Riverweave

The Stuff and the Stuff-ees

2012-02-26T10:05:00.000-06:00

THE STUFF

off the loom

cut down for easier stuffing

When you are a weaver you end up with lots of what is called 'thrums'. My pile of thrums grows with every weaving project. I have found a new way to use up my thrums.

Meet the STUFF-EES

My pile is shrinking

I love fashioning and sewing up the Stuffs. You can see these creations at the Guild in Minneapolis, MN.

I love the little animals, still weaving is my first love and here is my latest piece.

I call it Red Zen, Reppweave woven with pearl cottons, 16/2 cottons, linen and native prairie grasses.

Handmade From the Heart

2012-02-14T10:57:00.000-06:00

Photos of the event held at The Guild in Minneapolis. It was a cold, sunny day outside but lots of warmth inside. My spot was close to the sunny south side windows.

The sun glinting off the baskets of the animals. You can tell they were having a good time.

Prairie Grass Weavings

The Valentine-y table of treats was a work of art itself, delicious in reds, pinks, white and chocolates

Guilty pleasures all, tasty too!

Besides me, guest artists invited featured nuno felted scarves by sisters Nancy Beth Stevenson, Nancy Stevens Randall, their business is called Scarving Artists. You can tell they have a good time putting their work together. Katherine Seger, an painter in oils, painted a still life she gave away at the end of the day. Interesting to see her process beginning with an empty canvas transformed into a fine piece of art by the end of the day. Go to www.KatherineSeger.com to see her work. Hostess aprons by Robin Klitze were there too, light-hearted whimsical art wear.

My cats and dogs are invited to come back and hold a place at The Guild. See them around-about March. Go to The Guild Minneapolis if you want to see more.

It was a privilege to be invited, I enjoyed the day.

Happy Valentines Day

See Me Here!

2012-02-02T13:28:00.000-06:00

I am going to be a part of The Guild Collective Trunk Show in Minneapolis on Saturday, February 11, from 10 - 6 pm.

Go here The Guild Collective, Minneapolis to see my work, other artists in the Trunk Show and members of the Guild Collective. If you're in Minneapolis hope I see you there.

The Guild Collective features fine work of stylists, artists, retailers, photographers and designers around the Twin Cities.

Style Any Age -- Yes!

2012-01-18T08:03:00.000-06:00

This is a long trailer for our upcoming documentary about stylish New York older ladies. The documentary is planned to come out in the summer of 2012.
For more stylish ladies check out http://advancedstyle.blogspot.com
For more about director go to linaplioplyte.com

A friend posted this on Facebook -- had to share it.

Check out the blog too -- this is fun. I love this - the ladies, the clothes, the comments. Enjoy!

Local, Handmade

2012-01-06T19:57:00.000-06:00

While doing a little house cleanse over the past week, it was today that I looked and saw that in this house we have some great art, art made by me, by kids, by husband, grandkids and friends. This post reminds me to notice and not take for granted what I see everyday and what makes this house a home.

This one makes me smile, my two youngest daughters sewed this up and gave it as a gift for Mother's Day. It's a little faded but still perfect. They're all grown up now but this work of art is just who they were and who they are today.

A mosaic of a raven made by an artist in Baraboo, WI and an oil pastel of a Flicker (I think) woodpecker drawn by my grandson. I love both, so much soul.

The stained glass piece was made by my husband a long time ago, he doesn't do that kind of work anymore - too busy fixing motorcycles.

The rug with the beautiful red cardinals was made by my dad. My artistic dad who loved to work with his hands. He was a plumber by trade but in the winter when he couldn't be in the garden he could be found painting by number or in his workshop making a wind chime or a lamp or.... I was gone from home when he found the rug projects to do -- I think it's so cool that this man who loved the outdoors, fishing, hunting, gardening would do this work and love it. I have two of his rugs, such a good way to remember him.

Deb Conlon, Amy Arnold

Ken DeWaard

Three of the many works of art that aren't made by me or family members, nonetheless they hold important places on the walls of this house and are done by local artists. The painting of the little yellow building is of a garden shed turned into a present day sauna. This painting is by a neighbor who thought it worth painting - I think so too and in the wintertime this painting warms me up.

Here's to a New Year filled with art - where ever you find it and take time to notice how much it adds to your life.
Cheers!

You Dog

2011-12-06T19:13:00.001-06:00

Going to the dogs lately. Here is a look at how my little dogs come alive. The top photo shows a 'litter' (?) of pups, arms, legs, bodies unstitched. Next photo shows legs and arms pulled through to sew up the sides and bottom (ouch), then (next photo) they are pulled right side out (ahhh)! At last a DOG -- a nose, a pair of eyes, a mouth and a bow-tie -- perfect! These little dogs are made with recycled wool scraps and some of my hand woven pieces. They are all special, all one of a kind. You will be seeing them in my ETSY shop. I am making kats as well - find them in the shop as they are 'born'.

