tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29362775423543936412024-02-19T00:48:07.666-08:00Musings from the studioThoughts & musings on art and inspiration, the latest creations from Deborah Olliff Studio and an occasional yummy recipe from time to time.Debhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03151289984906270888noreply@blogger.comBlogger56125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2936277542354393641.post-17902952588796592232013-01-15T09:42:00.002-08:002013-01-15T09:42:56.265-08:00Moving to WordPress...First of all, a belated happy new year to everyone! I hope you all had a happy holiday and that 2013 brings you all that you hope for.<br />
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Location, location, location. That is what it is all about, right? I am excited to announce that this blog is moving in with my <a href="http://www.olliffstudio.com/" target="_blank">Olliff Studio</a> website which is now located in a lovely new WordPress location. My dear friend <a href="http://angelaholdendesign.com/" target="_blank">Angela Holden</a> has helped me by building the site. Angela is super savvy with WP. I am very pleased with the results and it will be easier to have it all in one place. Unfortunately I was not able to move Musings followers over so you will have to re-subscribe at that location. I hope to see you all there! As always, a big thank you for your interest in my meanderings in the art world.Debhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03151289984906270888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2936277542354393641.post-68437587844094009752012-12-26T17:44:00.000-08:002012-12-26T17:44:27.767-08:00Greetings & ApologiesWell it was a busy and strange Christmas here and that is all I have to say about my absence since Thanksgiving. But I have good news...shortly this blog will be incorporated into my website and is moving to Wordpress with a shiny new look, so stay tuned. I think this will be a good thing as it will make things easier to update. Angela Holden Design is working on it for me and I am so excited to have her expertise in migrating it all to one place.<br />
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I hope you all had a great holiday with family and friends and wish you a very happy new year. My how time flies! Seems like only yesterday we were all worried about Y2K.<br />
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See you in 2013!<br />
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<br />Debhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03151289984906270888noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2936277542354393641.post-77273737979747477522012-11-22T13:08:00.001-08:002012-11-22T13:08:42.729-08:00Happy ThanksgivingI'm in the midst of cooking here but wanted to wish all of my friends who celebrate this day a Happy Thanksgiving. I will post some new paintings and projects that are in the works soon but for now I just want to say how thankful I am for all of my friends and family both near and far. Know that I treasure you. xoDebhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03151289984906270888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2936277542354393641.post-7256189363245583802012-11-09T19:24:00.001-08:002012-11-09T19:25:38.878-08:00Where did October go?<div style="text-align: justify;">
I can't believe it is already November and that in the blink of an eye Christmas and 2013 will be here. October was a strange month for me for a lot of reasons which I won't go into in detail. Let's use the term "elder care" and leave it at that. Things are better now in a lot of ways for me thanks to the miracle of therapy. </div>
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I have been accomplishing a lot this week with Don away in Denver at a conference. I've had a lot of "me time" and made good use of it in the studio...</div>
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Four states added to the series!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwZiraBYnQVPb_mfOcjOJVJTBJUwxRbIOT0LbP0OuSbZ89Yo0AYsvBBTfkwRc8NoEpwX5Aa_L3k3aXlcxSSl-bf4_Yn_xGbOu3z8KwFuKZT858xzNP4kC4IDpQketbH0w8iQAdIi67qJY/s1600/ACEO_Kentucky.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwZiraBYnQVPb_mfOcjOJVJTBJUwxRbIOT0LbP0OuSbZ89Yo0AYsvBBTfkwRc8NoEpwX5Aa_L3k3aXlcxSSl-bf4_Yn_xGbOu3z8KwFuKZT858xzNP4kC4IDpQketbH0w8iQAdIi67qJY/s320/ACEO_Kentucky.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzdBIKmJW0cl-C6naNmAQLU4eBUylWGPKTV4n1QCA488I0JG-nWhAWwSWbvWzLIO-jtsR8gtp2Uep6bqsvEBvYpDo7p5OQUxNqEK73QcRnpsFenLRgoch12KTDYTEG0pTC7eHuiCluB6o/s1600/ACEO_Louisiana.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzdBIKmJW0cl-C6naNmAQLU4eBUylWGPKTV4n1QCA488I0JG-nWhAWwSWbvWzLIO-jtsR8gtp2Uep6bqsvEBvYpDo7p5OQUxNqEK73QcRnpsFenLRgoch12KTDYTEG0pTC7eHuiCluB6o/s320/ACEO_Louisiana.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqr0K3w3yI2hEt8EqR_yotefmyZH7fRcp6Ozi3ZeXaDTSj9z2rHt3W_obqlkV3itXPvYH5-NPE-2H-RhIp_Bmi0MHynfHdN6m2qlTBNOcCz4RFtFYBZm1j9w76cjTwK-KZEjGl4SwXcxQ/s1600/ACEO_Maine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqr0K3w3yI2hEt8EqR_yotefmyZH7fRcp6Ozi3ZeXaDTSj9z2rHt3W_obqlkV3itXPvYH5-NPE-2H-RhIp_Bmi0MHynfHdN6m2qlTBNOcCz4RFtFYBZm1j9w76cjTwK-KZEjGl4SwXcxQ/s320/ACEO_Maine.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ_5ZE7Nrj9TbKvaclC6ucS8MiDqyY6lQHTZOqpiT8b20oHAOq2FDtnjz1vt-HRcQ_Q55ii34jbTH-ZuJvmHwYaphHAH8qgxLAb9WiFrzNT7HNpxZ-wnqjROsC8j_A42ZWlH41WnCUyTQ/s1600/ACEO_Maryland.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ_5ZE7Nrj9TbKvaclC6ucS8MiDqyY6lQHTZOqpiT8b20oHAOq2FDtnjz1vt-HRcQ_Q55ii34jbTH-ZuJvmHwYaphHAH8qgxLAb9WiFrzNT7HNpxZ-wnqjROsC8j_A42ZWlH41WnCUyTQ/s320/ACEO_Maryland.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Today I uploaded two Christmas card designs to the printer which will be listed in my <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/OlliffStudio" target="_blank">Etsy</a> shop next week. I'm kind of excited about them actually. Normally I struggle with the design trying to come up with something that is not the usual run-of-the-mill greeting card. I was not even going to attempt one this year until inspiration hit and was helped along with a timely discount coupon code from the printer. </div>
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Here is a sneak preview...</div>
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The one on the left is a Photoshop manipulation of the Maine state ACEO and the one on the right a variation of my "Home Before Dark" painting. I am considering including gold and silver envelopes with these when I package them up. </div>
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Next on the agenda is a Christmas dress for a very special little lady named Molly. :) </div>
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In case I don't get back here before November 22 I would like to wish all of my American followers a very Happy Thanksgiving! </div>
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Debhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03151289984906270888noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2936277542354393641.post-43217402535329873482012-10-26T13:59:00.000-07:002012-10-26T14:01:27.271-07:00We're not in Kansas anymore and other news...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: justify;">Life sometimes throws us a curveball and some things just have to take a back seat to others. That said, I have not had the time or the mood to blog for a couple of weeks. But today I feel like I need to catch up here.</span></div>
