Yikes, it's been forever since I last posted. Many of you have probably been in the same boat, busy with all the to do's of the holidays. And I had the most low-key Christmas possible, so being busy hardly qualifies as an excuse. I did have all sorts of ideas for blog posts that emerged from dusty corners of my brain, though, that maybe will develop into something one day. Here's the list:
1. Environmental Footprint of the Textile Artist/Craftsperson
Something like a post I did ages ago about the environmental footprint of a tee shirt, but looking at all aspects of how our creative activity has an impact on the world around us. I did a crazy huge mind map that could almost be a book, but my conclusion ultimately came to a simple "Make art, it's the right thing to do."
2. Rant about the Proliferation of Lazily Edited How-To Craft Books
Yeah, I know publishing is a tough game, but so much of what is out there is a waste of resources. I am also deeply suspicious of the ploy in which a popular blogger gets all her friends to help create the content of the book, for which no one is paid. This one could be tagged "Pet Peeve".
3. Developing my Amulet Workshop
I will be leading a mixed media workshop on creating amulets for the upcoming Isle of the Arts Festival here on Gabriola. We will be making small objects that offer protection against negative forces using natural materials such as shell and bone as well as cloth, thread, shisha mirrors and beads, drawing upon traditional practices, mythology and symbolism. Underlying the process will be a focus on developing a practise of working with intention, and responding to the inherent meaning of the materials we use. This will be a fun one!
4. Ongoing Projects
The latest piece, and the most intricate so far, in the Codex work is coming along. So is my "Home Sweet Dome" welcome mat that I am hooking, at a somewhat glacial pace.
5. Children's Book Based on the Story of Louis Nicolas
For some time I have had an idea cooking for a storybook about Louis Nicolas. My plan is to write it myself and have Vicky Bowes do the illustrations and her husband Mike Swallow to do the maps. The logistics of it all are daunting, but I believe it is such a great Canadian story that it deserves to become part of our national lore and legend.
6. Christmas Card
We don't give gifts in our family - rather, we draws names of one relative for whom we create a really special handmade card. I got my brother Dave's name, and I made this sweet mobile of bells, sparkly green rick rack, tiny Yule logs and three rows of red felt triangles embellished with cloth letters spelling out B-E-L-O-V-E-D, which is what "David" means in Hebrew, and a glass star. It was more elegant than it sounds, and I forgot to take a picture of it. Drat!
And there's probably more oddments kicking around in my head but daylight is fading and I need to actually do some work! If I don't post again before Thursday, I wish you all the very best in 2015!
1. Environmental Footprint of the Textile Artist/Craftsperson
Something like a post I did ages ago about the environmental footprint of a tee shirt, but looking at all aspects of how our creative activity has an impact on the world around us. I did a crazy huge mind map that could almost be a book, but my conclusion ultimately came to a simple "Make art, it's the right thing to do."
2. Rant about the Proliferation of Lazily Edited How-To Craft Books
Yeah, I know publishing is a tough game, but so much of what is out there is a waste of resources. I am also deeply suspicious of the ploy in which a popular blogger gets all her friends to help create the content of the book, for which no one is paid. This one could be tagged "Pet Peeve".
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| This amulet contains the prayer of loving-kindness. |
I will be leading a mixed media workshop on creating amulets for the upcoming Isle of the Arts Festival here on Gabriola. We will be making small objects that offer protection against negative forces using natural materials such as shell and bone as well as cloth, thread, shisha mirrors and beads, drawing upon traditional practices, mythology and symbolism. Underlying the process will be a focus on developing a practise of working with intention, and responding to the inherent meaning of the materials we use. This will be a fun one!
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| The latest piece, in progress. The frame is about 30" across so that gives some idea of scale. |
The latest piece, and the most intricate so far, in the Codex work is coming along. So is my "Home Sweet Dome" welcome mat that I am hooking, at a somewhat glacial pace.
5. Children's Book Based on the Story of Louis Nicolas
For some time I have had an idea cooking for a storybook about Louis Nicolas. My plan is to write it myself and have Vicky Bowes do the illustrations and her husband Mike Swallow to do the maps. The logistics of it all are daunting, but I believe it is such a great Canadian story that it deserves to become part of our national lore and legend.
6. Christmas Card
We don't give gifts in our family - rather, we draws names of one relative for whom we create a really special handmade card. I got my brother Dave's name, and I made this sweet mobile of bells, sparkly green rick rack, tiny Yule logs and three rows of red felt triangles embellished with cloth letters spelling out B-E-L-O-V-E-D, which is what "David" means in Hebrew, and a glass star. It was more elegant than it sounds, and I forgot to take a picture of it. Drat!
And there's probably more oddments kicking around in my head but daylight is fading and I need to actually do some work! If I don't post again before Thursday, I wish you all the very best in 2015!
Dear Heather, you should have an online workshops as far as the amulets are concerned. I would like to participate too!
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year my friend, may all your wishes come true.
An amulet workshop sounds a wonderful idea. Seen some interesting ones on my travels ( have got one from Iran in our kitchen). I've had it in my mind for a while to make an amulet against lost earrings using some of the odd ones left.
ReplyDeleteGreat list! I'm looking forward to these plans coming to fruition.
ReplyDeleteTotally with you on #2 - this has happened to me too. I gave up writing for craft magazines because it totally wasn't worth it. Then one article got into a book format for which I was paid the sum of...a free copy of the book. Sigh. Guess I'm just supposed to be pleased to see my name in print, huh?
very creative list Heather. I too makes lists in my head but that is usually where they stay. the amulet workshop sounds like fun, I have a book "Amulets" by Sheila Paine that is quite impressive - welcome to borrow it.
ReplyDeleteThanks Jean - that book is my inspiration, along with Shining Cloth by Victoria Rivers, Traditional Textiles of Central Asia by Janet Harvey, Ralli Quilts by Patricia Stoddard. I am having fun going through my library looking for amulets in particular - it's a treasure hunt!
ReplyDeleteI wish I could attend you amulet workshop!
ReplyDeleteLove the progress on the Codex, it looks wonderful.
How is Vicky? That was a horrendous accident, I hope she is healing well now.
Love seeing your list Heather & your Amulet, the copy of Sheila Paine's 'Amulets' from the local library ywas stolen this year so I gave myself a new second hand copy back in October! If you want to give yourself another brilliant book, Truus Daalder's "Ethnic Jewellery and Adornment" is a rare treasure, beautifully researched and photographed.
ReplyDeleteall the best for the coming year!! may your many plans come to fruition and long may you continue to share with us, your avid readers
ReplyDeletewill the workshop be online? if so, I would be interested.....
Hi Heather,
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year and all that jazz. Wish I could be at the amulet workshop. Hope you are well thinking of you!