~Something out of Nothing~

Good Health to all this 2012!!

2012-01-06T12:06:00.000-08:00

What a busy busy time the end of 2011 was, with so many festivals, faires and relatives coming and going since Thanksgiving! We are so thankful to have been able to host all our visitors and will now say adieu to the Admiral who has found another ship to stay on!! (But I'm sure the wafting cooking smells will lure him back sometimes....)

Once again we will Wassail tonight with all those who dare to join us for the hot bowl of apple cider, a little spice and some getting rid of all the chocalate left in the house!! Every year we clear out all the sugar on Jan 5th/6th and stay off it until at least Feb 14th! by the time the second week comes around I can safely say that cherries and strawberries are so darn sweet, I can hardly believe it!

For those who care to know what on earth Wassail is...please listen to this carefully......enjoy!

Terra Firma Q's

2011-10-29T18:00:00.000-07:00

How lovely are your curves,

How is it that you spin so freely?

Do the poles meet somewhere in space?

How old are your craggs?

How many times have you turned?

How do you stay current?

How do I clean you effectively and heal your scars?

How much did you cost?

How are the mice?

Henge your Bets!

2011-09-28T20:10:00.000-07:00

I have only been to Stone Henge the once and it was not on the solstice or equinox, in fact I remember it being an extremely cold, any and gray day but I did get to touch the stones and run around them, all in the days when you still could without paying a fortune to get up close or use your binoculers!

Festivals are a joyful occasion and some of my favourites are those that are shall we say, a bit off the beaten track...Images of strength and comfort comes with Michealmas, repentance and a new start with a new year ( 5772) Rosh Hashannah and of course the darkening days bring many other fasts and feasts that bring inner wisdom to the light within. Introspection, courage and resolution are all factors in these wonderful festivals...and I like to celebrate all!!

Have a joyful New Year, a courageous light filled Michaelmas, and a bountiful harvest!

Phoenix Camp 2011

2011-08-20T19:44:00.000-07:00

Truly wonderous papier mache vessels that hold water

The last couple of weeks for me, can surely be summed up with copious arty fun, coupled with lots of laughter! To all the children and their families who came to share some of their summer time with me, thank you!

from left to right - names are in code!
Sista Gold, Donovan Boy, Rusty Jay, King Ate, Little Gandalf & Stinky Pinky! ( she named herself!)

Here are some pics that highlight some of the days of morning nature walks and games, art projects ( some goopier than others) and swimming fun in the pool!

Wet-felted treasure purses were a hit with both genders, lots of physical effort over two days!

The dye pot's coming out soon and I'm excited to try our some new dye from Eugene and harvest some from my garden!! Whilst getting ready for the upcoming season of making and selling various items for fundraising, it's of course now that I remember to get out the sewing machine and finish a huge notice board fabric picture for the start of school (argh!) and as I look out for inspiring vision, the new workshop schedule will form and be posted in the next couple of weeks!! Some offers will be Free-scape sculpting and goddess dollmaking for sure, but possibly wet felted story tapestries, cornucopia felting and more in the coming months!

Stay abreast with my fiber art news, offers and schedules here - www.Facebook.com/PhaedraPhoenix

The childrens' weaving skills and passion really showed their personalities!

Nueve

2011-08-01T17:35:00.000-07:00

My dear Little Gandalf, with his long locks lightened by the sun, was worried about spending his 9th birthday away from his home, upon reflection he thoroughly enjoyed the long day's journey from Mammoth to Santa Cruz, full of surprises, whimsical lakes to sit in and high (9900ft) hiking experiences with magical rainbows to gaze in wonder, in the delights of the Yosemite Forest.

The ancients associated the number Nine with the goddess or female aspects of divinity. In modern times, we've come to associate this number with the unconscious. In our life experience, the Nine is like a regulator, helping us to process any discrepancies between the seven and eight. Sometimes the nine will pull us toward the seven, where experience becomes the guiding force. At other times, it will pull us toward the “figuring-it-out” process of the eight. Because of this, the nine can be seen as the interface between the inner and outer self.

Planetary Aspect: The Moon. Color: Violet.

Twelve

2011-07-22T23:51:00.000-07:00

Upon reaching the grand and magical age of 12, dear Donovan Boy shared his birthday with kindness, wisdom and an astounding amount of composure and maturity! We had a huge discussion about the number 12 and it's impact across the ages in so many areas, here are some gathered points to think about and there are of course so many more... please feel free to add!!
A birthday list for my geeky family....

The average human has twelve cranial nerves
Force 12 corresponds to the maximum wind speed of a hurricane.
The 12th moon of Jupiter is Lysithea
The chief Norse god,Odin, had 12 sons
King Arthur Legends are full of 12's! Round table knights, Arthur is said to have subdued 12 rebel princes and to have won 12 great battles against Saxon invaders.
twelve apostles
12 days of Christmas
12 Petals in Anahata (Heart Chakra).
The basic units of time (60 seconds, 60 minutes, 24 hours) can all perfectly divide by twelve
Western zodiac has twelve signs
twelve months
12 dozen = gross
In ten pin bowling, 12 is the number of strikes needed for a perfect game.
The number of keys in any standard digital telephone (1 through 9, 0, * and #)
Epic poems The Aeneid by Virgil is divided into two halves composed of twelve books.
Another epic poem, Paradise Lost by John Milton is divided into twelve books
The twelfth is the interval of an octave and a fifth.
12 is the number of studio albums the band The Beatles released.
In English, twelve is the number of greatest magnitude that has just one syllable.
twelve pairs of ribs ( usually)
Twelve people have walked on the Moon.
The USA is divided into twelve Federal Reserve Districts
12 inches in a foot
12 face cards in a card deck.
Twelve Olympians from Greek Mythology

Up and Away..

2011-06-12T13:51:00.000-07:00

It's been a fair while since I've been here or even to think about writing something vaguely interesting. Now that the final weeks of teaching work and the boys' school is done for Summer, I can slow down a tiny bit and start to really focus again! Having spent endless hours pondering those ultra interesting projects: like building a new trellis in the garden; or starting a new compost heap; maybe attacking the beast of torn fabric and clothing that needs some loving; or boringly filing all the paperwork/bills that are stuffed into a drawer, or possibly embarking on some new fiber art project that is only in a dream state!? Yes, that's my dilemma today - now faced with a number of hours alone (as the rest of the family are playing golf)) these frightfully interesting projects wane and waft away as I organise files on the computer, download updates..... and now overwhelmingly I feel that taking a nap may be in my best interests after all!

Happy June Gloom from not so sunny California!

a small prize to who can guess where I've been by these pics?

Love = Life

2011-04-21T11:48:00.000-07:00

We all have wishes, wants, desires, needs - but what about those intangible things that make you smile and just plain feel good? Mostly inspirational, all are based in love and beauty

Here I am taking a moment in the day to remember what makes me happy and appreciate a few simple pleasures that life is all about for me! In no particular order, but all equally in the number one position:

Fresh running water in a babbling brook
Spring blooms in rainbow hues
The songs of the early morning birds
Wafting children laughter
The swaying leaves in lofty trees
The smell of good earth ready for planting

Indian Rose oil and Orange blossom together
Free time to paint and create
Staying for the sunset after a day at the beach
Dreaming of lost souls
Chasing clouds and adventure

Healthy children in mind and spirit
Experiencing true love
Dancing in freedom
Great live music
Indian swoony spices!
A road less travelled

Sculpting in wool
Bathing in colour

Sharing..

2011-03-17T17:20:00.000-07:00

hard to see the scale but this is about a foot high and nearly 4 feet wide Winter scape

I am by nature pretty impatient, I have learnt more about this curious trait over the years from my children and more recently through my work in school, however I cannot be relied on to wait when I'm eager to share...

In the past few months after inviting a dear and talented friend, Scissor Girl, with me to create some fabulous 'Freescapes' or playscapes that will be featured in a book due out hopefully next year. This one is our current winter offering and is far from finished, but I am quite pleased with how it's coming along. We started with an adapted Spring scape, but will return to that one soon for updating and developing in the season, and others will be created to encapsulate Summer and Autumn. Hopefully these scapes will inspire and lead the reader/artist into a world reflective of their inner self and qualities.

I am feeling drawn to creating some scapes that mirror some of the lost beauty of the world that is not always experienced in person, maybe I'll have to travel more to gather my inspirations but that wouldn't be so bad either!

Marching on...

2011-03-04T20:11:00.000-08:00

The Romans made March ( a favourite thing to do) the first month of the year in their calendar. Both Ovid and Plutarch said that Martius, was named after Mars, the Roman god of war. Indeed, it often is a month of firsts—the first daffodil, robin, earthworm, skunk, cabbage.

Spring itself starts with the vernal equinox on March 20 this year ( My 14th wedding anniversary is on the 21st!)

This beautiful wet felted wall hanging was made with healing love by the students in Donovan Boy's 5th grade earlier this year.

Apart from being notoriously temperamental weather-wise. According to weather proverbs:

If March comes in like a lion, it will go out like a lamb.
If March comes in like a lamb, it will go out like a lion.

Make this stone gnome in a class- Sunday March 13th, click here for details

Wake up sleepy

2011-02-28T13:07:00.000-08:00

I've been quietly busy taking some online course to support my Waldorf teacher training and development as a human and this surprised me this morning as I was studying. A glimpse into the universe through this woman's experience mirrors so many ideas of others that came before her including Rudolf Steiner. Worth sharing, get a tissue.

It's about 18 mins long but worth watching I promise....a wake up to the 'reality' of life.

Weather anyone?

2011-02-02T17:20:00.000-08:00

Not if Groundhog Phil is on the nose this year it seems with the prediction of an early Spring around the corner, maybe more of an up and down a few blocks and a train ride away?! With horrendous storms brewing and colder weather snaps all over the US, one can only presume Phil had a snifter before popping out? Even here in sunny California, where truly we cannot complain about any smattering of awful weather that may flounce around for a few days, I've even had to wheel the old radiator out in the evening, gather my bedsocks and nightcap, and wish we had an open fireplace and some actual reason for doing all this!!

Of course I'm going to talk about the weather today of all days because it's always polite and easy to start a conversation this way, but more importantly today is the festival of Candlemas, also known as Imbolc. The ancient Celtic goddess Brigid was honored on this day, and even after she was absorbed into the Church as St. Brigid, celebrations for her changed very little from their Pagan roots.

The name "Imbolc" has it’s name derived from the Gaelic “oimele” which means “ewes milk.” This major Sabbat lies opposite Lammas, and represents the very beginning of spring. This festival is for the Maiden, her renewal and has strong roots with the festivals for the Irish goddess Brigid. The name “Candlemas” is from the adaptations of rites for the Virgin Mary that the European churches held at the same time of year.

I didn't check but I also think it's the exact halfway point in the year between the Winter solstice and the Spring Equinox, making it one of the four cross-quarter days. Special, right?

MMX1

2011-01-01T20:04:00.000-08:00

A year to remember it seems, 2011, 4708, 5771-2 if you are really counting.....we embarked upon another Andy Goldsworthy inspired hike, into the Temescal mountains once again with some eager friends and left behind some whimsy building projects and took home some poison oak rash apparently...poor little Gandalf is as miserable as can be, dipped with calamine and doped with antihistamine..

Major holidays ( not exhaustive) and some useless facts...
January - 7th Orthodox Christmas and our Wassail party!!!
February -1st Imbolc a cross quarter day. 3rd Chinese New year
March - 9th Ash weds, 21st Vernal equinox & Persian New Year
April 1st - Space Shuttle's last scheduled flight, 18th Passover, 24th Easter
May- 1st, cross quarter day Beltane,
June - 7th Shavuot
July - 10th Neptune completes it's first full orbit since discovery in 1846!
August - 1st Lammas, cross quarter day
September - 23rd Mabon, Autumnal equinox, 28th Rosh Hashanna
October - 7th Yom Kippur, 26th Diwali
November - 26 Islamic New year
December - 20 Chanukah, Christmas, 31st - All US troops scheduled to leave Iraq!