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Today I posted the latest in the state flower series. The Kansas sunflower was one of the few that I have had to start over but I am pretty happy with what I came up with in the end. I've a few to show you that came before Kansas so I will go backwards from that.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieTbjGk8omkC2qy3DgOWTy1ipi512MZ2CawHM_xKKDv200ohCcEm-diQBgRC6w4nLkpXXdFeLWBx4hYyeMQFHgK2CS_SFvwDi4i6IPrI19QRPBp3UuMmFffZNPvhaYlIfABNsPlg-Y1Ho/s1600/ACEO_Kansas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieTbjGk8omkC2qy3DgOWTy1ipi512MZ2CawHM_xKKDv200ohCcEm-diQBgRC6w4nLkpXXdFeLWBx4hYyeMQFHgK2CS_SFvwDi4i6IPrI19QRPBp3UuMmFffZNPvhaYlIfABNsPlg-Y1Ho/s400/ACEO_Kansas.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghBUVRx_JL07VwMcEnKbsl22kF_W29zUQ3hxctEsEB9lQipqKxcppr8r7mPoN7uzE33LXYcpaedRtII4WPC_WpYgAudO8EIEJLkETu6iMjgP6PIN6aVvUhgMlP-QC5w_drLIhO0WD93HA/s1600/ACEO_Iowa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghBUVRx_JL07VwMcEnKbsl22kF_W29zUQ3hxctEsEB9lQipqKxcppr8r7mPoN7uzE33LXYcpaedRtII4WPC_WpYgAudO8EIEJLkETu6iMjgP6PIN6aVvUhgMlP-QC5w_drLIhO0WD93HA/s400/ACEO_Iowa.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQxg3Bjf5JC9l-BlRHh1wKwvvHY4QdMbRmjDAsjve22dxqKTfBph-0ro8ch4vOzb9yQnWE6smp7kybe3cgvXm93teRoT4ZkCFjVXAqZH44t4hz80ma0QmLIReCgFwm1ntH1cneh-12GH8/s1600/ACEO_Indiana.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQxg3Bjf5JC9l-BlRHh1wKwvvHY4QdMbRmjDAsjve22dxqKTfBph-0ro8ch4vOzb9yQnWE6smp7kybe3cgvXm93teRoT4ZkCFjVXAqZH44t4hz80ma0QmLIReCgFwm1ntH1cneh-12GH8/s400/ACEO_Indiana.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixsF9Y7TYywi6hnD6r2LOGYQWW9Upy2u9SePjOymfpsxOKn4Mfb_NA5iG-rIuSi-Tph6sJpVGTTyXnJZ9ulor_x9Zhhfd5I9mEs0g5j_DuUCuc-RgepJOr9NVzuAdadmQ-PgcmjHFBm6A/s1600/ACEO_Illinois.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixsF9Y7TYywi6hnD6r2LOGYQWW9Upy2u9SePjOymfpsxOKn4Mfb_NA5iG-rIuSi-Tph6sJpVGTTyXnJZ9ulor_x9Zhhfd5I9mEs0g5j_DuUCuc-RgepJOr9NVzuAdadmQ-PgcmjHFBm6A/s400/ACEO_Illinois.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvptjMnz0cZPp11N220tMAmDdx3dkyoihozPlyfSy7Ese1n8PS_K8HakenZO4o4LjJNiXiMjU6P_LNi0qiQN6ax1xv1nhpanJw3vYqHS3cuIIzxrzppFVBiRGqFbOhKFPdeAFoMT7Lrvg/s1600/ACEO_Idaho.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvptjMnz0cZPp11N220tMAmDdx3dkyoihozPlyfSy7Ese1n8PS_K8HakenZO4o4LjJNiXiMjU6P_LNi0qiQN6ax1xv1nhpanJw3vYqHS3cuIIzxrzppFVBiRGqFbOhKFPdeAFoMT7Lrvg/s400/ACEO_Idaho.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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And that pretty much brings it up to current. I am working on Kentucky at the moment. I have to admit that even thinking of Goldenrod makes my nose twitch and I don't even have allergies! </div>
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In other news here at <a href="http://www.olliffstudio.com/Deborah_Olliff_Design/Home.html" target="_blank">Olliff Studios</a> I've been spinning nearly everyday and getting a bit better at it. It is extremely relaxing for me. I put the spa channel on Pandora and it is my form of meditation. So here are a few of the things I have spun lately...</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj85dP8TbBJ3orCAMk1v21aN8NbdewTZ7qrzfjdlWTXuK3O1ZGBBcS-J5ZwvxARhQXce0p3Kq4H1G6FGnCKatDviOrmLRNDkeP1ti2yaQiryV6VWLE4snrO6ElUIOh2NcOy2HlglPZ8S4/s1600/Alpaca_Silk.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj85dP8TbBJ3orCAMk1v21aN8NbdewTZ7qrzfjdlWTXuK3O1ZGBBcS-J5ZwvxARhQXce0p3Kq4H1G6FGnCKatDviOrmLRNDkeP1ti2yaQiryV6VWLE4snrO6ElUIOh2NcOy2HlglPZ8S4/s400/Alpaca_Silk.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Royal Baby Alpaca plied with Mulberry Silk...I kept picturing it in copper so...</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicS-fSNCRMd1hrGfpy4qOOd2H1dsispOsixIRcB-_hTnZsDQMhM0NTULjTA7HkAF3M3qfWENBp36YxYHzchskriNViwq6Vb5Ian1eZZKQr8hc8gjunAIQW8lkP8oxorXzC-8T6q3zFYws/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicS-fSNCRMd1hrGfpy4qOOd2H1dsispOsixIRcB-_hTnZsDQMhM0NTULjTA7HkAF3M3qfWENBp36YxYHzchskriNViwq6Vb5Ian1eZZKQr8hc8gjunAIQW8lkP8oxorXzC-8T6q3zFYws/s400/photo.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I dyed it. The smaller skein has since been dyed black </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkabYD_iOz4Px2jvAagK4n5YVrLaa2R9HaMCpQHyn0VzJ4tn7sMquMSR9h9r6sYYCevpO9aZX-jbWBJhRRaAKS-P2vhghoW7kNiP0mtm0Fdd5KJTAAjvnu9oS27rJWN82SzPVZetSrdYs/s1600/Merino_Purple_Green_Blue.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="247" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkabYD_iOz4Px2jvAagK4n5YVrLaa2R9HaMCpQHyn0VzJ4tn7sMquMSR9h9r6sYYCevpO9aZX-jbWBJhRRaAKS-P2vhghoW7kNiP0mtm0Fdd5KJTAAjvnu9oS27rJWN82SzPVZetSrdYs/s400/Merino_Purple_Green_Blue.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is one of my first dye attempts on commercial merino and I quite like it.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF3LX0zMCElgX0-HzCEW1nhDZRICh8Z_VtFLD_XNCHK74z229_6HX2r5a8odUSzYkdewT8HqMUp-cT0kSONaaL_Ab5hP8Ey078NuLTVCQtyZ2hNcg8eBJpYK8v5y7UtIpsiB8m_Ohxpn8/s1600/Sunset_Merino.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="388" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF3LX0zMCElgX0-HzCEW1nhDZRICh8Z_VtFLD_XNCHK74z229_6HX2r5a8odUSzYkdewT8HqMUp-cT0kSONaaL_Ab5hP8Ey078NuLTVCQtyZ2hNcg8eBJpYK8v5y7UtIpsiB8m_Ohxpn8/s400/Sunset_Merino.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Same skein but different sides. This was inspired be the sunset. </td></tr>
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I have to say that this dyeing business is really fun and also a bit addictive. <span style="text-align: center;">And in the knitting department of Olliff Studios, I finally finished the "Mama Bear" cardigan for our daughter Karin. She had a big grin on her face when it arrived so I think she loves it. The color looks great on her.</span><span style="text-align: center;"> </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4LkFWPq5V1XPe1JN2sG4yai1Lrd4zOrJWUUimuwJBSzLDs82zpswFs32IpQ5IwGu68lDhyphenhyphenwARXpkrpcjFisGFxIOKS_kGvQG4n4S58O0F3Nef14iiKtSS9COVGwhQMqMWiuiEEODVWg8/s1600/photo%5B2%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4LkFWPq5V1XPe1JN2sG4yai1Lrd4zOrJWUUimuwJBSzLDs82zpswFs32IpQ5IwGu68lDhyphenhyphenwARXpkrpcjFisGFxIOKS_kGvQG4n4S58O0F3Nef14iiKtSS9COVGwhQMqMWiuiEEODVWg8/s400/photo%5B2%5D.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">No, I didn't spin this yarn. It is baby alpaca generously given to me by a dear friend who got it in Peru. (Thank you again Gail!) I was lucky to find a perfect button for it on Etsy:</td></tr>
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There is a cute beret that goes with it but apparently our granddaughter Molly has commandeered it for her own personal hat collection...</div>
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And this is what is on Lola Jr. at the moment. I am still not sure I like the way it resembles camouflage fatigues though several have commented in my spinning group that it reminds them of a meadow or at least something of nature. We'll see how it plies and knits up. Either way the extra-fine merino is a dream to spin and extremely soft even if it does look like it is gearing up for combat. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjagN65yE5eth1NAos9Z3HaSCtV2d5hwk_9vaWqmA27ByjqZGBm6qNEkbCzQJh3-D4LrT4KCOtyfbLSoTiyrLTifa8NcC4w7Kpk1O0vRdUDUPxUyN38zs5wU0zffl0iB_8yoiUzv_83He8/s1600/X-fine_merino.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjagN65yE5eth1NAos9Z3HaSCtV2d5hwk_9vaWqmA27ByjqZGBm6qNEkbCzQJh3-D4LrT4KCOtyfbLSoTiyrLTifa8NcC4w7Kpk1O0vRdUDUPxUyN38zs5wU0zffl0iB_8yoiUzv_83He8/s400/X-fine_merino.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<br />Debhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03151289984906270888noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2936277542354393641.post-9989709870010538552012-09-27T11:42:00.001-07:002012-09-27T11:43:53.870-07:00Too many irons in the fire... or why I need to clone myself.<div style="text-align: justify;">
Sometimes I wish I could clone myself. I need several of "me"to keep up with all the things I want to do. Or more hours in the day. Mostly it would be nice to have an extra me to do the cleaning and cooking so I can pursue the creative stuff that is supposed to be my job now. Anyway, lately I have been dividing my time between keeping the <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/OlliffStudio" target="_blank">Etsy Shop</a> going and feeding my yarn/knitting/spinning addiction. And as if that was not enough I have decided that I need to dye my own yarn. For those that are curious here's the latest in some of those endeavors...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0txZ9TEpZKfMR2FUUc1BmX42hr0KrKt3k-CqXHUrFtBNKuRIU0E7YICpNeZwJnwBpzingRaPhU01q4ykyFmNM474ndoRXB1kYr0SNuyted4qBJew7FZS0VIT4xr-WzSnopBfbh5Jmiy8/s1600/ACEO_Delaware.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0txZ9TEpZKfMR2FUUc1BmX42hr0KrKt3k-CqXHUrFtBNKuRIU0E7YICpNeZwJnwBpzingRaPhU01q4ykyFmNM474ndoRXB1kYr0SNuyted4qBJew7FZS0VIT4xr-WzSnopBfbh5Jmiy8/s320/ACEO_Delaware.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMf9pqIJJx_AKYVBDUyFw08ULIC2jO4MDWdcUqcSrSAlFdl6bj6MDruvMvSZ4BZyon094cDLeQR03NGoX3-hDIkRbjalqb1DshfB8kBRFZz6r_Kq6r1kfUEka4Tm_dU1E2e228UuKqGh4/s1600/ACEO_Florida.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMf9pqIJJx_AKYVBDUyFw08ULIC2jO4MDWdcUqcSrSAlFdl6bj6MDruvMvSZ4BZyon094cDLeQR03NGoX3-hDIkRbjalqb1DshfB8kBRFZz6r_Kq6r1kfUEka4Tm_dU1E2e228UuKqGh4/s320/ACEO_Florida.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvrwJitkjOZxOn6Flg3UIpCtvMW5yjMtbFmIE1tScrmkuvayPyW1uQtB8pzpODTvSWEqLq2XPR_84o7LTEVbTvvnjkVRy77hgim4g8ah5YBwfLlF0ELNHSxedU_ozXvSW5HJ1x42intlg/s1600/Georgia_7x10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvrwJitkjOZxOn6Flg3UIpCtvMW5yjMtbFmIE1tScrmkuvayPyW1uQtB8pzpODTvSWEqLq2XPR_84o7LTEVbTvvnjkVRy77hgim4g8ah5YBwfLlF0ELNHSxedU_ozXvSW5HJ1x42intlg/s320/Georgia_7x10.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZvnDags8YJqaGfuFZbEKm4Zl9PKJxXz3bG5cHkG4o1We6xyaAkB5c4J9WmVL4HXwdBQpJcheX2cg4ZgRCpAw9a63Ij9W_XOLTCnl8ULCt3LOaQ0wMwSE6w3GDiuzoWFdJ5MrJt6wnw5E/s1600/ACEO_Hawaii.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZvnDags8YJqaGfuFZbEKm4Zl9PKJxXz3bG5cHkG4o1We6xyaAkB5c4J9WmVL4HXwdBQpJcheX2cg4ZgRCpAw9a63Ij9W_XOLTCnl8ULCt3LOaQ0wMwSE6w3GDiuzoWFdJ5MrJt6wnw5E/s320/ACEO_Hawaii.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I am really having fun with these little guys and frankly surprised myself that I have not ditched the project due to its immensity. </div>
