From the middle of November until sometime in February I am usually homebound. The creative juices run, snow falls outside (lots this winter) and Jim and I get to spend time togther.  But now the rug camps and schools begin in earnest.  Just returned from a fantastic experience at the Puget Sound Rug School in Federal Way, Washington State. Coordinators Diane Learmonth and Michele Wise knew there was something missing in the Pacific NorthWest and filled the niche.  Three great teachers, myself, Jule Marie Smith and Katie Rainwater, loads of interested students and the lovely Puget Sound right out the windows.  They are doing it again next March.  I will add the contact information.

Manipulating Fibers Collection March 2010

My workshop included eleven courageous and talented women who went out on a limb “site unseen” with me and really had a creative time.  The topic was Manipulating Fibers… bring all the tools you have to do just that, and I will too.  Every one was busy from the first moment and continued through several projects over the three days.  We used the hand dyed (artwools) as inspiration to select a palette, or designs to enhance.  There was a mosaic frame that then had simple hooked, felted and beaded work created to enhance it.  A work in progress which will give the viewer the feeling of looking down into the shallow sea to colorful starfish and urchins.  Trees and sea splashing waves, birds with feathers of wool, flapping in the wind and so much more.  Looking forward to being able to post this group’s finished pieces on a page of their own.