If I'm not back here before Christmas -- have a wonderful holiday season.

Boise Curbside, Idaho Natural Beauty and Chicago Cityscapes

2011-11-09T10:33:00.001-06:00

Boise's Linen Building

I tried to find out the history of the Linen District in Boise but all I've come up with so far is that this area of Boise is a recent success story in the city. Storefronts, restaurants and hotel businesses have gotten a facelift and a renewed life. We stayed across from the Linen Building in an updated travel lodge called the Modern. Very cool newly refurbished rooms, restaurant/bar and office. I highly recommend it if you find yourself in Boise, Idaho.

One of the mosaics attached to the Linen Building under windows facing the street. Beautiful in the east facing light.

Local artists work hangs on the fence walking from the Linen Building to the

Big City Coffee Shop. Boise, in my humble opinion, has the best coffee shops and this one is tops in my book. Besides coffee they serve the yummiest, buttery-est muffins.

Boise Botanical Gardens, love the colors - especially the lavender posts!

Snake River Canyon

An Idaho mountain stream, we sat a spell in the hot springs found along this river.

From the canyons of Idaho to the canyons of downtown Chicago. We took an architectural tour on the Chicago River. There is beauty and wonderment in both the natural and man-made -

how can buildings be this tall? The natural grandeur of the Idaho mountains is breathtakingly beautiful and you want it to stay that way. The Chicago skyline has a splendor that is stunning and awesome, a tribute to what humans can do. Both have value, serve humanity and we need both - in their places.

Touring in Wisconsin

2011-10-10T15:06:00.000-05:00

The Wisconsin Concrete Park, created by Fred Smith in the years between 1950 and 1964 is located just off Hwy 13 near Phillips, WI. Fred's occupations were listed as a lumberjack, barkeep, and self-taught artist. He must have been a character and one with a vision. I had heard about this place from friends and finally got to take it in. The individuals in this rustic garden have lots of charm and personality - Fred's?? They are rough, whimsical creations, unpretentious and way out of the ordinary.

The next day we made it to the Porcupine Mountains in the Michigan Upper Peninsula, the destination of our trip. The trees were in full autumn glory. The sunny warm days made our motorcycle trip easy and fun. We camped in a yurt at the Union Bay campground, it sat just above Lake Superior. We had stunning Lake Superior on one side and flaming color scattered all over the 'mountains' on the other.

Looking out over Lake of the Clouds

A fallen giant in the old growth forests near Mirror Lake.

We had just spent a night camping in a tent, so this yurt camping was pure luxury!
From the outside a yurt is not much to look at - inside it was cozy and homey -- except for the flies, which -- I'm not going to talk about, except to say there were a few, quite a bothersome few ...

Close to Home

2011-09-28T08:09:00.001-05:00

The wild garden updated. The fringed gentians began appearing about 3 or 4 years ago

on a hillside behind our house. They are beautiful.

The solomon seal reigns over the planted wild garden next to the back door.

From the domestic garden --- red gold!!

Bamboo chimes cast a ghostly shadow on the screen. The chimes hang off to the left of the door, the sun at that moment was just right for them to appear on the screen.

Omaha Fashion Week

2011-09-05T08:36:00.014-05:00

I was privileged to go to the Omaha Fashion Week Finale last weekend. My niece, Emma Erickson was showing her work again this year, it was even more gorgeous than last year. My sister and I hung out with the designers and models and even put our hands on some of the fashions - finishing hems, etc. Fun to be part of the energy. The weather for the event was beautiful. Lots of paying customers and plenty of lookers hanging over the bridge to view the event.

The Designer

By the way, if you want a challenge, try walking in those platform shoes for any length of time.

The next day, in a fundraiser for HELP in Omaha, we had another fashion show with Jane Round, Emm a Erickson, Megan Hunt and me. The photos below are of the designers wearing their dresses and my vests - my first experience using models other than my daughters (who are excellent models as well)! I am impressed by the work these young designers turn out. Impressive models too, they work many hours designing and sewing and still end up looking fresh and beautiful.

This all took place in the studio space of Camp, a co-working space for business start-ups in Omaha.

We had a good turn out and my sister raised a respectable amount of funds for HELP.

Butterflies and Something Else . . .

2011-08-10T15:11:00.002-05:00

Before the butterflies, a bumper sticker recently seen -

not much to argue with there . . . except to include 'working woman' .

So many Swallowtail Butterflies visiting the milkweed and purple coneflower this year, the Monarchs have just arrived.

The golden days of late summer.

Gone for Gold

2011-07-24T18:32:00.001-05:00

Any one of these handwoven scarves with this dress

Imagine having an occasion to wear it . . . just dreaming ... big.

why not??

husband says ... but - a scarf would cover up her assets

well, I say . . . it could bring more attention to one's assets.

The scarves are woven with Tencel, silk and gold lurex.