Bah humbug!!

2010-12-24T16:34:00.000-08:00

A Christmas Carol is one of my favourites to read at this dark time of year, and 2010 marks a first time hearing for my children! They have not yet seen any of the more formidable movies (1951 Alistair Sim or even the George C Scott version), that have made so well, the tale of Ebenezar Scrooge, but dear Donovan Boy - who still believes, and Little Gandalf - who can hardly contain his excitement, only lay listening to the richness of the written word by dear Dickens. Tonight they hear the final chapter, so apt of course of this eve.

We wish you a Merry Christmas and remember those who are not with us in this life and bless those who are far away. Magic is all around us always and at this time of the year, it is thinly veiled.

Peace.

Luna

2010-12-21T15:19:00.000-08:00

The Winter Solstice is here at last, did you get to see the lunar eclipse early this morning? The rain is still pelting down here in soggy California, with those that live in the hills on 'storm watch' for flooding and possible mud slides, which can be quite devastating.

Something about the holiday season brings either the best or worst out in people I've noticed. So when I'm out an about doing errands in the nasty weather, I'll try and smile, wave and be gracious in traffic, because we all deserve a little kindness in times of stress, right? Pass it on! I still live in hope that these little offerings will come back around!

Some magical new items to match the Winter line up of starry constellations, will be up in my online shop tonight, please stop by there to check them out. Great for 12th night gifts ( January 6th).

Scoping scapes

2010-12-03T18:38:00.001-08:00

I've been wanting to make many things recently, but seem intent on making playscapes that I like to call Free-scapes, because they can inspired by a hike, a place or just your imagination and it's a very freeing endeavour ( for me at least!).

work in progress...inspired by a hike to Temescal Canyon

firepit and retreat cave with back exit

mushroom hideaway for faerie folk with spiral pond

I will have - fingers crossed- many mini offering at this years Winter Faire at OCS next Saturday December 11th from 10am-4pm.. but they are unique and cannot be saved! You can request a custom scape but please not after December 17th! I will post a custom request order in my etsystore or maybe you'll stop by to visit the holiday bazaar and spot The Phoenix Gift booth!

Happy shopping, remember supporting your artisan community is good for your soul!!

Happy T Day!

2010-11-25T18:29:00.000-08:00

many mini playscapes, will adorn the booth at this years
Winter Faire December 11th at OCS

Pops flies in each for the said bird each year for alas, old Blighty has no such excuse for early Turkey before Christmas and more than often it's a Goose!

Here in the U.S. of course, it's a great traditional get together of gratitude, fellowship and thanks. One of my favourite holidays actually. We have time off work to travel, share some cozy nesting time with family and friends, get our warm clothes out and on and play some games! Unfortunately it's also becoming an insane consumerism frenzied spend a thon.

I don't think I preach out here very much, but this seemed important enough to share a thought for how we choose to act during the holiday season.

This letter was sent to me today......

Each Thanksgiving, I think of Marie Tellismond. Two years ago on Black Friday, Marie lost her 34 year-old son, Jdimytai Damour. Jimmy-as his friends called him-was trampled to death while trying to protect a pregnant woman from a stampede of bargain shoppers at a New York Walmart.

Now, I've never met Marie Tellismond, but as a fellow mother, I am pretty sure she would give anything to have a day with her son again. Losing, or even coming close to losing someone we love, makes us get our priorities straight really, really fast.

Most of us have a choice this Friday that Marie no longer has. We can chose to leave the warmth of our beds before dawn, to sit in our cars in a parking lot at some mall and to spend the day searching for low prices on products which we don't really need and often don't event want, but getting them is all part of the Black Friday Frenzy. Or we have a choice to stay put with loved ones, to play board games and eat leftovers and maybe even play a game of football together.

If we're going to figure out how to build an economy and society that is healthy for people and the planet, this Friday is a good place to start. Let's opt out of the frenzy this year.

Please help me spread the word this Thanksgiving week.

With Gratitude,
Annie
Story of Stuff.

Suess-ical tree in La Jolla....truly though, he lived here!

Ahh Autumn!

2010-11-11T17:01:00.000-08:00

I hope you enjoy this poem, it so perfectly captures the feeling essence of Autumn for me.

To Autumn
John Keats

Season of mists and mellow fruitfulness,
Close bosom-friend of the maturing sun;
Conspiring with him how to load and bless
With fruit the vines that round the thatch-eves run;
To bend with apples the moss'd cottage-trees,
And fill all fruit with ripeness to the core;
To swell the gourd, and plump the hazel shells
With a sweet kernel; to set budding more,
And still more, later flowers for the bees,
Until they think warm days will never cease,
For Summer has o'er-brimm'd their clammy cells.

Who hath not seen thee oft amid thy store?
Sometimes whoever seeks abroad may find
Thee sitting careless on a granary floor,
Thy hair soft-lifted by the winnowing wind;
Or on a half-reap'd furrow sound asleep,
Drows'd with the fume of poppies, while thy hook
Spares the next swath and all its twined flowers:
And sometimes like a gleaner thou dost keep
Steady thy laden head across a brook;
Or by a cyder-press, with patient look,
Thou watchest the last oozings hours by hours.

Where are the songs of Spring? Ay, where are they?
Think not of them, thou hast thy music too,--
While barred clouds bloom the soft-dying day,
And touch the stubble-plains with rosy hue;
Then in a wailful choir the small gnats mourn
Among the river sallows, borne aloft
Or sinking as the light wind lives or dies;
And full-grown lambs loud bleat from hilly bourn;
Hedge-crickets sing; and now with treble soft
The red-breast whistles from a garden-croft;
And gathering swallows twitter in the skies.

We went recently on an autumn hike to be inspired for playful free scape building in wool and to try and experience the feel of the new season. Treasures, not unlike the acorn pig nose, were found in the forestry route by the disappearing children along the winding pathways. A perfect walking staff for later carving in the winter was mine to have and hold, as was the breathtaking beauty of the playful wind painting with leaves that day! Though somewhat rocky in places, the children ranging from 2 -11 picked their way to the goal and were rewarded with a cool paddle in a small stream and some dried fruit.

treasure #1

treasure #2 and Little Gandalf monkeying around

hunters of forest treasure gather to plan their next steps..

On a completely different note, I have started writing a book that will hopefully be shared with the wide world upon it's completion...it's largely woolly in essence but will have some great creative and artistic goodies to share with felting fanatics!

in the works, quite large collaborative free-scape

Poe Port and Potter

2010-10-27T16:49:00.000-07:00

Glorious is the season that begins for me, with a lovely excuse to buy some monster cereal, read some favourite stories and dark poems, feel abundant in smooth dark chocolate and drink hot cider and warm port (Oops, nothing's actually new here!)

I hate to admit it but when I saw a poster of the newest Harry Potter movie, I was all excited at the thought of donning my witchy wardrobe to attend. I'm perfectly well aware this is lame and I had even toyed with the notion, of not going at all and waiting until its double feature time....we shall see....

The "Switch Witch" is the perfect example of none knowing where this started- or where indeed it will end, but nevertheless we have been doing this for quite a few years and it's still working on Donovan boy age 11 and Little Gandalf age 8! I hope they laugh with me about it later on......

These are our Switch Witch house rules:

You must leave out your candy to receive a decent switch, i.e a small toy, book etc. a few pieces don't really do the trick with her hagness. ( see #2)
You may keep only as many pieces as you are old if you really must have more candy.
Please leave all candy in a cauldron or other suitable receptacle ( bag will do) to be easily swiped whilst riding a broomstick.
You may not ask for something in particular for your switch, you never know what you will get, but hopefully it's something interesting and not a pair of old socks!

Have fun!!

good news! My witchy cat arrived today....
she does follow at my heels, but is a little sleepy most of the time!

Traditionally I like to hunker down and read different stuff at certain times of the year (like Sherlock Holmes in December!)... poetry is an all encompassing medium for conveying just the right insight or capture a mood. Here are some to get you started...

I'd start with some serious Edgar Allen Poe if you really want to jump in the deep end!

Halloween poems for you to enjoy...

Last but not least..Lady Autumn comes wafting in on the blustery winds. A far more gentle creature who comes to the young at heart to remind them of a special shared secret and maybe a special hand made gift to remember her in the deep winter, the Gnomie Homies are back once again thanks to a great pattern by Carle for her acorn gnomes. I wonder when she will wander through our park to visit the wee ones at Seeds of Joy?

Pinktober

2010-10-10T18:57:00.000-07:00

Yes it's true I've been wearing pink recently and even a shade or two of pastels... Not really sure what's come over me but apparently I've matured enough to don the fairer colours of the hues, after a lifetime of strong vivid's and bold prints - what's that all about eh?

It's breast cancer awareness month and you don't have to look very far into our circle of friends, family or community to find those who have battled.

Jumping Jupiter!

2010-09-19T15:39:00.000-07:00

Taken from the Farmers Almanac this month....
The giant Jupiter is closer than ever. Not since 1963 has Jupiter been so close, so bright, so easily seen—a result of its slow, oval orbit around the Sun that will take nearly 12 Earth years!
With two planets Uranus and Jupiter coming to opposition both on the 21st, they stand side by side this Equinox!

Finding Jupiter should be easy. Look halfway up the southern sky for the night’s brightest star. This is Jupiter and at it's best at midnight!

our very own Jupiter, who is in fact a great jumper, but likes to do this more...

Upon a shiny planet I wished for ....

dreamless sleep
space to think
starry nights
exotic travel

You can find the instructions and kit for these pumpkins right HERE!

However much one tries to rationalize it, the overwhelming sense of life fills the air after the spirited energy of the children from this years' Summer camp has long gone and Autumn is knocking at the window. I had the pleasure of sharing some thoughts with some Moms, at his years California Home-school Expo, thank you to those who attended the 'Zen and the Art of Handwork in the Home' session and the follow up felting class. I enjoyed meeting all those who attended and hope to be back again next year with more to share.

Perfect reminders of summer and fit for a pocket! Mermaid kits are easy and unique!
On SALE now at www.phoenix420.etsy.com

Schleptember....

2010-09-08T22:52:00.001-07:00

Gosh, It's already the end of Ramadan, start of Rosh Hashannah, back to school for the kids and Summer officially is gone ( although we suspected that about two months ago).

I'm behind on my post, felting and laundry duties, well what can I do except wish really hard on a star for a hardworking doppelganger or PA to show up on my doorstep sometime soon? I find myself making stuff in my dreams or planning books, stories, landscapes and travel itineraries whilst I drive around without a radio, so all is not lost, someday I will be creatively fruitful again!!

In the meantime, I try my utmost to avoid the mainstream news, common colds, unfriendly drivers and dust ( makes me wheezy apparently). These avoidance's do not include and are not limited to particularly dark chocolate, Friday night ice cream that's on sale, valued friends who don't mind that I'm never around, and playing the new frenzy game of Ticket to Ride!!

Oh and football season is starting and so is WISC, so I'd better make my picks quick ( go Vikings) and stay on target ( said with star wars inflection)

The summer playground hunting quest with a 2 hour radius, was met with much gusto, off we trekked from highest peaks to rocky shores. It was the jammiest trip ever as I think summer shone upon those days we were away from the chore beasties and the computer.....:-)

summer playground #1
Big Bear mountaintop hiking fun..

yep, I found the place where the sea fairies live...
I may have to felt this one....

summer playground #2, pond weed lake - stripped and dipped!

A quick trot over the southern border for a hot lunch!

Little Gandalf contemplates the surf in la Jolla Cove...

