Through The Keyhole

Journalfest Pt. 1

I'm finally feeling energetic enough to post about Journalfest.  The accident has left me pretty easily wiped out these days.  Work seems to be all I can manage.  Journalfest was amazing.  Relaxing yet full of all that I need to create.  Met some great people and saw old friends.  I'm hoping that I can figure out how to attend next year. </p>

<p>Debbie and Tanner always take me over to Port Townsend.  It's a fun little day out for us then.  After a tearful good-bye with my sweet boy I headed out to see this most amazing double rainbow.  The sky was gorgeous.</p>

After dinner, we headed to the theatre for the opening night announcements and introduction of the instructors.

Teesha and Tracey truly look as though they have the most fun doing these events.  I think Journalfest was the manifestation of a dream for them.  It was a joyful celebration of art books and journaling. 

My first class was with Daniel Essig.  An amazing artist and truly fabulous teacher.  He told a story that illustrated how his teaching style has evolved over the years.  He and another instructor would joke that a class wasn't truly successful unless someone had cried.  I think he was a bit of a perfectionist and insisted on the same in his students.  Not so now.  He's generous and kind.  He had prepared the materials with such attention to detail that we spent our time really learning the binding techniques and yet ended up with a beautiful product.

His work is amazing.  In addition to the books that he binds, he makes small boxes for necklaces and gorgeous tools.  I found the perfect awl for myself.

The Project: Mica








 

 

Farm Tour

I sometimes fantasize of living on a farm, away from the noise and busyness of the city. In my fantasy I'm never exhausted or feeling overworked. In fact time is expansive and the weather is always exactly perfect in my dream world. A day spent at some local organic farms gave texture to the fantasy.

Visiting the farm is really more my style. I prefer my fantasy to the gritty reality. The smell as much as the work.

I'm gathering items for my vintage swap partner. I'd intended to trade from my abundant stash but I may need to visit a thrift store before I send the gathered treasures on their way.

Enamel Necklace

I've been meaning to post about a necklace I made awhile ago. It's black enamel on etched copper. I found this type of enameling to be wonderfully meditative. I enjoy the focused attention required.

I did this in a kiln. I'm going to experiment to see if I can do this sort of work with a torch. I'll let you know how it goes.

Recently we went to the Fremont Sunday Market. A feast for the eyes.

This unusual desk was already sold. I've never seen anything like it. I swear it twinkled at me, glowing warmly in the afternoon light.

There's something for everyone here.

It seems I liked the tricycles that day. I didn't realize it until I was looking at the photos I snapped.

I couldn't resist this adorable cup. I'd love a set of these.

With that I'm off to start my weekend. I'm up much too early enjoying my first cup of tea. It's promising to be a full and joyous two days.

Latest Favorite Joys

We're eagerly awaiting Where Where The Wild Things Are. While waiting, I'm reading about Spike Jonze and the making of the movie here and I'm getting caught up on his blog here. I may find my ideas for all of Tanner's Christmas present on the blog.

I found a fabulous movie, The Way Things Go, at the library last week. As with many things all artists and scientists will appreciate this. It brings to life the idea of one small action having a large impact. Cause and effect. Here's a short piece of it.

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A Vintage Swap 2009

Heather of Shivaya Naturals is holding a vintage swap. It's going to be a scrumptuous adventure. The swap is closed now but you can follow the fun. Find the blog and info here. I'm looking forward to learning who my swap partner will be so I can begin gathering treats.

Vacation Pt 2

On our vacation, we spent 3 days in Portland. I love Portland. I wonder if I could live there? I'm such a Seattle kind of gal I'm not sure. But to be near this, perhaps one of my favorite place on earth.

He is the light of my life and exactly as you might imagine from this photo.

We love the matzo ball soup and corn beef sandwiches!

The Best Pasta Ever

I've been looking for a used pasta maker for forever. I couldn't believe my good fortune when I saw the box sitting there, just waiting for me to snatch it up. Since then I've been excitedly awaiting the free afternoon to give it a try. Finally, it happened. We had an afternoon with no committments. I lined up the ingredients on the counter. So simple, I didn't need to shop. Flour, water, egg, salt.

The results was the most tender pasta I've ever had. It was easy, fun and the most delicious pasta we've ever had. The next day we wished we had more. Sadly, though it's easy, it takes time. After the ingredients are mixed, the dough needs to rest for an hour and a half. The rolling out take just 15 minutes or so and of course, the cooking time is a few minutes at most.

I realize now I didn't need to wait until I had a pasta machine. While I couldn't have rolled the noodles as thin as I did with it, the results would have still been delicious had I done this with a rolling pin and knife. I highly recommend giving it a try.

Making A Difference

I hope my son has one or two champions such as this in his life. He could use more poets as well.

An Eye for Annai

What I Did On My Summer Vacation Pt 1