Bonfire of the Fish Spirits- Carved Version

Originally this image was an art quilt... but, I really like this one and thought it would translate nicely into a woodcut. Here is the actual carved Shina wood. I printed this version, made some revisions and have printed the final cut. (oh, that IS relief printmaker lingo :) So, I'm going to share as soon as the ink is dry and have painted.

On another note, we are expecting our first big snow storm (already had a dusting that melted) so, today I've been getting ready... sweeping all the pine needles that fell after a nasty windstorm. (It's much easier to shovel snow without those things on the ground - and I'll be doing the shovel duty so, I'm making it easier on my arms.) Also moved all the patio/deck stuff out of the elements. Plus, we went grocery shopping, returned the library movies and bought some scrap booking stuff for Christmas pages. A swimming playdate was cancelled this afternoon because of the forecast and as of 5:15pm, still not snowing. Hmmn.

Turkey and the First Snow

We had our first snow on Friday... it was actually quite beautiful and only a small amount. The kids are thrilled with it! They donned all the snow gear and ran out to the back yard to play and chase the dogs. Once inside, requests for hot chocolate filled promptly.

The turkey is felted wool and from a kit. (sorry, can't seem to find the envelope to share the designer with you - will post when found!) It's a smallish penny rug for a table or even to hang on the front door. He's in need of some eyes and a few other bobs and fobs. It's been tough finding Thanksgiving decorations... seems the stores have tons of Halloween and Christmas. We are going to brainstorm and just make our own. Any ideas out there...? We'd love some if you'd like to share. Have a peaceful Sunday.

Christmas Baking

I've begun my Christmas baking... so far it's Toffee Bars, Chocolate Chip and Russian Tea Cakes (although my daughter calls them 'Snowballs' after her first taste ever...I think it's a pretty good name!) This weekend we'll likely make the sugar cookies. They are the most work with colored frostings and rolling out the dough but with kids, it's a must - they are insisting this year, so I will oblige. What else? Anybody got something different and creative to share?? We are having a big snowstorm right now... our first of the season and quite late for Spokane. Happy weekend!

Long Weekend...

woodblock on linen pillow

Christmas stars in our portal windows

The mini-tree my son builds his train tracks around.

Ahh, we've been having a great holiday around here, mostly hanging around the house and slowly pulling out the Christmas decorations. (my son has been asking since early Nov!) It began to snow while I was setting the food out on the Thanksgiving table... the timing was great and it seemed just like a scene out of an old movie. This is the first snow and despite good intentions, we don't have our snow tires on the cars yet. I delivered the 'Bone Alphabet' pillow and some other artwork to a local gallery and was slipping at a lot of stop signs, eek! While at the gallery - I heard most of my needle-felted circus Xmas ornaments sold yesterday morning, hurrah! :)

PS - I'll post Georgia O'Keeffe's bread instructions very soon...