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In the spinning department of Olliff Studio I have been improving my consistency and learning the differences in spinning various fibers. Alpaca spins very different than wools and I even tried "spinning in the grease" (spinning un washed wool right of the sheep) and learned how to Navajo ply which is a lot of fun. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiesQh6dNa5CofKUzmZ7VRGo1en-D6FwYBmNu9ybJR5BcHWBBQHxVCdvvkgPNABkXYRTOCeF-Ir0JUhhVV6tSwqb24gh_5KOwBCPfgXN4X4bxsjAa5fhFs2bSNcXHjw2wofX49d7VV_68g/s1600/Merino_Tencel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiesQh6dNa5CofKUzmZ7VRGo1en-D6FwYBmNu9ybJR5BcHWBBQHxVCdvvkgPNABkXYRTOCeF-Ir0JUhhVV6tSwqb24gh_5KOwBCPfgXN4X4bxsjAa5fhFs2bSNcXHjw2wofX49d7VV_68g/s400/Merino_Tencel.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Merino/Tencel I picked up in a lovely little shop in Piedmont</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7twl-8brtFKdLxBEZLQe-vBM5kdSv2f4ZG4WEd442Wx_cnGo_XbwwLAtHYM5ZszSv-QvbL3P8QNxzKjWfrukOpN8pFg1kccwBiJg4Q_jU9QSDCveU-FUmP081OIbTh4BCaPA_00-xcPM/s1600/photo%5B4%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7twl-8brtFKdLxBEZLQe-vBM5kdSv2f4ZG4WEd442Wx_cnGo_XbwwLAtHYM5ZszSv-QvbL3P8QNxzKjWfrukOpN8pFg1kccwBiJg4Q_jU9QSDCveU-FUmP081OIbTh4BCaPA_00-xcPM/s320/photo%5B4%5D.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spun & plied</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxYBDhcUhON3VoPDbXitUU2gaQmhKrswhPHHIf6Pxrfd3wIVRVUErx7BqWoALP2W1SbUcXYJCaGf_g1UxPxDjAxiW1_lj_OsQOIJgYq2QTCBvbcycoIuzeG4LrvAqZXSL83OHXEryWQiQ/s1600/Chocolate.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxYBDhcUhON3VoPDbXitUU2gaQmhKrswhPHHIf6Pxrfd3wIVRVUErx7BqWoALP2W1SbUcXYJCaGf_g1UxPxDjAxiW1_lj_OsQOIJgYq2QTCBvbcycoIuzeG4LrvAqZXSL83OHXEryWQiQ/s320/Chocolate.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Alpaca/Silk from a shop in Oakland called A Verb for Keeping Warm</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRgtsHCSkcEuTaAsGU8GEpeMUUdEf-1zDDBNiIm85CGg4V-g9wqitU_qxRPo5pIXbLQwrrNITE134FOezau5J1qjmYncD5K6g1nMvgXiEGM_g6dfmKAd1DR1TOJv9_aDo7AsLQugg2Q2k/s1600/Chocolate_70Paca_30TSilk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRgtsHCSkcEuTaAsGU8GEpeMUUdEf-1zDDBNiIm85CGg4V-g9wqitU_qxRPo5pIXbLQwrrNITE134FOezau5J1qjmYncD5K6g1nMvgXiEGM_g6dfmKAd1DR1TOJv9_aDo7AsLQugg2Q2k/s320/Chocolate_70Paca_30TSilk.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">half a hank spun</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRkhuO3EYKnBPEdk_w15DGqbDJ89hsNnGaOXHQNE8hy-w1W-iNVtrann12UaI6eUqqeJSkY_pAO9laCCbHUQQjyXVucqKlngQh8ZN8J3tB3QhJ5ZVyv-60Ej8JitA-BFDZn9nnpgMeaS0/s1600/photo%255B1%255D+copy+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRkhuO3EYKnBPEdk_w15DGqbDJ89hsNnGaOXHQNE8hy-w1W-iNVtrann12UaI6eUqqeJSkY_pAO9laCCbHUQQjyXVucqKlngQh8ZN8J3tB3QhJ5ZVyv-60Ej8JitA-BFDZn9nnpgMeaS0/s320/photo%255B1%255D+copy+3.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">About 200 yards spun and plied</td></tr>
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After I finish spinning the chocolate I am hoping I have enough to make this:</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEil11ewDANz5jDaZD0rE2wBImRGYf09mEo_ddWtQr3mp6csOJfCB6gDMHPGTw1_ol23bSAJa-tz2aBqQIOCg7J3cgks_0O0KV7GRYrPUJhU6WXxrznsoNc0mIGtiMoARkKy0UByEwLfE/s1600/Deb_Vest.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEil11ewDANz5jDaZD0rE2wBImRGYf09mEo_ddWtQr3mp6csOJfCB6gDMHPGTw1_ol23bSAJa-tz2aBqQIOCg7J3cgks_0O0KV7GRYrPUJhU6WXxrznsoNc0mIGtiMoARkKy0UByEwLfE/s400/Deb_Vest.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It was meant to be. The pattern is called "Deb"<br />
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Dyeing is not as productive as I would like. I finally dove in and did a little but it is intimidating… </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYQp2Tj1-BprR-0G14tikt7VnQ6ryNhziz1_eNskTsbrM0DUO0xiT310yS-PAPp89P3hWFhJCHW4Awl6eAtWS5lERMr7Iit8nIiY1tK-bQbFeY-OlmHXyj-LCIRwnpv6yXNeS-ylGYd94/s1600/FIrst_Dye.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYQp2Tj1-BprR-0G14tikt7VnQ6ryNhziz1_eNskTsbrM0DUO0xiT310yS-PAPp89P3hWFhJCHW4Awl6eAtWS5lERMr7Iit8nIiY1tK-bQbFeY-OlmHXyj-LCIRwnpv6yXNeS-ylGYd94/s400/FIrst_Dye.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First dyeing attempt (sorry the lighting was bad)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8ng9QDCsj_E7ScPOqXiPqgN9kZZv1ba6C2R1JBz25F8Q9zyrY2IJ3GV5QKzcuA7seHSJ9lImqOkc9tQzjrj1gpQT9apqWMgAhVkwiJ7OLDevi73XwkQQR-xKulOkjaBEC6Enc4pmM8t4/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8ng9QDCsj_E7ScPOqXiPqgN9kZZv1ba6C2R1JBz25F8Q9zyrY2IJ3GV5QKzcuA7seHSJ9lImqOkc9tQzjrj1gpQT9apqWMgAhVkwiJ7OLDevi73XwkQQR-xKulOkjaBEC6Enc4pmM8t4/s400/photo.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I took all the bits of merino, alpaca and silk in the previous image (minus the skeins) and spun them end-to-end. <br />
Not much yardage but it was fun to see how they spin. </td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyT-v0hU3gV6ojzrfs0ur-oYnmvM7yUfA_x7wwAjop-6KHpipz2yCuIHJu1GD_Gx5bRpzlOB_xLc6MCcNlHnQnwaXhqzPvYLumwD1VVxXU4Dyc5Id5_vtF8hMr6k4OJArr-oQXGJTA7AY/s1600/Schacht_Loom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyT-v0hU3gV6ojzrfs0ur-oYnmvM7yUfA_x7wwAjop-6KHpipz2yCuIHJu1GD_Gx5bRpzlOB_xLc6MCcNlHnQnwaXhqzPvYLumwD1VVxXU4Dyc5Id5_vtF8hMr6k4OJArr-oQXGJTA7AY/s320/Schacht_Loom.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Oh...and then there is weaving. I have a small table loom that has been in storage for about 30 years. I think I wove a stupid wall hanging on it and then lost interest but I'm really glad I still have it because I suddenly have the urge to use it. More on that later. </div>
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<i>See why I need to look into cloning?</i></div>
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Debhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03151289984906270888noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2936277542354393641.post-77857023654025956012012-09-17T19:20:00.000-07:002012-09-17T19:20:28.692-07:00Catching up. Again.<div style="text-align: justify;">
The problem with finding new, fun things to do is that there is never enough time to do them all. I need to look into cloning. So, with the new spinning (and soon weaving, as we found my tabletop loom and it no longer scares me) I am having to balance the creativity in my studio. And then there are the days when I don't want to do any of it or have other stuff that calls to me from 'real life'. </div>
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Getting back to the state flower series that I have been working on for my <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/OlliffStudio" target="_blank">Etsy</a> shop I am pleased to say that I am up to (still working on) Florida. They are getting to be more fun than I anticipated but I'm still glad I'm forcing myself to go in alpha order so as to not skip over any that I might not ordinarily be compelled to paint. Here are the latest: </div>
