Taste and See!

Last Friday night we had a Chocolate Tasting for our women at church.  It was titled, "Taste and See that the Lord is Good!"  We made these cute little recipe books full of chocolate recipes for each lady.  I got the inspiration from the beautiful artwork here from Julie Collins.

Every cover was different.  We used paper flowers, beads from a thrift store necklace, lace from my heirloom sewing projects and buttons from my grandmother's sewing box.  I also tea dyed little tags with the date.  They were very labor intensive, but a BIG HIT.   This young lady was one of our speakers.  She shared her incredible story of God's faithfulness through extremely different circumstances.  This picture was taken before she was to speak.  Do you sense a little apprehension? Unfortunately, I didn't get a picture of our second speaker.  It's difficult to take pictures when you're in charge! Sandy was one of my council that helped.  She even dressed with pink and brown, our color scheme. We ate LOTS yummy chocolate desserts, even a chocolate fountain with fresh strawberries.  There were a lot of great door prizes and pretty decorations.  It was a great evening!

Twenty-two Gifts

In my last post I told you all about the art retreat I went to in Vermont earlier this month.  What I didn't show you were the gifts I made everyone.  We could bring a simple gift or just give "calling cards", whatever we chose. Typically several women make some pretty fun and creative gifts.  I labored over this decision for too long and wanted to make something that reflected my skills and interests.  The decision was made, I had a plan and bought linen napkins to embellish.  I'd make a set of two for everyone.  My plan was to dye them using the Cyanotype method (sun prints) you may have seen me do previously.  Something like this idea.

Cyanotype Napkins

The more I thought about it I realized that the process would take too long for the amount of time I had left.  So I had to come up with Plan B.  I already had purchased 44 napkins.  I decided to embroider Fall designs on each set using this fun embroidery book I bought in Japan.  

You may remember that I used it to make some pretty coasters for a friend's birthday while I lived in Japan.  This is how they turned out.

So, I got to work! Now, so you don't think I'm TOTALLY nuts, the second napkins had a simple word stitched on it: Blessed, Grateful, Gather, Thankful.  They are perfect for Fall dinners for two.  

Other attendees made some sweet gifts too. Several gave out packs of ephemera to use in our art for the week. One woman picked flowers out of her garden and brought a large bouquet for EACH of us. It was full of dahlias, zinnias, cosmos and forget me nots. Here is a sweet paper clay doll that was made for everyone.  

I didn't get a photo of every gift, but when you get creative women together, it's bound to be good!

Vermont Art Retreat

 

For years I've been wanting to attend "Meleen and Charlotte's Vermont Getaway" in Arlington, Vermont.  It's an art retreat that happens twice a year with several attendees from all over the country. Many have attended several times so sweet relationships have been built over the years.  I had a few of these ladies as Instagram friends, but we had never met in person.  I managed to make it happen this year and during October seemed the ideal time to visit Vermont.  It was a rainy week, which gave it a subtle, moody feel all it's own.  We managed to have one afternoon of sunshine, so any photos you see were during Friday afternoon.

 I flew in on Wednesday, because you can't get to Vermont by noon from Texas, just so you know.  A sweet friend picked two of us up at the airport in Albany, New York, and drove us into Vermont.  They were much obliged to stop and let me get out in the rain to take pictures of the covered bridges.

Warm Brook Barn is a lovely spot where the retreat is held. There are two houses and a new event barn. It is filled with beautiful antiques and warm hospitality. Meleen is the most generous and gracious hostess who served us delicious meals three times a day. She uses her vintage china, silver and antique serving pieces.  

We all bring a gift for each other.  Some are simple, others are extravagant. Robin brings a bouquet of flowers for EVERY participant from her abundant garden in Massachusetts. I'd love to see the garden in person. They included Dahlias, zinnias, forget me nots and cosmos.  

Delicious soup and salad for lunch.  

Breakfast was steel cut oats, fresh fruit, yogurt and cinnamon rolls.  

 Swag bags met us in the barn workroom.

I only took a picture of Becca's embroidery at it's beginning stages.  

The variety and creativity that everyone used on theirs was fun to see. 

Our Friday morning session with Rebecca Sower was acrylic painting using the flower bouquets as inspiration. Everyone struggled as almost all of us were new to painting. With Rebecca's patient help, many of us actually liked the final products. As with anything, practice makes perfect. You can see how different everyone's turned out.  I definitely have my favorites.  

 Friday afternoon we headed out for a field trip to Studio Hill Farm. 

This little building at the top of the hill was the owner's grandfather's studio. 