Threads of Gold

2011-07-01T15:59:00.001-05:00

I couldn't pass up this cone of gold at a friend's moving sale that happened close to a year ago now (remember this Colleen??) It's been a real conversation piece on my shelf. I've looked at it and thought about what use I could put it too . . . it's very fine thread. I wonder what it's intended use in the beginning was? Curiosity and my practical nature finally got the best of me, I pulled it off the shelf and started wrapping it on the warping wheel along with two shades of while silk. It broke only once but it was hard to hang onto. I did get it on the loom without going completely out-of-my-mind - whew. Here is little photo journal. I think the woven scarves are looking almost as pretty as the cone itself!

One done

Another started, see the gold thread - it's there -- really.

This ISN'T pretty .

2011-06-19T12:32:00.000-05:00

Today we are on the wrong side of this river. Our driveway is under that water somewhere, we are happy we can see the bridge that crosses the river up to the house.

Amazing, 5 inches of rain can cause the river to rise about 4 ft.

Same view as above, now standing on the ground.

The constant lightning and a powerful flashlight made it possible to see that the bridge was under water early this morning, round about 3 am. A restful, dreamy sleep not possible after seeing that, we had to look . . .?

The pounding rain finally stopped about 4 am (maybe) and we dragged ourselves once again off to bed to try sleep. About 4:30 am or so I heard voices -- thought they were coming from the road, they were in the driveway stopped just at the bridge. Two guys, one was out of the car sizing up just how difficult it would be to get across the bridge. He got back into his car and inched his way toward it, as we watched

from the upstairs porch thinking 'no - don't do it' the other guy in the car was really hollering

"NO" --- "NO" !! They turned around, I hope they made it back home -- I'm thinking they may be nursing hangovers today...

This is pretty. Walked up the hill to see how the woods were looking and came across a

Monarch caterpillar - seems early to see these guys but there it was snacking on a very wet

milkweed. Well he was snacking before he fell off, I had to put him back so I could take the picture,

that's why he's curled, it could be a she ?

Wild Gardens

2011-06-01T12:09:00.000-05:00

Wild springtime gardens. Ferns, columbine, jack-in-the-pulpit, solomons seal, wild phlox, forget-me-nots that have gone wild and nodding trillium. Spring gardens are so well-behaved, beautiful gentle ephemerals so welcome.

2011-05-16T08:33:00.000-05:00

Spent the weekend with my daughter in Minneapolis. Whenever I have the chance to have my daughters model for me I take it even though there is some reluctance on their part - sometimes. She looks great in the linen and silk over-shirts. I have a hard time figuring out what to call these garments - jackets? over-shirts? vests? They are what you think they are. Anyway she makes them look great. If you are interested in seeing more check the ETSY site to the right of the photo posts. Another lovely thing is the art on the walls of the apartment house where we stay, all local scenes painted by local artists of the Twin Cities area.

Close to Home

2011-05-04T09:11:00.001-05:00

What do you get a man who has everything for his birthday?

A Man with a Cat, of course Local artist Amy Arnold was our guest artist at VIVA Gallery for the month of April. She makes these whimsical, classical characters out of felted wool. I love them and so does the man who now really does have everything!

In pondering other things around the house:

This post is in the exact center of our living room. I once asked a feng-shui 'expert' what do you do with a post in the middle of a room? - his answer after much thought was plants, make it like a tree. So - OK- that works but space for chairs y'know, comfortable chairs in a 'conversational area' presents a problem. We have lived here for eleven years and the post and I still have issues. The thing is though - it, the post, is not going anywhere - it's holding the place up.

Paper Weaving

2011-04-14T14:59:00.000-05:00

I recently took at class from Jennifer Moore who is a well-known weaver, she weaves beautiful pick-up doubleweave. See her work here. The class I took was titled 'Math-magical', we studied lots of geometry, symmetry, angles, the golden proportion and more - I'm still trying to figure out how to apply
what I learned to my weaving. What I did get from the class is a new way of looking at the world.

The last day Jennifer showed us these paper weaves she had made. They are amazing. I would love to know how she did this. Maybe someday she will teach a class in paper weaving.

Earth Month and More

2011-04-11T09:36:00.010-05:00

Good idea --

near the 'el' in Oak Park, IL

Colorado Rocks

2011-03-04T16:17:00.003-06:00

We took a little trip to Colorado last week. Anyone living in these parts is pretty sick of winter by this time. A change of scenery is a perfect anecdote. We caught the Amtrak Zephyr in Burlington, IA.

Think of it -- getting somewhere not being squished in like a sardine, not having to be x-rayed, walking around while traveling, seeing beautiful scenery out the window and talking to other travelers. That's what you get when you take the train.

Pretty city Glenwood Springs

The preceding photos were taken on our way out of Glenwood Springs. When we arrived there a week earlier it was sunny -- no matter what the light or weather, it's a pretty special place. The train ride takes you through miles of awesome Glenwood Canyon before pulling into the town.