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<br />Debhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03151289984906270888noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2936277542354393641.post-15233585266079620032012-09-02T09:41:00.001-07:002012-09-02T09:42:30.772-07:00Rumplestiltskin would be jealous<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">Yesterday I decided to try spinning some silk roving that I bought from an Etsy seller (<a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/SilkAndShine?ref=seller_info" target="_blank">Silk & Shine</a>). I really *should* be practicing more on the ton of alpaca that I got almost free but I really couldn't resist the colors and the feel of this mulberry silk so I started with just a little. But… before I knew it the entire length was spun onto my bobbin! How'd THAT happen? I will tell you. The stuff is so wonderful to feel and seeing all the colors twisting into a beautiful mix just mesmerized me! Here is the result:</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUJflWFlRkKta2aucH8zZuzwVgIPci4OcwmnGaInQs3d1oa2YAXg9VDl-KLrLss3pgim95UDfFwlPbnQKVsHV7DlORgK3vw9QGEfqZyQe1IRvrAh9UrGWtWXWd9vG0r8k1c8FkjIKVras/s1600/first_silk_spin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUJflWFlRkKta2aucH8zZuzwVgIPci4OcwmnGaInQs3d1oa2YAXg9VDl-KLrLss3pgim95UDfFwlPbnQKVsHV7DlORgK3vw9QGEfqZyQe1IRvrAh9UrGWtWXWd9vG0r8k1c8FkjIKVras/s400/first_silk_spin.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">100% Mulberry Silk</td></tr>
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As you can see I have much to learn on consistency of twist but as many of my fellow spinners will say "If we wanted consistent yarn we would go to the store and buy it!" Still, I would like it to me a little more even. It will even out a little when I ply it with another single so hopefully I will end up with something useable though I have no idea what I will make out of this. I may just sit and stare at it, occasionally cuddling it to my face. Seeing all those luscious colors makes me want to start dyeing my own fiber now... </div>
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For those wondering, don't worry… I have not abandoned my watercolors. I have several in progress and am up to Colorado in the state flowers series. The last one I added to <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/OlliffStudio" target="_blank">Etsy</a> was California: </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">California Poppies (watercolor, original -without text-7x10)</td></tr>
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And with that I am back to the studio to continue with this project. I think I have mentioned that I am doing these in alpha order for a reason. If I were to choose then I might be tempted to skip the states or flowers that didn't appeal to me. This makes me do them all. It is a discipline thing. </div>
Debhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03151289984906270888noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2936277542354393641.post-28911555784663854882012-08-19T18:18:00.000-07:002012-08-19T22:15:58.686-07:00New beginnings...<div style="text-align: justify;">
I think that is a pretty good title for when one takes on a new thing in life. A thing that you never in your wildest dreams could've imagined you might be doing. The funny thing is that I don't need another *thing* to be doing in my life. My painting and knitting and life in general keep me pretty busy as it is. As a lot of people told me after they *retired* from my last place of employment "I don't know how I had time to work!" It is true. Anyway, crazy as it sounds this new thing called to me. It got my attention through Don though. Because a few months ago as I sat next to him on the sofa in our usual evening routine of laptops, TV or music and knitting he said "I bet you are gonna want to do this soon." Or something like that. What can I say? He was right. That said, I am now the proud owner of a spinning wheel and I love it. I sometimes think I am a pioneer woman sitting there making something that anyone can go out and buy. There is something wonderful about doing that though. So let me introduce you to Lola Jr: </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigjU0OATLyP2au4pdCplCDUI_gkF_VXg9PJSj6tXGLonic4tSgyOSFBb5t3R91OpA8TnhqkuYWtfH_yOZkyAfnO8cL7Qa4FEMzm1CxyvFHCsGxd4AH9vgAKdA0QG1AurcxrSIMTawdxv8/s1600/Lola_Jr.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigjU0OATLyP2au4pdCplCDUI_gkF_VXg9PJSj6tXGLonic4tSgyOSFBb5t3R91OpA8TnhqkuYWtfH_yOZkyAfnO8cL7Qa4FEMzm1CxyvFHCsGxd4AH9vgAKdA0QG1AurcxrSIMTawdxv8/s400/Lola_Jr.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lola Jr. is a Lendrum DTC Spinning Wheel and she is lovely.</td></tr>
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Lola Jr arrived last Thursday and to be honest I was a little intimidated but after a bit of frustration in getting her to move consistently in the right direction I conquered my fear. Here is my first bobbin of yarn (crap, by the way but you have to start somewhere):<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzzOEeGE7QZv8w4Loh45N6P1sx4eyAeMfnuDdYqVXv11yL5MqCtGVbp9qA3WXxCoowM5FgO-T-fJS2oX9o1VasSxx8C2ayIbXQVKEXns4eyxNhQIRHIuXnYWxIR9lgwTIofqiaJWSqDDw/s1600/First.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzzOEeGE7QZv8w4Loh45N6P1sx4eyAeMfnuDdYqVXv11yL5MqCtGVbp9qA3WXxCoowM5FgO-T-fJS2oX9o1VasSxx8C2ayIbXQVKEXns4eyxNhQIRHIuXnYWxIR9lgwTIofqiaJWSqDDw/s400/First.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First bobbin of yarn. Alpaca from two different animals (White is Camile and Tan is Abby)<br />
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I should stop here to say how lucky I am to have generous friends on Etsy one of whom sent me nearly 6 pounds of alpaca from some of her older animals to practice with. Camile is one of them and the other is from Outlaw which turned out much better since I am getting the hang of it now:</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV5mEXp8wVtGBY0FUOvoy2MAtMTcJ-9iFUYsNvhDS7Y5RlUvMq63A1bgKlUjJLqHAIUujXEcbhd97xQ2HXNxkUunDcacqvPIA2zNcFUPNhbu6g6x3fG0UVymHGg-pjSfWCqbt0IYGaMnI/s1600/Second.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV5mEXp8wVtGBY0FUOvoy2MAtMTcJ-9iFUYsNvhDS7Y5RlUvMq63A1bgKlUjJLqHAIUujXEcbhd97xQ2HXNxkUunDcacqvPIA2zNcFUPNhbu6g6x3fG0UVymHGg-pjSfWCqbt0IYGaMnI/s400/Second.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is bobbin #2 with Outlaw's fleece on it. It is very soft and silky.</td></tr>
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The things I love about spinning so far is that it is a green activity. No electricity is required and the animals grow more fleece. It is also incredibly relaxing. I can't wait to get some yarn that is good enough to knit with. Meanwhile I'm having fun learning. Besides, who could resist a face like this?<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWiuNQZ9YcDlAqbpCWqvnYZaH5FBfASzOqfTNy3VlrNZygMgtluiP37zLOXesIIkjxOhR3Zf_QIlzmo1uE3xcVY4qbvoSdiEPP_ZzeKdrkrg-sTNXdsgMPN0fC0MygXdIxMHztfKygczE/s1600/Gigi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWiuNQZ9YcDlAqbpCWqvnYZaH5FBfASzOqfTNy3VlrNZygMgtluiP37zLOXesIIkjxOhR3Zf_QIlzmo1uE3xcVY4qbvoSdiEPP_ZzeKdrkrg-sTNXdsgMPN0fC0MygXdIxMHztfKygczE/s320/Gigi.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gigi, who lives at Riverstone Alpacas </td></tr>
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I would also like to thank all of my new friends over at the Facebook groups <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/fiberartists/" target="_blank">Fiber Artists</a> and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/246757202042403/?notif_t=group_r2j_approved" target="_blank">Wool Artists and Spinners</a> and a special thanks to Joy at <a href="http://www.riverstonefarm.net/" target="_blank">Riverstone Alpacas</a> and Kate at her <a href="http://woolwinding.wordpress.com/2012/07/13/out-of-all-proportion/" target="_blank">Woolwinding </a>blog for her encouragement and humor and Annie at <a href="http://knitsofacto.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Knitsofacto</a> for leading me to Kate. If you are in anyway interested in fiber arts or knitting check these lovely people out! As they say...Spin on!</div>
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Debhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03151289984906270888noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2936277542354393641.post-24882046030046524322012-08-10T20:32:00.001-07:002012-08-19T22:14:56.480-07:00AbsenceJust realized that I have not posted for a couple of weeks. My excuse is two-fold. I have been working on several paintings (including the next "state flower" which is Arkansas; shopping for a spinning wheel so that I can do yet another thing; and after today, recovering from the final part (at least I hope it is) of my surgery for the removal of basel cell skin cancer on my poor little nose. Things are good though. It was not nearly as traumatic (so far but the area is still a little numb so the jury is out on pain) as the first time. Some of you know about it and I appreciate all your kind words for my recovery. That is all for now.<br />
