Queen Mum's WIP

DONE: slippers and touque

2008-03-10T21:12:00.000-07:00

Loom knit on a Knifty Knitter long loom using Red Heart acrylic rainbow prints worsted, Sean Sheep two ply, and the last of my dark green recycled mohair. These will be gifted as soon as the birthday boy is feeling better.

fingerless mittens

2008-02-28T21:22:00.000-08:00

Needle knit as one flat panel with one seam on the the thumb size. O- got her pair first (sparkly purple) and Izzy loved them so much that sparkly blue itty bitty mitts became my very next project. Now the little monster wears them everywhere and anywhere she can -- good thing they wash well.

Done: Izzy's new slippers

2008-02-28T21:16:00.000-08:00

Plain ol' Red Heart loom knit on the Knifty Knitter pink long loom. Sole recycled from a very 80's leather jacket. So easy, so quick, I've made 4 pairs of these, and will likely be making more.

DONE: my gloves

2008-02-28T21:12:00.000-08:00

Over a year in the making! Recycled mohair needle knit and embroidered with white cotton floss.

DONE: a gift from o- to her sisters

2007-12-13T10:04:00.001-08:00

a gift from o- to her sisters
Originally uploaded by lynxhoney

From O- with love.

DONE: new lino cut and test print

2007-12-01T19:41:00.001-08:00

lino cut and print
Originally uploaded by lynxhoney

This was suppose to be O- (or some other little person) swinging in the trees, but it just isn't working out the way I envisioned. The print is lacking the dynamic sense of movement I was striving for, and there is something not quite right about the head. Mostly pleased, but not worthy of working with further.

wip: my house

2007-11-14T20:34:00.001-08:00

My creation
Originally uploaded by lynxhoney

J- left me with a bit of a mess to clean up. So much to learn, so much to do, so much I didn't want to worry about or bother with. Oh well, strife build character -- right?

holiday

2007-10-24T20:41:00.000-07:00

This weeks Trans-Canada Carnival theme is How do the holidays affect your work? and after some though here is my reaction.

They offer inspiration.
They offer distraction.
They promote production...
and procrastination.

1. They offer inspiration. All holidays have a reason, and the story surrounding them (no matter what your interpretation) can cause the mind to wander and the hands to create.

2. They offer distraction. Holidays are generally very busy times of year their are decorations to hang, stories to tell, meals to prepare. All of this may make finding time for creative endeavours more difficult.

3. They promote production. How many of you are making (even a few) gifts this year? How many of you plan on visiting your local Christmas bizarre and buying something sweet and special that says something to you about the season.

4. They promote procrastination. With all the upcoming holiday events (Halloween, Christmas, new years) who has time to *waste* on art.

Is it art or craft?

2007-10-10T08:43:00.000-07:00

This weeks Trans-Canada Carnival question is "Is it art of craft?"

The short answer: Arting and Crafting are both skills developed with practice over time. If what is made is loved any piece should be seen as both. Art is not only frivolous, and craft is not only practical.

The long version: When I was teenager in high-school I wanted to grow up to be an artist but I also wanted to make money. Ultimately I decide the two were not mutually compatible and left for college and a career in Advertising Art /Graphic Design.

I have to admit that despite a (very expensive) education in Graphic Design, I've discovered I'm not competitive enough to make a satisfying life for myself in advertising, and I still have a secret ambition to be an artist - someday.

But what is it that makes an artist? In the last few years, as my family has grown much of the *stuff* I have created are things that are traditionally considered "craft". Although being a craftperson is satisfying part of me harbours the feeling that really *anyone* could do this stuff. Knitting, crochet, sewing are all skills, all it really takes is practice and perseverance to make beautiful things. If you keep making, chances are what you make will turn out to be beautiful, despite yourself, eventually.

Now that I'm not making babies I've been inspired to create *art* again, and this process has caused my view of art and craft to evolve. When I stitch a patch, or sew an article of clothing, build a something useful out of re-purposed junk, or knit a toy that is beautiful - how is that not art. Baby Hey's Fisherman's jacket receives more comments than any other pieces I've assembled in the last year, the choice of fabric and yarn, the combination of colours, that is art, the construction, is craft.

My paintings, and mixed media pieces are more traditional arts pieces but assembling them is also skill. When people watch me draw, and tell me I have *talent* I tell them they could do it too, it's just a matter of drawing what you see, and practicing. 90% of what I draw is crap, but I draw every day. Ultimately what I have discovered over the last few years is that the process of making art and of making crafts is really the same. The same creative part of the brain is sparked, and the same sense of satisfaction is felt when a project is finished.