It still held old drawing tables and a rustic stone fireplace.

As you can tell, the sheep were highly entertaining.  

 Studio Hill has an Airbnb that is very popular in case you're interested in heading to Vermont.

I met Lauri who lives in the Kansas City area.  She and I have an unbelievable number of things in common.  It was so fun to discover the similarities. We will definitely be connecting again when I move back in the area.  

Saturday morning we went to town to visit area tag sales. We went to the Dorset Church sale which was very fun and crowded. I bought two small copper skillets for $15, and this pretty little pin for .25.

Later in the afternoon we dyed a bunch of things in the indigo dye pot.  

The sun came out and gave us quite a show with this gorgeous rainbow. It was actually a double rainbow, but you can't see it in these photos.  

  

We had another session Saturday where we drew landscapes with pastels. You'll notice that there is no picture of my piece. For good reason. We finished up on Sunday morning. There were lots of hugs and goodbyes. On the way back to Albany we stopped by Northshire Bookstore in Manchester Center. Which is huge and fabulous, by the way. This is getting too long, so I'll show you next time what I made for everyone.  They loved them.  

Crafting in Texas

Hello everyone!  You read that right.  I'm in Texas these days.  Crazy turn of events, isn't it?  We are still missing Japan very much.  I do miss all of my crafty adventures while living there.  I really hadn't planned on blogging again anytime soon.  Most of what I do I share on Instagram.  You can follow me @ksueb.  

Recently I have been playing with a process called Cyanotype.  You may remember doing it as a child or with your children.  I've seen some artists trying it on Instagram and asked for a kit for Christmas.  It had quite the trip getting to me, but eventually I received it.  I didn't really try it until recently when I had more time and the sun was strong.  It is a chemical process that was invented in the 1800's and was eventually used to catalog botanicals.  I'll leave you some links for more information.  This is the Wikipedia explanation.  The kit is no longer available at Interweave.com, but this DVD gives instruction and some resources. 

Here is what I've done so far.

These were wild grasses. 

Queen Anne's Lace (Daucus Carota)

Mexican Hat (Ratibida columnifera)

What are you going to do with them, you ask?  That, my friends, is TBD.  I might frame them or sew them into something.  I'm just having fun at the moment, playing.  Hope you are all well and enjoying your summer.  We have big things on the horizon and I'll maybe keep you updated here.  If there is still anyone out there.  

Japanese Pottery

Pottery is a big deal in Japan.  There are several cities in the surrounding area that are known for their pottery.  Last weekend we visited Setomono Matsuri which is a festival in the town of Seto. Their specific pottery is referred to as Setomono.  We left early on the train in the hopes of beating the crowds and the heat.  We weren't really successful with either.  Evidently they expected over a half a million people to visit Seto during the festival.  

 Dachsunds are one of the most popular dogs in Japan.  

 This is not your usual festival food in America.  It is a rather healthy choice.  They are obviously cucumbers on a stick, but they are being washed with salt water.  Perfectly refreshing choice for the hot and humid day.

This sweet little family was sharing this spiraled potato on a stick. 

Sounds like a good snack to me. Especially if its fried and salted.  

 Some of the pottery is very beautiful.  I love the rustic, handmade pieces the most.

 I wanted one of these big pots, but didn't want to carry it around.

Again, not your normal festival food. 

 This guy wouldn't get away with smoking while serving food in America.

They had a cute section for kids to make crafts.  Or was it a section for cute kids to make crafts? 

This is the pretty mug that I came home with.  It is hand made, hand painted and pricey. That's what happens when you want original pieces.  

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Speaking of pottery in Seto, this last Friday I was able to go to a pottery workshop and make pottery again.  This time we were at a different studio with a very helpful sensei. This teacher actually has people come to live at the studio for 30 days to learn.  There were a handful of these students helping us that day.  Here is the link to his program. 

 Kneading the clay is hard work!

 Concentration.

 These are my final pieces, a cup, small plate and a large serving bowl.  We were able to pick out the glaze and they will finish them once they are dry.  I'm very happy with how they turned out.

 Kato-sensei and Nanda.  Nanda made two Ramen bowls and a larger one.

 Kato-sensei is demonstrating how he cleans up the bottom once they have dried.

 Can anyone guess what these are?

 He was showing and explaining his kilns.  Fortunately he speaks very good English.

 The paint pots for designs on the pieces.

This is the beautiful table in his reception room.  

The cushions are where you sit so it's all very low to the ground. 

I definitely want to return for more time on the wheel!!