuW57bwhh34GyIeCmuN_ihznYoiibSNEUm7ELS9vf7NufQx8t5SaJ10-zAYRcJiGu1xDttasg" /></a></div>
I was delighted to have such a wonderful surprise arrive at my doorstep. Courtney knows that I love folk design and this book was chock-full of really nice examples of Pennsylvania Dutch hex signs. Some view the hex signs as simply decorative while others believe the signs bring good luck, abundance, protection, or good weather for crops. (For more hex sign meanings read <a href="https://alansfactoryoutlet.com/the-history-and-meaning-of-barn-hex-signs/" target="_blank">here</a>.) Below are some examples from the book.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjRFCs2OguWYXhQRjLieB176-IcVBRFnCWc6Vk7OewaWp2h1y3aLraPGy-3efJul7l-5INtOdegHXcclwvGyYc0UflJmIBoF9aWFLVZGXO9YziAbTjqvt2fElvZlklybIuHp5RHlRld9_bmVOOqsG-GbUz4vIpYeXeRVQqVQzE_rMm8jkBPdIQp59WHyA" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="375" data-original-width="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjRFCs2OguWYXhQRjLieB176-IcVBRFnCWc6Vk7OewaWp2h1y3aLraPGy-3efJul7l-5INtOdegHXcclwvGyYc0UflJmIBoF9aWFLVZGXO9YziAbTjqvt2fElvZlklybIuHp5RHlRld9_bmVOOqsG-GbUz4vIpYeXeRVQqVQzE_rMm8jkBPdIQp59WHyA" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjKPp45jeb4CAwJvctF8aY4QN1IB5LkffDsJ_numraB80RX4Ahl-4UV72XPaJRhig4tX6Du68yauLszU3zJCK-DkSqrU_G7SG5tF-ZFqnytW12hhQINxg16KTjYQwNTD5vHIwRCC74WpJXijwc9cc-qpdVZh-vbB_QsPxd4a1cTGZ9VQiGDJqLX-VMDWw" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="375" data-original-width="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjKPp45jeb4CAwJvctF8aY4QN1IB5LkffDsJ_numraB80RX4Ahl-4UV72XPaJRhig4tX6Du68yauLszU3zJCK-DkSqrU_G7SG5tF-ZFqnytW12hhQINxg16KTjYQwNTD5vHIwRCC74WpJXijwc9cc-qpdVZh-vbB_QsPxd4a1cTGZ9VQiGDJqLX-VMDWw" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhyLPhQj4qgYCKDTaaeQBGtQUCUwddjyJxz3rxKpQ6w028Wmrqp5tWAZPh34mzLiv3jI-v0rFaSP_sY0VerLE3yLNi0UibVvwJbPUH0fjt4MThs-8_lwyWVImTtCP4v0znzSWy3-bUPuoulsqQdqUGfYT-oHXjNMn0kvvPV1JZb70Gqo4SnYm5_8obG-g" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="375" data-original-width="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhyLPhQj4qgYCKDTaaeQBGtQUCUwddjyJxz3rxKpQ6w028Wmrqp5tWAZPh34mzLiv3jI-v0rFaSP_sY0VerLE3yLNi0UibVvwJbPUH0fjt4MThs-8_lwyWVImTtCP4v0znzSWy3-bUPuoulsqQdqUGfYT-oHXjNMn0kvvPV1JZb70Gqo4SnYm5_8obG-g" /></a></div>
The amazing thing that happened when I turned to the back cover of the book was that I recognized the "Vilkum Distlefink". A couple years ago I purchased the exact same sign at an antique show and glued it to a round piece of wood. It now hangs in my entryway. What are the chances that my friend would send me a book with the exact same sign? Apparently the "distlefink" is a sign of good luck and happiness. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjNmb2zT2AjdlwVS1kUr9RnXE0ZWGzkIdaXCOa8U8Jj3ch3pMc0SrfOprPIoqMgUGfdAyS4IgIeAA3TSoT1rq9mx4U7lq2OsBiJo6VefHk2BZCEGa_8bhWPa7s6NX5gETw-V7NYfwagtc5rIRtn-Yc6cICpUL0E51qflBleFJ46DdO86tfE7U9z12b-TQ" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="306" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjNmb2zT2AjdlwVS1kUr9RnXE0ZWGzkIdaXCOa8U8Jj3ch3pMc0SrfOprPIoqMgUGfdAyS4IgIeAA3TSoT1rq9mx4U7lq2OsBiJo6VefHk2BZCEGa_8bhWPa7s6NX5gETw-V7NYfwagtc5rIRtn-Yc6cICpUL0E51qflBleFJ46DdO86tfE7U9z12b-TQ" /></a></div>
<br /><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">DESIGN</span><div><br />I hadn't thought about the book my friend sent until this summer when, out of the blue, my Dad asked me to paint him a "barn emblem." I had no idea where he got that idea, but I knew where to look for inspiration. I poured through the book and internet and considered several different routes. At first I thought he should have a Native American inspired design because of his heritage. I sent him a few options. Then he said he had looked at several Pennsylvania Dutch designs and his original idea had leaves going around the edges. So I decided to try to marry the two inspirations (Native American and Pennsylvania Dutch) by incorporating a "sun" and "quilt" look. Below you can see how I played around with the design in Illustrator until I honed it down to the final choice (starred in red). </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgIdTqDI1pL8K1b860HBvxlTt2USgrm1K9v_oTMkfJIQinD4Kvh0f9QChNrpKzIZWY-JQ4W7p8pHNX7CQ2pPI22JMpGlHVOLcQwFdViDYGXWfYJmv-rlqtGqsXiPT7nC2D4SG4-uzKcSbKRci3_jAXO4ZiQsFYHN2tj_w0H5NkYu6_pX8o7781BuvclZg=s750" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="493" data-original-width="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgIdTqDI1pL8K1b860HBvxlTt2USgrm1K9v_oTMkfJIQinD4Kvh0f9QChNrpKzIZWY-JQ4W7p8pHNX7CQ2pPI22JMpGlHVOLcQwFdViDYGXWfYJmv-rlqtGqsXiPT7nC2D4SG4-uzKcSbKRci3_jAXO4ZiQsFYHN2tj_w0H5NkYu6_pX8o7781BuvclZg=s16000" /></a></div><br />After the design was finalized, I printed it out to the size of the wood circle we bought which was thirty inches. Below you can see my assistant checking it out.<br />
<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiOd9sKkhbrmBj0f8P4oyAzhKOpZ1gSC6HkMl8Lc9m5RodjNM5jtQqRa5G7MSlckxP491af1uPecvHyJxEnzM1nQ14KVKOLhYZiOUHYn9Yn8FxXZVRZ09O0WOKvn0VdupQ7W3TGnlRYx9g496l966cd5BQnq_KUjoU_cpMYEb4R3-4dPNQejgfIJU1Rtw=s700" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="525" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiOd9sKkhbrmBj0f8P4oyAzhKOpZ1gSC6HkMl8Lc9m5RodjNM5jtQqRa5G7MSlckxP491af1uPecvHyJxEnzM1nQ14KVKOLhYZiOUHYn9Yn8FxXZVRZ09O0WOKvn0VdupQ7W3TGnlRYx9g496l966cd5BQnq_KUjoU_cpMYEb4R3-4dPNQejgfIJU1Rtw=s16000" /></a></div><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">PAINTING</span><div><br /></div><div>Once I had the print out, I had to transfer it to the wood circle. I bought a really nice, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Mr-Professional-Woodworking-Geometry-Carpenter/dp/B086RV9W72/ref=sr_1_5?keywords=big+compass&qid=1638593140&sr=8-5" target="_blank">giant compass</a> from Amazon. I was really impressed with how heavy duty it was and it was very helpful in transferring the design. I also used carbon paper to help me transfer the triangles.<br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjfxvj2qvpue7knII1kOOwkr_uQ_3RoHijkbOStaNgs3EDUe0nq_HuymZcDjEZbGHMMvlnMkrXGfejmhOsc3PnhtYd4a025UT6CoJ_FQDEVeMW8V3iid38OF59WZPbyk8smaP7Bal3v9ciWXlSV1nfPQwA_1kolyFURxf51xbGUHyKD99laHcwiRiD7Dg=s700" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="525" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjfxvj2qvpue7knII1kOOwkr_uQ_3RoHijkbOStaNgs3EDUe0nq_HuymZcDjEZbGHMMvlnMkrXGfejmhOsc3PnhtYd4a025UT6CoJ_FQDEVeMW8V3iid38OF59WZPbyk8smaP7Bal3v9ciWXlSV1nfPQwA_1kolyFURxf51xbGUHyKD99laHcwiRiD7Dg=s16000" /></a></div><br />I wasn't a hundred percent sure that using painter's tape would give me really clean lines. I bought the green "frog tape" that is supposed to do just that, and it worked wonderfully. I did paint a white layer first so that if it was going to bleed, it would bleed white onto the white background. And then I did the color layer after the first white layer dried. <br /><br />I was especially impressed that I was also able to cut the tape and it still gave me clean lines! Below you can see I placed the green tape where I wanted my outer circle. I then scribed a circle with the compass and used an X-acto blade to cut the tape. It worked incredibly well!<br />
<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgZXIcqE7Ras3I3x4jymZtpQC8x0a4tHkUTGQFNGb3k0hqAibEPfTfGYZnJLNm4RrasXvdBFZ0CBym68Trdb5W5SdFpwpJHFEdoAX5G0fao69wI4paKJhf0RdwU_NjBOQlGUrPqeLUp67e2w--a8K54mizCUe378Srz2jm18qzM8sqQdFTVXrcU9wudnA=s750" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="424" data-original-width="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgZXIcqE7Ras3I3x4jymZtpQC8x0a4tHkUTGQFNGb3k0hqAibEPfTfGYZnJLNm4RrasXvdBFZ0CBym68Trdb5W5SdFpwpJHFEdoAX5G0fao69wI4paKJhf0RdwU_NjBOQlGUrPqeLUp67e2w--a8K54mizCUe378Srz2jm18qzM8sqQdFTVXrcU9wudnA=s16000" /></a></div><br />This 60 second video shows the entire process from sketch to painted finish. Turn your volume on! (Music by <a href="/users/lesfm-22579021/?tab=audio&utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=audio&utm_content=5606">lesfm</a> from <a href="https://pixabay.com/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=5606">Pixabay</a>)<br /><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="498" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ASMmS_f8bNI" width="600" youtube-src-id="ASMmS_f8bNI"></iframe></div>