I feel a real sense of joy and pride in knowing that my family and I are surrounded by beautiful things, that my daughters wear, and are able play with bits of art. Ultimately the question of whether a piece is art of craft, for me at least, is redundant. If I love it, and it is used, or displayed in my home, it can, and should, be seen as both.

more WIPs

2007-10-04T20:13:00.001-07:00

Well I'm on a roll...

ongoing projects,

inchy altered book
gluey atlas

and a few more (no longer lonely) half finished projects

last half of "spring lily" run
"from a tree" plate and prints
at least four watercolours
and two marker renderings

Gotta say, I'm feeling rather *small* right now. I have so many ideas for other projects... NO! must sit down and finish a few of these lingering inspirations.

2007-10-04T11:51:00.000-07:00

While removing our roof J- found some pipes, which not only led to a visit from the plumber this morning, but also to me having to relocate a pile of canned goods, and clear the top of the water-heater. What did I find? Well, a few more WIPs of course.

christmas fairy/advent stockings
baby poncho
decorative/altered picture frame
denim quilt
options word pendants

and unused supplies set aside for unstarted projects

geodetic canoe
refinish kitchen chairs (2)

I think I may have to alter my philosophy a bit. Ok so lets make a move from "Use what you have", to:

Use what you have and finish what you start!

to do

2007-10-02T21:57:00.000-07:00

Projects currently on my shelves, cluttering up my laundry room, hidden in bags or boxes around the house, stashed away in take-along kits hiding in my baby bag, car, purse, stroller. These are projects that have been started, set aside, and are waiting to be finished.

leopard fabric wall hanging
flying pig fabric wall hanging
apple and worm hooked piece
green fingerless gloves
embroidered billy goats
caterpillar altered book
2005 scrapbook
cat mobile
pumpkin boat multimedia piece

If that isn't enough here is my available supplies have been set aside, projects to be started list.

5 clothing articles in my to sew basket
new colourful curtain for my camper
prayers and devotions altered book
self-portrait altered book
tin-foil and plaster sculptures

Ok, I need to stop now. I really should sit down and, oh I don't know, WORK on some of these projects!

DONE: Wind Chimes

2007-09-30T22:44:00.001-07:00

wind chimes:2
Originally uploaded by lynxhoney

Constructed from thrifted and found silver cutlery and brass lamp bits, as well as beads from my stash. This is a project that O- has been pestering me to finish (with her) for MONTHS and all the pieces have been together for even longer than that!

O, Iz and I all worked together on this one, and we think it's very pretty.

Natural Inspirations

2007-09-26T09:14:00.000-07:00

What about your part of Canada inspires you?

French Beach, British Columbia

In the last decade I've lived all over this o-so-very-large country of ours. I started off in Thunder Bay, Ontario. Left for school in London, Ontario, then to Borden, and St. Thomas before getting married, packing up and moving to Halifax, Nova Scotia followed by Sooke, British Columbia the next year when my J- finished his courses and was posted to the HMCS Calgary in Esquimalt. I've been in BC for almost 5 years now.

Shedden, Ontario

All this moving about has given me a somewhat unique perspective. I KNOW that Canada isn't just large in a geographic sense. The environment changes dramatically from coast to coast, the peoples history differs, and the attitude and mannerism of the locals differ. This difference, and the way we have managed to tie ourselves together, despite some sibling rivalry amazes and inspires me.

Pass Lake, Ontario

So what inspires me about Sooke and Vancouver Island?

The massive size of everything. The age of the trees, the *youth* of the Rockies. The daily changes that take place along the ocean shoreline near my home as the tide ebbs and flows. Finally, although I find the mild weather and near lack of seasons infuriating, the early winter storms can be amazing and energizing. A walk along a storm blown beach, nearly washed away by the waves the night before, can be enough to excite and inspire the artist within to PAY ATTENTION and work for months to come.

WIP: ACEO

2007-09-24T20:42:00.001-07:00

marker on playing cards
Originally uploaded by lynxhoney

Marker on coated marker paper, glued to a playing card, signed and embelished by me. You'll be able to find these in my shops soon.

Why Buy Handmade?

2007-09-23T16:06:00.000-07:00

This weeks Etsy Blogger Carnival (hosted by Mrs. Dragon) theme is why buy handmade. I've been mulling this over for a week now and my answer has remained pretty constant, and, well, short.

The reasons you should buy handmade are:
a) You get a unique something
b) that has not been made by child labourers
c) or exploited adults.
d) Many items are made from recycled material.

On a more selfish note:
e) You support the little guy (or somebodies small business).
f) You're allowing for the creative growth of the human race. Sometime the dollars paid for handmade pieces are the only thing allowing an artist or craft-person to continue working.