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I promise to come back with some more creative news. </div>
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xoxo<br />
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Debhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03151289984906270888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2936277542354393641.post-50800347208546514972012-07-29T13:01:00.001-07:002012-07-29T13:01:32.344-07:00Keeping up...Lately I have found it a bit difficult to keep up here. As some of you know, two weeks ago I had some surgery which involved the removal of some basel cell skin cancer on my nose. Things are healing nicely though I still have to go back for some follow-up work on the reconstruction. I know this might be TMI but I say it by way of an explanation as to why I can't keep up with things. The recovery for all this is pretty taxing. But I will say no more about THAT.<br />
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Here are a couple of my latest paintings that had sadly been neglected because I could not muster up the energy to finish them until now. Actually that is not entirely the case. <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/105566081/watercolor-giclee-print-hiking-the-mist" target="_blank">Hiking the Mist Trail</a> had perplexed me (like it's sister<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/104941506/watercolor-giclee-print-bridal-veil" target="_blank"> Bridal Veil Creek</a>) in that I got stuck and found myself looking at the paintings in process and scratching my head (Why did you do THAT?) as to how to finish them. But I am pretty happy with both now. <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/105460401/watercolor-giclee-print-bright-creek" target="_blank">Bright Creek Dawn</a> is a made up place and part of my ongoing experimentation with the illusive Aquabord. I still like paper better but it is fun to play with new surfaces.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTPI5MLPGVnDZvLWjUpERjFeo-SS55syTP7XdIPpy-lnD3l3wwlbT1xqmG3agcysyZNv40Q-dllrM9nA7fjphf3oXQJ3JDnu8ooVLpiWButTagHLXSZkZj7pHuL7BEJh2EBbyVdv1TB74/s1600/Hiking_Mist_Trail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTPI5MLPGVnDZvLWjUpERjFeo-SS55syTP7XdIPpy-lnD3l3wwlbT1xqmG3agcysyZNv40Q-dllrM9nA7fjphf3oXQJ3JDnu8ooVLpiWButTagHLXSZkZj7pHuL7BEJh2EBbyVdv1TB74/s400/Hiking_Mist_Trail.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hiking the Mist Trail, 12"x12" Watercolor on Arches 140# CP</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiVVZjTVZGq0LJP-lV7HTSAjXWP7tUdnQvGBDzK1-iKlDFYBg2-HszrBxqSH_boWYmiZJhNehXK_h2mUQsimWyDMORb9qFqvjKG2bCFHYEgTw54A65ewVbrdPaAaS5x0lRRe0GPYyl_DY/s1600/Bright_Creek_Dawn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiVVZjTVZGq0LJP-lV7HTSAjXWP7tUdnQvGBDzK1-iKlDFYBg2-HszrBxqSH_boWYmiZJhNehXK_h2mUQsimWyDMORb9qFqvjKG2bCFHYEgTw54A65ewVbrdPaAaS5x0lRRe0GPYyl_DY/s400/Bright_Creek_Dawn.jpg" width="397" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bright Creek Dawn, 6"x6" (original) Watercolor on Aquabord.</td></tr>
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<br />Debhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03151289984906270888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2936277542354393641.post-90713983850695773372012-07-25T19:45:00.003-07:002012-07-25T19:46:42.949-07:00Quick post...just like these little guys<div style="text-align: justify;">
I painted this for Don for his birthday (which was yesterday) but just finished it today. It's a bit of a departure for me in both subject matter and support (it's still watercolor but on aquabord instead of Arches 140# cold press). Don gets the original but prints will be on <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/105273901/watercolor-giclee-print-hummingbird" target="_blank">Etsy</a>.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIFvceAmU4zkzsOFyArCnUcLm125VSAlrzvFjzHdQkn6rD-wbnz7XQ97IFO8yUllp9i9hdptNO6xUA39x5f_eQAVfNvbSpo-slm1YIBptLPnIdIePr9c3e_2WF7WDaDbv64uPG8uKC0LM/s1600/Hummingbird.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIFvceAmU4zkzsOFyArCnUcLm125VSAlrzvFjzHdQkn6rD-wbnz7XQ97IFO8yUllp9i9hdptNO6xUA39x5f_eQAVfNvbSpo-slm1YIBptLPnIdIePr9c3e_2WF7WDaDbv64uPG8uKC0LM/s400/Hummingbird.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hummingbird, Watercolor on aquabord. 6"x6" Original.</td></tr>
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<br />Debhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03151289984906270888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2936277542354393641.post-4610427002419391142012-07-22T12:00:00.000-07:002012-07-22T12:02:07.197-07:00Raging, yet peaceful.<div style="text-align: justify;">
When I posted this over on the Facebook <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/131721723569071/" target="_blank">Design and Art Resource</a> group James commented that it was peaceful but still raging (the water) and I took that as a huge compliment since that was the mood I was trying to convey in this. This painting almost didn't make the cut. I wrestled it into submission though after it begged me to keep going. At an early stage I think I must have been painting in my sleep because I looked at it one day and said "OMG. <i>Why</i> in the world did you do <i>THAT</i>?" But I persevered and now I think it is my current favorite. I hope you enjoy standing along the banks of <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/104941506/watercolor-giclee-print-bridal-veil" target="_blank">"Bridal Veil Creek"</a> in Yosemite National Park. Don't fall in though. That water is fast and cold! ;) </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgefQ629PAz_l6vjuQDpqK74vzYJoxB4zlJWSk8iGHYi198kbX0F6s77QQoq8tKeV_Fkt_FrPGj8lKf2T5zm5w-D-szG3YEV9QOu1RZ9ZUALsyTMnfh-AtzDlZio2cXQx8nIk4eweR3INU/s1600/Bridal_Veil_Creek.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="183" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgefQ629PAz_l6vjuQDpqK74vzYJoxB4zlJWSk8iGHYi198kbX0F6s77QQoq8tKeV_Fkt_FrPGj8lKf2T5zm5w-D-szG3YEV9QOu1RZ9ZUALsyTMnfh-AtzDlZio2cXQx8nIk4eweR3INU/s400/Bridal_Veil_Creek.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bridal Veil Creek, 12x26 watercolor on 140# Arches CP</td></tr>
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P.S. Thank you <a href="https://www.facebook.com/james.habiger" target="_blank">James!</a></div>
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<br /></div>Debhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03151289984906270888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2936277542354393641.post-14009574563971759462012-07-21T11:35:00.002-07:002012-07-21T11:42:51.869-07:00Lunar Leanings and Lake Lola…I have noticed lately that my most popular work on <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/104657130/watercolor-giclee-print-moonrise-on-lake" target="_blank">Etsy</a> (that is the ones that get the most "favorited" or put in the most treasuries) are the ones with either the dramatic skies or that contain the moon. I am fascinated by the moon myself and love gazing at the night sky on a clear night. It excites me to see the huge orb rise in the east and peak through the trees in our backyard. So, this has been my focus lately. That said, it is difficult to come up with new "moon" paintings because it is dark out and you really can't see that much of anything else. Silhouettes are fine but again, there is a limit in my mind. I came up with <i><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/104657130/watercolor-giclee-print-moonrise-on-lake" target="_blank">Moonrise on Lake Lola</a></i> a couple of weeks ago. At first it was a beach-type scene but then I realized that it wanted to be a lake. After brainstorming titles with daughter Karin and grandson Colin I arrived at Moonrise on Lake Lola. While I am sure there is a "Lake Lola" somewhere, this particular one is fictitious and purely mine. You see, to my grandchildren I am "Lola". The short version of why is that a friend who is from the Philippines called me "Lola" shortly after I first became a grandma. "Lola" is grandma in the Tagalog language of the Philippines. <br />