<br /><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">OHIO STAR</span><br /><br />After I posted the photo below on Instagram, my friend Mark sent me a message asking if I knew the significance of the Ohio star. I found out what I thought of as the blue "quilt" part of the design, is actually called an "Ohio Star." This shape has a rich history in the quilting world and has been around since the early 1800's. The "block" has been called by several names but earned the name "Ohio Star" in honor of the town of Oberlin, Ohio and Mary (quilter) and Lewis Leary, and John Brown's anti-slavery efforts. (The full history can be found <a href="https://civilwarquilts.blogspot.com/2011/09/38-ohio-star.html" target="_blank">here</a> and <a href="https://suzyquilts.com/everything-need-know-ohio-star-quilt-pattern/" target="_blank">here</a>.) I had no idea when I chose that shape that it was an important historical symbol for Ohio!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjC2UPRU_J3ZYoR3TzfrGQNDugjuEU42fGYPLi2YNroqqWUH-WrFlp8KGGqBmFQmiLhMN0Ty_0-YSu1n8F1NWcEuy3bSkHNpwOZKRaB6zLhzx13n8V3WTI8qXYcXbxQrV1q5w-YKGr20_bkR5akrf8kQYj6fAx07SyjQ-zS_O9o33aNAqKFKxaJZ6VRhg=s700" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="525" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjC2UPRU_J3ZYoR3TzfrGQNDugjuEU42fGYPLi2YNroqqWUH-WrFlp8KGGqBmFQmiLhMN0Ty_0-YSu1n8F1NWcEuy3bSkHNpwOZKRaB6zLhzx13n8V3WTI8qXYcXbxQrV1q5w-YKGr20_bkR5akrf8kQYj6fAx07SyjQ-zS_O9o33aNAqKFKxaJZ6VRhg=s16000" /></a></div><br /><span><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">SIGNING & COATING</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEibAxUCZ0cfUQEp6RzLPpnHlTVFavyHk-Iy3eB09JDusimOmFZLhzLrTr0YBNkUcXMDjLV5I0iVVz6DdlhmeHLuqxx-JpP-RZFGqGEODzk1YX6mYuVgwCay67h9YJZ_A8BsDoMGD9XdwGIbzoelj83btTbcarCzf21oUA-RuPfm-R9LiMtoxbc47LwiJQ" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="453" data-original-width="616" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEibAxUCZ0cfUQEp6RzLPpnHlTVFavyHk-Iy3eB09JDusimOmFZLhzLrTr0YBNkUcXMDjLV5I0iVVz6DdlhmeHLuqxx-JpP-RZFGqGEODzk1YX6mYuVgwCay67h9YJZ_A8BsDoMGD9XdwGIbzoelj83btTbcarCzf21oUA-RuPfm-R9LiMtoxbc47LwiJQ" /></a></div>
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I knew the sign was going to get a lot of sun hanging on the shed and that it should probably be protected from both the weather and the sun. Before coating it, I signed the back of the hex sign with a red Sharpie pen. I then sprayed it with exterior water-based Varathane. I did a TON of research about this. It came down to the Varathane spray or Minwax Polycrylic water-based polyurethane. I learned it is important to use water-based polyurethan because oil-based poly will give white paint an orangish hue. One could also use an epoxy coating, but I didn't look into that option too much because this seemed way easier. I will report back in a year or so to see how this held up. I think you are probably supposed to do this every year to provide UV and weather protection.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiPd4ctvGsQe12qn4YpqjcNMjw-QYCebXCi-yPwgHdDVNPc-g2Bxs-MM-uYIXz2jpAFIFlx8r678kFX2a6unUz__GnQS9Lp0ioWkyI_6OEF2RRrMicOta4nUqJIWa0VEBlLkABiX4azuk5jnIZZ_EB7rl69OL9bDg4u-n2UBJr-QTT1KfBvwKUKiQQODA=s700" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="617" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiPd4ctvGsQe12qn4YpqjcNMjw-QYCebXCi-yPwgHdDVNPc-g2Bxs-MM-uYIXz2jpAFIFlx8r678kFX2a6unUz__GnQS9Lp0ioWkyI_6OEF2RRrMicOta4nUqJIWa0VEBlLkABiX4azuk5jnIZZ_EB7rl69OL9bDg4u-n2UBJr-QTT1KfBvwKUKiQQODA=s16000" /></a></div>
</span> <span><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">INSTALLATION</span><div style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica;"><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;">My original idea for hanging the hex sign was to simply put a wire across the back and hang it by a screw on the shed. But my Dad was worried about the wind picking it up (he recently lived through a bad tornado). I then came up with what I thought was a genius idea. I thought we could use two French cleats facing parallel to each other to form a sleeve. And then George had the even more genius idea to turn the two cleats vertical and put a stopper underneath so the sign would hit the stopper and be held in place by gravity and the cleats. I bought the cleats and on Thanksgiving day we went out to install them and realized our beautiful plan was foiled by the uneven, wonky walls of the shed. <br /><br />In the end we went with the simpler method of attaching 3 <a href="https://www.e-rigging.com/5-32-x-1-stainless-steel-d-ring?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIh9DClovO9AIVmovICh0h-AOLEAQYAyABEgKuR_D_BwE" target="_blank">stainless steel D-rings</a> to the back. <br /><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjUbVKixSMJXfomO7lIMMMCMZx_uM2FZdOBSuboN80NkT3M1q2kXLO8D4py27F9-a1ZXmyk8xI_CNJcENnoUOB_AhmM0aNg1WcZ6Wc9pRogHdsczUfCysfJpN1J_Wo3MZzEwxxgvJEMRh255JpImQbttPYsLLaNki1C8Gblc_x2gp9d0qnA1fAgB8c0uQ=s750" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="507" data-original-width="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjUbVKixSMJXfomO7lIMMMCMZx_uM2FZdOBSuboN80NkT3M1q2kXLO8D4py27F9-a1ZXmyk8xI_CNJcENnoUOB_AhmM0aNg1WcZ6Wc9pRogHdsczUfCysfJpN1J_Wo3MZzEwxxgvJEMRh255JpImQbttPYsLLaNki1C8Gblc_x2gp9d0qnA1fAgB8c0uQ=s16000" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />We then marked the placement of the D-rings on the paper template, drilled three holes in the shed, strung wire through the rings and pulled it through the three holes. On the back side we just twisted the wires around each other to hold it tight. <br />
<br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjca5jS7oSErfdhh839cTCDJjuNDt3NZBpx-BCIDlIfF8PTuWzb9wJ5t95Mya_PKu1aCVPSb36AIbflSuxxOCLyZv06I1RqyFdlfzHs0Qe4MTFKC5UKzI4oajNfFgnZMDRw2I-I9obNAeIMnJZPpMUx1sdBw4kS0q4IAnyMjKiwp3clF3eb5iqHNPJF2Q=s750" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="532" data-original-width="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjca5jS7oSErfdhh839cTCDJjuNDt3NZBpx-BCIDlIfF8PTuWzb9wJ5t95Mya_PKu1aCVPSb36AIbflSuxxOCLyZv06I1RqyFdlfzHs0Qe4MTFKC5UKzI4oajNfFgnZMDRw2I-I9obNAeIMnJZPpMUx1sdBw4kS0q4IAnyMjKiwp3clF3eb5iqHNPJF2Q=s16000" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
<br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiRBPPEjvZLebsZcISneUnIQtanxyZuCAQIhjELELMsnJkgCk6IQK-TStWEdGdHSRSTB2IrW9TCp9R4C9HDC7YLyCoE3heX0vhVUNLifNIm63lmefSE60IfZQoXq83Pg78nygaIBVLanwg_XKMksHn8MqfGZoEdYhaP0cAGhpxVShWXKojlgRfFD0bRDg=s826" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="826" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiRBPPEjvZLebsZcISneUnIQtanxyZuCAQIhjELELMsnJkgCk6IQK-TStWEdGdHSRSTB2IrW9TCp9R4C9HDC7YLyCoE3heX0vhVUNLifNIm63lmefSE60IfZQoXq83Pg78nygaIBVLanwg_XKMksHn8MqfGZoEdYhaP0cAGhpxVShWXKojlgRfFD0bRDg=s16000" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />When my Dad first asked me to make him a "barn emblem" back in September, I didn't know that he was going to have knee replacement surgery at the end of October. The timing of it worked out perfectly so that I worked on painting the sign when I went up to stay with him after his surgery. After a difficult day or two, we got into a routine where I would help him come down his stairs and set him up in front of the TV. We would then eat breakfast together. Usually around the time the "Price is Right" came on, I would start working on taping and painting the sign. As I was painting we would both be rooting for the contestants to spin a dollar on the big wheel or exclaiming when someone won a fancy car or vacation. I loved spending this time with my Dad. I like to think that love worked its way into the paint and rays of this Ohio star, and will shine brightly for many years to come. </span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiqKxn-RCT1BYpt83y5xXPK2Wqhyu4oYq9iLJ0r04CAnXqJHlGJNviTsxU9P5cIzvoEHZMBlymBRwb3JzTf7mT82EK6ed9h7e-oWU55kP96o08XK9SoGlCm8AImgkPiMMKDEappzigNv3N9lLzkq0Mp1Tq_mq5peAtD4js7o9qayJDyW340syDAZqZC2g=s750" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="517" data-original-width="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiqKxn-RCT1BYpt83y5xXPK2Wqhyu4oYq9iLJ0r04CAnXqJHlGJNviTsxU9P5cIzvoEHZMBlymBRwb3JzTf7mT82EK6ed9h7e-oWU55kP96o08XK9SoGlCm8AImgkPiMMKDEappzigNv3N9lLzkq0Mp1Tq_mq5peAtD4js7o9qayJDyW340syDAZqZC2g=s16000" /></a></div><br /><div style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica; font-size: x-large;">“</span><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">We have calcium in our bones, iron in our veins, carbon in our souls, and nitrogen in our brains. Ninety-three percent stardust, with souls made of flames, we are all just stars that have people names.”</span><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica; font-size: x-large;"> </span><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica;"><span style="font-size: medium;">— Nikita Gill</span></span></div>