On to the high desert city of Grand Junction. The Grand Mesa, Colorado National Monument, the Book Cliffs surround this city on the Colorado River. Peach tree orchards, sadly bare this time of year, and wineries made up the scenery along the tracks.

While husband spent time with his brother downhill skiing - I got to explore the spectacular landscape surrounding Grand Junction with my friend. This landscape humbles you, it's so big and old, breathtaking and purely glorious. Imagine, at least two oceans covered this landscape in the long past.

Outside of Grand Junction in Monument Canyon we hiked to 'Independence Rock or Monument'. I can see a face at the top of this time-worn rock. The next picture is "Kissing Couple".

We did other stuff while we were there, like some cross-country skiing to an inn where we had some delicious chocolate pecan pie and then there were the Thrifts. Designer Thrifts I'd call them -- both in Grand Junction and Aspen - nuff said about that!

When it was time to leave we caught the train again in Glenwood Springs - the trip back was as fine as the trip out and the in-between vacation time was fun and so appreciated. We had great hosts!

Ahhh -- Some Color

2011-02-19T08:49:00.000-06:00

The snowy photos have lost their luster -- pretty then but now I am wanting to see color. A new grass reppweave and some dogs and a kat that are living in my studio. I haven't named the dogs yet so they live here - after all, they aren't ready to be in the world until they have a name.

weather events

2011-02-02T14:18:00.006-06:00

While snow events can wreak havoc in the city and seem harsh; out in the countryside, especially by this stream, nature seems a bit more gentle, artistic. The winds were wild overnight but in the morning sculptural handiwork is evident, glistening, beautiful and still magical!

morning shadows

One morning last week a yearling deer along the stream.

Today the sky is blue and the sun is shining, I'm off to find my snowshoes.

The Textile Center

2011-01-20T08:23:00.000-06:00

Part of the member show at the Textile Center in Minneapolis - my handwoven jacket/vest.
Every year the Textile Center has a member show, if you have a chance go see it. The show includes diverse media -- not all fiber, but all tactile.

Little Weavings in the Wind

2011-01-03T16:30:00.002-06:00

I made these linen and wool weavings for the 'small works' show our gallery is having for the month of January. I love the translucent look of the weave materials, the natural linen with the white wool. It speaks of winter to me. I hung them in the tree to see what they would look like in the breeze and in the window, in both places they brightened the gray wintry day. Had to try them with the background on the brilliant white snow too. Isn't snow miraculous? I love it. Even though it can mess up a trip or cancel an event, it is the nature of winter and wondrous.

Artwear off the loom

2010-12-10T14:02:00.003-06:00

Vests, boleros, jackets - whatever you choose to call these - are simply made with a mixture of linen, wool, silk and Tencel. Designed, woven and sewn in my studio. Wear for a bit of color and texture accent, they provide warmth as well.

Thanks for modeling daughter -- reading all those fashion mags pays off!!

The Mean Kitty Song

2010-12-06T08:49:00.000-06:00

free ranging kats

2010-12-05T19:13:00.003-06:00

Not everyone loves cats but they might love 'kats'. These 'kats' went to the holiday bazaar, they were a pretty popular show. Made with vintage and other choice wools, filled with polyfil, they come alive when I hand sew their cute little faces.

You can sleep with them, hang them on the wall or sit them at the piano, they really like sitting on the sofa looking cool. Guaranteed not to shed, they never need a litter box (that's the best), oh and you don't have to wear oven mitts when you play with them.

Dawson and Marshmallow

Spice Girl

Notes on Fibers

2010-11-20T12:18:00.007-06:00

New scarves and one of the new 'kats' I'm making. The scarves are made of silk and Tencel, the bottom left has linen in the mix. The kats are all made with wool, hand sewn faces and filled with polyfil.

About Tencel or lyocell I have been curious, I like it and use it a lot.
Lyocell is regenerated cellulose fiber made by dissolving pulp (bleached wood pulp). It was first manufactured in 1987 in the UK, as of 2010 it is manufactured by Lenzing AG. Tencel is a brand name also owned by the manufacturer Lenzing AG of Austria, this company also manufactures in the US and the UK
The FTC (Federal Trade Commission) defines lyocell as "a cellulose fabric that is obtained by an organic solvent spinning process", it's classified as a sub-category of rayon.
This fiber shares many properties with other cellulosic fibers such as cotton, linen and ramie.
It is soft, absorbent, strong when wet or dry and resistant to wrinkles. It can be machine washed, hand-washed or dry-cleaned. It drapes beautifully.
The closed-loop manufacturing process makes lyocell inherently the most eco-friendly of the naturally regenerating fibers.
I use it as warp and weft, when warping with lyocell you don't have the static that silk presents. I love the way it drapes, the sheen of the finished piece and it's endurance.

New work

2010-11-10T17:51:00.001-06:00

New work from my studio. Little jackets or vests made from linen, silk, wool.