Magic and Myths

2010-08-24T11:14:00.000-07:00

The moon tonight will be the farthest and smallest of the year, but only those close to the ocean will notice the weak pull upon the tide. In preparation for this years astoundingly beautiful curriculum of geometry, Ancient civilizations and botany, we are drawn into the mythology once more of India, Babylonia, Egypt and of course Greece. I spent much of my childhood exploring various greek islands, and can see than an immersion of food, culture and stories will bring an important year of learning to the ever growing fount of knowledge - Donovan Boy!

The magic is already built in!!

All this while Little Gandalf will delve deeply into his fables, animal myths and a large quotient of knitting I suspect! In the meantime, off we go for one more short family excursion, this time to the farthest south of California, and after the recent return from the mountain top of Big Bear, we are happy to have breath to do so!

Ray of Light, always seems to find the prefect spot
( my photo shoot area this time)

Summer is finally here and I haven't had a single Margarita yet! The legs may even see a light shade of brown before I'm done, I may even finish the trashy vamp book :-), snooze outdoors in the middle of the day and possibly, just maybe, not answer the phone for a few days!
Happy Day!

some of my favourite summer colours - in the dye pot of course!!

I proudly managed to get into trouble for this lovely array of silk hanging on my balcony!!

Planes and Cranes

2010-08-04T18:04:00.000-07:00

The beautiful work from the Planes and cranes day to the wet felted
treasure pouches completed today...tomorrow, the volcano erupts!

For want of a better term, I've been MIA since mid June only resurfacing from teacher training for a quick birthday trip to the much improved L.A. Zoo and for the children of this years' Phoenix Academy Summer Camp, who have marvelled at the art work they have done this week and they never cease to amaze me!

"It's not poison - it's a vegetable." Overheard at the snack table...

I am too knackered to really write a bevy of fantastical stories about my observations this week, but will do as soon as time allows! Rather I wanted to share a slice of life for us over the past couple of weeks in picture format. I do have some recipes brewing, some gardening exploits and I haven't even shared the illustrious work of some talented felters from a recent fantasy playscape class either. After the fast approaching California Homeschool Expo this weekend, where I am tasked with speaking about Waldorf education in the home, I will have more stories to share and hopefully some pics too, that don't embarrass me too much!

Ah! The out breath of Summer shines on everyone it seems.

best way to keep cool in the midday sun, munch on cactus leaves?

Just loved this shot from the zoo,
doing what he does best.

Summer Rounds

2010-07-22T22:31:00.000-07:00

As I move through July in a maze of birthdays, gray skies and limited time to ponder the world or relax, I wonder about the shape of things to come, how they morph and how I may meet them in the future.

Donovan Boy reached the grand age of 11 today. Last eve, we retold his beautiful birth story, I stayed up until 1.06am, fave foods of spaghetti and choc pudding pie were on the menu, a big day out with friends, where we were freaked out by some ancient mummies from around the world and all culminated in a final bloody battle of a 3 day old God Storm Risk!!

Today is about loving ...
my silver hair
my mothers voice far away, singing
family - and friends are that too
an answer to a question....please.

Ya know, Thursday's are the worst ( unofficial) traffic days, have you noticed too?

Campy

2010-07-10T20:18:00.000-07:00

Campers at the Phoenix Academy Summer arts program spent their days walking in imagination filled nature, singing silly songs, playing games and engaging in artistic endeavours each day. With budget cuts slashing even the programs in schools, that are supposedly arts-integrated, the children lapped up the painting, collage, sculpting, wet felting pictures and cooking! Held together with a unique Super Me! game, and as much swimming our poor cold bodies could bear in this abominable atmospheric condition California is trying to call 'Summer', we all had loads of fun!

Now I am gearing up for the next intensive - but splendid - week of Eurythmy with WISC (Waldorf Institute of Southern California) with the hope that I can also pull off starting and completing successfully, a UCLA early childhood course during the next 9 weeks.

So long summer vacation!

Sloshin' around...

2010-06-30T21:30:00.000-07:00

The oceanfront in Encinitas, San Diego, was certainly a treat to visit and stay for a first of several days attending Waldorf teacher training with WISC. The amazing patience and wisdom of Steve Spitalny coupled with the charismatic eurythmist Dean Pollard threw caution to the early childhood winds and inspired those present with their thoughtful insights in the realms of the 12 senses of the developing human. I'm still processing all that today...thank you!

Food for thought by Dean Pollard

A prelude to this amazing week was a trip to The Black Sheep Gathering in lovely and friendly Eugene, Oregon. The hippest of neighbourhoods there has to be the one where art is created at the roadside curb on every turn! This curbside garden came complete, with cycles aplenty and plumes of cabbage and runner beans climbing stakes.

This is not my garden

When the heat like a mist veil floats,
And poppies flame in the rye,
And the silver note in the streamlet's throat
Has softened almost to a sigh.
It is July.

–Susan Hartley Swett (1860–1907

Gathering, not hunting

2010-06-16T13:18:00.000-07:00

fuzzy logic....well I couldn't very well leave the basket there could I?

I'm all of a dither while I pack for the wet and woolly Oregon, to experience the Black Sheep Gathering wool festival. Relaxing for me, is nothing to do but explore new territory, in the company of fellow fiber gal nerds; learn some new skills, meet some cool artisans and take couple of classes from the one and only Ayala Taipai, the elven lady who is my first inspiration to the art form of needle felting over 5 years ago!

Ayala, the original wild woolly woman!

update...
Upon my return last evening from a week long conference, I remembered that I had also spent 3 blissful days with friends making stuff and visiting sheep and never actually pressed the 'post' button, so it appears to me in a fuzzy memory when I see the beautiful wool, mohair and dyed felt, I can sigh happily and wonder when I may make something of it!

insert smiley face here

Moveable feast

the most dangerous place for visiting fiber fanatics...

'Making' part Ⅲ

2010-06-06T18:05:00.000-07:00

Private Sphere
by Stephanie Metz
featured by permission

Hand made is a concept that seems to imbue quaint or folksy feelings in some people. It eats up time which of course is either a joy or mostly inconvenient, uses muscles you never thought you needed or had and may not turn out the way you had desired upon starting a project...however, it is a natural internal knowledge that this hand art is nourishing the soul, feeding my spirit and healing all sorts of wounds that I never knew I had.

I 'make' things in my sleep, going through the paces, processing an idea or forming a picture in my head before choosing to start something. Sometimes the work is complete in the dream world and it may never have tactile form. Other ideas are worked on and through for many months ( maybe years) before they are ready to be brought into being and where I'm ready to start the physical journey with an art project.

Terra Firma was started two years ago and stands today incomplete and a useless waste of space in my tiny woolly retreat until I had that ah-ha! moment. There was something lacking and I think now SHE will share half with HE and be true to the numerous first man and woman ancient mythology stories. We shall see shan't we!? I suspect some amusing surprises that may take hold when I get to work on her this summer!

This contemporary fiber artist was so gracious when I contacted her about ya'll enjoying her work...as she has popped up a couple of times now and I thought it about time to feature her here as another fabulous artist who is pushing the form of felt to it's edge!! Way to go Stephanie! Enjoy her site HERE!

Meditation by Stephanie Metz

In other news....

new rescue kittens came to stay and play this month..
Donovan Boy named the orange one Jupiter and Ray of Light's moniker care of Little Gandalf
hope they don't wreak my wool boxes!

Lady Spring

2010-05-12T17:31:00.000-07:00

"A rose by any other name would smell as sweet"

Lady Spring has come indeed and the new moon tomorrow marks a planting time that will feed you into Summer!

Whew! I just spent FOREVER re-typing, finding and resetting passwords, trying to rack the old gray cells for something of a clue to get into blogger through Gmail. Finally here again!

Ah Springtime - maybe I'll feel like I've caught up enough one day, to fully enjoy it! It's been a busy time with the usual springy mood imbued, spiralling up and out and all about!
The obvious peeking blooms from new pale green leaves, chattering squirrels and tell tell signs of deep Spring give way for me to seek the undertones of the colour, sounds and smells that I remember from year to year.

With every turn I hear children full to bursting of giggles, I spot silly faces and riddles aplenty, ducks are dunking each other and becoming increasingly talkative and friendly, the blue heron family nests-in, with the now noisy babies and are finding the Great Green pond a great place to dine on the cheap! Apparently turtle soup is dish of the day :-(
Somethings afoot in the forest, menacing and hungry. Menu items for this lurker include skunk, a mouse, two red-eared sliders, and today a large bird. Feels like that book where the caterpillar eats through an abundance of stuff before curling up for a snooze?
UPDATE!!! We found out today that it is red tailed hawk, feeding it's family, so hard to be sad for the critters!

Tall Tale Tree creative writing and felted tree workshop coming up soon JUNE!
More info to register HERE!

Quickie miniscape 7"x5 - Storyteller Playscape class HERE in July!

The mer-gals are back ready to rock and in stock, buy your kit HERE!

Don't forsake, Create!

2010-04-23T17:57:00.000-07:00

There's something magical about sharing a creative experience with strangers! This synthesis of energy seems to occur every time I teach a fiber art workshop and it's so lovely to see new friendships being made as well as embracing creative angst when we are struggling through or challenged.

Taking time to make art 'just because' is so important to our bodies and souls. I'm always inspired to make something after teaching and honoured to help guide the process along. Helping a person feel they accomplished something and gained knowledge along the way is quite lovely!

My workshops for this Spring and Summer are continuing through August, the next one is this Sunday April 25th to create Spring Maiden, more details on all the workshops are here...

A watery elemental sprite

A rainbow in the skirts of a birthday doll

Courage!

2010-04-18T14:12:00.000-07:00

Many are destined to reason wrongly; others, not to reason at all; and others to persecute those who do reason. Voltaire.

Jet lag fully behind me now and a flight just in time before icelandic volcano plumes of ash grounded european flights, I was happy to be back for at least 24 hours! Benefit of doubt gives sway to those who are confused about apparent character assassination and should look to truth in their hearts before judgment or gossip is entered into.

Traitors Gate

I tried to get this taken at exactly 4.20...but was a little off....

A busy week ahead with 2 felting workshops to teach, a kindergarten circle to complete and a mass of damaged egos to contend with. Oh and it's my birthday on Tuesday, joy! The answer to life, the universe and everything year is set to be complete with it's own eruptions of passionate opinions, change and choices - ha, whats new!

Got the time to laff around...

Southend without Sea!

Just lion around, guess where?

Up and Away..

2010-04-06T10:53:00.001-07:00

Planting is one of my great amusements...Thomas Jefferson (April 13th birthday and 13th prez.)

Rain in the Spring is as precious as oil - Chinese proverb

OK I haven't checked the weather report yet, but am still in hope for a break in the rain in the UK after all the crazy storms recently, I've packed the wellies, hats and gloves and will hope for the best and it certainly won't stop us from having at least a couple of visits to Rossi's ice cream parlor! Seeing my new young niece and many old (wrinkly) and just old friends will be the highlight and among various (great) Aunts, Uncles, cousins galore (1st, 2nd and 3rd) my boys will be spoilt rotten!

Happy Birthday to all my fellow Avrilites, (in particular, Domenica, Leenie, Mayo), what a great month full of wild windy and wet weather; quakes; Earth Day; Arbor Day; Easter; St Georges Day ( patron saint of farmers) and a fab Full Pink Moon!

This years' eggstravaganza....

Mermaids in trepidation ....

Sapping me MOON

2010-03-30T14:32:00.001-07:00

yes this full moon is what's commonly known as the Worm Moon but also Sap Moon in regions when the first tapping of the maple sap begins...in my case however the sapping is of my energy!

Phew, what a week so far....teaching my first workshop this year on Painting with Wool. A truly great Pesach (Passover) celebration last eve complete with singing, drinking and a very late night for the kids thanks to dear Topangites......yes still recovering, and Easter is just around the corner right before the boys and I head out to Old Blighty for a spot of puddle splashing in my home town. The word 'busy' doesn't quite encapsulate or begin to describe what's really going on here!