O, and lets not forget that many handmade piece are practical, useful, beautiful pieces of art you can wear, carry, use and enjoy everyday.

WIP: VAST Autumn Event

2007-09-19T20:29:00.001-07:00

VAST autumn event
Originally uploaded by lynxhoney

Ok, so I've obviously missed the deadline with these but I am confident that they will eventually get done. The piece on top will be a mixed media piece of a man racing a pumpkin (complete with motor). The bottom piece is really just a background for some unknown something; I think it's a lovely way to use us some extra paint.

WIP: FAST September Challenge

2007-09-19T20:25:00.001-07:00

FAST apple
Originally uploaded by lynxhoney

The Fibre Artist of Etsy September Challenge is Apple, and this is the beginning of my piece. Not sure if it'll get done in time but I'm loving the rug hooking process, and am feeling very good about making all those rag balls, and saving all those scraps.

WIP: VAST September Challenge

2007-09-19T20:17:00.001-07:00

VAST books
Originally uploaded by lynxhoney

Visual Artist of Etsy September 4x4 challenge "books".

can you believe

2007-09-19T19:10:00.001-07:00

september squash
Originally uploaded by lynxhoney

Can you believe there has been signs of FROST in my garden ALREADY. I really need to get my act in gear and process the food in my garden -- early this year.

VAST AUTUMN EVENT

2007-09-15T12:07:00.000-07:00

Today is the VAST (Visual Artist of Etsy Street Team) Autumn Event so go to etsy.com do a search for VASTAUTUMNEVENT and check it out! The VASTeam has outdone themselves and there is a wide variety of beautiful pieces being showcased in this event. Here are a few of my favorites, just click on the pic to take a better look.

VAST AUTUMN EVENT 2007

DONE: Whiffin Spit Altered Book

2007-09-11T20:48:00.001-07:00

whiffin spit: closed
Originally uploaded by lynxhoney

Months in the making and I finished it for the fall fair. Won 2nd place for mixed media for my efforts to boot. Yeah me! Wish the people organizing the arts section were a bit friendlier though, their generally rude attitude left a bad taste in my mouth.

Go here to see the rest of the set.

Sooke Fall Fair

2007-09-11T18:19:00.000-07:00

The fair was this weekend and every one over two entered something. O- and Iz both got an entered ribbon. J- won first and second place for ale and first for lager, and brough HIS cup back home.

I filled every line on the form and won first place for kale, third for red and green tomatoes, first for item made from recycled material, second for handmade card, second for embroidery:all other, second for mixed media, second for liquid media, and third for photography:texture. A lot of tacky ribbons, but I'm still disappointed my tomatoes didn't get first place. At least I can say I had the most interesting variety on display.

WIP: trail of tears

2007-08-20T22:26:00.001-07:00

trail of tears bean
Originally uploaded by lynxhoney

Part of my Everyday Matters series. Marker rendering of the Trail of Tears beans and pods found in my garden.

DONE: unicorn jacket

2007-08-20T22:05:00.001-07:00

unicorn jacket
Originally uploaded by lynxhoney

Special request by O- and she absolutely refused to wear this jacket before I embroidered the unicorn. Shamefully stolen from cycbr and Aunt Martha.

WIP: etsyFAST August Challenge

2007-08-20T21:57:00.001-07:00

celestial booties
Originally uploaded by lynxhoney

This months etsyFast challenge is celestial. Recognizing a few events (a full lunar eclipse and meteor shower) in our sky this months. All this will be a pair of fabric collage baby booties, and maybe (if I can find a few extra moments) a pair of momma gauntlets. They were packed up today to be finished at Grandma's house - I hope.

DONE: aceo prints

2007-08-17T01:24:00.001-07:00

aceo
Originally uploaded by lynxhoney

Finally got around to backing and labelling the last of my bleeding heart and harvest corn aceo prints. Sat down with an old customizable stamp and built it to suit,

QUEENMUM-WIP.BLOGSPOT.COM
************@gmail.com
Sooke, BC CANADA

and I L-O-V-E the way it turned out, gives the cards a very artsy altered look, especially when I screw up and have to stamp more than once.

These part of my Garden Adventures: Bleeding Heart and Fall Harvest: Corn sets and are available in my shop.

attempts at productivity

2007-08-17T01:18:00.001-07:00

attempts at productivity at the beach
Originally uploaded by lynxhoney

Took advantage of the fact all three girls were busy exploring and building a *pool* with daddy to practice my watercolour. Didn't finish (go to flickr to see who my helper was), but have enough pictures to pick up where I left off when I find another empty moment.

