06.07.10
Posted in Daily Musings at 12:42 am by Administrator
Ok I know I should not call the Workhouse the Prison but it will always be the prison to me.
I spent the day out at the Workhouse. Took a small load of stuff and my camera so I could finally show off my studio. I made five plant pals for the Artful Gift Shop in Vienna. Friday I will drop them and the six votives I have made off while up there teaching at Star’s Beads. I organized the white shelf/drawer cabinet only to remember that I needed to pull all the furniture off the walls so they can paint this week. I moved in before Julie moved out so there was no down time to paint.
I helped Susan and Linda hang stuff in the gallery. There was no way to hang my pieces without doing damage to window frames so I am going to buy tension rods to set into window jam and hang from them. We’ll see how it works.
More photos to come…..
Looking into the Studio
- The sign outside my Studio
The wall outside my Studio
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06.06.10
Posted in Daily Musings at 12:49 am by Administrator
Well it has been forever since I posted, it has been crazy here. I keep saying go post to your blog but time gets away from me. I wish I could promise to be more regualr with postings. I will do my best to get at least 3 a week on, remind me!
We had Wendy Witchner visit us for a week. She is a metal and wire worker that has taught at Bead & Button and was a regular feature article for Bead & Button magazine. Sh has a beautiful German Shepherd, Allie. Allie did not like Nanook or Karney at all, so we had to be sure the guys were in the house while she was out. We got to spend the Day with Katy Stidley and Janet Flynn, went to Dulles Gem & Jewelry Show. I took cash and came home with some, very proud of myself. It was a great visit and we are hoping she pops back in after trip to CT.
Memorial Day weekend I moved into my studio at Lorton. Friday night Corey and Terresa brought over the their old kitchen cabinets, that would be the base for my work bench. Saturday Maureen and Russ came over to help with a huge load- glass and the back of their pick up truck full of furniture. Corey and Terresa met us at Lorton. Russ and Corey made the 4×4 frame the cabinets would sit on and screwed the cabinets together and put the 4×8 plywood on top. Maureen, Terresa and I loaded glass into large piece holder and the back side of the cabinets.
Meagan and Matt took me to the ER as I knelt down and drove a 1 1/2″ piece of glass into my knee earlier in the day. It went in about 1/2 way. I did not get stitches but was glued shut.
Sunday Boonie came over to help move little glass and lots of other supplies. It was very hot and took a long time.
Monday last of the glass came over and another load of odd ball stuff from studio. Bonnie and really worked hard and it was hot out.
Wednesday night Meagan and Matt painted the house bookshelves that Michelle used for her Redwall Abbey. It took lots of coats to cover the pink and green. I was teaching over in the Glass House while they were there painting.
Thursday the 3rd I went out after Patrick’s ortho appointment. I painted second coats on house shelves and started on tall case. Taught at Belvoir that night and came home with lots of stained glass.
Friday finished painting tall shelf and under sides of house shelves to get rid of pink reflection. Worked at clearing off work bench but it will be awhile because I just shoved stuff in drawers to get them put away.
Today I taught for Fairfax Adult Ed. One of the grinders burned up, ok is smelled like burnt pop corn and was smoking. Leaked oil all over the table. I asked Rick to take a look at it. I doubt it has any life left. I hung stained glass pieces in hall outside studio and in studio. Painted last piece- little white shelves with drawers that used to hold scrap glass. The place is pulling together and looks good. The white walls with the white furniture makes the stained glass colors pop.
I will take camera out there and take photos so you can see what we have done. I should have taken before and after but it will have to be just a after photo.
I have the hummingbird sidelights laid out and really to start, just waiting to get the final size approval so I can cut background.
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05.22.10
Posted in Daily Musings at 10:34 pm by Administrator
Some exciting news I was holding back on… I submitted a Jury Packet to Workhouse on May 3 and was accepted in. There was no room in the Glass House so I am in Building 9, Studio 909. I am so excited, finally in a real art center and within the first years of its opening. I will be moving in Memorial Day weekend. I have a couple of pieces of furniture coming from old studio and adding new pieces for friends remodel jobs. I need to take a before and of course after photos. June 12 from 6-9pm is Art Walk when all the studios are open and each house has a featured artist and there is a reception in each gallery. This is a wonderful chance to see lots of great art and meet the artists and of course visit me. More later….