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I hope you enjoy your visit to "Lake Lola". Stay as long as you like. It's a peaceful place, the weather is always perfect and reservations are never needed.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy1sx7u9jiPZG97Tj2oZYdW4mxDgjc-0rQDeZOaTVGiPqte_liLLTrwnBE5N3H44o6K3XpfgCM4ltVXr3xdraPtnrQXyhfPwrwiJkb_9xFwOfDQ0C4Z4n5YqcfNZuf1Y8eiaeQVOc9OAU/s1600/Lake_Lola.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="253" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy1sx7u9jiPZG97Tj2oZYdW4mxDgjc-0rQDeZOaTVGiPqte_liLLTrwnBE5N3H44o6K3XpfgCM4ltVXr3xdraPtnrQXyhfPwrwiJkb_9xFwOfDQ0C4Z4n5YqcfNZuf1Y8eiaeQVOc9OAU/s400/Lake_Lola.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Moonrise on Lake Lola" 14 x 20 watercolor on Arches 140# CP</td></tr>
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<br />Debhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03151289984906270888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2936277542354393641.post-37210721439367342062012-07-11T14:35:00.000-07:002012-07-11T14:35:46.260-07:00Catching up<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
I just realized that it has been awhile since I posted here. I've been pretty well occupied with painting and knitting. The painting is going well and new stuff will be up soon I promise. I've been working on several paintings that I started after our Yosemite adventure but they informed me that they needed a nap so instead of ripping them from the boards and binning them I let them have their way and you know…I think they were right! I've also been slowly working on the ACEOs of the state flowers. Going alphabetically I have Alabama, Alaska and Arizona done. I will give you, my loyal followers the first look here. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO4Ikbza_o6OhTabjQI3r12B6fbanQgZOy7GGzg2wPBlLAGTyXUAtaG_odeerjO0_dZbLMBUWDQp0Ne837v8XV9LFY0BnfVkFHyKhKryubd9IGQ63orfjoOhygrWerKXgSfbADTAjuFTk/s1600/ACEO_Alabama.tif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO4Ikbza_o6OhTabjQI3r12B6fbanQgZOy7GGzg2wPBlLAGTyXUAtaG_odeerjO0_dZbLMBUWDQp0Ne837v8XV9LFY0BnfVkFHyKhKryubd9IGQ63orfjoOhygrWerKXgSfbADTAjuFTk/s320/ACEO_Alabama.tif" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv5ShQrSFliRUr-VDC0EDmeVL_K3r3cgt6GaBe0vkURlqZSO49AsH8yJxmCrFtth3BQS7IxZsofQxZgwXujNGP3Z3brk9-JacUYgbNBhQbihXwq2gLNcGXARj7b9k1EBAlMRwufqhOfBg/s1600/ACEO_Alaska.tif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv5ShQrSFliRUr-VDC0EDmeVL_K3r3cgt6GaBe0vkURlqZSO49AsH8yJxmCrFtth3BQS7IxZsofQxZgwXujNGP3Z3brk9-JacUYgbNBhQbihXwq2gLNcGXARj7b9k1EBAlMRwufqhOfBg/s320/ACEO_Alaska.tif" width="320" /></a></div>
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In other news I sent off the two prints to Honolulu to be included in the set department of Hawaii Five-O and received word today that they arrived safe and sound. Phew! It's like sending my kids out into the world. </div>
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Today I was pleased to find that my work has been mentioned in a lovely blog called <a href="http://paper.li/Galeria_Surreal/1324276955" target="_blank">The Watercolor World</a>! Thanks to Tanya at <a href="https://twitter.com/Galeria_Surreal" target="_blank">Galeria Surreal</a> for that. </div>
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<br />Debhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03151289984906270888noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2936277542354393641.post-25874063935749739702012-06-29T19:22:00.001-07:002012-06-29T19:22:20.507-07:00Set-Dressing in Hawaii!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
Today two of my prints were purchased by the production designers/set-dressers for the Hawaii Five-O television series! This is so exciting for me and even more so because they were the second to inquire in the same week. I am still waiting to hear on the other one and don't want to jinx it but I will say that the other is for a major upcoming film. Keep your fingers crossed for me that this comes through. Meanwhile, in the future you may just see this:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKGtzJmecrWQHsnrxZGVlE0WhOabn5WhGLaj07aOtrU4wLgvAyY5PQPuJcjXxgkd70NA0gvuCz-9qaZbhTCutxwafp_tfu21zhlljNbBjBmoOL-O3KlkjnbTSYkD13kZ-oamAP5Kl2rKM/s1600/Bonding_at_Bellows.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKGtzJmecrWQHsnrxZGVlE0WhOabn5WhGLaj07aOtrU4wLgvAyY5PQPuJcjXxgkd70NA0gvuCz-9qaZbhTCutxwafp_tfu21zhlljNbBjBmoOL-O3KlkjnbTSYkD13kZ-oamAP5Kl2rKM/s400/Bonding_at_Bellows.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVrI9poPvEARHo1kwOQIY3h9yz6XynJ4Y5hBZs56hGKaWFxhGLGO2icvCqBEBy-cLiX5EP8H5hP4eBmCoGGMn6V9elSat1jVxXNgERhtizbzW__WEt0r1hHTVVWTcAF3MNUKlBPIcIHHY/s1600/Tucked_In_Thumb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVrI9poPvEARHo1kwOQIY3h9yz6XynJ4Y5hBZs56hGKaWFxhGLGO2icvCqBEBy-cLiX5EP8H5hP4eBmCoGGMn6V9elSat1jVxXNgERhtizbzW__WEt0r1hHTVVWTcAF3MNUKlBPIcIHHY/s320/Tucked_In_Thumb.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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on a wall in Hawaii Five-O!</div>
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<br />Debhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03151289984906270888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2936277542354393641.post-21720283267331605872012-06-15T10:04:00.000-07:002012-06-15T10:04:03.691-07:00Insomnia. The good kind.<div style="text-align: justify;">
Last night I could not get to sleep for ages. I was tired but my mind would not shut down for the night. My mind was reeling with a new idea. I hesitate to tell you about it for fear that it will go away in the form of my loss of interest. Yeah, I'm kinda like that. I get a wild hair-brained (or not-so-hair-brained but possibly too lofty) idea and then don't carry it out because I am impetuous like that. But this seems different. </div>
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I've been trying to think of a series that I can do. Something people might want to "collect the whole set" of. I noticed that a lot of <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/OlliffStudio" target="_blank">Etsy</a> artists sell <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Artist_trading_cards" target="_blank">ACEOs</a>. For those that are unfamiliar that stands for Art Card Editions and Originals. They're a bit like trading cards. The only rule is the size: 2.5"x3.5" and as the name implies they can be one-of-a-kind originals or editions. They seem to be quite popular on <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/OlliffStudio" target="_blank">Etsy</a> and the beauty is that the buyer can have a piece of art for very little money. My thinking is that it would whet the appetite for larger pieces later. So… I have been thinking of diving into the ACEO pool and seeing if I can boost my sales and exposure that way. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-MXEaz6t6nrIvLLaSTtKq5y5q3AMjy3bEbLauN3l_Wyrub9rMZ_RrlG-uICZ0PZ4yxW5SKmWVcPr3LqaJairmJDun3rppqnD8BMrP3pEyEdqHKjh_Hpf_WGud4OVXvMlGHWQauDkPMh8/s1600/Alaska.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: justify;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-MXEaz6t6nrIvLLaSTtKq5y5q3AMjy3bEbLauN3l_Wyrub9rMZ_RrlG-uICZ0PZ4yxW5SKmWVcPr3LqaJairmJDun3rppqnD8BMrP3pEyEdqHKjh_Hpf_WGud4OVXvMlGHWQauDkPMh8/s320/Alaska.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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I wanted to come up with something that there are a lot of that would also be fun to paint. Last night I hit on it. I was going to hold back until I can show you the actual thing but being the impatient one (and hoping this makes me a little more accountable to my promises) I couldn't wait. So here is a hint—note that this is NOT a painting yet. Merely a draft of the concept with a photo. </div>
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My goal is to also offer the original painting in a larger size (probably 10x14) without the text which I will have to do in Photoshop. And giclée prints in various sizes.</div>
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I would love to know what you think. </div>Debhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03151289984906270888noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2936277542354393641.post-32396615259052912762012-06-03T12:32:00.002-07:002012-06-03T12:32:37.072-07:00Fireflies and a Full Moon<div style="text-align: justify;">
I just listed a new print. It was an evolution of sorts. Since my "Constellations" print is the most popular (or at least the most favorited on <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/OlliffStudio" target="_blank">Etsy</a>) I decided that perhaps I needed to do more moon/sky type paintings. They are fun for me though a challenge to get the moon to look just the way I want (aka reasonably realistic). </div>