Very busy lately getting ready for a holiday show in St. Paul, MN and Sno-Crush at

Avalanche Looms in Avalanche, WI

A Design Idea

2010-10-30T18:57:00.002-05:00

Paint your fridge and add pizazz to your kitchen. Put some bumper stickers on it to make it even more interesting. There you go -- an artistic idea for you to chew on.
Here is a photo of my fridge -- which by the way is green in more ways than one. It's a Sun-Frost and it runs on the batteries that power our house after the sun charges them up.

I wish I had more stickers - but, I'm picky when choosing what to put here. People know you by the 'artistic' statements you make .

Prairie Grass Weaves

2010-09-30T19:03:00.007-05:00

Three grass weaves, handwoven in reppweave design pattern with pearl cotton and native grasses harvested from where I live. Garrison Keillor was in our town this week promoting the new community radio station WDRT. He shopped at our artist cooperative gallery, VIVA Gallery - and bought one of these. !!! Thanks very much famous radio man for supporting local art and artists.

Go to VIVA Gallery to see more of what we have. If you see something you want contact the individual artist by email. We ship.

Omaha Fashion Week

2010-09-21T17:59:00.007-05:00

My niece, Emma Erickson, graduated from the San Francisco School of Art and Design this spring in the School of Fashion Design. She participated at N.Y. Fashion Week and this past weekend was a participant of Omaha Fashion Week. I got to see this fabulous show with my sister, Emma's mom, and a bunch of my sister's friends. We had a V.I.P. table! Which meant that we sat next to the runway getting a close up look at all the designer's creations. It was held under a highway bridge, you see the concrete columns in one of the photos, with the Old Market buildings up against one side. It was a unique venue, the whole evening was fun, despite the fact that it was about maybe 45 degrees and misting -- we stayed comfy and dry at the V.I.P. table. Emma's designs are stunning. She has worked very hard getting her beautiful dresses designed and sewn, including lots of hand-sewing. She has found her passion indeed. I wish her the best. Find out more here Emma Erickson.

when you need a little comfort

2010-09-08T13:11:00.002-05:00

When the news isn't great, when there is a heartache, when you'd just like to jump off the spinning earth --- WAIT! These guys can share your pain, you can tell them your deepest, darkest secrets, they will be your friend no matter what . . . From left to right, Sherman, Howie, Crumbs. These 'kats' come from the family 'Kathy's Kats', they are constructed of re-purposed wool. Each is an individual but, all are loyal, true blue kats, depend on it.

In the woods . . .

2010-08-23T09:09:00.002-05:00

I walked in the woods this morning. It's been a banner year for fungus - everywhere you see big and little mushrooms growing where ever they can get ahold. This find was the coolest; thought I would never see this in our woods - Indian Pipes! I've seen them called 'ghosts of tulips past' - I love that description, the scientific name is Monotropa uniflora.

A Mosiac of My Work

2010-08-10T09:08:00.002-05:00

When it's 100 degrees in the shade. . .

2010-07-21T14:31:00.001-05:00

don't you wish you were a cat . . .?

just some cool art

2010-06-26T13:30:00.000-05:00

This would be a great way to spend the summer , mixing and matching glass --

oohh gorgeous . . .

A Trip to the Desert

2010-05-29T17:46:00.017-05:00

We have just been to the desert, the Mojave Desert. We discovered uncomplicated beauty. Ancient rock formations, the intense blue sky and sunlight, the refreshing dry winds (altho I was told the winds are also known to be ferocious in the extreme), you can see for miles. I didn't expect to be so taken.

A mountain goat on the rocks in Joshua Tree
National Park

blooming in the desert

a chuckwalla

Joshua Tree Rocks

If you go to Joshua Tree, California you might want to stay at a really fine little inn called Joshua Tree Inn.It's a great place to come back to after a hike in the desert. It looks like all the other desert architecture in the town -- low built, understated, fitting perfectly into the landscape.

Mothers are Forever

2010-05-14T13:36:00.001-05:00

a 'stone man'

An old Scot's Gaelic blessing

"Cuiridh mi clach air do chám"

"I'll put a stone on your cairn."

My mom and her great grand-daughter on Mother's Day, May 2010.

Rose Paths

2010-04-22T12:46:00.012-05:00

". . . no feeling of emptiness about her. She was an object lesson on the essential luck, whatever hardships come their way, of those born to make things." from a book by Diana Athill

Rosepath, a lovely name for a weave pattern. Runners are woven in rosepath (the diamonds) and plain weave. I love a project that calls for putting lots of colors together in one piece, time slipped away without notice while I wove. They are made with a cotton warp, cotton and cotton blends for the weft.