A mother and baby by Aurora in slight bas relief

I love that gefilte fish (yummy first course) often is shaped into an egg and the elliptical egg often symbolizes spring, rebirth, and the season’s renewal of life. Perfect.

and off they go.....

A lovely table set for revelry!

Using eggs as a holiday tradition is found across cultures. During the Jewish Passover (starting March 30), a roasted egg sits on the Seder plate. Eggs associated with Easter (April 4) are fertility symbols and reflect ancient spring renewal rites. For Christians, eggs were traditionally forbidden during Lent and always eaten on Easter Sunday.

Lovely Summer sunset by Safi inspired by our hot snap of sunshine

Peaceful breezes by the beach, caught by Brooke

and now....Equality!

2010-03-19T20:36:00.000-07:00

or the Vernal Equinox at least! This Spring marks many moons of marriage for me and the Hairy One, 13 years this weekend and 3.20.2010 must be all sorts of fun for a numerologist! To celebrate , we are off to the Renoir show at LACMA as we appear to find ourselves drawn to fine art on this special day every year ( and some indian food), doesn't take a lot to please me!!

My shining heart boy's and I are having an ongoing discussion about time, cultures, and new year, as we seem to celebrate at least 3 New Year's each 12 months ( Chinese, English and Jewish) and they think this is great! So I thought this was really interesting...The astronomical Persian calendar begins its New Year on the day when the March equinox occurs before apparent noon (the midpoint of the day, sundial time, not clock time) in Tehran. The start of the New Year is postponed to the next day if the equinox is after noon. Well I'll be!

This recent doll is called Heavenly after a friend I once knew - she embodies the soul sister of the 70's with spring in abundance!
This gorgeous felted fruit is part of our 1st grade class offering of a fully stocked store at Ocean Charter Schools silent auction - which is also tomorrow, so bid high my friends, I'll see you after a while for a wet one!

Something Green

2010-03-17T21:44:00.000-07:00

15 3 2278 10.2006

THE LEPRECHAUN

The leprechaun is a cobbler but he more than a cobbler be

as he guards the gold and treasures of the many fairies wee.

More precious than the treasures is what he hides so well...

it's privacy he pleasures and hopes his shoes will sell.

To keep his magic strong and this, you never knew...

he seeks to kiss a wee colleen fair maiden, one so true.

With his ungainly image one thinks he is a shrew

and no decent fair maiden would kiss one if she knew.

And so he has to steal it and in the night he creeps

the eve of auld St. Patrick's Day one magic night he seeks.

Asleep lies the fair maiden a fairy sprinkles dust...

to keep her from awakening and kiss her, yes he must!

For in the maiden's purity there lies a heart so true

for a leprechaun to steal a kiss makes all his dreams come true.

The purity of her fair heart is truly made of gold

and all the kingdoms of the world knows this is hard to hold.

And if the Leprechaun succeeds to kiss this maiden true

his magic and his wealth increase still, he'll not share with you!

Now should he ever get him caught while kissing one so pure

his wealth and magic will dissolve and that he knows is sure!

Stealthily the cobbler creeps to steal this kiss so rare

holds his breath and kiss the cheek of this young maiden fair

This success has left a mark...has filled his heart with glee

has made him do a little jig which has awakened thee.

So in his fearful haste to flee he ran out oh so fast...

his little hat blew off his head...that hat will hold your catch!

A clover did fall from his shoe and turned into a pin

Wear this now on your lapel for good luck to come in.

Some of his gold fell from his pot and in this mortal world...

turned into chocolate on the spot for little boys and girls.

And when his cobblers feet did tread upon the land outside

the gold he'd spilt upon the ground he can't pick up or hide.

And as he watched in disbelief as gold did turn to cents

he disappeared with great relief another year past hence.

So watch now, on St. Patrick's Day the eve of which may find

a leprechaun in cobbler-wear who'll leave a trail behind.

And as you gather up the treats on this Saint Patrick's Day

give thanks for all the blessings that have now come your way.

It's that time again!!

2010-03-17T20:35:00.000-07:00

Felting Art Workshops
Something out of Nothing
~Click on headings for more information~

Wool Painting Tapestry
using unique wet and dry felting methods
March 28th - Playa del Rey
$50 plus $10 materials fee

Storyteller Fantasy Playscape
using unique wet and dry felting methods

More information and to reserve space (recommended)
register at www.Phoenix420.etsy.com for all workshop classes

Space for all classes is limited and they can fill up fast. There will be a waiting list and possibly an extra class added if necessary. Materials fees for each class are listed and are due upon the start of the class. You may choose to bring and use your own materials. Private classes are available.

Please contact Phaedra (at) thephoenixgift.com directly for any questions, difficulties during registration or anything I may have forgotten to cover!

Tripping Out

2010-02-28T14:19:00.001-08:00

Out and about, to the local Vernal Madrona marshes in the rain to observe the wildlife that it draws to it's watery heart. Coupled with a Sunday Valentine jaunt to Point Dume, to spy water birds from above and the golden glimmers of the wildflowers atop the mount. We trekked all around the many paths (and some that weren't) enjoying the windy views, whilst trying to catch a glimpse of a whale or dolphin that frequently play the bay.

Vespers

2010-02-20T00:18:00.000-08:00

For Barb -

When my time has come
and impermanence and death have caught up with me,
When the breath ceases, and the body and mind go their separate ways,
May I not experience delusion, attachment, and clinging,
But remain in the natural state of ultimate reality.

tibetan nyingma master - longchenpa rabjampa - 14th century

Locks of Lunacy!

2010-02-12T22:21:00.001-08:00

Well, this was quite a week....I've chopped it all off, my hair that is and it feels great if not a little colder on the back of my neck! Donated 1o inches to Locks of Love and was paid in hidden and magical silver hair, how did they suddenly appear I humbly ask? The last time the tresses were tossed was nearly 17 years ago, upon my flight from Blightly and a life most horrid for an impetuous soul as mine. I will share more later, but can say that change is mostly good, exciting and freeing. Doors (if not windows) should be opened, walked through and maybe even peeked into to see what may be in store for you.

off with her hair!

The 'Little Ones' have been arriving in droves at Seeds of Joy, choosing their children to take care of them and begging Mother Earth to sew their new clothes so they can attend school with the children. Um, when is my little one coming dear Mother Terra?

Annabel ( Little One) flying on wings of love...

Baking bread calms me and so......

Old, Older, Oldest?

2010-02-02T19:12:00.000-08:00

If Candlemas be mild and gay,
Go saddle your horses and buy them hay;
But if Candlemas be stormy and black,
It carries the winter away on its back.

Forgetting that Candlemass is a Swedish metal band big in the 80's...It’s no accident that February 2 is both Groundhog Day, Candlemas and Imbolc this year.

All signify the triumph of light over darkness, spring over winter. Today is the astronomical midpoint between the winter solstice and the spring equinox.

Candlemas, a Christian feast day, got its name from the candlelit processions that accompanied it. Groundhog Day, a holiday that uses a furry prognosticator to foretell the coming of spring, depends on the presence (or not) of sunshine for its forecast.

Thus the day is known for weather rhymes, such as Half your wood and half your hay, / Should be gone and be left on Candlemas Day, a reference to the halfway point of wintery weather.

The oldest of the rites - Imbolc or Oimelc, two names which refer to the lactation of the ewes, the flow of milk that heralds the return of the life-giving forces of spring.

In the county of Shropshire, the snowdrop, first flower of spring, took the place of candles, being named, “Candlemas bells,” “Purification flowers” or – with a faint remembrance of Brigid, perhaps – “Fair Maid of February.”
In Ireland and Scotland, an effigy of Brigid was carried about from door to door as in Scotland. Often the figure of Bride was fashioned from a churn-dash covered with straw, emphasizing her presence in the dairy; sometimes it was a child’s doll decked out for the occasion, and sometimes a young girl dressed in white represented Brigid herself. The girl might hand out a Brigid’s Cross to each household, for the saint’s special cross was an important part of the Irish celebrations in all parts of Ireland. These crosses of rushes or straw were made on St. Brigid’s Eve and hung in the house and often in byre and stable too, to honor Brigid and to gain her protection. The crosses took shapes that are not traditionally Christian, but bear marked resemblance to symbols of the sun in cultures throughout the world. One kind was actually not a cross at all, but a figure with three legs, recalling the three-fold nature of the goddess-saint. It is, in fact, an ancient Celtic symbol known as the triskele.

Il Pleuvait!

2010-01-27T19:06:00.000-08:00

Striking deep into the ground and my skeleton, the wash of the wind and rain made all things clear once more. We ventured out and about to see the waves, the beach in the winter is truly an astounding force to feel and the sunsets of late have been painted by the angels themsleves!

I hope dearest beloved, that you are enjoying this watery interlude, the sunny climes are ne'er far from our western shore!

This weeks missions:

make seed bombs
tidy the garden
sort and donate stuff
fix the fridge
felt the kandinsky....
hit the thrift store with abandon

Prepared?

2010-01-18T23:25:00.000-08:00

Fighting my emotion, I can only imagine what the residents of Haiti must be experiencing. I know fear, grief and soul wrenching and can almost feel the human devastation from this far off. I am curiously quite prepped for a disaster, carrying with me numerous first aid supplies, food, water, blankets, clothing etc. It's an almost unconscious and ever growing eccentricity that allows me to explore the awful possibilities and how I will help in such an event, as I have before in '94.

I have travelled far and wide, together and alone and know that having some basics to hand and a little training can go a long way. To that end, my challenge for you today will be to ask how you can be more prepared, in strength, not fear or need. Get some first aid training, sign up with an organisation and serve with them, give monetary gifts to those who your heart is with and be at peace with the knowledge that you have the power to make a difference.

Blessings.
ae

Sing to me

2010-01-15T22:54:00.000-08:00

I'm pretty sure I posted here only a few days ago, and it seems to have disappeared completely! Here it is again, mainly for my own sanity!

With the wind blowing, 20ft waves just a few days ago and a low of oh, maybe 58 F ( tee hee) we've really hit winter here in La La Land! So to help the seasonal mood, we use a little (a lot) of imagination! With Donovan Boy and Little Gandalf rolling their eyes, in the most good-natured way of course - I am constantly and quite excitedly pointing out that there is snow on those far off mountains! The fastest Queen Winter for school and a rather gentlemanly King Winter for a fellow teacher as a 12th night pressie came to visit to help things along!

Frosty King comes a-knocking at Seeds of Joy!

Just had to share a quick pic of some lovely damp bark, recently 'collected' at Wilderness Park!

Rivers of bark - the first in a new collection!

Some unfinished Goldsworthyesque art in the forest...

New Moon tonight, the Jasmine is particulary strong at night and during a waxing moon...hmmm!

Resolute

2010-01-01T20:47:00.000-08:00

Wass hail! and Happy New Year!

12 Days of Christmas by Amy Evangeline

Had to get one in today. Have you ever wondered how tired you must've been before a holiday comes along and allows you to really sleep all you want? I can't believe how knackered I was/am and have just enjoyed sleeping and dreaming a lot for the past week!

I am of course resolute about many things, but some are actually within grasp I think...

Giving up sugar, dairy and wheat for January - ouch!
Re-read all the Sherlock Holmes memoirs and stories ( last done 20 years ago!!)
See the 38 "7 wonders of the world" ..3 down, maybe another later this year!
Do a wine/art tour of Italy...I can see if this years' anniversary turns into a honeymoon can't I?
Renovate my kitchen
See some Shakespeare, and maybe play some too!
Complete my Getty garden series!
Teach my kids 5 new card games - so they'll never be bored travelling
Drive across the U.S and make a collection of something whilst doing it.
Finish a large art piece

Summer at the Getty Gardens

Winter at the Getty Gardens

What's on your 2010 list?