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Firefly Moon became what it is when I decided to add the magical little critters. I was reminded of vacations when we would visit friends in Georgia on our way to see my grandfather in Florida. We would run through the woods at dusk and catch fireflies in jars. We don't have fireflies here in San Diego so this was something special to remember. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy_6BwMMwSUF9268tzWf0flG2TKpG3Kpq715l9zbmjcBbnw1jSV6ace-VlF5lU8dhYkDhWrD9TXxOlAhyphenhyphenvBzoarOCYItgOBRy6feivdhPhWoZ8Si-F774s7sYrGmHqLx0KUlQRrT0e2CA/s1600/Firefly_Moon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy_6BwMMwSUF9268tzWf0flG2TKpG3Kpq715l9zbmjcBbnw1jSV6ace-VlF5lU8dhYkDhWrD9TXxOlAhyphenhyphenvBzoarOCYItgOBRy6feivdhPhWoZ8Si-F774s7sYrGmHqLx0KUlQRrT0e2CA/s640/Firefly_Moon.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Firefly Moon"<br />Watercolor on Arches 140# CP, 15x20</td></tr>
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<br />Debhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03151289984906270888noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2936277542354393641.post-37422597011221358172012-05-25T20:34:00.001-07:002012-05-25T20:34:59.932-07:00Etsy Front Page Treasury List!I am in shock. I got a little message from Sara saying that I made it to the front page of Etsy today. Of course they change quickly so when I went back to look again it was a different front page but here is the Treasury List that made it there:<br />
<a href="http://www.craftcult.com/vault_list.php?list=29739&userid=&fm=0&esn=&m=5&d=25&st=1&pagenum=1&ls=0#.T8BObaE5I6o.blogger">View an Etsy Front Page Treasury List - The Vault on Craft Cult</a><br />
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It is interesting that the image that "WhiteOwl" selected just happens to be the top favorite of all my paintings! I am chuffed as they say across the pond!Debhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03151289984906270888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2936277542354393641.post-79789247301758491492012-05-16T15:54:00.000-07:002012-05-17T14:43:39.657-07:00Addictions (Updated)<div style="text-align: justify;">
I would be remiss if I ignored my recent re-entry into the knitting world. It all started at Christmas when Santa brought me a set of circular knitting looms. I went a little crazy making hats. It is surprisingly easy and fast. I can make a hat on one of those in a little over an hour and the come out really nice. Needless to say our grandkids got a lot of hats recently. But then I decided I needed to branch out a bit. I have known how to knit since I was a kid but had some big gaps in my knitting history. Plus, I was never very confident about what I made and had a hard time figuring out certain aspects. Enter the internet. And YouTube. And most of all <a href="http://www.facebook.com/verypink" target="_blank">Staci Perry</a> and her brilliant website <a href="http://verypink.com/" target="_blank">VeryPink </a>with her great knitting tutorials. I now feel like I can knit anything. Trouble is it's addictive. Very addictive. So addictive that its nearly all I want to do. I even dream about knitting. But the good thing is that I am actually making things that are turning out! Amazing. I just finished a sweater for Don which actually fits him. And it isn't even ugly!<br />
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<img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfK96trRbUaaeovkbpiQqArnvJqxGusOrY-NG5FfA6tU2r_EyTj5u8a0tGQ-d0WQQzlBlNt5ZXdaNSijBscuIwOnczxKO5p7OetSxxXym02PqGOsWO1xgquHGx3LJBMr_fODjRqt6xliE/s200/Button_detail.jpg" width="150" /> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAUMEIw5Xlpe_7ZjFZC8muTWuUtAl7cVQ_g1GJH-FF6Hr7Z76q-jnxtu-i6eLsHOWS_dE2h4_fOjh6_1ju0lO6uUKGmbdqEHRjzMDtxoQi8pWJQK6fEQu_Jd_XZOfIvHUAk6hrFIjdyJU/s1600/photo%5B3%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAUMEIw5Xlpe_7ZjFZC8muTWuUtAl7cVQ_g1GJH-FF6Hr7Z76q-jnxtu-i6eLsHOWS_dE2h4_fOjh6_1ju0lO6uUKGmbdqEHRjzMDtxoQi8pWJQK6fEQu_Jd_XZOfIvHUAk6hrFIjdyJU/s200/photo%5B3%5D.JPG" width="150" /></a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT4szgAnijZGmv-mfpsCiSpNZld2Ro8wChdaXfNarTYH_jCm6F46ciRbJB71CM-yIUakImdgwKyZ1Xcw3dj88Xd1XSp8ofcEMQgex3rz0yLf3vR8sUb9hzbpzYj2fNUfjT1uZ_Q0SpzOY/s1600/photo%5B5%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT4szgAnijZGmv-mfpsCiSpNZld2Ro8wChdaXfNarTYH_jCm6F46ciRbJB71CM-yIUakImdgwKyZ1Xcw3dj88Xd1XSp8ofcEMQgex3rz0yLf3vR8sUb9hzbpzYj2fNUfjT1uZ_Q0SpzOY/s200/photo%5B5%5D.JPG" width="150" /></a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"></span></div>
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So, just in time for a new project (not that I don't already have lots of yarn in my stash) my order of Malabrigo Rios (Zarzamora color way) arrived today. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;">Take a look: </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieC6WsWG4Aw3WbfmYshn523vFCzDjwDZGCnTAcxWXvwVRWAkeGzCI00t23T8BicWspMpbJPC1Utv0qQf6nHIenT83xyjWOdYW9wbKF6pTZyT3n_fp5hW48_9CQ4Ja_XQ8lixdk5RD4les/s1600/Malabrigo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieC6WsWG4Aw3WbfmYshn523vFCzDjwDZGCnTAcxWXvwVRWAkeGzCI00t23T8BicWspMpbJPC1Utv0qQf6nHIenT83xyjWOdYW9wbKF6pTZyT3n_fp5hW48_9CQ4Ja_XQ8lixdk5RD4les/s400/Malabrigo.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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I bought one hank of this luscious stuff at a local yarn shop JUST BECAUSE. I took it home and gazed at it not knowing what I wanted to do with it but thought maybe some socks. I knitted up a swatch and fell in love. I tried to resist but it was useless. I had to make myself a sweater out of this that contains all of my favorite colors. So I went online to see if I could find it cheaper and I ended up ordering more. I can't wait to start on it. Trouble is I need to wind it into 'cakes' first. I hope Don's arms aren't too tired tonight because I do not yet own a swift or a ball winder. *hint hint*</div>
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The other thing about knitting that I am thrilled about is that it is very relaxing and almost like therapy. Which I may need if I can't stop knitting. </div>
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<br /></div>Debhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03151289984906270888noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2936277542354393641.post-53651495590126528622012-05-13T10:44:00.000-07:002012-05-13T10:45:55.284-07:00Happy Mother's Day!Happy Mother's Day to all the moms out there. I hope you ll have a great day!<br />
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And if you find that you are not busy this evening come on over and join us at the first <a href="http://www.ustream.tv/channel/etsy-convo-listening-party" target="_blank">Etsy Conversations Listening Party</a> on USTREAM. Angela Holden (AngelaHoldenDesign) and John Ballou (from JackBearStamps) and I will be there talking about Etsy and you will get to hear all about John's shop. I'm looking forward to hearing about John's stamps and hope to see some friends there on chat.Debhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03151289984906270888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2936277542354393641.post-37564741637950839152012-05-09T10:01:00.000-07:002012-05-09T10:01:09.577-07:00Feast or Famine<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
I seem to be painting in waves here. No pun intended. Here are two more that were completed yesterday and luckily Don was in the mood to shoot them last night.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYGfO9kml60xKCSxvsel8TWotvp7-jCQcf3KbODMSeaxY0okXzSEELlUQbqMEZ0hsWfVHqR1zddAbBplpmov4GOAntvMTgW2bVZKFCa7g316h0i8LXJm5OcL046QI8Fs8PjiajCDFaNmA/s1600/Screen+Shot+2012-05-08+at+7.36.33+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYGfO9kml60xKCSxvsel8TWotvp7-jCQcf3KbODMSeaxY0okXzSEELlUQbqMEZ0hsWfVHqR1zddAbBplpmov4GOAntvMTgW2bVZKFCa7g316h0i8LXJm5OcL046QI8Fs8PjiajCDFaNmA/s400/Screen+Shot+2012-05-08+at+7.36.33+PM.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Summer Storm" Watercolor on Arches 140# CP (11x17)</td></tr>