<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhCUdgRNfK8duVEJsLS4iRrXF60YI5hvzUGUAKU2isTCkLOiA4NtKOiD8vsq0C86J-xfJoBs2XChkA7-LbruSUmzYojovKgKf8xipM-_ZJSSCUy78-H1a79nh42lqZ6L6q7_1B5qbzWGei56VCoU-qZMeuiydKANJiN2mzYsYTHti_GeOpUYAF23_Vimw=s750" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="626" data-original-width="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhCUdgRNfK8duVEJsLS4iRrXF60YI5hvzUGUAKU2isTCkLOiA4NtKOiD8vsq0C86J-xfJoBs2XChkA7-LbruSUmzYojovKgKf8xipM-_ZJSSCUy78-H1a79nh42lqZ6L6q7_1B5qbzWGei56VCoU-qZMeuiydKANJiN2mzYsYTHti_GeOpUYAF23_Vimw=s16000" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgAqJnDN3FwlRkhEJ6daW7q8sJU2MT8UGq6kuU4nwtahyAegZFLNsLGwTrg6LeLHm10iXrWdyXm2q8484qFomEcPEo_0OROdtGBs1anoJhFRw8qjR1KQhYAd-m5Q-Nyq505C6BjyKzv2aO25yjAPPPyjdcT0zEU4nrCQBkETVki_WSgCeqcnzYNZv4yJA=s750" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="563" data-original-width="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgAqJnDN3FwlRkhEJ6daW7q8sJU2MT8UGq6kuU4nwtahyAegZFLNsLGwTrg6LeLHm10iXrWdyXm2q8484qFomEcPEo_0OROdtGBs1anoJhFRw8qjR1KQhYAd-m5Q-Nyq505C6BjyKzv2aO25yjAPPPyjdcT0zEU4nrCQBkETVki_WSgCeqcnzYNZv4yJA=s16000" /></a></div><br /><br /><div style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">“What are we but shooting stars, hoping to shine long enough to make at least one soul believe in the magic.”</span><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica; font-size: x-large;"> </span><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica;"><span style="font-size: medium;">— Sherry Namdeo</span></span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEipM8M_ONnx74AXVZCaeYeGvuCSlR0S94Y2pQoz8ijuZYylPfcQ_Iw964Maz_LbkkE_r_uefVOijYVhDdI0ucyV_Mi8wEHEo3_xYOCm4n-wQbr_hYd__zSTduINO0_kXEsvhxs4ZId5Jk5VNdqILHzK7Grz5xSyOAk_ydEhXhx7QTrQ_CJ4EI4J5Sx4cw=s700" style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="575" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEipM8M_ONnx74AXVZCaeYeGvuCSlR0S94Y2pQoz8ijuZYylPfcQ_Iw964Maz_LbkkE_r_uefVOijYVhDdI0ucyV_Mi8wEHEo3_xYOCm4n-wQbr_hYd__zSTduINO0_kXEsvhxs4ZId5Jk5VNdqILHzK7Grz5xSyOAk_ydEhXhx7QTrQ_CJ4EI4J5Sx4cw=s16000" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: left;">A big "THANK YOU" to my incredibly supportive husband George. You make all my crazy projects possible and tolerate endless discussion about mundane details of French cleats, miniature, stainless steel screw eyes, and weight capacity of D-rings. You are truly my partner in all projects and I love you. </span></div></div></span></div></span></div>Nessyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09162374688956449698noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2262034438607647152.post-86409689297123209212021-11-24T08:36:00.002-05:002021-11-24T08:45:47.905-05:00Swiss Chalet House Portrait<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi2oQRtuMUSdIhMIzv13XcUq6vq3SiySxsApIvaGzaZGmpGLHBvuTJna8ik491IfsAjOGWkt3A5MMwwUlHPSrwqkLOV9_1zfLuYzXB0nlOyyv0gUojaIOhFQvw1TBN7Tf_0KHGwE0X0c1FmKvS-SMTjtZsnl4Alrn_BdI5WINnihO1QgI7_g3RREcOu0A" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="582" data-original-width="775" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi2oQRtuMUSdIhMIzv13XcUq6vq3SiySxsApIvaGzaZGmpGLHBvuTJna8ik491IfsAjOGWkt3A5MMwwUlHPSrwqkLOV9_1zfLuYzXB0nlOyyv0gUojaIOhFQvw1TBN7Tf_0KHGwE0X0c1FmKvS-SMTjtZsnl4Alrn_BdI5WINnihO1QgI7_g3RREcOu0A"/></a></div>
The architecture of Cincinnati never ceases to amaze me. In addition to the Tudor and Bungalow style, one of my absolute favorites is the Swiss Chalet. So when my friend and neighbor, Julie, asked me to do a house portrait for her I was so excited!<br /><br />The Swiss Chalet style experienced a revival in North America from 1900 to 1925. Architect Andrew Jackson Downing was credited for the resurgence of the style after publication of his book, <i>The Architecture of Country Houses</i> (1850). The style was also popularized by the publications of William S.B. Dana’s,<i> <a href="https://dahp.wa.gov/sites/default/files/The_Swiss_chalet_book_1913.pdf" target="_blank">The Swiss Chalet Book</a></i> (1913), and Henry Saylor’s <i><a href="https://dahp.wa.gov/sites/default/files/ArchitecturalStyles_forCountryHouses_SwissChalet_1912.pdf" target="_blank">Architectural Styles for County Houses: The Swiss Chalet Type</a></i> (1912). <br /><br />Here are a few of my favorite images from Dana's, <i><a href="https://dahp.wa.gov/sites/default/files/The_Swiss_chalet_book_1913.pdf" target="_blank">The Swiss Chalet Book</a></i>. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiVvMCjaNROE_EzY5tohP2WethfSAW9SIIn5VnoduBn8jm-Kga1M8qIfsVlnWCC4CaCFgoJW4Dbeehv98J2IeyXVoxMnU-1m1u723UMhEbp0jIM6aENplz4mnGqV3Sdak-D6XkMyXYCOJje31PeCSrTg61xDfcGoDs7nzPkYVRqax6XaFE8X2DvEjEkRg=s700" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="502" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiVvMCjaNROE_EzY5tohP2WethfSAW9SIIn5VnoduBn8jm-Kga1M8qIfsVlnWCC4CaCFgoJW4Dbeehv98J2IeyXVoxMnU-1m1u723UMhEbp0jIM6aENplz4mnGqV3Sdak-D6XkMyXYCOJje31PeCSrTg61xDfcGoDs7nzPkYVRqax6XaFE8X2DvEjEkRg=s16000" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj_UbB4W446robP12hmuvy2XW0Evtsc4vW43ftHTEL8SFK8W4JOyOFjIBUppafVcx3xTdSj4a-k1liuxfxkIn9tdoGHHhiStbg5vr6jdVXz_4F-LUNls5EfwxJAPWiqKalddEckaSldiCOylSbcYXiJvCW_ftQ9DfgEkw23KarWeog7G0M1mpIzp-mm4g=s700" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="498" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj_UbB4W446robP12hmuvy2XW0Evtsc4vW43ftHTEL8SFK8W4JOyOFjIBUppafVcx3xTdSj4a-k1liuxfxkIn9tdoGHHhiStbg5vr6jdVXz_4F-LUNls5EfwxJAPWiqKalddEckaSldiCOylSbcYXiJvCW_ftQ9DfgEkw23KarWeog7G0M1mpIzp-mm4g=s16000" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiQ1jFnTYi8MqByatpXlZFdY6Ibo5LbLTelxclLLW4fMkueLlSTN1eohXvR-XFL4jcYd2NZl-dTM3bsV2v5qE9g8j24zZBGKMXG5IyUblnZU7Ejc0CzxKVwpjVfcBqe1m-s93hI7z8WAuYWq5nddr_08LiLgW1H4PC2XSAdDb0_LyO_dLoF0mP6XHhONQ=s700" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="439" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiQ1jFnTYi8MqByatpXlZFdY6Ibo5LbLTelxclLLW4fMkueLlSTN1eohXvR-XFL4jcYd2NZl-dTM3bsV2v5qE9g8j24zZBGKMXG5IyUblnZU7Ejc0CzxKVwpjVfcBqe1m-s93hI7z8WAuYWq5nddr_08LiLgW1H4PC2XSAdDb0_LyO_dLoF0mP6XHhONQ=s16000" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj9nlISn0ZSFYHumgYPFKF3f9owC3ph4NzutYX_RVsFE-P5iS_011YpdEtmEwvHo6KhV87-NlaTt6UYoO0pDrCCmVTSQ1GzltrcpAWsck1tpKd_xi--J3yfcGCeuyU61YkzCXXUj7mKY17c8yFbMArsYCNafaz-73xrW_FFNao-VFm4lEo7dgxs4AYQIg=s700" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="510" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj9nlISn0ZSFYHumgYPFKF3f9owC3ph4NzutYX_RVsFE-P5iS_011YpdEtmEwvHo6KhV87-NlaTt6UYoO0pDrCCmVTSQ1GzltrcpAWsck1tpKd_xi--J3yfcGCeuyU61YkzCXXUj7mKY17c8yFbMArsYCNafaz-73xrW_FFNao-VFm4lEo7dgxs4AYQIg=s16000" /></a></div><br /><br /><div>The Swiss Chalet style was not widespread in the United States, but we are lucky that Cincinnati was one of the rare locations where it enjoyed popularity. Cincinnati architect, Lucien Plympton, is credited with bringing the Swiss chalet style to Cincinnati during the Arts & Crafts era of the early twentieth century.<br /><br />The City of Cincinnati's <a href="https://www.cincinnati-oh.gov/buildings/historic-conservation-old/major-architectural-styles/swiss-chalet-1885-to-1910/" target="_blank">website</a> offers this diagram to show some of the characteristics of the style:<br /><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgu3nCEFeALQaOw9shTc_P_ZuYLwodIJtUQIo9uuhcX6VsUNidPFALVgRWs0f-HiXxslvv8LKDf9x6VBonB2aPTzk0m-1_UxRj3qvduV0oXAt2J6QAH3Rfp7zf7KJcE5yScBgY1eGChfD76XEvVTzZah8hACr_u1XWinPq8Jq_MfBtsdUSYu7g0mWMuog=s600" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="474" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgu3nCEFeALQaOw9shTc_P_ZuYLwodIJtUQIo9uuhcX6VsUNidPFALVgRWs0f-HiXxslvv8LKDf9x6VBonB2aPTzk0m-1_UxRj3qvduV0oXAt2J6QAH3Rfp7zf7KJcE5yScBgY1eGChfD76XEvVTzZah8hACr_u1XWinPq8Jq_MfBtsdUSYu7g0mWMuog=s16000" /></a></div>
<br />In my pencil sketch below, you can see my friend Julie's house displays the gabled roof with wide eaves, the decorative wood banding, large carved brackets, and a bay window. The house had so much intricate detail that I ended up having to enlarge some of the fancy woodwork in my sketch...otherwise it was simply too small to draw. When I think about whoever built this house and all the attention to detail, it blows my mind! <br /><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh31_yv46A_fdQzXLfRH5nSDtGWYi8JFlI-oE-6C28y7hC1Il6IA6daNaEUdeNTzpAKD9qxj1dfdTB8Mu4P1i1dZTDfFXV7lZN2zcXy1af8Fk5LE6mmD_D63Lj8KY9W58M7zSZWc8xHU-KXOA9LDXvYLnSnDUGUO50p6IRNg4jUxhzxyVJZwlr5kIPiDw" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="516" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh31_yv46A_fdQzXLfRH5nSDtGWYi8JFlI-oE-6C28y7hC1Il6IA6daNaEUdeNTzpAKD9qxj1dfdTB8Mu4P1i1dZTDfFXV7lZN2zcXy1af8Fk5LE6mmD_D63Lj8KY9W58M7zSZWc8xHU-KXOA9LDXvYLnSnDUGUO50p6IRNg4jUxhzxyVJZwlr5kIPiDw" /></a></div>