Once in a Blue moon

2009-12-29T17:52:00.000-08:00

The magical light of the second full moon this month welcomes the New Year of 2010! Although back in the mild sunny climes of the west now, the Phoenix family enjoyed the blast blizzard in the big apple. We were gifted with a trudge through Central Park with the local residents who were out enjoying the crispy undergrowth with sleds in tow. It was truly a most beautiful walk, the icy river sparkling under pelted flying snowballs, and we met a few frozen sno-men along the way. We spied ruddy smiling faces of those who ventured out and our winter wet hands were warmed with my favourite winter treat hot chestnuts!

Did you know? : The Aztecs made a red dye from the bracts of the the wild poinsettia bush and also used the sap to reduce fevers!

Many blessings this season to you and may this New Year be a prosperous, healthy and happy one!

Spiralling

2009-12-14T21:58:00.000-08:00

And so to the advent spiral we go into the winter season! What a lovely way to create an inner moment of clarity in the darkness, by the offering of an apple clad candle, lit from a central point and a gradual glow illuminates the evergreen spiral. There are no actual pictures of this event since it can only be captured by the mind and soul, that is rightly so!

The Jusso stream and tree to read under

G.bye sweet nymph

The excitement at winter faire so electric, 3.5 hours of sleep, a fabulous 5th grade lecture and eurythmy lesson had my adrenals pumping for the day! My calloused elven hands are still busy making gifts and treasures, some will appear in the new and lovely, "Petals and Stems" shop at Westside Waldorf and will continue to pop up over the year I hope!

Infinity Cave Playscape

mermaids in waiting for a kit and kaboodle!

A fresh bounty of veggies fell my way when a spare CSA box was offered last week, and did I mention that we won a raffle to Mammoth Mountain!! We are so very excited, we've never won anything and have been wanting to to take the kids ski-iing for years! I feel the love, thank you!

Yep I know..

2009-12-08T16:39:00.000-08:00

Straight off the workbench and into your hands! Here are some items made recently ( some are gone already). I will attempt to get more into the Etsy store by Thursday this week, but many items may well be whisked away by elves for eager little ones to play with. Please do stop by and see if there's something for you! I will be having a booth with the ever lovely Dragonfly Artisans at this years OCS winter faire Dec 12th from 10am-4pm, come and shop with all our talented artisan vendors making Waldorf items. 20 % proceeds support the school and the remainder will pay some tuition at Waldorf Institute of Southern California!!!

Partial to pears in a tree?

whimsy wands whipped and ready for magic

During this holiday season bringing light into our darkest days of winter, we remind ourselves that it is the giver who makes the gift precious. “Not what we give, but what we share, for the gift without the giver is bare.”
–James Russell Lowell, 1819–91

playscape big and small for every occasion and nature table

Put your hands and handiwork into your gifts ( or support handmade items by artisans). Make homemade gifts from the kitchen to share with loved ones and enjoy the simple pleasure of making and giving, not just doling out paper dough!

recycled sweater needle cases with felted embellishments

Thank goodness!

2009-11-24T19:46:00.000-08:00

Over the river, and through the wood,
Now grandmother’s cap I spy!
Hurrah for the fun!
Is the pudding done?
Hurrah for the pumpkin pie!

It's that special time of year where the holidays queue up to create chaos unless you are carefully pretending not to notice and go at your own pace! This can be very useful for people like me who have way too much on the plate to start with!

some lovely large play-silks in rainbow, ocean and sunset hues will appear for sale soon!

I know it's cheesy, but I thought a short list of thankful things may be fun to play with. I am going to provide lolly (Popsicle) sticks to scribble on and pop in a jar on our table this year, so we can randomly note those things we are truly thankful for. Little Gandalf recently underwent an appendectomy and few days after being home he conveyed his thanks to us for being healthy when we made him and that he was alive, his words not mine - I know. Life can be overwhelming unless you really take time to set aside that special family time, slow down for a moment and look around you; smell the air; hear a bird and touch something that enlivens your senses. Look no further, with Thanksgiving right around the corner you can sidle right up to this one and do all of the above, with the ones you love! Or just pretend to hibernate for the winter!

The OCS Winter Faire this year is coming soon, Dec 12th - 11am-4pm, and promises to be as magical as ever. I really do not have time to make all the lovelies I wish to, but nevertheless the dragonfly artisans will be there with bells on, ( yes really)! I would love to see some of you in person, so please stop by and say hello!!

Some recycled needle case can be found with felted animal fronts

an array of kits and whimsical fancies will be on display both at the faire and in the etsy shop

Wishing all the fiber-fans-waldorf-homeschool-gardeners out there a very lovely, healthy and happy holiday.

Hath 31, phew!

2009-11-19T09:25:00.000-08:00

Frosty King comes a knocking at Seeds of Joy!

Just had to share a quick pic of some lovely damp bark, recently 'collected' at Wilderness Park!

Rivers of bark - the first in a new collection!

Shall I make this into a felted illustration of the wonderful Norse legends of old?? Seems excessive but still it may be fun!

For those who don't celebrate 12th night , please do see last years' post about Wassail for all the deets!

New Moon tonight, the Jasmine is particulary strong at night and during a waxing moon...hmmm!

some unfinished Goldsworthyesque art left lying around in the forest.

Wild and Wooly

2009-11-08T18:50:00.000-08:00

Where are the wild things? At Otis Fine Arts college today for sure!!

I had the immense pleasure of guiding a workshop with some of the students and faculty, who were indeed wildly dedicated and talented in pursuit of a new wooly medium to play with! I hope to return next semester and help more students immerse themselves in the fluff and colour of the fiber art world.

Some creations are still being completed but I had to share some their lovely work thus far.

Fabulous Teddy complete with his own change of head...

Gargantuan squid in the making..

Cute steg still in the works

medicine woman with buffalo rug

Switch Witch?

2009-11-01T17:32:00.001-08:00

October certainly disappeared in a flurry of flu, chicken soup/probiotics and finally a sea of candy to boot! Luckily the Switch Witch came to save us from mounds of sugar and left in it's place a toy and a book for Donovan Boy and Little Gandalf! Did she get to you too, were you willing to give up your stash of goodies for something less edible?

I do hope everyone had a lovely month of splendid Autumn weather and festivities!

This little picture is something finished today that will be for sale on both Etsy and at the annual Winter Faire on Dec 12th, here will be lots more of goodies to see and buy from various artisans including The Dragonfly Artisans too! More on that later!

Needle felted Autumn Wool painting

Goulish glow in the dark skeleton readies for an evening of candy collecting..

I'm so sad, we lost the seeds to mold because I was too tired to roast them right away!

Lady Autumn was blown in on the blustery winds to deliver a whispered secret and gift from the forest, of acorn gnomies to the kinder kids. Will she turn up again soon elsewhere I wonder?

What a lovely pumpkin patch of work from the 2nd grade kids!!!

Oh Really?

2009-10-07T20:09:00.000-07:00

... is this the first post for October? I don't know about you but I've been uber busy with teaching, training and generally pretending I don't get sick even when my kids do!

A dragon was discovered lurking around the kitchen table and he finally took off for fairer pastures! Now I'm really behind on my cross stitch homework and flute practice!

The Taos Wool Festival was as always a joy to behold with the splendour of Autumn colours, the seasonally slower river chasing the yellowing cottonwood trees and n'er a nip in the clean mountain air either! Filled with armloads of buffalo and alpaca batt, curly roving and a huge amount of coffee, I was honoured to teach my first out-of-state felting workshop with some lovely ladies from far and near. They allowed me to push their noggins and talent to sculpt gorgeous Goddess dolls! Final doll pics to come very soon, right ladies?

Some fabulous new work by Heart of Felt artists -I'll feature them here soon!

Couple of odd things to share about our weekend in Taos, NM...it's not often you find a goat tied up in the town square Saturday night, but a very friendly little bleater he was too. The day we left was a bit of a rush to the airport in Albuquerque, so when the engine refused to start we managed to look lame enough to solicit help from a couple of friendly local law enforcement officers, who were more than mildly amused by our rotten battery connection! One can of Coca-cola later and we were off...I'm pretty sure no eluding to the obvious facts are needed here, right?

Lady Autumn is preparing for her annual visit to the Ocean Charter kindergarten, she will of course be armed with secrets to whisper and an army of acorn gnomies.

The beautiful Harvest Moon shone clear, Sukkoth is still in full swing, and although we are fighting some whacky fever thing, we are thankful to stay connected to nature, family and
friends.

Peace.

"No two gardens are the same, no two days are the same in one garden"
Hugh Johnson

To Sleep, to dream?

2009-09-23T20:30:00.000-07:00

For those of you who know me, I like to sport an English accent of sorts, actually I am a Brit, but am mistaken for an Ozzie quite often - must be my Californian drawl mix, which leads me to share some interesting habits that do seem to stick around for good or ill!! The all important nap, the tea break ( my fav) and the love for capturing breathing moments to maintain sanity!

Koi in Balboa pond at the botanical gardens

The Ritual of an Afternoon Nap by Diane Prusha and article text by Dr Susan Johnson and my two pennies worth of course!

Sitting down, putting your feet up, closing your eyes, and taking 3-5 deep deliberate breaths in and out, and picture a happy natural place, a babbling brook or a warm sandy beach, reading a book under a tree in the woods?

After lunch, the warm sun dappling the room with rays of gold, the wind softly playing with the curtains, humming a well liked song, while we wash our hands, the closing of the curtains, lying down on a soft bed, the light blanket floating down, lighting a candle, the telling of a gentle nature story, a back rub, fingers to the lips in a shhhh.... The blowing out of the candle. Stillness. Silence. An hour passes.
The quiet song returns, the curtains are gently opened, the folding of the blanket, a hug, a yawn.

A ritual has just been created.
A rhythmic breath.
A mood.
Space.
Silence.

In this silence and space, a child’s morning “food” is digested. The food is basically anything and everything that is felt and taken in by all the senses during the busy work and play. As parents and teachers, it is our work and more importantly our inner work to give our children safe, secure, and quiet out breaths. Creating little rituals in our day will help us manage the out breaths more easily.

Taking the time to establish these special times may take a bit of effort but will be well worth it for you and your child. And, children love ritual! Creating silence strengthens a child’s patience and active attention, which is the foundation for all learning.

Accordingly, a child’s natural physiological rhythm is alert and active in the morning hours but tire out at about one, with a sharp decline until about three. At this time, there is another peak and then a second decline at bedtime around seven o’clock.

Sure, children love commotion, but they also hunger for quiet. We can create quiet for them with our own relaxed breathing in and out.

It is a challenge for us to commit to these rituals and be mindful of the patterns of the day, but your child will be rested and able to fall asleep more easily promise!! This all leads to a
healthier immune and sensory system, and a more content and happy child. The added bonus for you is the feeling and knowledge that you are protecting and nurturing your child’s growth and health. This holds them in a way that gives them freedom, so they may grow into the human beings they are meant to be.

And a cup of tea for me!

2009-09-09T21:20:00.000-07:00

'Instant family' by the gnomeschoolers,
thanks to Fiona Duthie for showing me this pattern to share this Summer!!

Whether you are in a traditional type school or are homeschooling, the end of the whimsy of Summer hits hard while the weather is still baking hot ( well here any way!) Sweltering in high degree heat isn't fun unless you are sipping iced tea ( or Pimms) by a pool or the like. Mixed with breathing difficulties and itchy skin comes the sad realisation that much of our lovely Los Angeles mountain regions burned away to a crisp, some areas hadn't burned in over 100 years, that's mind blowing to think that it will be generations before those gorgeous trees are re-established. You can be sure that my family and I will be planting new trees when the first opportunity arises!

cubby tree

As an English transplant, I'm fairly wilting in the heat, fighting off weeds that take advantage of my delicate nature and surprise surprise - busy as a bee. Always fun to do creative projects with friends, ranging from helping dye silks for a pre-school co-op, wet felting a huge wall hanging or teaching some parents how to whip up a woolly puppet in a flash is all wonderful fodder for this Phoenix!

the mega-hanging before felting..oh my poo old back!!!

