Saturday, July 23, 2011

Dyeing from Nature at "The Flying Pig" Gallery in Algoma, WI


Today I dyed silk scarves with flowers, coffee grounds, dirt, wine and vinegar, among other things. Shelley Ryan, Wisconsin Gardener host and producer from Wisconsin Public Television taught a class at "The Flying Pig Contemporary Gallery and Greenspace". Shelley was a delightful instructor and it was a great day! There were 20 people in the morning class and a repeat in the afternoon.







 At lunch we were treated to a feast of concoctions pulled from the garden spaces at the gallery as well as a wine tasting from Von Stiehl Winery from Algoma, WI.  The Rose Petal Soup was great, as well as the Sweet Pea and Dill Salad, Blueberry Chicken Salad and Flower Petal Butters These were just a few of the samplings prepared for us. 

It was a great day to spend in the garden with Shelley and the staff from The Flying Pig.  I'm so excited to try some more of this dyeing  on my own.   

Sunday, July 17, 2011

Oh the Possibilities!

Too much or just enough time on my hands leads to hair brain ideas or is it just creative thoughts?  I'm on the verge of a week long vacation with no specific plans.  It excites me to think I will have all this time and unlimited possibilities.  

Goal #1 is to spend time in my studio/sewing room.  But, I'm pulled to read a book, work on my crocheting, dye some more fabric, do some sketching, catch up on my internet surfing, email reading, blog checkouts, write to MY blog which I have so very much abandoned, and for sure take a break from the gym.  Where to begin?  

I started the weekend with a trip to the Trout Museum of Art Biennial Member Exhibit, Friday night.  I was pleasantly surprised by the diversified group of great artworks and a nice crowd of art lovers.  The fiber arena was well represented by myself and friends, Gwyned Trefethen and Jeanne Pfister as well as a few others I was unfamiliar with.  I submitted "Gawking Cranes" for this exhibit which runs through August.   One of my favorite pieces was by glass artist, Mary Jo Weidert.  She does fused glass and has her own gallery in Menash, the Wild Apple Gallery.  Check it out.