Once the pencil sketch was finished I used carbon paper to transfer the drawing to heavy watercolor paper. I was not very happy with the transfer. It was super light and left a lot of fuzzy carbon everywhere that didn't erase well. I wish I had taken a picture of it at that stage. I ended up basically having to re-draw it entirely in pencil again. I figure by the time I am done with the portrait I have easily gone over each line about 5-7 times. Below you can see the inked-in drawing.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhL3kYIC1J9fFHAvqADCOLWcKOBVTtwBrRu8rJy9SB2A5fGJ8GoD7oYJx8FNfsTPlUg-J1Hs_MegX4Fvl0SALuwj6B-ksC9lP8z1TetC-ytZ2nCX7k7Am2_SOJAb9Bvqq0ZvvHmL_rrN0ozSo1OE9bf1j1-2BM8K9AbPelya1-kUmtq0AbkZ_39u8FEJg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="527" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhL3kYIC1J9fFHAvqADCOLWcKOBVTtwBrRu8rJy9SB2A5fGJ8GoD7oYJx8FNfsTPlUg-J1Hs_MegX4Fvl0SALuwj6B-ksC9lP8z1TetC-ytZ2nCX7k7Am2_SOJAb9Bvqq0ZvvHmL_rrN0ozSo1OE9bf1j1-2BM8K9AbPelya1-kUmtq0AbkZ_39u8FEJg" /></a></div>
Adding the watercolor is my favorite part of the process. Below you can see the house with just two colors. I often like how it looks at this stage and want to stop. But of course, I could never stop here because it is so fun to add the shadows that make it look three dimensional. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEic9tndcsUDLoIgKa6PsW4_Idv05BJFtGJ9s9Dovk34pSfGXHUZ0wh4bhg56VM7lYKGJxT3_gvFTkYXsvm5mn7SPElR-OOP2KbB9A78pyiiVP9nbDBH2nG8l_56AIVY8tWEUbVqprYlSaKJEEvp7W9kyV0QA5oWM9v-1GwbwE67aeVKGdmHx0Z47wsskg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="559" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEic9tndcsUDLoIgKa6PsW4_Idv05BJFtGJ9s9Dovk34pSfGXHUZ0wh4bhg56VM7lYKGJxT3_gvFTkYXsvm5mn7SPElR-OOP2KbB9A78pyiiVP9nbDBH2nG8l_56AIVY8tWEUbVqprYlSaKJEEvp7W9kyV0QA5oWM9v-1GwbwE67aeVKGdmHx0Z47wsskg" /></a></div>
Here is a video of the process of coloring the sketch from start to finish. Turn on your volume! (Music by <a href="/users/lesfm-22579021/?tab=audio&utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=audio&utm_content=9833">Lesfm</a> from <a href="https://pixabay.com/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=music&utm_content=9833">Pixabay</a>)<br /><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="540" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ZM3hhNpUVH8" width="650" youtube-src-id="ZM3hhNpUVH8"></iframe></div>
<br />My desk is always a complete and utter mess at the end. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjppJtA1bpbCXjTVwnpFj1H8BWiB8U77PsNHfAUciTvyFQ7oEHY0fTC3yx3vgBpxvLOJu9-r3T9LYAZ4Ee8MCCM7OKKHPOyO32zJRX4C6tpbFfFnMf8-uneBr5HQsNtOlhRD6eeboDny6x7X4XnJc_rmpLug7X5YyYnQhqIT7IYsHPQj8SsbkpcX_NvbA" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="525" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjppJtA1bpbCXjTVwnpFj1H8BWiB8U77PsNHfAUciTvyFQ7oEHY0fTC3yx3vgBpxvLOJu9-r3T9LYAZ4Ee8MCCM7OKKHPOyO32zJRX4C6tpbFfFnMf8-uneBr5HQsNtOlhRD6eeboDny6x7X4XnJc_rmpLug7X5YyYnQhqIT7IYsHPQj8SsbkpcX_NvbA" /></a></div>
I was watching a video recently about sketchers who are documenting climate change through their drawings. The moderator asked each participant what they thought about the idea that "Attention equals love." Each artist agreed and described their experience of love and loss. I have come across this concept before in various ways and every time I hear it, it strikes me deeply as the truth. The moderator credited it to John Muir Laws and when I googled it I came across this <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/living-intimately/201105/attention-is-the-most-basic-form-love-2" target="_blank">quote</a>:<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica;"><span style="font-size: large;">"Attention is the most basic form of love.</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Through it, we bless and are blessed."</span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">— John Tarrant</span></span></div><br />I whole-heartedly agree and have long felt that where we put our attention is one of our greatest powers. We don't realize it, but our focused attention is like an ultra powerful beam of love that we can direct onto anything we choose. When we consciously give our entire attention to some one or some thing and are fully present, it is a tremendously powerful gift.<br /><br />To bring it back to the topic at hand, when I look at the Swiss chalet style of architecture, I see these houses as love made manifest. The time and attention that went into crafting all the detail is none other than love in physical form. That is why it feels so good to create. And that is also what happens when we draw something. To drink in all the details and then try to re-create the lines is the deepest form of honoring your subject. The line of the pencil hugs every curve and nuance. If I am truly giving it my full attention, for a moment I become my subject and my subject becomes me and time disappears. To lose oneself in love is one of life's greatest pleasures. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjtmARc9HxHLxnkD4G8u76uC52XAjt7rgz_fF7hI8hq0mZPCidob458tppP57vkKD_B2jmGWI_ZpYtEyqdyTOvrfpoxznT0hljckdb5fKfmXf8dF9RiXQntlRB6MmR2aHIqRyIy8-k3_XkR5FPJC12RHAVediR3oqtS6fsWIQGDK_LbddJlciJZq55y_Q" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="515" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjtmARc9HxHLxnkD4G8u76uC52XAjt7rgz_fF7hI8hq0mZPCidob458tppP57vkKD_B2jmGWI_ZpYtEyqdyTOvrfpoxznT0hljckdb5fKfmXf8dF9RiXQntlRB6MmR2aHIqRyIy8-k3_XkR5FPJC12RHAVediR3oqtS6fsWIQGDK_LbddJlciJZq55y_Q" /></a></div>
<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">“Attention is the beginning of devotion.”</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">― Mary Oliver</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiuH-hI5lg26F3dMg-krSQt6IXO0ZwJSoGGVgDfSBDhwKno__vCapniTGkZ3FtbGEocFTGONkMCCuApwRQBYtPM9Ny1Y3UJh08pAdZzd4EcSziH3oEWbRR4wWjTiapV09jQ_fWmEcJyZQyAml74NSnIqRHAAIDCfVg1HufCq3lQF1k7OyaEaGdbOfuIOA" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="680" data-original-width="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiuH-hI5lg26F3dMg-krSQt6IXO0ZwJSoGGVgDfSBDhwKno__vCapniTGkZ3FtbGEocFTGONkMCCuApwRQBYtPM9Ny1Y3UJh08pAdZzd4EcSziH3oEWbRR4wWjTiapV09jQ_fWmEcJyZQyAml74NSnIqRHAAIDCfVg1HufCq3lQF1k7OyaEaGdbOfuIOA" /></a></div>
Nessyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09162374688956449698noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2262034438607647152.post-64368014351735599462021-11-07T09:40:00.003-05:002021-12-02T13:55:27.397-05:00Pigsqueak Linocut: Tiger Lily Press Calendar<br />
<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhON543pvn-_fb3no_JhEWUG7lS-clz7LTUDI3N3bO3EkWylEODGPhhjAD27eaBXSrk2E0sIwza1hAAcL39iqGjzLcGmnG4_j4kjuMG-NQ1g-rmNaIPft0Q7GPWMtaAtfmOiAeTytFmXiJnaRn60X8zMmYIRSxyZFot1aQV3QKlWA6K_dmwR8TKrMpTBQ=s700" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="669" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhON543pvn-_fb3no_JhEWUG7lS-clz7LTUDI3N3bO3EkWylEODGPhhjAD27eaBXSrk2E0sIwza1hAAcL39iqGjzLcGmnG4_j4kjuMG-NQ1g-rmNaIPft0Q7GPWMtaAtfmOiAeTytFmXiJnaRn60X8zMmYIRSxyZFot1aQV3QKlWA6K_dmwR8TKrMpTBQ=s16000" /></a></div>
<br /><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica;">INSPIRATION</span><br /><br />When we moved into our house almost twenty years ago we inherited a GIANT garden full of plants that had been carefully tended by the previous owners, both full-time gardeners. To give you an idea of the attention to detail, we received a map of the garden and almost all of the hostas had little metal labels pushed into the ground next to them with their names handwritten on tiny placards. I have to admit we neglected the yard for a couple years and when I finally turned my attention towards it, it was quite a jungle. Many of the plants, to their credit, managed to survive behind and under the weeds.<br /><br />One plant, in particular, always caught my attention. Even though I never tended to it, a beautiful sprig of pink blossoms would push its way out of lettuce-like foliage each spring. I always thought the leaves left a little to be desired with their thick, vegetable-type appearance, but the plant slowly made its way into my heart. And each spring I became more and more enamored with the flowers. After maybe fifteen years I finally asked my friend from Finland if she knew what it was and she said it was "<i>Bergenia</i>." When I looked it up, I found it's scientific name is <i>Bergenia cordifolia</i>...<i>cordifolia</i> meaning heart-shaped leaves. The plant is commonly called "Pigsqueak" because the leaves "squeak" when rubbed between thumb and finger. It has also been described as "tough as nails." <br /><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjD0ZTdN3Pt8GVojMlJF0Zhbt_V5PDVTKWjyUB_04eBwlVLsmSWVMoa1SRR6MIZabCx3WVS9AcwHrHBkDugsNcazgzevk5U_It1bmarDQ2ivhsyxIZOy_X5D9cRHQH6FLgcp9LXeEkKXiVTiYfUvwfkoQeejdvf7QOlHwHICLUXvhL2QdEiIOPxHYqV8g=s650" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="650" data-original-width="488" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjD0ZTdN3Pt8GVojMlJF0Zhbt_V5PDVTKWjyUB_04eBwlVLsmSWVMoa1SRR6MIZabCx3WVS9AcwHrHBkDugsNcazgzevk5U_It1bmarDQ2ivhsyxIZOy_X5D9cRHQH6FLgcp9LXeEkKXiVTiYfUvwfkoQeejdvf7QOlHwHICLUXvhL2QdEiIOPxHYqV8g=s16000" /></a></div>