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05.11.10
Posted in Daily Musings at 2:24 pm by Administrator
Well it looked like it was going to be a pretty day early this morning. Our morning was quick because it was a little cold and I overslept. After getting Patrick off to school, Nanook and I made our way to work. Yesterday he a was sad because Chloe, my boss’ dog, was not here. Guess what they are still home with a cold. Quiet day at the NRA.
Last night started a new class session for Arlington Adult Ed, 10 people signed up. Two old students dropped by for help with their projects. I do love teaching up there. Always a good group of ladies in the class. A few ladies thought it was a one night only class and when they found out it was three nights they were thrilled, more projects for the same amount of money!
Tonight starts the first of the Basics series at Fairfax, also with 10 signed up. I had to run to Bead Obessions during my lunch to pick up tweezers for tonight’s class as I lent out 4 pair last night to students that did not finish. It is so exciting to start a new class in a new place. I do love teaching, wish I could do it everyday… ok I do teach 5 times a weeks!
This past Saturday started the Stained Glass class for Fairfax Adult Ed. There are 6 students, good size. We did an intro then went to Virginia Stained Glass to shop for tools and supplies. It was interesting. At Belvoir and Lorton we have the store right there and boy do I take that for granted! Class was fun. We had to caravan from Plum Center to Virginia Stained Glass, less than 3 miles but I was afraid we would lose some people… we did not!
Saturday was Art Walk at the Lorton Workhouse . If you live nearby you really should check out the Old Prison and see how much it has changed and what all there is to see and do there. Lots of great classes are offered. Lisa St. Martin was the featured artist in the glass house for the month of May. Again the food was great in all the houses. We stopped by to visit Joan in the Fiber House, they have received 3 looms from Woodmont Weavers in Arlington that share store space with Ellipse, the Gallery I am in. So good to network and have good come together for people. I had seen Andrea a couple of weeks earlier and she said they were putting looms in surplus and saw Joan after that and she said they were looking for looms…. what a need and a way to help!
Last Thursday night was the Northern Virginia Bead Society Auction. I controlled myself and stayed under $100. I did get another Pam Jacobs bead, a Katie Stidley bead and a Clare Nykolyszyn bead. Also got to visit with Janet and Katie, we will get together when Wendy Witchner is visiting later this month. It will be good to see Wendy, it has been 5 years maybe since she was parked in front of our house. Wendy lives in a 26′ camper 365 days a year with her dog, Allie. She is a wireworker that does the most beautiful work and has the coolest old buttons.
This week’s projects are to finish stained glass pendants and make plant pals for Artful Gift Shop. I am still loading books on Amazon, sold five so far. Not ready to retire but moving them.
Michelle Drumheller is taking photos of my jewelry again with a newer lens. Her work has matured so much over the last four years. She took a lot of the photos that are on my website from the early days. Once we get them all together I will be loading more on the website and my Artfire account.
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05.02.10
Posted in Daily Musings at 12:18 am by Administrator
Today was a very busy day here. Got up and walked both dogs. Yes both dogs, Nanook and Carney the dog Meagan is fostering. He is a Shiba Inu mix and a year old. It was interesting and hard at times. Both wanting to go in different directions.
I dropped off stained glass pieces for Monday’s Jury at the Workhouse. I am not worried at all. Either I getr in or not. If I do I will be very excited but if I don’t so be it, there will the right time and maybe now wasn’t.
Then I visited old neighbors on Octavia Ct. I do miss the neighborhood and the neighbors. I am going to have an Unmoving BBQ because we don’t have to move this year. They are happy not to have to help again. Though I might ask for little help to move to the studio.