Mark your calenders, Oct 3rd and 4th the Taos Wool festival in New Mexico and I'd love to see you there, register to join my workshop to create a goddess art doll sculpture and wander the delights of this gorgeous little town!

Little Gandlaf has lost so many teeth recently, these poor fairy pillows are nearly redundant!
check the shop....

Been too busy? Have a cuppa and a biscuit on me!

These lovely paintings became perfect backgrounds for a cursive writing alphabet for4th graders!

Dippy Dippy

2009-08-28T21:06:00.000-07:00

....from hell's heart, I stab at thee; for hate's sake, I spit my last breath at thee."

Oops wrong 'dying' words, titter...however, upon some stretched pondering, I'm led to try and conclude that my constant stabbing (with felting needles silly) and spit - yes, every good tendril deserves a little, may have some meaning. Creating woolly rivers? Releasing stress? Thinking more clearly, or could it possibly be a half-decent excuse to listen to a few favourite albums really loud all the way through without being disturbed??????

Well, no hate or hell here, but it's a great quote anyway and both Moby Dick and Star Trek's Wrath of Khan rank somewhere high on the fav list that I will probably not share - ever. unless I'm feeling particularly dorky that day and think someone cares to see it.

rainbow drying...where's that gold?

Anyway, I've been painting more silky batches recently and desperately want to have more time and space to really play with it in a more meaningful way. I do envy those that get to play with colour on a regular basis and hope to really diversify this with some young-uns soon! Huh? Meaning, I will soon be starting work at Seeds of Joy helping guide children on their journey through kindergarten this year. My first out of home job for over 10 years, yelp! but O-man wants it that way...eh?

dipping into the dye pots

Some of these unique silks may actually make it to the shop, but most will be given as gifts :-) I hope you like them. I'll be working for a few more days on getting nature table items and dolls made for 4th grade, 1st grade and kinder too, then it's onto some yummy custom work - DRAGONS!! Stay tuned.

summer selection almost gone but not forgotten

oceans blowing in the wind

Live long and prosper! sorry, resistance is useless.

Dirty Gerty

2009-08-19T14:34:00.000-07:00

My crystal ball's been hazy this year, I'm not proud of this years' crops so far, we can only hope for a better future!

I see more digging, compost and filthy hands, certainly the highlight so far has been the small but delicious corn grown in the easement, the toms are practically sticking out tongues in defiance of ever fruiting properly and the cukes, well they evidently need more water and love and now I feel guilty of giving them too little...bad garden mama.

The upsides are my first year of raspberries - after waiting two years for the darn thing to even pretend it was alive and the gophers have left alone the onions!

So off to the mountains we go for a few days of reading, bird and deer spotting and maybe even some fishing! Ah...but until then, the to do list grows longer...

from this...

to these!

Ha HA! this is not my garden....yet!

I think I spot a fairy...

Last of the Summer Wool

2009-08-09T21:13:00.000-07:00

Jamaica 07, view from our balcony, ahhh!

If the weather today be fine,
Hope for fair Autumn and good wine.

Ahhhh. August is here, the grass is burnt to a crisp. Ants are on the rummage -try wiping down with vinegar and water- the sky gods paint in deeper hues and the orb weavers know the whispering winds of change, as they ready their webs for an abundant catch!

Tis also the close of the Spring and Summer season workshops that culminated with the 3D needle felted playscapes this year. I hope those who attended the 'Something out of Nothing' classes this Spring and Summer were inspired to take their talents onward and will come back for some of the Autumn and Winter sessions with me!

eruptive scape by Joy (in the works)

idyllic island bliss by Safi

flower train trick skirt by student Seed

As I tilled beds today getting them ready for onions, a few new cucumber plants were popped in, Big Max is doing nicely and may give us a Halloween surprise, the end season toms and strawberries are floundering but may make a comeback if the weather holds and while the moon is waning is perfect to plant your root crops and vines are fine too.

Darling buds of May Maiden by Seed

Here's a quick-tip sheet taken from the Farmers Almanac, follow it for a season and you'll see great results! I will try and take some pics of the corn that's ready for harvest tomorrow!

8-9 Favorable Days For Planting Root Crops. Fine For Vine Crops.

10-12 Barren Days, Do No Planting.

13-14 Root Crops That Can Be Planted Now Will Yield Well.

15-16 Any Seeds Planted Now Will Tend To Rot.

17-18 Most Favorable Days For Planting Beets, Onions, Turnips, And Other Root Crops. Plant Seedbeds and flowers

19-23 A Barren Time. Best For Killing Weeds, Briar's, Poison Ivy, And Other Plant Pests. Clear Woodlots And Fence Rows.

24-26 Good Days For Planting Aboveground Crops. Excellent For Sowing Grains, winter wheat Oats, And Rye.

27-28 Plant Peas, Beans, Tomatoes, Peppers, And Other Above ground Crops In Southern Florida, California, And Texas. Extra Good For Leafy Vegetables. Plant Seedbeds.

29-31 Cut Winter Wood, Do Clearing And Plowing, But No Planting.

Howl!

2009-08-05T17:46:00.000-07:00

So how did it effect you? I know I've been 'off' feeling frustrated for no good reason. Very pretty and powerful moon. May have to go walkabout later on the beach...

Today August 5,2009 marks the full moon lunar eclipse at 13 degrees of Aquarius (rebellious humanitarian) exact at 8:55 pm est. This lunar eclipse from the Columbus, Ohio perspective will happen just after sunset with the moon just over the horizon. This unique (an Aquarian word) eclipse is the third in this series and the fifth this year. It is unique because eclipses commonly come in pairs, solar and lunar, but this Aquarian energy is flashing its unusual nature and bringing us a third eclipse, the second lunar eclipse this summer. Wisdom and inventiveness will reveal themselves through this energy in a cool and somewhat detached way, so pay attention as you 'think' through your feelings with this lunar eclipse.

Gnome-Schoolers

2009-08-02T21:15:00.001-07:00

What a fun day!

I attended the California Homeschool Network Family expo today and had the honour of teaching a "Felting 101" class to some very enthusiastic parents and children. I want to thank each and every one of you who attended the class and made my day!

To Paper, thanks for inviting me to come and join in and to the many hands, heads and hearts in charge, I was so impressed with the slick running of everything!

I promised a quick-link resource list, as I know starting out in felting can be daunting to find the right supplies at the right cost...these are a few favourite places to get supplies, there are many more if you search around and experiment with your new found addiction as much as possible!!
I would love it if those who were there today would share some pics of creations with me anytime so then I'll feature home-school art work here later this year.

My shop of course ( giggle) among many others at Etsy.com!!
http://Phoenix420.etsy.com

Lovely Susan from Weirdolls will hook you up with many lovely choices for wool and needles!
www.weirdollsandcrafts.com

Fabulous wool batts hand painted by Abi - special lady!
http://prairiefiber.homestead.com/index.html

Joggles online wool, yarn and needles
http://www.joggles.com/store/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=270

Felting tools and merino locks
http://www.hookedonfelt.com/tools.htm

Roving, fancy needles and fun
http://www.frenecreekfarm.com/roving.htm

GiveAway!

2009-08-01T16:39:00.000-07:00

In my poor attempts to drum up some more traffic to this blog and to the Etsy Store and maybe I'll finally get the actual Phoenix Gift website up and running sometime soon....I thought I'd throw a giveaway out there and see who's paying attention!!

Ok don't get too excited, most readers here are already stashed to the hilt with wool, patterns etc, but this is FREE, Gratis, for nothing, nada!! International? Yes, but instructions are in English, ok?

All you have to do is choose a favourite post from anytime, anyplace and post a comment about it, mention the giveaway and you could be chosen to receive my little Heart Strings needle felting kit, just because I love you!

Giveaway end on August 15th, please make sure I can email you for your mailing address!

xoxoxo

Knitting Thoughts

2009-07-28T14:13:00.000-07:00

I've been knitting quite a lot this Summer and reading...keeps the mind working and the hands busy, so I thought I'd share this...
What's on the sticks you say? A baby blanket in sage green cashmere/silk moss stitch, I've frogged a couple of times, but is now on it's way forward, a half finished wacky bag that will be felted and lined ( eventually) a couple of knitted gnomes that will be for sale in the Fall and a Doctor Who type scarf for my now double digit Donovan Boy! pics will come later...

who do you think you are? Identity Exhibit

Food for thought...

It is easy to fall into the error of believing that education must make our children fit into society. Although we are certainly influenced by what the world brings us, the fact is that the world is shaped by people, not people by the world. However, that shaping of the world is possible in a healthy way only if the shapers are themselves in possession of their full nature as human beings.

Education in our materialistic, Western society focuses on the intellectual aspect of the human being and has chosen largely to ignore the several other parts that are essential to our well-being. These include our life of feeling (emotions, aesthetics, and social sensitivity), our willpower (the ability to get things done), and our moral nature (being clear about right and wrong). Without having these developed, we are incomplete—a fact that may become obvious in our later years, when a feeling of emptiness begins to set in. That is why in a Waldorf school, the practical and artistic subjects play as important a role as the full spectrum of traditional academic subjects that the school offers. The practical and artistic are essential in achieving a preparation for life in the "real" world.

Waldorf Education recognizes and honors the full range of human potentialities. It addresses the whole child by striving to awaken and ennoble all the latent capacities. The children learn to read, write, and do math; they study history, geography, and the sciences. In addition, all children learn to sing, play a musical instrument, draw, paint, model clay, carve and work with wood, speak clearly and act in a play, think independently, and work harmoniously and respectfully with others. The development of these various capacities is interrelated. For example, both boys and girls learn to knit in grade one. Acquiring this basic and enjoyable human skill helps them develop a manual dexterity, which after puberty will be transformed into an ability to think clearly and to "knit" their thoughts into a coherent whole.

Preparation for life includes the development of the well-rounded person. Waldorf Education has as its ideal a person who is knowledgeable about the world and human history and culture, who has many varied practical and artistic abilities, who feels a deep reverence for and communion with the natural world, and who can act with initiative and in freedom in the face of economic and political pressures.

There are many Waldorf graduates of all ages who embody this ideal and who are perhaps the best proof of the efficacy of the education.

—From "Five Frequently Asked Questions" by Colin Price; originally printed in Renewal Magazine, Spring/Summer 2003

dragon-poundcake from birthday party yesterday

Lost

2009-07-24T21:37:00.000-07:00

I was feeling a little out of it today, can't get the brain to remember anything, want to sleep a lot more than I care to admit and dream up artistic ways to live life comfortably.

What did you lose today?
My list includes....

7 brain cells at the very least
a quarter - stuck in the machine
various useless body parts, hair, nails etc bet you were dying to know that one?
one pound ( yes weight, not english money)
steering - note to self, get car serviced
my calm, sane self - inside
73 words - poem, now missing

so what kind of day did you have? Oh and I didn't make a thing today, not even dinner. What a lout!

Good Shabbos to you too.

Happy?

2009-07-15T20:28:00.000-07:00

I drove and a said a prayer of silent commune with all daughters who have either lost their Mothers to cancer, are helping them through treatment or just found out a dark diagnosis.

In the lectures about education and healing I'm taking this week, we have delved deeply into the spirit and have talked much about cancer and how to heal the body. Mind , soul and spirit takes on new meaning today.

One of these daughters (a classmate) lost her Mom today. Another is preparing to return 'home' to care for her ailing Mom. Yet another chose to write a beautiful list of thoughts that made her happy today. So, I was inspired by Belfry to post some of my own here, in the hope you too will try to think up some happy stuff that's just for you, even if today sucked.