<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">“If we could see the miracle of a single flower clearly our whole life would change.”<br />– Buddha</span></div><br />So when Tiger Lily Press asked if I would make a linocut print for their annual calendar, the hardy plant with the funny name and beautiful pink blossoms called out to me. <br /><br /><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica;">SKETCH AND TRANSFER</span><br /><br />I always begin each print by making a pencil sketch of my subject. I also planned to make a circular "chop" signature which I lightly drew in the bottom right-hand corner of the sketch. Below you can see my sketch and the sketch transferred to the block.<br /><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiyV4WlLQ_VXr_Fp05HsSSo25RNLvuNhMYWsjOQGB1p0KjcNbkx5TL7_iabSsoVOUpGhYieuRPqfiuMLV2-WJ2ajS3u784imOPR9C3wo6XQG8ySSVGPOcJMJYuKd2ulUP4MZCSp1xosi95-aeV7LOyODzOxaf8KJuYZCr4l7wxJioJYHRzaofmSiVAkTQ=s650" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="449" data-original-width="650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiyV4WlLQ_VXr_Fp05HsSSo25RNLvuNhMYWsjOQGB1p0KjcNbkx5TL7_iabSsoVOUpGhYieuRPqfiuMLV2-WJ2ajS3u784imOPR9C3wo6XQG8ySSVGPOcJMJYuKd2ulUP4MZCSp1xosi95-aeV7LOyODzOxaf8KJuYZCr4l7wxJioJYHRzaofmSiVAkTQ=s16000" /></a></div>
<br />I almost always use Safety-Kut for my carving material, but this time I used "real" linoleum because I was going to be printing at Tiger Lily with one of the presses (Safety-Kut mushes on a press). I normally transfer my sketch onto Safety-Kut by flipping the pencil sketch over and rubbing. However, I wasn't sure it would transfer as well onto real linoleum so I ended up using carbon paper (shown below). This detail will become important later!<br /><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEju-midO1Ay4m8VETobDta3L5ZRFjG3sgKPBmLkyTUHeCch3J6Yf_yW_KEGq2SZ1DO7sVJnJ-Z3oxD7fEwCUf7ksFevKcRC_Um0I5Vw6-yHS8XsdK3pnMOjktFVfG1fCcf3BSRvqqnqIwk4q3yTvmALKZ_CZSeVE-pT_BsHHcvVQy9WQaTCbYbC1sAKNQ=s650" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="477" data-original-width="650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEju-midO1Ay4m8VETobDta3L5ZRFjG3sgKPBmLkyTUHeCch3J6Yf_yW_KEGq2SZ1DO7sVJnJ-Z3oxD7fEwCUf7ksFevKcRC_Um0I5Vw6-yHS8XsdK3pnMOjktFVfG1fCcf3BSRvqqnqIwk4q3yTvmALKZ_CZSeVE-pT_BsHHcvVQy9WQaTCbYbC1sAKNQ=s16000" /></a></div>
<br /><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica;">CARVING</span><br /><br />Once the image is transferred to the plate it is time to carve! Carving is my favorite part of the process and I LOVE how the plate looks during the carving process...so bear with me for showing so many photos.<br /><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEisENnUNtu2eXQ0WOOktJHuw6uFrtMoZxh5dS1gTw4iHYm0xlVlylqrzgMCfjkPrxj70Qc5tzWgfdc0zgPuraRMI5zWcrOFVmKAkQOQ0Phw4Ary6nsP0P4Lj_cLE-GdmZHl4hGcQFjB8MFN70fWa9pheR2bAPAH2UQuZWvrHdpyZG5dwxeb3UTYcF4feg=s750" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="563" data-original-width="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEisENnUNtu2eXQ0WOOktJHuw6uFrtMoZxh5dS1gTw4iHYm0xlVlylqrzgMCfjkPrxj70Qc5tzWgfdc0zgPuraRMI5zWcrOFVmKAkQOQ0Phw4Ary6nsP0P4Lj_cLE-GdmZHl4hGcQFjB8MFN70fWa9pheR2bAPAH2UQuZWvrHdpyZG5dwxeb3UTYcF4feg=s16000" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi90lH-wZ9tlkQX5d7eHWCGGmITf9-sIe3l4etaPYzKpweIL5dpE1VRIP9ikpDCRuskjBlqMzC5N1pSCEZsK0956hygheZMFsKb_TSHDZ-TKx3iwV9IXJKk4_kMc2XNrjcTZtW-I-cvn-RGPNdJNV-_achw9oQyKx-e5nXPRhZsWcMzacb6JhDCqTjatA=s700" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="525" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi90lH-wZ9tlkQX5d7eHWCGGmITf9-sIe3l4etaPYzKpweIL5dpE1VRIP9ikpDCRuskjBlqMzC5N1pSCEZsK0956hygheZMFsKb_TSHDZ-TKx3iwV9IXJKk4_kMc2XNrjcTZtW-I-cvn-RGPNdJNV-_achw9oQyKx-e5nXPRhZsWcMzacb6JhDCqTjatA=s16000" /></a></div>
<br /><div style="text-align: center;">In this video I show how to make perfect circular holes in linocut using a drill bit.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="540" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/tbY69dXr1A4" width="650" youtube-src-id="tbY69dXr1A4"></iframe></div><br /><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgaDJQRub1dYHtzC0Q7YL8vHN5DmO7uoFu01f0bRWHTaG4Dj-12eBgGKK7slNFd-1EZy3KVzJpFiureLzKs9FzItx2EDbo42CZNYFpgCQoWcH2bjvd2Gulmh1RlbXReM1o7hrieWg9MNKWCRZSBazVRa2OtmqWYmLC5weACTcn_XJbK6v_hldbrsQDEug=s750" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="563" data-original-width="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgaDJQRub1dYHtzC0Q7YL8vHN5DmO7uoFu01f0bRWHTaG4Dj-12eBgGKK7slNFd-1EZy3KVzJpFiureLzKs9FzItx2EDbo42CZNYFpgCQoWcH2bjvd2Gulmh1RlbXReM1o7hrieWg9MNKWCRZSBazVRa2OtmqWYmLC5weACTcn_XJbK6v_hldbrsQDEug=s16000" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjNlFxKGv0GOd6wN93UvczgFZH-N1RXwNao6dkEg_RoBqDYXJg6B4wLPuhAYcLgi9OSJ58lq5AcYTMnI1icULvQAUck9s2r9Ah2WnhxJT4Et1I2xkOkUEnLkD5qmSLpcTbMTymnDDvU8CcSx87ELhiHtvBlhrGTsQLXqzHlkNp0DSbJ8i4-FsxCbKJ77Q=s750" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="563" data-original-width="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjNlFxKGv0GOd6wN93UvczgFZH-N1RXwNao6dkEg_RoBqDYXJg6B4wLPuhAYcLgi9OSJ58lq5AcYTMnI1icULvQAUck9s2r9Ah2WnhxJT4Et1I2xkOkUEnLkD5qmSLpcTbMTymnDDvU8CcSx87ELhiHtvBlhrGTsQLXqzHlkNp0DSbJ8i4-FsxCbKJ77Q=s16000" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgN8afD0vQ74Z5sqtyenMeTw_e02wm7XVAADLVImcMOyv2WQpF4_FlU5mgSM18k_WaFji0INMY2a2qESNzXxMOY9E2EacOwhmQhJ5K8O7QogbmEfxWbBYOTE3CpEd0_Gj-lmFQbmkVzn0RDqkSL7QF27NIt1xtvWTtkKhW2Yx4VpkwPxlTRA-RL9vfXXg=s700" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="525" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgN8afD0vQ74Z5sqtyenMeTw_e02wm7XVAADLVImcMOyv2WQpF4_FlU5mgSM18k_WaFji0INMY2a2qESNzXxMOY9E2EacOwhmQhJ5K8O7QogbmEfxWbBYOTE3CpEd0_Gj-lmFQbmkVzn0RDqkSL7QF27NIt1xtvWTtkKhW2Yx4VpkwPxlTRA-RL9vfXXg=s16000" /></a></div>
<br /><div style="text-align: center;">You have to be careful when you leave the room for any amount of time. Their are lurkers who try and steal your seat.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi2boA5_q9eTE7yIRtt1DV2hXJqzi6paU-W70-eHf_y9emv9p3kspByteLLxfi76FkK2qc6xbOi9nPJwItETF1YXDVWc3eXyr-RnimdsdHEKyEWL7AqDrva_s6tEBVbU3cJFdYjkJ_kOyzYEUDlJoFExBVhmEH5BRDOq-FSaaDkRiLS9Xuk2m-ykdyBVg=s750" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="581" data-original-width="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi2boA5_q9eTE7yIRtt1DV2hXJqzi6paU-W70-eHf_y9emv9p3kspByteLLxfi76FkK2qc6xbOi9nPJwItETF1YXDVWc3eXyr-RnimdsdHEKyEWL7AqDrva_s6tEBVbU3cJFdYjkJ_kOyzYEUDlJoFExBVhmEH5BRDOq-FSaaDkRiLS9Xuk2m-ykdyBVg=s16000" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiOLEcBCZ4YZeWuIwutNsehDrwKzC6znFx5sb5crA8tG-zJMsdgx0I6MkDhO_59wxQUTVP5nBa9MHaj-1QUDotO3hawLakm3fdXuyydZl5LSPsGk3ovuxSrUSSukHNKJPp7BUMtyEIYAlr8SIvTcZCD590YD27Lhzeg4e5dglWWQV2by9QyQgx2u5J7Ig=s750" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="563" data-original-width="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiOLEcBCZ4YZeWuIwutNsehDrwKzC6znFx5sb5crA8tG-zJMsdgx0I6MkDhO_59wxQUTVP5nBa9MHaj-1QUDotO3hawLakm3fdXuyydZl5LSPsGk3ovuxSrUSSukHNKJPp7BUMtyEIYAlr8SIvTcZCD590YD27Lhzeg4e5dglWWQV2by9QyQgx2u5J7Ig=s16000" /></a></div>
