I ask you to bear with me as I learned how to put 'watermarks' on photos this weekend. It has been interesting as my computer skills are not extensive. High tech and I have a love/hate relationship.

That being said ... I love adding watermarks!

While it took me a very, very long time to master this skill - I did manage to complete another Charity hat! This brings my total to 8. How gratifying to know that there will be 8 warmer heads in the world ... and I truly love the fact that I am using my handspun!

Spinning is something that I do pretty much daily. I love the way wool varies from breed to breed - and different sheepies within the same breed can vary greatly. The fleece of a particular sheep from year to year can even be quite different. One person's course wool is another person's 'merino'. I spin it all ... and pretty much wear it all.

I am currently on a Churro high! The Navajo-Churro sheep is listed as 'threatened' by the American Livestock Breeds Conservancy. I find this wool amazing and to be so closely tied to the Navajo makes my knees weak. Did I mention I was in AWE?

But check out pearl grey "Yazzie" on the left and "Kos" on the right! I just wanted to do a face plant into these Churros today!!

And "Katherine"? Well, this churro is already spun. Hmmm .... stay tuned to find out what happens next! WhEEEE!

Remember .... Inspire Art! Create Art! Buy Art! Be ART!! Comments, please!

This weekend was chilly. I was in heaven. So were my dogs. I find it weird that they are unfazed by wind chill factors in the single digits. I am even pretty amazed that they are still eager to rush outside and gleefully romp in the frigid air.

I joined them for a bit. After all, I DO have warm wool sox, hats, scarves, mittens and sweaters! (Yes - the waiter at the French Bistro we visited said I looked just like I had skiied the Alps ... *got* to love a nice Dale of Norway sweater!) AND - I also figure I burn more calories in the COLD. Not such a bad thing.

But, it also reminds me that many of us do not have warm beds, warm houses, warm clothes. My friend Stasia (who has *the* cutest goaties ... ever!) recently told me that she 'appreciates' the cold as it makes her aware of what she (we) take for granted. How true ... thanks Stas! I will keep the needles going for Dulaan, CIC or whomever else needs knitted garments!

The chilliness also allowed me to do some decorating. I have placed my new watercolor created by Miss Paris Breakfasts herself, Carol Gillot, right on my Kitchen Counter. Got to love ART!

Remember to stay warm - and help someone else BE warm! Comments, please!

Being organized in not my strong suit. In the scheme of things ... not only is not my 'strong suit' - it isn't even my closet! Try as I might - yarn, wool, drawing/painting supplies - all get the best of me. When I am not looking, in the dark corners of night - they multiply. 2 bags of wool become 5. 5 skeins of yarn become 15 ... and the art supplies - we won't even go there as each particular genre has it's own nuance.

Needless to say ... the Kreative Muse begins to drown.

My friend Stasia sent me a wonderful article from Daily OM - do read it, especially if your Muse is drowning too. It is an eye-opener!

On that note - I destashed a wee bit today .... 10 Skeins of NORO - anyone?? Remember .... Inspire Art! Create Art! Buy Art! Be ART!! Comments, please!

Not to much happening on the drawing front! I purchased new Derwent Graphite pencils and I am awaiting their arrival. Seriously - I can't wait for them to come.

So - I have been soothing my soul by knitting. What wonderful recreation. I truly think if more people knit, crocheted, spun or wove - the world would be much happier.

I recently found a small snippet (somewhere) which had "5 Rules for Happiness". I saved them - and remind myself of their importance daily. Since I like to share - here they are:
Free your heart from hatred; Free your mind from worries; Live Simply; Give More;
Expect Less.

I recently took some wool I overdyed (more on that in another post - I LOVE overdyeing!) and 2 skeins of handspun and turned them into a couple of hats for Dulaan! I still have more so guess what?? Yep - I am still knitting for Dulaan!
Remember .... Inspire Art! Create Art! Buy Art! Be ART ... Remember to practice the 5 Rules for Happiness too !! Comments, please!

I received some lovely Moleskin sketch books this Christmas. Pretty, aren't they?

I feel it is imperative to draw as often as possible - not only will I grow as an artist - I will also re-learn how to SEE like an artist.

Well, my sketch books were at home - and I was at work. Working in a preschool does allow for some interesting subjects. This tiny sketch was done on copy paper and a "regular" #2 pencil. WhEEEE!

Remember .... Inspire Art! Create Art! Buy Art! Be ART!! Comments, please!

HaPpY 2007! .... Seems over said as well as over stated - but here we are in a brand new year. I look forward to the Kreative Journey which I have begun to embark upon.

Yesterday was spent spinning wonderfully rich colors of wool!

Today, thus far, has been spent in the studio - organizing, tossing, rearranging ... all to stimulate and awaken the Muse.

I have been getting inspirations from "Everday Matters". Danny Gregory and his EDM group provides constant support and challenges!

But, as I sit with my cup of coffee in hand - typing away - I also realize that I am a wee bit intimidated. Am I fearful of the journey? Am I afraid of failure? Am I trying to do or be something I am not?

All of these are good Q's ... I guess any journey involves self discovery.

I leave you with a pastel I did a while ago. I am hoping it will give me courage.

Remember .... Inspire Art! Create Art! Buy Art! Be ART!! Comments, please!