Five Days in Paris

2010-04-12T22:33:00.019-05:00

After spending a lovely week in Sevilla, we took a taxi to the train station and onto Madrid. This is the sad story of experiencing the European custom of one-day strikes. French Train workers were on strike just the day we wanted to go to Paris. It was the bus for those of us traveling to France. We left Madrid at 7 pm, arrived in Paris next morning around 11 am. This was a very long night, imagine 16 hours in seats that seemed closer together than those of an airplane, this was not a busload of happy 'campers'! We stopped along the way for a bit of a stretch and a couple times for food. Morning came and seeing the French countryside raised spirits. We slumped off the bus and found our way to the metro and onto our hotel and fell into bed! Day 1. However, after a little rest, we had to go see Paris! The Eiffel Tower was close to the hotel. Nearby the Tower is the Musee du quai Branly. This building is so cool, it is covered with growing plants that are tucked into little pockets of moss. A building covered with a garden.

Daughter in Espana has a friend in Paris, Meghan and she generously said she would be willing to spend a day with us while we were there. I have to add here that it is so advantageous to know the language where you are traveling! Most all Europeans know English, as an American not taught the value of learning another language - you feel stupid! No other way to put it. It was great to hang out with someone who could speak French. We went to Ladureé for macaroons, simply devine. This patisseriée makes all kinds of exquisite looking sweets, gorgeous food art. We continued our walking down the Champs-Elysées to the Jardins de Tuilieres and past the river Seine with the green metal boxes that artists, booksellers and the like can rent from the city and have a little sidewalk shop on a busy walk way, on to the bookstore Shakespeare and Company. This bookstore has a long history in Paris, first started by Sylvia Beach. The book shop is in an old building with ceiling beams exposed, books for sale on the main floor are all in English. Go upstairs to see floor to ceiling bookcases with old books, not for sale. There is a piano in one of the rooms upstairs and someone was playing it. You could hear the piano only in that room, because of book insulation (?). I think I have never heard piano music so mellow. I read a book some time back about a little shop in Paris that built pianos, could that have been one of those pianos? I bought a book about the woman who started this bookstore. From there we caught the Metro to Montmartre, walked up to Sacre Coeur and down the skinny old streets that artists past and artists now call home.

The next day we rode the train to Versailles. The Grand Palace of King Louis XIV is a very touristy site with lots of people and lines but well worth seeing all of it. Makes me want to read more about King Louie XIV. After we toured the palace, we followed Rick Steve's advice and found A la Côte Bretonne and an unforgettable lunch of crepes, cider and café crema.

We visited the Pompidou Museum, d'orsay Museum, Notre Dame, walked and walked and when we couldn't walk, we jumped onto the Metro and went everywhere we wanted to go. Walking in Paris is as good as visiting a museum, so many beautiful and grand buildings. Our last night there we climbed up the Eiffel Tower, they say the second story of the Tower is about 43 flights up, many steps and worth all the effort it takes. We stood up there and looked out over Paris, it was dark by that time. All of a sudden the lights on the tower began flashing, it was like it was sparkling, it was magical! The strobe-like lights are turned on at the hour. We had to go back an hour later and see it from the ground as it sparkled.

It was a big, wonderful trip and we were unabated tourists. The trip filled us up, enriched us, made us feel more a part of this world. Now I want to know more about the languages, the people and the history of these beautiful countries.

2010-04-07T18:11:00.001-05:00

A redhead in Espana, where did she get that great scarf??

Grazalema, one of the mountain Pueblo Blancos

A man living on the side of the mountain,

a road dating back to the Romans runs below his house.

Flamenco, Semana Santa, marshmallow cakes --- Sevilla

2010-04-07T14:10:00.016-05:00

I wanted one of these fabulous gowns, but alas, where would I wear it???

Semana Santa souvenirs, I guess ?

Whimsical cakes made with marshmallows, jelly beans, all kinds of confections.

These were sitting in the window of a candy shop, part of Semana Santa??

Going to the Spanish Saturday market

2010-04-07T10:02:00.002-05:00

The market, el invento con huevos y jamon, little glasses

of sweet orange wine, vino de naranja - delicious.

2010-04-07T09:40:00.001-05:00

The little streets of Sevilla, scooters, buses all share the street with pedestrians who may have a little bit of a sidewalk to jump onto when the buses come by

La Giralda Cathedral, 3rd largest in all of Europe.

Sevilla, Spain

2010-04-07T09:17:00.002-05:00

We are back from our beautiful trip to Europe. Sevilla, Spain was first on the itinerary. We had our own Spanish interpreter, daughter Annie. This is the second time we have traveled to Spain, but it was way more fun this time! We stayed for 7 days in Sevilla and our experience of the culture was much richer and deeper. We were there a week before the Semana Santa festival, a holy week festival filled with religious spectacle and rich traditions. It is a genuine tourist magnet. We saw much of the preparation and I am including some of those in the posted photos. We ate lots of delicious Spanish food, tapas in little cafes - tapas portions allow you to sample many dishes and we did, strudel de verduras, croquetas caseras, solomillo el whiskey (the flavor I keep trying to capture and with enough olive oil and garlic I'm getting there), bueyala mostaza antiqua, literally translated beef with old mustard, yum!! It was all exquisite. We drank many cafe con leches at coffee houses that double as bars, we sampled vino de naranja and many Cruzcampos, beer in little glasses (just enough) and el invento con huevos y jamon at the market (see photo) an interesting combination that crowds line up for at the market.