<br /><div style="text-align: center;">I thought the plate looked especially pretty at this stage.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjmRmVUNfxyrBXvhgvpOnt1FE6MEjrqmicw1jK7R0zqTqaELayr2sMKEt85oiKFKGuIOkGqgqaV-di6W3cetNY_1FLziZnshI-VCpEknFDAMybUMFiOxYBo1jdwaPEyhyPfGPztvZwPXqmiAsI7enxaFI6iD_XrnuvhVos2sbIUF_3lEMq7U7zx8jUwzQ=s700" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="525" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjmRmVUNfxyrBXvhgvpOnt1FE6MEjrqmicw1jK7R0zqTqaELayr2sMKEt85oiKFKGuIOkGqgqaV-di6W3cetNY_1FLziZnshI-VCpEknFDAMybUMFiOxYBo1jdwaPEyhyPfGPztvZwPXqmiAsI7enxaFI6iD_XrnuvhVos2sbIUF_3lEMq7U7zx8jUwzQ=s16000" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhaPVz_Awt5wQ2f3G11kwH93A4Z9ZslGQKNTsQ1TzA3_S0OLwWTQijFkLFpmhi-RIozD5BfVhmDdm5fhAbY5GeGdcMH2es6rnrllAGnFJVBPtGE1tZXTmxy9R6AWJRbbkAsOuHZEXz1w-uEY0jsG_NyvqFIOgox2uV_aUbJe8jGMBpMNMGBruQFhWUK7w=s750" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="563" data-original-width="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhaPVz_Awt5wQ2f3G11kwH93A4Z9ZslGQKNTsQ1TzA3_S0OLwWTQijFkLFpmhi-RIozD5BfVhmDdm5fhAbY5GeGdcMH2es6rnrllAGnFJVBPtGE1tZXTmxy9R6AWJRbbkAsOuHZEXz1w-uEY0jsG_NyvqFIOgox2uV_aUbJe8jGMBpMNMGBruQFhWUK7w=s16000" /></a></div>
<br /><div style="text-align: center;">This video shows the entire carving process from start to finish. Turn on your volume!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="540" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/H20tzYOvaHc" width="650" youtube-src-id="H20tzYOvaHc"></iframe></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhvG24nEDogtTaiSmJTr36_HYRpczfmGzT2DuSNn-1aGfRA8ZjeWMzJ4zvp7orM6-WFmx4p-K3m7ovZx2N4y2lkVuEmmd2wabN5elDRUc1ub5iZCeqDlQrHA_wlsx61skrbZh2qPjwcFWp7FEIhsYEu-E9444QbX_8omlVmo0ptSjySA_x8pNx_oplwaQ=s750" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="563" data-original-width="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhvG24nEDogtTaiSmJTr36_HYRpczfmGzT2DuSNn-1aGfRA8ZjeWMzJ4zvp7orM6-WFmx4p-K3m7ovZx2N4y2lkVuEmmd2wabN5elDRUc1ub5iZCeqDlQrHA_wlsx61skrbZh2qPjwcFWp7FEIhsYEu-E9444QbX_8omlVmo0ptSjySA_x8pNx_oplwaQ=s16000" /></a></div>
<br /><br />Below you can see the photo, sketch and carving all together. An experienced printmaker might notice a problem when looking at this photo. When I took the photo I was still in ignorant bliss.<br /><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjgweTc6v429p1xYWSZJGKzZtoaITCKeqWsW7n6LkfmHYt-E-kFlYtzNCBQDxJfK225cygB72e0ulmHxuIdGoogFUuotRidkHMSBMrfHrOQ8QVIZIxAGhccv7Qa26kzuS-oxRnA5_rb55hP3NhtQfFIhfwG_u-k3_c0kfxmAw9hhxdMlUvswyP8NO29DQ=s750" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="563" data-original-width="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjgweTc6v429p1xYWSZJGKzZtoaITCKeqWsW7n6LkfmHYt-E-kFlYtzNCBQDxJfK225cygB72e0ulmHxuIdGoogFUuotRidkHMSBMrfHrOQ8QVIZIxAGhccv7Qa26kzuS-oxRnA5_rb55hP3NhtQfFIhfwG_u-k3_c0kfxmAw9hhxdMlUvswyP8NO29DQ=s16000" /></a></div>
<br /><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica;">TEST PRINT</span><br /><br />The following one-minute video shows me inking the plate for the first time and pulling a test print. Again, turn on your volume!<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="540" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/jOLIhKWhHRk" width="650" youtube-src-id="jOLIhKWhHRk"></iframe></div><br /><br /><br />As you can see below, I discovered I'd made a rookie mistake and forgot to flip my image when I transferred it to the plate. Because I used carbon paper, the image was a direct transfer. Hence the print is backwards. Normally with a flower it wouldn't matter too much. But if you remember, I had wanted to put a "chop" signature in the bottom right-hand corner...and that was not going to work anymore. <br /><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhDWsSsEkEOlFpazmfWRpMK5-MueoC_PFeI12k8gwO3jc_UW_ICF-CUotj1P7cSR8MR5KQYVRLvkARy5sTj4I0JMWCvm0sHf5QskRhsUkk3XTH7PDq1NYdUVigB36x78MhO9ggKfoC5xUIrybiZL4R9whoR6cTbYkNFgzCBEGYZgFzBziMFJCqK4fzXWQ=s750" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhDWsSsEkEOlFpazmfWRpMK5-MueoC_PFeI12k8gwO3jc_UW_ICF-CUotj1P7cSR8MR5KQYVRLvkARy5sTj4I0JMWCvm0sHf5QskRhsUkk3XTH7PDq1NYdUVigB36x78MhO9ggKfoC5xUIrybiZL4R9whoR6cTbYkNFgzCBEGYZgFzBziMFJCqK4fzXWQ=s16000" /></a></div>
<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">“…this is the way reality appears in this moment,<br />and we do not want to argue with reality any longer,<br />for to do so only increases our struggle.” <br />― Matt Licata, <i>A Healing Space</i></span></div><br />
<br />I fretted over what to do for a couple days. Should I put the chop in the lower left-hand corner? Not do the chop? Re-carve?<br /><br />In the end I decided to re-carve the whole piece. Since I was re-doing it, I made a few improvements. I usually like for the lines of my subject to break the border and I forgot to do that the first time around. So, maybe in the end I was meant to carve it again. Below you can see the new carving on the left and the old on the right.<br /><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjlWhLIksu1J4hvVhTgQdRKy1Qkc-wmaXKFb15JyNADfdNpxShR-OdiFLOAkUaFR4zGEBbf5U8lM2aBsleyKjZ0d_YT0Qr4ypmBGM9zczdvn2_TGvMgZeCYGkclkj0fK3MYG-JRpi-xCL9YUWUi5Y0rqynaA7fCgcJWbA4D2CdwVUJGkDknvTGeKSy85w=s750" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="562" data-original-width="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjlWhLIksu1J4hvVhTgQdRKy1Qkc-wmaXKFb15JyNADfdNpxShR-OdiFLOAkUaFR4zGEBbf5U8lM2aBsleyKjZ0d_YT0Qr4ypmBGM9zczdvn2_TGvMgZeCYGkclkj0fK3MYG-JRpi-xCL9YUWUi5Y0rqynaA7fCgcJWbA4D2CdwVUJGkDknvTGeKSy85w=s16000" /></a></div>
<br /><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica;">PRINTING</span><br /><br />In late May I went to Tiger Lily Press to print the calendar with studio manager, Susan Naylor. Susan is a genius when it comes to making jigs to print on the Vandercook Proof Press. Below you can see Susan placing a calendar page onto the plate and how the plate fits perfectly snug in its jig.<br /><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEikrI-ia2GVvQx7Cht3unWGfIgyCezUlpb5p5FRMZ0Q7Q2ioqiicdkHhMpN3zS1KdakAY_FQGEVE6Ev639A3ZCIwJMFBCkjU3yjqhpYc4SOaqYH9mrHD3OCIayLEX_Sp7vnGelpZ5R3QSaVgupFIfw_BGqn52HZARO2Qn6IXuhGmuim3sisGXYxEgb93w=s750" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="563" data-original-width="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEikrI-ia2GVvQx7Cht3unWGfIgyCezUlpb5p5FRMZ0Q7Q2ioqiicdkHhMpN3zS1KdakAY_FQGEVE6Ev639A3ZCIwJMFBCkjU3yjqhpYc4SOaqYH9mrHD3OCIayLEX_Sp7vnGelpZ5R3QSaVgupFIfw_BGqn52HZARO2Qn6IXuhGmuim3sisGXYxEgb93w=s16000" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi28UfoFGhlJ0nheY7GtwT1fQynCsxyr33sF1Nw3WLSm_dY4y-IzooXWZm_Z4asQQlrrh52RK7xVTioNwUiMsprlF8PZHg-3dWLMeYJLZf_SGARbp9VhpeDVZKos_-H48UAFyFnhQw8pyrHhVAxvfDPeUv9nIThhuDpx063xgjzZEMz20qcPB6P5QeXUQ" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="554" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi28UfoFGhlJ0nheY7GtwT1fQynCsxyr33sF1Nw3WLSm_dY4y-IzooXWZm_Z4asQQlrrh52RK7xVTioNwUiMsprlF8PZHg-3dWLMeYJLZf_SGARbp9VhpeDVZKos_-H48UAFyFnhQw8pyrHhVAxvfDPeUv9nIThhuDpx063xgjzZEMz20qcPB6P5QeXUQ" /></a></div>
<br />The above photo was taken about midway through printing before our printing woes began. Our goal was to print at least 120 prints, and at around 108 we started to have a problem with blurry prints. We struggled and fussed with the jig for about an hour before we decided to call it quits. I figured I would hand-burnish the rest at home. Below you can see the problem. After a while the plate can get warped which causes movement in the press and hence blurry prints.<br /><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgCxEZtWR2eyWEle5wsnjlBpEaNT0xsh-mBPgrC-He_Kk6I4yqhs_VsoAUGRgEgmU_pDr8-jluyX54t8to3GVmY6F_QXcBdFUh9uaIJ22dSnqiGxAR3P9Og2i8hsP6m9mvtst0ZR4ouSIP82_X6z4AlCBdyIz7yaPFJkAXRDi83ADtCbcWZTWCPyuNOwQ=s700" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="653" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgCxEZtWR2eyWEle5wsnjlBpEaNT0xsh-mBPgrC-He_Kk6I4yqhs_VsoAUGRgEgmU_pDr8-jluyX54t8to3GVmY6F_QXcBdFUh9uaIJ22dSnqiGxAR3P9Og2i8hsP6m9mvtst0ZR4ouSIP82_X6z4AlCBdyIz7yaPFJkAXRDi83ADtCbcWZTWCPyuNOwQ=s16000" /></a></div>
<br />Because I had been having some shoulder issues, I enlisted the help of my best-burnisher husband George. He helped me print the remaining calendar prints plus a handful more that will eventually be available at <a href="http://NessyPress.com">NessyPress.com</a>.<br /><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEghzOYS2Oew1qInSWThcPF01yxGlXRh8luf-9jq6h1I6c6U_-rtaYbs3-vUNFYK1GSXL-DwLBlXZBXhj_sTcrKII0vBpqOB-DMnyCF4aU0fYqF2T3lFtgp1xp-dEttn0rkby4x4MGpsKQx86LrRYUaSZiz_SkqOEjAUoVH62bpkpuAAnSYtsHxtYiRqPQ=s700" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="525" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEghzOYS2Oew1qInSWThcPF01yxGlXRh8luf-9jq6h1I6c6U_-rtaYbs3-vUNFYK1GSXL-DwLBlXZBXhj_sTcrKII0vBpqOB-DMnyCF4aU0fYqF2T3lFtgp1xp-dEttn0rkby4x4MGpsKQx86LrRYUaSZiz_SkqOEjAUoVH62bpkpuAAnSYtsHxtYiRqPQ=s16000" /></a></div>
