Fancy Fibers Winter Retreat

Mom and I attended a fiber retreat on Sunday in Argyle. It was put together by Mary Berry of Fancy Fibers. There were lots of really neat women there, spinners, knitters and crocheters alike. Much of the day was just free time to work on whatever you wanted. I took along the baby blanket, and got quite a bit done.

In the afternoon we took a workshop on dyeing/painting yarn. We used superwash merino wool and jaquard acid dyes. Mom has tons of experience dying fabrics, but the yarn was new to both of us. I really enjoyed seeing the surprising colors that came from blending the dyes. I used Turquoise, Brilliant Blue, Pumpkin Orange and Hot Pink. There are some really beautiful and subtle shades of green that came out of blending those colors. I kept telling myself that I wanted to keep some white, but it was really hard to stop adding colors! I did leave just a bit of white, and I love the way my yarn turned out.

Oops, my glove had a hole in it!

As a novice I don't have a swift or ball winder. I googled instructions and came up with this makeshift way of winding my skein into a ball. Put the skein around two chair backs and move them apart until you get tension to hold the yarn up. Then cut the ties and start winding your ball. It worked fabulously!

I am really excited by the outcome of my handdyed yarn, and can't wait to make more! I had wanted to reskein it to see all the pretty colors, but since I'm not selling it I didn't see the point in that. Check out my beautiful ball of yarn bellow. Now what to make? It is 220 yards, so maybe a scarf?

I'm Likin' Lichen!

This Winter Lichen Necklace by Sophie of Duck Duck Goose Stuff is so lovely and organic. I love that Sophie can make silver look so close to nature. Here is her description of this piece:

This piece was inspired by the way that lichen sometimes sits in the fork of a twig; very visible in the winter when there are no leaves, it has a weird, other-worldly kind of beauty.

Also, please check out this blog post by Alicia Paulson. Alicia has a knack for taking me on a journey with her words. This post about a walk through the mossy woods of Portland really made me long to go there. How wonderful to have such a beautiful city at your disposal!

Love Birds

I have been attracted to bird images lately. I found these Lovebird prints that would make perfect Valentines gifts for your special someone.

Love Birds Valentine by Bound Staff Press. A Linocut limited to an edition of 50.

"Lovebirds" By Geninne.

An archival quality limited edition print of one of her watercolor illustrations.

Pierced Lovebirds by Jenny Bird.
Two color Linoblock Letter Press Print.

Orange

Flowers for my friend in the hospital
Originally uploaded by ashleyjewelry

I'm really into orange right now. I've always liked orange as an accent to turquoise in my jewelry. Turquoise and carnelian or coral or sunstone. But lately I have found myself attracted to orange independently of any other colors. I made this little bouquet for a friend that is in the hospital. I think it turned out quite nicely with store bought roses and zinnias and coneflower from my garden. Check out my orange jewelry and supplies.

Carlyn Gallerie

My work is now available for sale at Carlyn Gallerie in Dallas. If you are in the area please go by and check it out. Here are a few of the pieces that they are carrying.

Ta Da...

Fiber Saucer Cuff
Originally uploaded by ashleyjewelry

I've finally finished two of my three fiber pieces. There is a ring as well that is almost finished. I am really excited about them. Here is the cuff with three saw pierced silver domes. The domes are connected to copper discs by tiny nuts and bolts. The fiber part was made by my mom, Connie Akers. She made it on a felting machine with all sorts of fibers. I need to come up with names for these pieces. That is always hard for me.

And the brooch/pendant.

Inaugural Airstream Camping Trip

So, I'm finally getting around to blogging about the airstream. My folks found this beauty a couple of months ago. It is in great shape for its age. We had our first outing in May for Mother's Day/ Mom's 60th birthday. We camped at Mckinney Falls State Park in Austin, which was gorgeous. The weather was perfect and we had lots of great guests and meals.
On the same day that Dad called to tell me about purchasing the airstream I read a story about a local artist named Paige Davidson in Indulge magazine. I am really interested in her paintings and love her style. The airstream series is especially intriguing to me. Here is one of my favorites.