I spent a couple of hours getting pieces together to take to Artful Gift Shop in Vienna for consignment. Then Bonnie and I drove up to drop off the pieces. You should visit the Artful Gift Shop located at 145B Church St. NW Vienna,VA. At least visit their website http://artfulgiftshop.com/
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04.29.10
Posted in Daily Musings at 10:38 am by Administrator
It has been a crazy couple of days as I have been putting together a Jury Package for the Workhouse. I had to get the old fashioned camera out to take slides. I had totally forgotten how different it is from a digital camera. Always something to learn or relearn in life. The package is all together I just need to deliver it today. I am on pins and needles and have no idea it will take, the next Jury is supposed to be in July but Matt is also handing in a package so maybe tey will do it sooner.
When I do a in I need to set up a studio…. trip to Community Forklift for frunishings. I love that place. I did get 4 crates that are 20″x20″x51″ if I stack 2 and put the two stacks back to back it makes an great work space, just need a top (plywood or something 51″ long by at least 60″ wide for an overhang). I have the house shelf unit from Michelle’s room to paint white and use for storage. Also 2 stools from old classroom in big house. I am looking for a rug to put behind workbench so I won’t be standing on concrete all day. I will need to make a display for the finished glass pieces, have an idea and just need to get it made.
I have been loading books on Amazon to start moving excess beading books and other books. I tried selling them on craigslist and through bead society but no luck so I am stepping it up. Hope to unload some of this weight.
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04.26.10
Posted in Daily Musings at 9:52 am by Administrator
I have not died or gone on vacation just got caught up with life’s craziness. Sorry I did not take time out to drop by and say hello.
What have I been up to… reorganized dining room after yard sale. I took leftovers to Ft. Belvoir Thrift Shop as to not bring them back into the house. We did not make much money but we had fun sitting in the chilly weather and did get rid of things that had been laying around waiting to leave the house. So it was a good thing. I renewed my contract to teach out at Kawamura Arts & Crafts Center for another year. We should be in the new building by then. Hope teaching area is laid out better.
Art Walk at Lorton April 10 was great. I love walking around and visiting friends. I got there before Terresa so I went to Glass House first and touched base with everyone. I was in Fiber House when Terresa found me. I am trying to help the Fiber Group get surplus looms from another source. I showed Terresa the studio I am hoping to get. I am still putting together my Jury Packet, life kept throwing things at me to slow down the process but it will be ready for Wednesday am.
Taught a mixed jewelry class at Kawamura and had a blast. The mix made it more challenging but it helps me improve as a teacher.
I had a special order that was picked up today, they were three pendants with photos on one side and names on the reverse. They turned out very nice and I love the black and white photos. Took pictures and will post them.
Maintenance…. Website updates finally. I need to keep better track of dates so that my website does not appear to be out of date. Also Artfire store needs additions badly. That is on my honey-do list for this week for sure. I cried while paying Federal and State Estimated Tax, broke my heart to give them so much money. And to think I have to do three more times this year!
Patrick had his jaw surgery April 15. It was at Bethesda and they broke both jaws and widened them and stretched bottom one 8mm on each side. We had to be at hospital at 7am, he was taken to surgery at 9am. His father and I waited in the Waiting Room. I brought Summit work to work on and finished it while waiting. At 3pm he was out of surgery and sent to Recovery. We did not get to see him until 4:30, his father had to leave to catch train but I stayed and even ended up spending night. The Recovery Room had 23 beds and all were full at 5pm but as night rolled on it was down to Patrick and one other person. We watched movies and Patrick was trying hard to do all he needed to do to be released in am. It was hard to sleep in a lit room and I kept waking up every time Patrick needed something. Staff finally told me to let them do what they get paid for. It was hard to give up mother job and not jump in when needed. He looked like a basket ball with Angelina Jolie’s lips. Poor guy was in pain. In am we went to Oral Clinic and had x-rays and check up and Patrick was cleared to go home. Back up to APU to wait for release. We got home around 11am and went to bed! I was so worn out and Patrick just wanted to lay around anyway. He has to eat from syringe with catheter. This is going to be rough for him, no apples for weeks. And all food has to be smooth and non chewing.