<br /><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica;">HAND-TINTING</span><br /><br />The calendar is typically printed in one color (usually black) and from the very beginning I knew I might be disappointed to make a black-and-white print of such a colorful flower. I figured once they were printed I would time myself hand-tinting one with watercolor to help me decide if I really could paint all 120 prints. My test print only took me less than 5 minutes so I did the math and figured that 120 prints would take me 10 hours. Little did I know that as I went along I would spend longer and longer on each one. In the end it took me weeks to finish them all. This video shows a sped-up painting of one of the prints. Turn your volume on!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">"To be entirely present to each thing that crosses our consciousness, to our most banal and repetitive experiences, is the door to awakening." <br />—</span><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"> </span><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">Daniel Odier, <i>Tantric Quest: An Encounter with Absolute Love</i></span></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="540" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/mlx9Y1RrTHI" width="650" youtube-src-id="mlx9Y1RrTHI"></iframe></div><br /><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica;"><br />CHOP SIGNATURE</span><br /><br />After finishing the hand-tinting I started thinking about the "chop" signature. I love the way Japanese prints are often signed with a red "chop" in the lower right hand corner. I decided to make a butterfly chop for two reasons: 1) because my name, "Vanessa," is the genus of a butterfly, and 2) because a butterfly is appropriate for a flower print. I also ended up hiding my initials in the body of the butterfly. Below I highlighted the vertical "V", "A", and "S" in black and grey so you can see the hidden letters.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgWY0LSHxufvorG8cLpv_6fJw4qTcM4GL18fKO-wTAvgYdUpNQGDmfs4s6MPqxqOB7_lOTlddbUQCM946HVfjhZWto1_RdH_28P4qcIUN85onIWRwpFQq8wzdf9iJPCyMaEz36FrIEJYa_gCL9YyPgJTl3DYpO-yDCUk2Rg_uxVwfn2F86mX8TxiD5o4A" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="238" data-original-width="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgWY0LSHxufvorG8cLpv_6fJw4qTcM4GL18fKO-wTAvgYdUpNQGDmfs4s6MPqxqOB7_lOTlddbUQCM946HVfjhZWto1_RdH_28P4qcIUN85onIWRwpFQq8wzdf9iJPCyMaEz36FrIEJYa_gCL9YyPgJTl3DYpO-yDCUk2Rg_uxVwfn2F86mX8TxiD5o4A" /></a></div>Originally I thought I would use Safety-Kut to carve the chop. After two failed attempts at getting enough detail I thought I would try carving out of wood. A quick trip to Michaels and I came home with some thin wood circles. I was able to get more detail from the wood and ended up gluing the wood disc to a small dowel rod. The results were OK, but still not as crisp as I would have liked.<br /><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjzQhFW8i3G2tEXiNgHNp3J5m3rTA7RwH9R0h42ZNx94RY9jgQIHJJuAiv70JuJ8YdpjAdQ9S6uh8g04gkIFjMIupvAWV4r3Gw2__jy7QTtbqMftIxnu5ll9zj_ZVSBNHNwiROxwTrc5JZd97AGjCsXuTP6_GrI6FGPESeLQKgF428kCKY5r4kTekVizA=s700" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="525" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjzQhFW8i3G2tEXiNgHNp3J5m3rTA7RwH9R0h42ZNx94RY9jgQIHJJuAiv70JuJ8YdpjAdQ9S6uh8g04gkIFjMIupvAWV4r3Gw2__jy7QTtbqMftIxnu5ll9zj_ZVSBNHNwiROxwTrc5JZd97AGjCsXuTP6_GrI6FGPESeLQKgF428kCKY5r4kTekVizA=s16000" /></a></div>
<br />I got attached to the idea that my initials were hidden in the chop and really wanted it to be legible. So I ended up having a rubber stamp made at Hathaway Stamp in downtown Cincinnati. <br /><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgabSJI3Gs4kq7wdUzAJuT-_ZLn5yQPqayeYNorDlQ4BTewpReS8tqD0VBSZkf0MjdiYu3UE2g_R6Y4NGIcPw5kZ_sGZBZnfVVv7904qHZYZZpXpkoSdxhpjlB5cM4_tqEd65pkVGeh0AE8h8LUNeWDXx-ZNcYFyie_XK7nQU4Lfy_UqT1M767A1Dpbng=s750" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="563" data-original-width="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgabSJI3Gs4kq7wdUzAJuT-_ZLn5yQPqayeYNorDlQ4BTewpReS8tqD0VBSZkf0MjdiYu3UE2g_R6Y4NGIcPw5kZ_sGZBZnfVVv7904qHZYZZpXpkoSdxhpjlB5cM4_tqEd65pkVGeh0AE8h8LUNeWDXx-ZNcYFyie_XK7nQU4Lfy_UqT1M767A1Dpbng=s16000" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgAEjBzDotYAdn41j4zHVHVKF9O0VWMZbJsTw-1DDnAi1VuZv1HJtm9ZcDqWbdBCIaosAzKGwoWzI46yk9Zc536_BdxHX6u2Z1P97ySCUrWtbn3ycDNHVVFHQn_nu2-zQ6FhYVcavYYMoyR2zgyVpt5VojH35r-xYuH2mQ4S6_7S6r4lA8islx6n36KsA=s750" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="563" data-original-width="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgAEjBzDotYAdn41j4zHVHVKF9O0VWMZbJsTw-1DDnAi1VuZv1HJtm9ZcDqWbdBCIaosAzKGwoWzI46yk9Zc536_BdxHX6u2Z1P97ySCUrWtbn3ycDNHVVFHQn_nu2-zQ6FhYVcavYYMoyR2zgyVpt5VojH35r-xYuH2mQ4S6_7S6r4lA8islx6n36KsA=s16000" /></a></div>
<br /><div style="text-align: center;">The photo below show all of my attempts at carving the chop, plus the rubber stamp.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhudThyl26LjgSEswtJHHDJZiv1mr8pHLUIZlOPG6J3FmyM5iXOKm5DcSZ3seDCVWXy56YWIJywbxNoCERl_XYIxOZ_ybf58YopBVUzyjmc76Ju_RJI_oNKfmDBJScgljsZb8dgvycLtfE5dSuPAv36FZop8VtEhsSLgEOZ5G5zWtkLP_K8eKoUNHpZTw=s750" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="563" data-original-width="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhudThyl26LjgSEswtJHHDJZiv1mr8pHLUIZlOPG6J3FmyM5iXOKm5DcSZ3seDCVWXy56YWIJywbxNoCERl_XYIxOZ_ybf58YopBVUzyjmc76Ju_RJI_oNKfmDBJScgljsZb8dgvycLtfE5dSuPAv36FZop8VtEhsSLgEOZ5G5zWtkLP_K8eKoUNHpZTw=s16000" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjLqHTUzX-IV93gpAIzKpIgSASCPgJ3xUUEvHP7M9dTaWuwfumAG0TK-ThLFny6vwwja19BBQmqFfDV3ai4Co1JdGuVTI2GiiS-mACyyCl4xTeg4gjYprr69hl1AaP8lO_NAoM9G33EoirvSsPWY1rDCJ2E0vOzyDI6xba6tMt990TonO2rWpZob3mzlQ=s750" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="563" data-original-width="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjLqHTUzX-IV93gpAIzKpIgSASCPgJ3xUUEvHP7M9dTaWuwfumAG0TK-ThLFny6vwwja19BBQmqFfDV3ai4Co1JdGuVTI2GiiS-mACyyCl4xTeg4gjYprr69hl1AaP8lO_NAoM9G33EoirvSsPWY1rDCJ2E0vOzyDI6xba6tMt990TonO2rWpZob3mzlQ=s16000" /></a></div>
<br />If I could go back in time I would tell myself to stamp the prints first before I hand-tinted them. I ended up ruining about twenty hand-tinted prints with poor stamps. I rolled ink onto the stamp, blotted it once on paper, and then pressed the stamp onto the calendar prints. Some were blurry, some were half there, and some were perfect. The day I stamped them I wanted to cry because I knew I had ruined enough that I was going to have to print (and hand-tint) more "Pigsqueaks". I don't recall now how many I had to re-print now, but in the end I had exactly 121.<br /><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiDkRfOGzJj61LZ5uNCK6qbsRIRUtyXt_nwL5tdw8fBbB1-WuRCLFVj4Aw6NkcAt2HSw9-z-xET8rL5Ddj24KLyCiUPSB9b3t4e4WHkrKJqaD9d3e7fUmFwlgiRWiKjFWQZdmn9ZHpjRMY0sSh5RajrbCDv9x1wYdYg6A3cKeZtmhQ2rIhJB55lFS9PpQ=s750" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="563" data-original-width="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiDkRfOGzJj61LZ5uNCK6qbsRIRUtyXt_nwL5tdw8fBbB1-WuRCLFVj4Aw6NkcAt2HSw9-z-xET8rL5Ddj24KLyCiUPSB9b3t4e4WHkrKJqaD9d3e7fUmFwlgiRWiKjFWQZdmn9ZHpjRMY0sSh5RajrbCDv9x1wYdYg6A3cKeZtmhQ2rIhJB55lFS9PpQ=s16000" /></a></div>
<br /><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica;">DRYING</span><br /><br />When Susan and I printed the black and white "Pigsqueak" we added a cobalt siccative that hastens the drying time. She told me I should also add it to the chop when I stamped the prints. I even have cobalt siccative here at the studio, but the day I stamped the prints I didn't end up using it. I figured I had almost a month until the prints were due and I didn't feel like wearing gloves (you really shouldn't get cobalt on your hands). In hindsight "I SHOULD HAVE USED THE SICCATIVE!!!" <br /> <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhL2WtCkdoWuFsfkWfWML_k2j2G2U3FDl4KvOQiQVqNR2PmUM6PegSmn7B0wkD6oUKOf2Vrj-VKkzAEmEieo3GmODMfzd6efvBc-SnKOvB3KtdTGTmm75L5Tv6773ZcofRswdpBchsGqTix81Lufe6fKFKDJP1fvOCmmZ-NbTJ6vuv8TkKuoFLVXtWgXQ=s700" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="659" data-original-width="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhL2WtCkdoWuFsfkWfWML_k2j2G2U3FDl4KvOQiQVqNR2PmUM6PegSmn7B0wkD6oUKOf2Vrj-VKkzAEmEieo3GmODMfzd6efvBc-SnKOvB3KtdTGTmm75L5Tv6773ZcofRswdpBchsGqTix81Lufe6fKFKDJP1fvOCmmZ-NbTJ6vuv8TkKuoFLVXtWgXQ=s16000" /></a></div>
