More images from my newest art shrine. This one is for my ancestors, my ghosts, echoes of homes and lives from across the ocean, that echo again here. I’m having some technical problems with the shrine building materials. I would like to minimize toxic products in the creation of the shrine. I’d like to use beeswax but I’m worried that it would melt later on. I also don’t know how I’m going to attach the fan to the top. I... Read more

I have become obsessed with Bert Teunissen’s Domestic Landscapes. These images of people in their homes, surrounded by their belongings and their lives are so compelling. I’ve been looking at them for two days now, and I can’t stop. These homes, these landscapes are lived in, worked in. There’s very little in common with House Beautiful magazine here. My house is a workplace as well, and I think that’s what I find so compelling. I have a really hard time... Read more

Sewing and knitting Bind together Pull the thread through the layers of life The ties that bind me bind you Knotted up Thread of sinew, muscle, bone blood ties hold me up never alone. So, a needle pulling thread Where is the edelweiss? Read more

Here’s the recipe from Desiree’s birthday cake. It’s basically a hack of a standard wheat flour oil cake. I don’t think it’s perfect yet, it needs to be a bit moister. It’s still pretty good though. I think it just needs a bit more oil. Dry Ingredients: 3 c. Short grain rice flour (I grind my own, and used sushi rice. I bet sweet rice flour would make an even better product, but that any old rice flour would work.)... Read more

Here’s a couple of new prints I just finished photographing, I will be posting them on my Etsy shop this weekend. Also here’s a shot of my friend Desiree with her brand spankin’ new birthday present on. I though her shirt was perfect for the apron. Yay! And here’s the gluten free cake I made for her too! Read more

The theme for Leah’s creative every day is Life this month. This monday, I am particularly struck by the delicate fragility of life. I’ve been reading Three Cups of Tea by Greg Mortensen while I recovered from food poisoning. The amazing poverty and strength of the people of Pakistan really came through. There were a number of references to the happiness of the people living in the remote villages, how they were happier than affluent westerners. This isn’t a new... Read more

So a couple of months back I found this amazing salwar kameez top at the thrift store. The colors and embroidery were amazing, though the armpits were totally worn out. So I cut off the sleeves and cut out a rectangle under the arms where the fabric had fallen apart. I can’t remember to take a before photo to save my life, so of course there is no photographic evidence. (sad face) Happily when the sides had been sewn up... Read more

The theme for this month’s creative every day challenge is life. So I thought I’d share a couple of photos of what we’ve been doing in my life. These were taken at Lake Huron. There was a tiny stream flowing into the lake, and the girls were having a marvelous time making dams and exploring it. This past week we’ve been to both sides of the state, visiting Lake Huron and Lake Michigan, plus we picked u-pick strawberries and made... Read more

The key to Wonderland shines bright this day. It beckons us to look out of the corner of our eyes and see who else might be hiding in plain sight. Let’s find out what adventures it will unlock! Ahh… first we come to the Dormouse’s house. He’s always the first one to the party. And here’s Simon Snailsworth slowly making his way along, like he always says, slow and sure is surely superb. (Plus he like to make an entrance.)... Read more

Here’s an apron I’ve been working on. I think it needs a trim around the bottom edge yet. I like how the block printed pocket came out. It’s lined with a coordinating fabric, which I just love. I also made a thank you present for Ailee’s kindergarden teacher, It was so fun and quick to whip up, I think I’ll make one next year too! Read more