We took a tour with Paul McGrath, originally from Australia, living in Sevilla for the past eleven years. He took us south to the Pueblos Blancos, the little mountain towns of Zahara de la Sierra, Grazelema, Prado del Rey and Benamahona. Beautiful little, old towns set on mountain sides, mostly all white and one with the remains of a Moorish castle that has been actively preserved, much of the centuries old structure still in place, paths and walls of other structures of that time also preserved. The mountains of Spain are spectacularly beautiful and wild. Little roads take you up and around the rocky mountain countryside. The towns had remains of roads from the Middle Ages. Awed us Americans. The Spanish know the wealth of preserving this history. We visited a family run winery and a family-owned olive oil factory still producing olive oil in small runs the old fashioned, time-honored way.

We took in Flamenco, heard and saw the bells of La Giralda Cathedral, climbed the pathway up to the bell tower to glimpse all of Sevilla from above, walked to the Plaza de Espana, lovely "new" (built in 1929 for the world expo) building and grounds and just got caught up in the spirited, social, loud Spanish culture! I loved it!

Native Prairie Grasses in a Handwoven Runner

2010-02-15T20:26:00.005-06:00

Just finished twisting the fringes on this Reppweave Runner, woven with antique whites and slate colored pearl cotton in the warp, pearl cotton and native prairie grasses in the weft. It measures 5'5" long and 13" wide. Big Bluestem and Indian grass are harvested from the land we live on. These tall prairie grasses, harvested in late summer and early fall give this piece uniqueness and durability. The reppweave structure adds to the beauty and strength of this piece.

Student Conservation Association

2010-01-27T08:22:00.002-06:00

My daughter works for an organization called SCA, it stands for Student Conservation Association. She is working in Yucca Valley doing desert restoration work. You can read about it on her blog

Yucca brevafolia. This impressive organization has been around for 50 years now. It all began when Elizabeth Titus Putnam was a junior at Vassar College and read about the serious crisis facing the national parks due to the lack of adequate funding. Several parks were facing closure until when and if sufficient funds could be found to keep them. She wrote her senior thesis on the idea that young people, if offered the opportunity would answer the call to help the national parks, in return for their service they would gain invaluable experiences. Today SCA has become our country's largest conservation service program for youth.

Ms. Putnam's belief that the very survival of humans of all ages, from all walks of life, if given the opportunity of having their eyes opened to the natural world around them -- would realize, feel, sense what an experience like this could do for one's soul, I might add for the soul of their families and their friends. Through my daughter, this connection with the SCA has deepened my passion to do what I can do to preserve the magnificence of this earth, this planet. I have a deep and abiding respect for all the young people who are engaged in this work. Who work to keep wild places wild, to clean up the messes of humans, who keep going even when it must be terribly discouraging -- witness the photo of the mountain of trash the group set about to clean up. A heart felt Thank You to all of you. Read more on thesca.org website.

The magic of a winter morning in January

2010-01-15T10:11:00.000-06:00

ahhh - family togetherness . . .

2010-01-07T11:48:00.000-06:00

Studio Pics

2009-12-16T17:10:00.000-06:00

I took some photos of my studio and decided I liked them enough I would put them here. I have two of my workspace and one of the view from my second floor studio. The inside photos have all the color, not that the winter scene outside the window isn't beautiful but there are about 3 dominant colors. The blue sky, the pure white snow and the blond grasses of the field. Anyway, in summer it might be just opposite. This is a sunny day - if it was a gray day there would be one color!

2009-12-06T14:31:00.000-06:00

Here is a look at my little corner of the Landmark Center Holiday Bazaar. I'm calling it a success, but there were some very slow hours this year. This was my second year at the show, this holiday bazaar is in it's 31st year. The 'kats' made people smile (nice!) I took the bus every morning and every evening except Saturday evening. Thursday and Friday are long days, from 9 am to 8 pm (9 am for artists, 10 for the public). Riding the bus, figuring it all out was my personal challenge - and I am patting myself on the back for managing it!!

2009-11-27T08:42:00.000-06:00

OK, I got a little more control in the workshop - these kats are corraled!

Three in a row - Louise, I think that's Poppy next (30 kats - hard to keep the names straight) and Chocolate.

Kats Taking Over Workshop

2009-11-08T18:18:00.000-06:00

Kats are taking over my workspace, I've got to get this under control. Kathy of Kathy's Kats has been battling an ever increasing number of kats that are multiplying without bounds. They are having too much fun and I am being driven out of my workspace. "Something's got to give"

the owner of the workspace reported Sunday. More on this later in the week.

Off to the Gallery

2009-10-05T20:36:00.000-05:00

These 'kats' are on their way to the gallery -- don't they look excited??