WIP: thyme

2007-08-12T22:59:00.001-07:00

thyme in progress
Originally uploaded by lynxhoney

This is an acrylic painting I started in June. June, when the thyme was emerald green and covered with tiny flowers and bees. June, as in THREE MONTS AGO, and it's not done. I had a chance to work on it a bit today, and I am so close to being done I can taste it, maybe tomorrow. All I have to do is wait for the paint to dry and add a few more details in marker. Hmmm, I wonder, since the finishing details are done with a marker, if this painting is still considered acrylic, or if I should be calling it a mixed medium piece?

new in my shop

2007-08-10T20:51:00.001-07:00

sage buds.5
Originally uploaded by lynxhoney

Got more postcard prints in the mail a couple of days ago. I LOVE the way these have turned out, all glossy and shiny and stuff. Seems hard to believe this is my work, I get all tingly just thinking about it. Now lets hope they sell, otherwise I'm going to be doing an awful lot of Postcrossing.

2007-08-09T23:09:00.000-07:00

This will be pesto.

This will be more sage wands.

I also harvested some nasturtium seeds for pickling. I am pleased with the garden this year. If only I had more zucchini, and could find a cucumber that would be happy in my garden.

WIP: spring lily print

2007-08-06T00:03:00.001-07:00

spring star lily
Originally uploaded by lynxhoney

Finally made it downtown to Opus and bought some proper printing ink. I really wanted to buy something oil based but the lack of funds in my bag, and the fact I've been leaving my credit card at home lately, led to waterbased speedball ink. Now the last few prints I TRIED to make I used what I had on hand, I tried acrylic paint, with and without retarder, or gel medium, I tried ink pads, hell I even tried a bingo dabber to less than desirable results. So despite Speedballs bad rep I was pleasantly surprised. Funny how amazingly easy some things can be when you're using the right tool for the job.

ATC swap day

2007-08-05T23:40:00.001-07:00

return from ATC Victoria
Originally uploaded by lynxhoney

I FINALY made it. Of course I was a bit late leaving the house, had to follow someone doing 60 (or less) almost the entire way, and got a bit turned around for a bit but I did make it, had an afternoon away from the house and the girls (at the same time -- wow!) and scored a few new cards for my collection. Click on the picture to see the notes, and go here for more info on the victoria swap.

new in my shop

2007-07-27T18:47:00.001-07:00

new in my shop
Originally uploaded by lynxhoney

Yesterday was a good mail day, no bills and not only did I get these awsome postcards and my business cards but I got my order of thread from wishonbish! Good mail day indeed.

The prints double as postcards and are now available in my shop.

WIP: O's Caterpillar

2007-07-27T18:05:00.001-07:00

IMG_1317
Originally uploaded by lynxhoney

Managed to add a few more finishing elements to this page during a pause in this afternoon.

WIP: whiffin spit

2007-07-27T17:59:00.001-07:00

WIP: whiffin spit
Originally uploaded by lynxhoney

Start of my found trash page. Got to pull out the dremel for this one.

MORE POWER!

WIP: ATC

2007-07-27T17:42:00.001-07:00

ATC backgrounds
Originally uploaded by lynxhoney

While working on my altered books this morning I found some old water colour tests and trials, I think the cards made from these will be very pretty. Hmmmm, maybe somethng with a hand carved stamp...

WIP: options transformation

2007-07-26T14:48:00.001-07:00

options beads
Originally uploaded by lynxhoney

Saw this game, and was so taken by the shape of the pieces that even though it was missing a good chunk of it's pieces I took it home. Tonight I'm making beads in work sets out of as many pieces as I can, these I will eventually turn into pendants or dangles or something equally as cool that I can list in my shop.

OMG I'M ON THE FRONT PAGE!!!

2007-07-25T19:00:00.000-07:00

It's saved knowledge, Click here to view an annotation of Etsy's front page with me on it.

WIP

2007-07-24T23:17:00.001-07:00

i am
Originally uploaded by lynxhoney

Another page done in my Whiffin Spit altered book. Go here to check out the rest of the set.

DONE!

2007-07-24T23:08:00.001-07:00

hobby horse: 1
Originally uploaded by lynxhoney

Two hobby horses originally intended to be Christmas gifts but abandoned when the realization there was no way they would complete with the mountain of gifts they were about to receive. These are very soft, and I think they are extremely cool. I'll see how the girls like them in the next few days.

new stuff in the shop

2007-07-24T17:10:00.001-07:00

Anne Adams 4922
Originally uploaded by lynxhoney

Hey all had a moment to add a couple more vintage patterns from the box. Go check it out.