I imagine each golden ball can be somebody's happy thought today.

A place where I am happy

A old friend

Here are my happy things today in no particular order:

A freshly swept floor - not today but, still made me smile
an empty dishwasher - with imagination
loud music to sing to in the car - yeah baby!
sparkling trees
painting them in silence
tears of compassion
vegetarian fast food drive through - yummy and right opposite Mc D's in Altedena!

Going Global

2009-07-14T21:41:00.000-07:00

Doing the right thing when thinking globally and acting locally can mean many things to many people. This series of eco-friendly message art pieces we found lying in and around the science center and rose gardens......like em or hate em, they amused the kids, inspired me to tile the kitchen ( or mosaic) and kept my Dad out of trouble for a while - mostly.

'Cool Globes' travelling art exhibit
cool mosaic waves many look funky great on my backsplash...

eat more veggies, recycle, air dry clothes, you get the idea...

knitted!!!

mm. I couldn't figure out whether these were cans of beer or soda used....

Summer silliness

2009-07-11T14:31:00.000-07:00

I don't know about you lot, but Summer has finally arrived in So Cal this past week, phew! We've had the gray May at the beach and then June gloom seeping into July but hurrah! I got a chance ( and reason) to dig out some summer clothes and go hunting for a swimsuit, sad to say however that most of it doesn't fit as well as I remember...mmm may need to do a spot more swimming!

I've been busy teaching some lovely ladies how to sew dolls ( pics when they are done), or paint pictures with wool or sculpt trees with merino roving. So with the penmanship class underway with some hardworking homeschoolers and a few waldorfy kids, it's been a rush of 'stuff' so far. no plans for any getaways or vacation this Summer either so I'll make do with some beachtime and maybe some trips to the Topangan hills. This week, I'm delighted to be spending it taking teacher training classes at the very magical Pasadena Waldorf School - heavenly!

If my painting and sketching techniques reach 'share-able' I'll post them here next week....

guess where?

Levitt Pavilion free concert with LILI HAYDEN,
taken by Little Gandalf, inspired by the rockin' music

Donovan Boy acting up!

student work from wool painting last week - awesome jobs ladies!!

May the Fourth bee with you

2009-07-04T14:31:00.002-07:00

I'm all red/white and blued out from our neighbourhood parade today with kids excitedly waving flags, marching ( scouts) and catching some candy for breakfast ,so I thought I'd share this instead...be mellow, peaceful and try to catch some Wimbledon coverage (not on NBC those bait and switch rats) of the Williams sisters thrashing it out!

On a recent trip over to the Getty gardens, the buzz was on and lovely to see the bees supping among the flowers!!

My new screensaver...watch out for my book later this year of natural savers of the screens large and small!

Purple hazey buzz

Black eyed bee

early autumn daze

Sol

2009-06-16T22:53:00.000-07:00

Though we receive the longest sunlight now, the hottest days of summer aren’t in June. We have a "lag" of the seasons while the oceans and Earth warm up from wintertime.

What's your favourite season? You already know mine - Spring, but Summer brings it's own magic and fun.

Summer Solstice or the longest day, when the sun (sol) is at a stand still. It also marks the sun start of it's journey back to the dark night. Days start to get shorter, although the latest sunsets are found toward the end of June. It gives us a really good reasons to celebrate summer though and brings some old traditions to our childrens' attention. Some know this fascinating astronomical event as MidSummer, but the celebrations of MidSummer took place preceding and after the Solstice celebrations. This is a time when abundance is great. Many traditions throughout time have celebrated the Solstices, Ancient Egypt, and Aztecs of Mexico, Chinese, Chumash Indians of California, Indigenous Europeans. In present time you will find the Solstices celebrated by neo-pagan, Western Mystery tradition, Wiccan, Native American and the Catholic tradition as the Nativity of St. John the Baptist.

So you didn't leap about playing instruments at Stonehenge this year...you can certainly celebrate in other simple ways with your children.

Watch a sunset and then paint an inspired one
Dry summer flowers into a journal and write a summer story
Read sun stories from other ancient civilizations
Dye fabric, yarn and silk with flowers from your garden
Make a firey sun doll for your nature table
Use the sun and a magnifying glass to create woodburning art

Fe Fi Fiona!

2009-06-13T20:51:00.000-07:00

Gosh, what a busy time it's been lately...phew. Gnome school is out forever - oops I mean for the Summer and the kids are giddy with anticipation at all the exciting 'Camp Cheydleur' fun and games we have planned, from beach camping, pool play dates and big-day-out trips to teacher training, cub scout activities and workshops!

Which brings me to a start of a summer impromptu workshop, with no other than the delightful Fiona Duthie, who's informal titles include: contributing editor of Living Crafts mag; gypsy fiber art goddess, homeschooler and altogether quite awesome person ( yes I made that one up!).
The long beach ladies of the realm gathered last evening to hear the wise words of the storyteller and then begin to create characters for the stories - then this morning at the crack of dawn - ok it was only 9am, but you know me... - we were off to wet felt our storytelling mat. I won't bore you with the de tails but only to say that Donovan Boy and Little Gandalf were most impressed by the volcanic mountain and rainbow waterfall in my mat ( not actually complete yet) and already have desires to tell their own stories, so it worked!! Thank you Fiona, I hope our paths cross again soon!

Making part II

2009-05-31T20:05:00.000-07:00

Autumnal Mother Tapestry

Really just an excuse to post the latest creations being packed up a ready to ship tomorrow...this on top of getting prepped for taking 20 kids camping and farming for the next few days..am I crazy? Quite possibly, yes - in order for this to manifest, the laundry beastie has to be slain, yes all of 10 heads of him...thankfully DH helped ALOT, sleeping bag found and sore feet soaked!!

May I extend a huge thank you to those Phoenix Gift-ers who challenged me this month to create something special for them and sorry to miss all the usual stuff I like to do ( sleeping, eating, playing with my kids, cooking, gardening etc.).

The garden is actually doing alright, I'll post pics as soon the toms take proper root and the Mad Max pumpkin vine flowers!

I'm off to get dirty and smelly with some 9 year olds together with my trusty poems and knitting - Mary Poppins style camping , yippee!

Aura Goddess Wall Hanging Bas Relief

Preggers Custom doll

Happy June 1st - will someone please record Conan for me?

Making

2009-05-22T10:36:00.000-07:00

Making stuff takes a lot of time, energy and sometimes even some proficiency in your chosen subject matter. I'm much better at preaching and teaching than doing - but 'making' time for your soul may consume less effort than you think.

Our second family of finches are busy making babies.
(They have hatched now and are busy fighting for parental attention and food)

Donovan Boy's May making started with this crocheted Bohemian hat that he won't let me steal...

The boys making art of themselves

Making a statement

Making a custom Gnome head ( done), waldorf doll (done), 2 wool paintings and pregnant doll - still in works......

They did it!!

2009-05-11T11:12:00.000-07:00

Mothering Sunday - I am proud to be a teeny part of what was a huge accomplishment, upholding the true meaning of what Mothers Day is all about! I hope you all had a wonderful day where-ever you were.

The Wonder of Workshops

2009-05-10T02:00:00.000-07:00

Finally, I've been able to cobble together a fun felting class schedule, (may be subject to slight changes due to circumstances beyond my control) but will nevertheless keep those who choose to join me, busy, happy and creatively fulfilled I hope! Here are some quick pick dates for this Spring and Summer classes and then the full story underneath.
Hello!

Just a quick update to let you know that I've listed all the workshops on my Etsy store site. It was an easier and more secure way to register with credit cards etc.

I hope this is helpful. There is no extra charge for the fees involved.
www.phoenix420.etsy.com - look under workshops section for those available.

April - 25th - PWS Festival of Art
May - 23rd, Felted Wool Art dolls - May 17th - Fake Felted Fruit
June - 13th & 20th - Tall Tale Tree Sculpture
July - 9th, 10th & 12th TBC Waldorf dolls - including mermaids if requested.
August - 3 sessions TBD - Fantasy Playscape
August 2-3rd speaking at the California HomeSchool -Expo
September 2 sessions TBD- Goddess Vision art doll
October 3-4 - Taos Wool festival workshop for Art dolls

This year marks the 4th year of teaching workshops in beginner and intermediate wet and dry felting projects; Waldorf doll-making, and dying ( by appointment); and is also the 2nd year to offer private workshops and professional development classes for teachers in other like-minded schools and organizations. I've had the honour of teaching recently at Seeds of Joy village and am thrilled to be teaching a class for art doll felting at the Taos Wool festival this year in October 3-4th and speaking at the Homeschool Expo in August.

A Note of Caution: This activity is for adults or older children (age 10 and up) only with strict adult guidance and supervision due to the long and very sharp needles. Do not allow your child to attempt these projects alone!

Something out of nothing workshop Classes: Spring /Summer 2009
held at locations around coastal Los Angeles and Topanga, Ca.

All workshops offered can be tailored to fit most schedules during the day, evenings or weekends.

Beginning basics felting 101: - 2 hours - $25 plus materials fee $7: - Anytime!

Dry needle felt 2d or 3d seasonal items i.e. small animal, mineral or vegetable! Felting 101 cheat sheet, project pattern and basic kit provided.

Sculpted Wool ART Doll - 4-6 hours -$45 plus $15 materials fee - May 23rd 10.30am-3pm

Here's your chance to make a captivating, magical felted wool art doll to proudly display in your home and sturdy enough for gentle child's play. The finished 8 “ doll will have pose-able arms and a sturdy firm base. Attention to detail and cover techniques for creating clothing of various styles (including shawls, aprons and accessories) and the ever important hair-styling tease tips. Bring your imagination!

Tall Tale Tree Sculpture - 4-6 hours $48 plus $12 materials fee June 13th or 20th

A really fun class. In this workshop you will learn how to make a 3-dimensional, free-standing tree sculpture ready for any chosen season. This piece stands about 10" tall and at the end of this session, you'll have learned many techniques for making really ‘firm’ felt using multiple and single needles and know the inside scoop for making tall pieces stand.

Painting with Wool - 3 hours - $35 plus $5 materials fee - Anytime, you choose!

Create your own unique wall hanging from your imagination, a picture, painting or even a poem. Perfect for beginning or advanced felters. We will pay attention to the nuances of ‘painting’ or layering with raw wool and how to make the roving take on different textures like water, stone, wood, flower etc. At the completion of this class, you will have a one of a kind frame-able piece of art for your home or simply use it for embellishment!

Fantasy Playscape - 6-8 hours split over 2-3 sessions - $65 plus $12 materials fee - August start date will be after Aug 5th TBD

One of the most challenging but satisfying workshops! You will learn every trick in the book (or close to it!) using many skills and techniques to sculpt your very own land of happy! Waterfalls, woodland, marsh, streams and nooks are all perfect hide-aways for your imagination. Bring rubber gloves, a towel and a bamboo mat!

Summer fruit basket - 2-3 hours - $27 plus $5 materials fee – May 17th TBC.

All the how-to’s in the fruit world. Fake food is always fun to look and play with, you will learn both wet and dry techniques to create your own basket of favourite fruit or veg and instructions to make your own bowl too!

Traditional Waldorf dollmaking: 6-8 hours split over 2-3 sessions - $50 plus $25-40 materials fee.
July 9th, 10th and 12th ( third date can be used as a catch up or make up session).

Learn how to create a unique gift for any child with all natural materials and age old tips! Choose your skin, hair and face combinations to really customize your doll. 12, 16 or 18” dolls. We will cover, making a sturdy head from raw wool, sewing your own skins from a pattern or you may use a ready sewn pattern, learn stuffing techniques to ensure a long life, wig making and finishing touches. Simple clothing patterns are provided to take home.