<br />After three weeks I started blotting the chop signatures and they were not coming up clean. I could blot the same chop twenty times in a row and it would just keep showing a faint red outline (shown above). Daily I would go down to the studio and blot 30 at a time. Eventually I did a little research and found that red, oil-based Charbonnel, in particular, takes a very long time to dry, but that heat helps. So I started taking about 20 prints out to the car to "bake" for a day or two. Each day I would bring a group in, test them, and put another batch out. Some prints probably "baked" 3-4 times!<br /><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh3qkgXRQdJb1NLBnLYZjuaoPYL02SGmjfxNm0o4uIqQcMelZVJbGiCNYZK6_5YjCHTniSBdbvVEtQ-aO6xzlEjX_zVl1LUi5EzEa8GVpXERKMXXIgJlLoyNT2eT7AhJcXyF4_-w3-33ME7-tHbOALYY__li1kqoRL1H4GZX-8r-L0bb0ApOKX5kxVqnw=s650" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="650" data-original-width="488" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh3qkgXRQdJb1NLBnLYZjuaoPYL02SGmjfxNm0o4uIqQcMelZVJbGiCNYZK6_5YjCHTniSBdbvVEtQ-aO6xzlEjX_zVl1LUi5EzEa8GVpXERKMXXIgJlLoyNT2eT7AhJcXyF4_-w3-33ME7-tHbOALYY__li1kqoRL1H4GZX-8r-L0bb0ApOKX5kxVqnw=s16000" /></a></div>
<br /><div style="text-align: center;">At first I kept the prints in my drying rack but I eventually moved them all out to the table so I could easily take them outside.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgAU_FyuUU0xe39W_N8b38Jz1_M_CVR70KKUvYkZMGwqPQKaSTzDmdiT78Fu2pf9XA3bnb1v5CO0hLnfbMTysdZs-UGqm5mgn0zZoCsccpywdTTDFI_NCAWWoM1QrlGBTgCn7wwLfM-B4M5ViGkwYaOMytJxrzR9VNy_p9XLncqgUgPwy8ENQxHpTa2_Q=s750" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="563" data-original-width="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgAU_FyuUU0xe39W_N8b38Jz1_M_CVR70KKUvYkZMGwqPQKaSTzDmdiT78Fu2pf9XA3bnb1v5CO0hLnfbMTysdZs-UGqm5mgn0zZoCsccpywdTTDFI_NCAWWoM1QrlGBTgCn7wwLfM-B4M5ViGkwYaOMytJxrzR9VNy_p9XLncqgUgPwy8ENQxHpTa2_Q=s16000" /></a></div>
<br /><div style="text-align: center;">After about two months (and LOTS of blotting and "baking") the red chops were finally dry! </div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica;"><span style="font-size: medium;">"Slowness is a divine thing. We have lost the habit of it. With slow, regular, harmonious movement, the consciousness immediately finds its place. The body begins to enjoy the smallest thing. Attention is heightened. We take in the world’s full freshness." </span></span></div><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><div style="text-align: center;">— Daniel Odier, <i>Tantric Quest: An Encounter with Absolute Love</i></div></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgSE46ruxMmstPBIKZDl9CLryJd9t9JSpqzJVLQ56kaYS7n7V84Veet_VVy2ebLfnORs1wfXgXcgiyaFXf0mbPPDQ4aWW2eOXyunsIJO16gwFO5B2oyFtiTsyssUa1nbS51xWI_qoxSrVCCcyB-ZG3AwMU4-c48p3GfKBFSwPXkfkXfosikHPqzC4OC2Q=s750" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="563" data-original-width="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgSE46ruxMmstPBIKZDl9CLryJd9t9JSpqzJVLQ56kaYS7n7V84Veet_VVy2ebLfnORs1wfXgXcgiyaFXf0mbPPDQ4aWW2eOXyunsIJO16gwFO5B2oyFtiTsyssUa1nbS51xWI_qoxSrVCCcyB-ZG3AwMU4-c48p3GfKBFSwPXkfkXfosikHPqzC4OC2Q=s16000" /></a></div>
<br />
<br /><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica;">CALENDAR</span><br /><br />Below you can see the final hand-tinted, chopped and signed calendar print.<br /> <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj-Hwt3w9vJae70-U-xwtH6aj9LHUz1nKpuQ_3B80Na6wK2SvUsgClESUes1nd9lkPU45R9NAniuh-4MA646fBG08ZezbZmhYjRf1FQIlHGoQwqXtM4agxWV2tzFmACCipgOkZBI222e_R7xnVO5TF97hDAkyWJg_klCiehXdF7q0wxurw7yEPl-UwtWQ=s700" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="525" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj-Hwt3w9vJae70-U-xwtH6aj9LHUz1nKpuQ_3B80Na6wK2SvUsgClESUes1nd9lkPU45R9NAniuh-4MA646fBG08ZezbZmhYjRf1FQIlHGoQwqXtM4agxWV2tzFmACCipgOkZBI222e_R7xnVO5TF97hDAkyWJg_klCiehXdF7q0wxurw7yEPl-UwtWQ=s16000" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><div><br /></div><br />The Tiger Lily Press calendar includes the work of 13 Cincinnati printmakers (cover artist included). Each print can be trimmed free of the grid when that month is over, matted in a standard 11×14 inch mat (with 8×10 cutout) and framed, making it very easy to hang these wonderful pieces on your wall. You can purchase your calendar online here:</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://tigerlilypress.org/2021/10/the-2021-biennial-calendar-now-on-sale/" target="_blank">BUY CALENDAR ONLINE</a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">It will also be for sale at "Local Ink", the14th Annual Print Market held Nov. 13 from 11-4 at 4222 Hamilton Ave.<br /><br />All calendars are hand-tinted pink: the Tiger Lily photo was taken before painting.<br /><br /></div></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj5B0qjRnpIBNq_aDFHXi6UvQmQInuwqgIWrwkfmG9IQijzx_f-7PMTHRdyeALeXHqkCrXMUGfHDiaoSLuEO28uo8IVAvzC2Be6Aox3_fFelnkV1YYIlHujxsuq4c0pDsscgD6aNjx-BWF4HIBX84IL9LzejSOOhFk6jPjhFE6EymuySmcfpYOfn0b-JQ=s700" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="686" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj5B0qjRnpIBNq_aDFHXi6UvQmQInuwqgIWrwkfmG9IQijzx_f-7PMTHRdyeALeXHqkCrXMUGfHDiaoSLuEO28uo8IVAvzC2Be6Aox3_fFelnkV1YYIlHujxsuq4c0pDsscgD6aNjx-BWF4HIBX84IL9LzejSOOhFk6jPjhFE6EymuySmcfpYOfn0b-JQ=s16000" /></a></div><br /><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica;">CONCLUSION</span><br /><br /> If you include the writing of this blog, the "Pigqueak" project spanned a period of six months. It is easy for me to get frustrated by how long it took. But I like to look back at a project and ask myself "What did I learn?" The first thing that comes to mind is that the universe was trying to teach me patience. A project like this often takes on a life of its own and between my mistakes, printing issues, my decision to hand-tint, and a crazy long drying time, I certainly learned that setbacks happen and the best way to proceed is by focusing on the next baby step.
<br /><br />I also learned that it can be extremely rewarding and difficult to stick to my vision. At numerous points along this path I could have decided to print it backwards or without the chop signature or just leave it black and white. Every time I chose to stick to my original idea it made the project longer. I often struggle with this idea of perfectionism. Is this need to make it perfect killing me? Do I need to let things go in order to be easier on myself? I don't know. But I do know that I am very happy with the way this print turned out. When I look at it I feel happy and proud and a big sense of accomplishment. It turned out exactly the way I wanted and that is a rare thing in printmaking. <br /><br />Perhaps I am learning to honor both my vision AND my time, body, and mental health. These needs often appear to be in opposition, but navigating this push and pull is the very play of life. I am learning that being willful, persistent and tenacious also requires me to slow down, relax and remain flexible. In other words, if I am the ocean, my waves can't always push forward and break on the beach. They also have to recede. It is a constant ebb and flow...a constant push and pull. This journey between opposites is our life and I am slowly but surely learning to stop resisting the rhythm but to move with it. And when I do, I dance with heart-shaped leaves that squeak and pink stalks push out of the ground to catch my attention. <br />
<br /><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">“Your hand opens and closes, opens and closes.<br />If it were always a fist or always stretched open, you would be paralyzed.<br />Your deepest presence is in every small contracting and expanding,<br />the two as beautifully balanced and coordinated as birds' wings.”</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">― Jelaluddin Rumi , <i>The Essential Rumi</i></span></div></div><br /><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: helvetica;"><br />ADDENDUM</span> <br /><br /><div>The Pigsqueak prints are now available on my website <a href="https://www.nessypress.com/pigsqueak" target="_blank">HERE</a>!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjuvQxoT-_NwmUZEo9H03uaLiJMCQFjgSzpbf_zXcVGr-dZeC1obgz_eS26Gss_Wew7grZDPpYF5SYAURj527CN8qipwD9a1Ybu-darpmfYLsScyZHxV81MXjCn4Qe7yfwGsO3HwF2H6goThLxoL_PaWRUUQ_17TOPiRP2dpoeG4CjnMCt4liUMhOx4_w=s750" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="750" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjuvQxoT-_NwmUZEo9H03uaLiJMCQFjgSzpbf_zXcVGr-dZeC1obgz_eS26Gss_Wew7grZDPpYF5SYAURj527CN8qipwD9a1Ybu-darpmfYLsScyZHxV81MXjCn4Qe7yfwGsO3HwF2H6goThLxoL_PaWRUUQ_17TOPiRP2dpoeG4CjnMCt4liUMhOx4_w=s16000" /></a></div><br /> </div>Nessyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09162374688956449698noreply@blogger.com0