I cleaned Patrick’s room…. Actually took boxes out of closet so he can go through them when he feels better. The closet was a wreck. Also went through his clothes, so many of his pants are too short since he had the growth spurt.
My sister Jane came to help Patrick with his school work and to visit Meagan and I also. It has been great having her here. We have been to Home Depot so many times. We have done yard work, planted a garden, gone to the ReBuild store to get a new toilet tank lid for her. We had Christmas and learned a new game Po Ke No. It has been a great visit.
Made boards for stained glass class at Lorton. Since the students made different sized panels I am always making boards for the class. I wonder if I should limit size…. No I like it the way it is and they decide their project on their own. I did have to but a sheet of plywood, first time in years thanks to scavenging.
I have one month left at Ellipse. It was a hard decision but after 4 months of no sales and 40 hours of time given I think it is time to move on. I love the Woodmont Weavers Staff and will miss seeing them. Also I do like working with Lisa and will miss being part of the gallery. Where one door closes another opens.
Well that about catches you up with the doings here. Hope all is well with you.
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04.04.10
Posted in Daily Musings at 11:23 am by Administrator
What a beautiful day! I woke up and Nanook and I went for a long walk. It was shirt weather finally at wake up time. Small things in life make me so happy.
Yesterday we had a yard sale to hopefully raise money for Meagan’s puppy. We had put signs out the night befoer, posted to Craigslist and Facebook. Yard Sale Day… not much traffic, made about $75 and loaded van with leftovers to got to base Thrift Shop, if it came out of house it was staying out of house.
Meagan and I went to Chantilly for her to work at the Dog Adoption at Petco. She was Swayzie’s handler for the day. We found out that the puppy she had filled out application for and that we were interviewing for, Thor, had been adopted. She was torn up, I ws sad for her. It was not fair, she had been in contact with them all week and then when we show up thinking we are taking the next step, the floor was pulled out from under her. Not fair at all. Now she does not even want to go back to finish her community service hours. The house was very quiet all afternoon and evening. Meagan ended up at batting cages with her boyfriend Matt, to take out her anger.
I dealt with it by cleaning out the shed and reoraganzing it. There is a huge pile of boxes for the Craft Yard Sale in May. Now the riding mower can fit in the shed! and there is room to spare. (Once the craft overflow piles are gone it will be great with lots of empty space…. goal.
I then mowed the yard. John Deere started right up. I love John! I love riding around on him pretending to be an urban farmer. Patrick did the scary hill with the old fashioned push mower. He is the man! Then we sat down and had beers to celebrate the cleaning out of the dining room of excess furniture, cleaning the carpet, having yard sale and not dragging it back in, donating mini van full of stuff load to thrift shop, organizing shed and mowing. A very full day if I must say so.
Today it is a lazy day, set living room back up, work on and in studio and have friends and family for Easter dinner. ( I mowed yesterday so the bees would be gone today.) We are having surf and turf instead of traditional Easter meal. I love starting new traditions.
The diet is going well, slow and steady. Lost 6 pounds in 3 weeks. I have cut out candy and the bad snacks I used to partake in. Also watching what I eat at meal time. A breakfast seems to be making a difference. Exercise, well still working that into daily routine.
If you want to visit a great website for starting a craft business and just plain cool links, visit www.yourcraftbusiness.com . You will love the info found there. Be sure sure to check back to as Myra is always adding new tidbits. I have known Myra for 7 years and she is a wonderful source of knowledge and inspiration. Our phone calls turn into idea sessions and the ideas just keep coming. If there were enough hours in the day to act on all them we would be set. Myra has her own business Notjustpartz which can be seen at www.notjustpartz.com . Check out the goodies she sells on her site and see the inspiration pages.
Well I am going to wander into the studio and see what happens today.
Have a great day.
More flowers coming up
Getting ready
Nanook standing guard
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03.28.10
Posted in Daily Musings at 11:45 pm by Administrator
The weather has been crazy here. One day it is in the 70’s the next the 40’s. Marcha dn April are flaky here. The weather is all over the place. My flowers are coming up but I think they are too early and will pay for it.
Peeking outSpring has sprung