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"Summer Storm" is inspired by another image from our 2007 trip to England. Same road as <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/91916348/watercolor-giclee-print-greener-pastures" target="_blank"><i>Greener Pastures</i></a>. The trees behind the barn were not planned but as is often the case with watercolor, you get happy accidents. At first I was upset that my sky appeared to be marred when the green field bled into it but now I like it.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmNQPwy2eazZRFtaimijzDR7tfJsEUig3Tmz00tkNQjbNHYAAacG37dnc_JtpDk4Jxe71f-XjQCfmS7aJWkyOO9M9kdxL4UQWrVTxoiBodrOVEQukLA-O8P9OlYONNi0lBJEMumDksKWI/s1600/Screen+Shot+2012-05-08+at+7.36.13+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmNQPwy2eazZRFtaimijzDR7tfJsEUig3Tmz00tkNQjbNHYAAacG37dnc_JtpDk4Jxe71f-XjQCfmS7aJWkyOO9M9kdxL4UQWrVTxoiBodrOVEQukLA-O8P9OlYONNi0lBJEMumDksKWI/s400/Screen+Shot+2012-05-08+at+7.36.13+PM.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"California Edge" (Title pending)</td></tr>
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If I'm going to be honest I have to tell you that this one started out a lot larger. I intended it to have <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bixby_Creek_Bridge" target="_blank">Bixby Bridge</a> on the left but for some reason it was distracting and didn't seem to fit with the natural coastline and led the eye away from the water and cliffs. Funny thing, that. The bridge IS awesome though. We will always refer to it as the "Bronson Bridge" because it was used in the ancient and short-lived TV series <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Then_Came_Bronson" target="_blank"><i>Then Came Bronson</i></a> starring Michael Parks in which he drove his motorcycle across it in the opening credits. It's located on the Big Sur highway and is quite impressive—just not so much in my painting.<br />
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I'm a little behind in listing new work but these will also be added to my <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/OlliffStudio" target="_blank">Etsy</a> shop.Debhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03151289984906270888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2936277542354393641.post-91582332230894522192012-05-08T12:14:00.000-07:002012-05-08T12:14:31.863-07:00New worksWe are back from our wonderful trip to Yosemite and Bodega Bay. It was much too short but we had a great time anyway. I found it gratifying to show off our favorite places to someone who'd never been there. Yosemite is truly California's best National Park and in my eyes all others pale in comparison. My brain it loaded with new inspiration for paintings but I have not started those yet.<br />
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For now I would like to show you the paintings I have been working on for a couple of weeks. They are all unrelated subjects but they've all been fun for me to work on.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3Uzn8mawOYsTHk2kn1SEji9s-nAqQlIIVPM1yl0AQmf5s5lDwLtevtRGznwMG-jJPXDXlCGrgD8uivGBGNwhcPCqXLW5oIs5tAFYrt_eORHlKzxqoTjg7ttUT79DLBHrc_qQiwbklYFg/s1600/Screen+Shot+2012-05-08+at+9.13.50+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="293" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3Uzn8mawOYsTHk2kn1SEji9s-nAqQlIIVPM1yl0AQmf5s5lDwLtevtRGznwMG-jJPXDXlCGrgD8uivGBGNwhcPCqXLW5oIs5tAFYrt_eORHlKzxqoTjg7ttUT79DLBHrc_qQiwbklYFg/s400/Screen+Shot+2012-05-08+at+9.13.50+AM.png" width="400" /></a></div>
This one was a lesson in light for me. I wanted to show the warm glow in contrast to the darkening evening. The castle is also significant as it is Tulloch Castle in Scotland. Our daughter is now a Tulloch and she and her husband actually spent the night at this particular castle on a trip to Scotland a few years ago so I thought it would be fun to paint this. The title is still pending but I'm thinking it will probably be "Castle Moonrise". Suggestions are always welcome though.<br />
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The next one is of another favorite place. The path through the trees leading to Pfeiffer Beach in Big Sur is something of a delight when you finally make it through the long winding (and somewhat hidden) road off the main highway. There is no indication of what lies ahead when you first make that turn—if you are lucky enough to know <i>where</i> to turn. Once you get to the parking lot you walk a ways through the arching cypress trees which have been bent and beaten by the relentless wind and are rewarded by the expansive beach and massive rocks. I will paint THAT later.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBy440r4XZKyX8PC8zKsaGLcZJA3okHUthS7FEgQ50knQgRNZ5mff0EKw9Rf3IgHUgR3YqZ_9xqkyMfN9iP4qE_tk7oaunqnQ_CH1ZvS57ZkLgDerrCB7wCrzfuionnGDnIDt8d-uqWE4/s1600/Screen+Shot+2012-05-08+at+9.13.26+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBy440r4XZKyX8PC8zKsaGLcZJA3okHUthS7FEgQ50knQgRNZ5mff0EKw9Rf3IgHUgR3YqZ_9xqkyMfN9iP4qE_tk7oaunqnQ_CH1ZvS57ZkLgDerrCB7wCrzfuionnGDnIDt8d-uqWE4/s400/Screen+Shot+2012-05-08+at+9.13.26+AM.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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Not sure what to call this yet. "To the beach"? " … "Almost There"… "Secret Path"? Again, suggestions are welcome. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjifrtElBQgmi018H2UXHZIlv7P1R6c0tnTsQpR_zKdgOdryYIQ6DoRlMsxWh4IkyqlP_KR6wxMUt_c6jppFgUrQc5chEFkyD5X3cYFTWfMO9UUiFFI8BHrdG26kleO_JD30ea-kubIks8/s1600/Screen+Shot+2012-05-08+at+9.14.25+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="273" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjifrtElBQgmi018H2UXHZIlv7P1R6c0tnTsQpR_zKdgOdryYIQ6DoRlMsxWh4IkyqlP_KR6wxMUt_c6jppFgUrQc5chEFkyD5X3cYFTWfMO9UUiFFI8BHrdG26kleO_JD30ea-kubIks8/s400/Screen+Shot+2012-05-08+at+9.14.25+AM.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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And finally a new one of our local haunt La Jolla Shores. I think this one will be called "Shorebird Convention". I am hoping this one might become a card as well.</div>
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That's it for now. I will be listing these on<a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/OlliffStudio" target="_blank"> Etsy</a> this week. Thanks for stopping by and supporting my work. I appreciate it more than you know. </div>
<br />Debhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03151289984906270888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2936277542354393641.post-86709648981007133042012-04-26T19:17:00.001-07:002012-04-26T19:17:43.485-07:00Such a tease...I'm working on several new paintings at the moment. They are taking me longer than normal to complete because, as some of you know, I have been hijacked by the knitting fairies. More on THAT later.<br />
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For now I will just tell you the titles of the paintings (which are subject the whims of my imagination)…<br />
<i>Shorebird Convention</i><br />
<i>Bixby Bridge</i><br />
<i>Around the Bend </i><br />
<i>Greener Pastures II</i><br />
<i>Castle Moonrise </i><br />
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That's all for now. As soon as they're done and photographed by my wonderful husband I will post them for your opinions. But that will probably to happen until we return from our upcoming road trip to Yosemite and Bodega Bay. I'm hoping to gather more painting inspiration from this trip.<br />
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Meanwhile, here's packing to do and I can hear the knitting fairies calling to me "finish this sweater!"<br />
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<br />Debhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03151289984906270888noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2936277542354393641.post-53033427387605981692012-04-18T21:17:00.000-07:002012-04-18T21:17:08.709-07:00Off the Grid (not me but the painting)So today I changed my cover image again...(after all I need to keep it fresh) with a painting that I have not added to <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/OlliffStudio" target="_blank">Etsy</a> yet. I was not sure it would be popular because I have a lot of similar paintings in my "Island" series. Well I was wrong. A bunch of people like it and I put out a plea for a title since I was out of ideas. There were lots of great suggestions but the one I liked best came from Jessica, a dear and long time family friend whom I adore. Jessica had several good ideas herself but this was my favorite.<br />
So next up in my shop will be…<br />
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"Off the Grid"</div>
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<br />Debhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03151289984906270888noreply@blogger.com3