DONE: slippers and touque

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

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

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

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

DONE: a gift from o- to her sisters

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

From O- with love.

DONE: new lino cut and test print

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

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

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

1. They offer inspiration.
   
2. They offer distraction.
3. They promote production...
4. 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?

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

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.

more

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!