Left to right, from the back to the front there's Smitty, Marie, Nina, Kat-man-du, Howie and Clementine. . .

Steppin' Out

2009-09-15T09:33:00.000-05:00

Every year since '06 my daughter and I take this walk in September. If she doesn't have the day

off she takes a vacation day! We are serious, this is our day. This year we were 4000 strong - all

ages, women, men and children steppin' out in pink.

Bear Tracks on the path and Mt. Redoubt

2009-09-06T09:28:00.000-05:00

Whoa - we didn't meet this big guy I'm happy to say but on the path up

the mountain we would get a whiff of a very musky smell - bears were

there just not in our path.

Mt. Redoubt from the air. On the way back to Anchorage we flew over

the mountains, you can see the lava dome on the photo.

Alaska and Mt. Tanalian

2009-09-03T15:29:00.000-05:00

We hiked to the top! At least 4 miles, mostly up the hill, over rocks where you held onto alder

branches so you didn't fall backward. I kept asking - we're almost there, right? Alex rolled her eyes - she's much too used to this. . . We did finally get to the top - mission accomplished! There were blueberries and long distance scenery viewing, making it all worth the trip. As for the trip down, challenging! Much harder than going up and way harder on the trails!

Alaska - Lake Clark and Port Alsworth

2009-09-03T15:23:00.000-05:00

The first afternoon, we hike to Lower and Upper Tanalian Falls. Lots of water over these

rocks -- again I have to remark on the water, amazing, clear and beautiful blue.

More Alaska

2009-09-03T15:00:00.000-05:00

The glaciers seen from the airplane as we flew to Lake Clark National Park.

If the light was right you would see a sky blue, the color of the ice of the glacier.

Lake Clark from the air, notice the gravel runway. Port Alsworth is a village with

two runways, the only way to get there is to take a small airplane over the mountains or

through the pass. No touch ups on these photos - this water is, the glaciers are that color.

Amazing!

Alaska

2009-09-03T14:53:00.000-05:00

The waters of the Kenai Fjords. How can water be this color? What a magical place this big country of Alaska is. Grand, spectacular, awesome and still so wild. I pledge that whatever I can do I will to keep Alaska wild.

Inspiration in the Garden

2009-08-19T11:53:00.001-05:00

Riverweave Scarves

2009-08-12T16:33:00.000-05:00

Linen/Silk

2009-08-12T16:31:00.000-05:00

Chenille

2009-08-12T16:29:00.000-05:00

Linen/Silk

2009-08-12T16:24:00.000-05:00

Linen/Silk

new project

2009-07-09T11:33:00.000-05:00

A new weaving project, an 8-harness hounds tooth

warp and weft both pearl cotton (black) and unmercerized

cotton (lavender). It started out as 18" on the loom and

has drawn in to about 16". Next one I do will be wider.

more home things

2009-07-07T19:06:00.000-05:00

A weaving hung on the door of the sauna. The weaving is made of cotton and native prairie grasses.

Stray Kats

2009-06-05T09:21:00.000-05:00

Oh look, stray cats in the tree and on the porch. . .
Look for more 'kats' on my etsy site riverweave.etsy.com or
come to VIVA Gallery on Main St. in Viroqua, WI

2009-05-22T11:35:00.000-05:00

My 'swamp buggy' orchid in bloom. I would call it 'dancing girls', look close, you can see their faces.

2009-05-08T13:51:00.000-05:00

A walk in the woods as the earth is awakening from the long winter -- have a look at what I see as I

wonder the paths. We intentionally burned in these woods about three weeks ago and through

that blackened earth new green is sprouting. The woods are renewed by fire. We burn only certain areas

and not the whole of our woods, giving wildlife a chance to glean and build their nests and homes.

2009-04-08T12:52:00.000-05:00

earth hour

2009-04-07T20:17:00.000-05:00

Earth Hour in Chicago

2009-03-25T15:42:00.000-05:00

2009-03-25T15:33:00.000-05:00

2009-03-01T08:37:00.000-06:00

The finished project.

2009-03-01T08:27:00.000-06:00

2009-03-01T08:19:00.000-06:00

Warp is hand-spun wool, this was not an easy project, the

warp, as might be imagined, pulled apart too many times.

2009-02-24T19:56:00.000-06:00

LaVonne, Rex, Sonny, Claude

2009-02-24T15:52:00.000-06:00

Grandma and the lunch ladies. A farm picnic lunch in their

'everyday' dresses', the headcoverings worn. I wish I could hear

the conversation. My grandma and the woman standing in the

background have the same belt buckles, their dresses are

likely homemade. She made most of her clothes.

I remember Sunday afternoons when we would visit the farm, my mother and

she would get the Sears catalog out and look at the pages of fabric.

2009-02-13T17:41:00.000-06:00

2009-02-13T17:35:00.000-06:00

2009-01-15T15:21:00.000-06:00