Design your own workshop - 2 hour minimum

Do you have a group of friends who want to felt? Can’t make it to a scheduled class time or date? Design your own workshop for private groups or a really different birthday party with spectacular results! Create a custom class for any group of 3 to 10 people and schedule it when it's convenient for you! Prices will be determined based on length and class content.

Goddess Vision Dolls - Coming in September! Please inquire....

Clearing a room can reap a bounty of goodies to be used for your OOAK ( one of a kind) creation! We will transform your collection of keepsakes into a unique transitional doll. This extremely liberating class may also be used to inspire both maturing pre-teen girls and older women...to creatively and positively express themselves. Only basic sewing skills required. Original patterns will be created and used.

Contact Phaedra(at)thephoenixgift(dot) com to schedule your class, ask questions or receive more registration information.

Recent comments from students of the 08-2009 workshops:

“Thank you so much, everyone had a great time and loved that they learned to felt!” Connie

Cat, “It was awesome! I came home feeling absolutely rejuvenated! Better than a spa! Lol!”

“By the way, the class was fantastic. Thanks, Phaedra, for all your help.” Karen B

Spectacular! I'm carrying it all over the place showing it off. Thank you so much for being an AMAZING instructor! I had so much fun and it's just beautiful. I can't wait for more classes.” L Wilde

“I appreciate your help and look forward to learning more felting techniques and tricks” Sandra

“It was great meeting you, thank you for guiding us with your talent!” Lilian

“I am always excited at an opportunity to share a fantastic and fulfilling fiber arts skill and continue to offer free community classes once a season.” More examples of Phaedra's work and musings can be seen HERE: and at her online Shop (Phoenix420.etsy).

Precious in Pink

2009-05-01T20:30:00.000-07:00

CodePink ( see previous posts) squares are on their way to Washington and in just a few days they will combine with hundreds, possibly thousands of others to make a quilted message to the government on Mothers Day, look out for this on the news!

A ' Dragonfly' daughter, who I swear is of fairyfolk descent, sent this gorgeous flower along for me...as we speak mainly 'Boyish' in the house, the pink hue is rare and the tutu's extinct and flowers are sneezed upon, so I'm always happy to recieve such a delicate gift. Thank you Aine!
And to close for today, I was mixing dyes again for a custom order and this struck me as worthy at least of a shot, not the best lighting but fun to look at I think.

Nixie and Rosey

2009-04-28T11:58:00.000-07:00

I've been watching the baby hummers frantically finding their food, they look a little like moths with brown stripes, the birds are dancing and courting together and the darn landscapers trimmed a tree back so far outside our balcony, I was mad. Springtime leads this story to meet our newest dolls, Rosey with her Posey and Nixie the 3rd elemental - water- in the series of Mythicals and Elementals.

NOTE: The next workshop for Sculpted Art dolls is due May 23rd 10.30am-2.30pm in Playa del Rey, Ca. Online class instruction will be available after the workshop. Register HERE!
Now I have to try and create the next one out of, yep, you guessed it, thin air..tee hee :-)

Rosey out and about

Yawn

2009-04-28T10:55:00.000-07:00

After a lovely lie in today, (thanks to the Hairy One whisking the kids out the door quietly), I may be recovered from last weeks' mad dash to the finish of getting ready for a festival! I forget how much work goes into these things but it was a lovely day at one of the most exquistite sites for a school I know! I met some lovely people, showed off my wares, said farewell to a few mermaid kits and a sad goodbye to the creatures and playscape! I'm still not good at actually letting the pieces go, but I have to keep myself in wool don't I?

Sunday saw the family trotting off to San Diego to play in the park - Balboa that is- and look at a quirky home in Jamul.....that we really liked, but that would be a big jump south..mmmmm...finally an exhausted family and a very grumpy Little Gandalf, later we were all back in exhaust filled L.A. with that familiar hacking cough that nobody's really sure of.

spectacular koi pond in Balboa Park - could I felt this?

what's this you may well ask? - it was my half birthday cake, which is actually half a christmas cake from Marks and Spencers' in england that my father very kindly buys at the only time they sell it ( about a week before Xmas) and then freezes it for me = and yep I ate it all up! ( the other half was eaten at Thanksgiving)

For those of you who are making Code Pink squares, it's nearly time to pop them in the mail, deadline to receive them is May 4th I think....just safety pin your name and city to each square and mail to: CODEPINK House, 712 5th Street, NE, Washington, DC 20002 and watch what happens on Mothers Day outside the white house!

All in all, I wanted to say hello to any readers here, be blessed and don't be scared of swine flu, wash your hands, eat well and get enough rest, you deserve it.

can you spot the secret back exit in the cave?

Up to?

2009-04-19T12:09:00.001-07:00

Well apart from trying to avoid my birthday tomorrow, which honestly used to be such a joy and is now a dark mark on the horizon to be endured, acknowledged and brushed off with not much to do this year except remember Mum. I've been busy forcing myself to make things to show and sell at this years PWS fewtival of art ( see previous post). here are some quickies that are in the works...

Playscapes - with branch bridge

cave with secret back exit, running water and grassy knoll

Tall tale Tree complete with story...

Want not

2009-04-16T16:55:00.000-07:00

Have you ever wondered why we always have grandiose plans and big ideas about things we desire when there's either no or slim chance of ever experiencing or having them? I played a game earlier this year thanks to a beautiful yogi who shared the "gifts of abundance" emails with me and gave me a great lesson.

She sent a email each day with a particular sum of money to be 'deposited' into my spiritual account. I could spend it any which way I wanted with the only rule being, that the spend had to make me truly happy and be spent in joy!

I kept a journal of how I spent the loot, and certainly on some days it was hard to spend the amounts she sent!! It really makes you think long and hard about what you would really buy, donate, or do with some extra cash. Not unlimited mind you, but certainly free, no strings, no tax, just for you! The strangest ideas came to mind during those days and some of the pretend desires really came to pass in reality, weird? Maybe not so.

I'm so full of stuff in my head I can't think straight, so I'm shopping again (online) with abundance in my heart and a deposit in my spiritual account and here's what I found in the first 10 mins...

Yep, I just noticed that too....need more restful sleep right?

Festival of Art

2009-04-14T10:25:00.000-07:00

You are cordially invited to attend the second annual Festival of Art sponsored by The Pasadena Waldorf School ( PWS)

Saturday April 25th, 2009 - 10am -5pm FREE admission
209 E Mariposa Street, Altadena, CA 91001
Casual attire!

I will have a booth there with all sorts of feltable fancies for sale, from wooly wall art, sculpted forests, gnome heads, mermaids and fanstay art dolls to needle-felting kits and patterns, free demo spot to try it out and workshop money off coupons! Come and say hi!
You know who to look for!

Eggstravaganza!

2009-04-11T22:09:00.000-07:00

A few favs this year...........

Catcher and Phoenix egg by guess who

Evening Star by Donovan Boy age 9

Rocket ship by Little Gandalf age 6
( it was pretty cool before he dropped it..)

Revelation and Epiphany by the Hairy One

Avril

2009-04-09T15:05:00.000-07:00

Mostly borrowed from Farmers Almanac:

First Day of Passover
Passover or Peasach is a week long festival commemorating the exodus of the Jewish people from Egypt and slavery. The experience of the exodus is told in story, song, prayer, and the tasting of symbolic foods. Matzo is eaten in place of bread for the whole week, we like to spread honey or avocado on ours!! It's a great opportunity to dig deeper in any religious education be it yours or another faith!

Various spring maidens sprouting their symbolic beauty

The Full Pink Moon
This full Moon heralded the appearance of the grass pink, or wild ground phlox—one of the first spring flowers. It is also known as the Sprouting Grass Moon, the Egg Moon, and the Fish Moon. Time to explore the heavens once again and plant away in your prepped garden! The moon planting rule says to plant crops that produce above the ground during the increasing light of the moon (from new moon to full moon) and to plant crops that produce below the ground during the decreasing light of the moon (from full moon to new moon).

some whimsical pics from local gardens

April 12 – Easter
Easter is the Christian holy day that celebrates the resurrection of Christ after his crucifixion. Easter may have derived its name from the Saxon goddess Eostre, whose feast was celebrated each spring at about this time. Or, it may have derived from the word, oster, meaning "rising."

Student working from last week's Faberge Felted Egg class

So which are you? We celebrate all of the above just to be sure we don't miss anything and rise to the occasion of Spring in it's fullest! Huzzah!

Chocolate Cake

2009-04-02T11:26:00.000-07:00

Are you ready to plant, is your soil ready? How do you know? Easy, just grab a handful of soil and scrunch it together in a ball, if it stays in a ball, it's too wet, if it crumbles like and looks like chocolate cake, it's perfect for seeds or tansplants!!
Or a simpler...see those weeds growing in the garden - it's time to plant, everything's fertile!!

Monarch butterfly from the school garden

April comes from the Latin word aperio, meaning “to open or bud,” Spring festivals around the world, from Easter and Passover to Arbor Day, celebrate the season’s renewal of life. We like to celebrate everything around here, and April is one of my favourite months...not just because it's teeming with life in nature from wildflowers to birds and butterflies but it's also my own birth month - 420!! Calls for more chocolate cake of a different kind methinks!

last years' dyed eggs, this year we'll make our own dye

basking slider in wilderness park

We like to fly kites, hike, create nature art, make eggs, plant trees, peas and potatoes, what about you?

my favourite spring tree blooming in UK hometown on Sea

This is not my Garden part 2...

2009-04-01T00:01:00.000-07:00

Certainly a coveted and lovely one owned by the talented Soap Maven. She and her family so graciously allowed us to come and visit true urban greenbelt. Pigalili is so divine with her whumps and snorts, chatting all day long to the wrestling kids and hoping for yet another apple core ( how many did Donovan Boy consume that day?) She guards the chickens from being prey to the many hungry wandering wild beasties that have loomed in the past. I may actually have to re-think the hammy Easter. The cats seem to multiply with every minute, two sets of twins later and I confirm there are actually 5 of the friendly, furry and fabulous ones! So we chat and knit and I pore over the goodies in the whimsy jars of fun stored neatly inside the studio that leads off the abundant garden of veggies, herbs and fragrant flowers. Mmmmm..

Oh this just snuck in here to show you the finished farmyard/garden that sold for $730!!!
Way to go 3rd grade, I am so proud of how this came out.

Quietly I wonder how much of my garden has fallen foul of the gophers, I'm actually scared to go and take peek at my beds right now but I'll post here for better or worse...I'm great at theory!

Code Pink Alert!

2009-03-28T13:28:00.001-07:00

OK, so you've got a jillion (?) projects that are not finished, the laundry pile has grown feet and teeth and you are about to give it a name, the garden needs weeding/planting/watering (pick any and all that apply) and your kids can't remember the last time they were looked after by a babysitter......take heart, Mothers' Day is coming up sooner than you think!
In the meantime do any of these statements apply to you?

Am a Mum/mom/Mummy/Mother or Mama?
Planning on being one?
Identify yourself as a woman?
Care about peace and liberty for all women?

If you said yes to any of these pointers you qualify to join A Radical Act of Knitting in honor of Mother's Day!

From Code Pink - Women for Peace,

"We are creating a beautiful, quilted cozy to cover the fence in front of the White House to honor Mother's Day. The message will be “We will not raise our children to kill another mother’s child”-inspired by Julia Ward Howe’s Mother’s Day Proclamation. We’ll be piecing it together from individual squares knitted by YOU as part of the 24 hour Mother’s Day vigil for Women who live in War Zones. The best part is you don’t have to be an experienced knitter to help! This is perfect for knitters of all skill levels—and a great opportunity for those who want to learn! Celebrate the time honored tradition of the radical act of knitting!

borrowed from 1000 points of peace

Park Bark

2009-03-22T15:10:00.000-07:00

...can you find the romantic one?