Mermaid Dreams

This one has been waiting for just the right home.  She's part of a series depicting this figure in different seasons (usually without the fishy tail.)  There are real rocks, coins, and sea glass in the tide pool. 




Stop by booth #219 at Paradise City this coming weekend to visit her!

Moon Glow

Moon Glow - detail

As a college student, I never missed an opportunity to go walking "back campus" in the woods at night, under the full moon, where I could clear my head and escape the noise and brilliance of dormitory life. 

There were no mountains (it was in Indiana) but the woods and trails were wonderful and made me feel at home.

New Inspiration

This is the view from my quilt studio in our new house!  Every day something surprising begins to bloom.  There will be plenty of inspiration to work from this summer!

and this is the view from my kitchen! We've also have more than two dozen bird species come through since we moved in at the end of March.

It's wonderful to be surrounded by lawn and woods and birdsong.  I feel like I don't deserve any of it.

Sankofa

This is a detail from a more stylized piece.

The Sankofa image was introduced to me by a local story-teller as a representation of the idea that one should retain that which is valuable from the past.  It translates as "reach back and get it"  and is sometimes  represented by the symbol of a bird with its head turned backwards taking an egg off its back. The sankofa is often associated with a proverb which translates as: "It is not wrong to go back for that which you have forgotten." (from Wikapedia)  

I suspect that the original images is based on the white stork which migrates between Africa and Europe.  Perhaps I'll get to see one in person someday.  

Paradise City Memorial Day Weekend

I am alternately thrilled and terrified.  In just a week and a half, I'll be exhibiting at the Paradise City Craft Festival in Northampton on the Fairgrounds over Memorial Day weekend.  Ever since we moved to the area eight years ago and discovered this show, I've wanted to be there as a vendor.  Back then, I hadn't done any shows.  I started small, at a one-time show in Look Park.  Then I tried some larger ones, like the Crafts on the Commons show in Amherst.  Eventually I began getting solo exhibits in local libraries and other galleries.  So here I am, looking forward to three exciting days, and worrying whether I have enough inventory.  Here's a peak at some of my new work.

Golden Oak

Trillium #4 - detail

Full Circle

Yesterday, I attended the service at Village Church in Cummington for the dedication and hanging of the stained glass quilt that I finished for them back in January.  They also dedicated a beautiful sari which is sometimes hung in the sanctuary for weddings and special times.  The service was thoughtful, and the people are warm, gentle, and appreciative of the wilderness which surrounds them.  Everyone was welcoming, and the quilt was happy to have come full circle from design to completion and to finally be installed in its new home.  

The arch is painted on the wall behind the quilt.

The quilt was given by a local couple in loving remembrance and joyful celebration of the lives of their parents.

The sanctuary is peaceful and full of light.

Tiffany Window Quilt is Finished!

After roughly 100 hours of work, 265 pattern pieces, and 250' of black bias tape, the stained glass quilt is done!  This piece will go the the Village Church in Cummington, MA to adorn their sanctuary from time to time.  This was a fun project, engaging every step of the way (except for stitching on the sleeves).  The fact that I still want to do another one must mean I enjoyed it!

orchid details

trout lily detail