51 Ornies

One of my favorite customers asked if I could do 51 ornaments in a short amount of time and at a price that fit the budget. I said sure without thinking. Over the years she's brought me lots of business, it was the least I could do.

Naturally, all sorts of roadblocks occurred. My husband ended up in the ER, my brother in law passed away, etc etc etc. I started 3 or 4 emails to explain why I needed more time, but deleted them before sending. It was something I was intent on doing without inflicting stress. So I did. 

Clover College Professor

I was asked by the local 4H to teach a Zentangle class to some kids. They call it Clover College. You can call me Professor Rachel. The kids did great!!

Long Travels

I just finished these two journals. They are covered in vintage maps of the Mississippi River Basin. Cool old maps I found at an antique market. I zentangled on this page of the map book...you can see that on the back side of the journals. They are bound with Japanese Stab binding method. The paper is multimedia use paper. 2"x11.75".

What's on my desk...and on my wall

This is the travel journal I finished yesterday.

...and the shower wall mosaic in my studio is finally ready to grout. 

Birthday Road Trip to Austin

We just got back from Austin where we celebrated Kira's birthday. Seeing our granddaughter Was, naturally, the highlight of the trip!

Resized

Finally. I figured out how to resize the giant photos my camera takes to a reasonable size.

Well, look at that!

Looks like I might be able to add some pics of the things I've been making...

Testing

It's a curious thing... I've ignored my blog for ages. Years in fact. So many things have changed and yet so many things remain the same. I am still making jewelry. I am making journals and field notes. I am teaching the Zentangle method to anyone who will sit still long enough. Life is good.

My studio is great - it's a mess right now because there are lots of projects going on. The dogs are both sound asleep. That's always nice. I swore that I would not let the main work table get messy and that I would always clean it up. Ha. I've had to add tables to accommodate the overflow.

Perhaps it's time to start blogging again. Perhaps it is not. If I can figure it out on my phone, then it really is.

I'm In and Back To Work

Not all the way done, but we are close. OK, not even close when you see the amount of dirt that needs to be moved.... but - who cares?! I'm IN my new studio!

It's amazing how fast I filled this lovely space with all my tools and tables... 

the mosaic. 

 The front entrance. The ceiling isn't done, but look at the cement work!!

Scootch loves this loveseat. I made the mistake of adding a candy machine. Who knew I have no willpower and would like to eat candy all day long...

 mmmm.... must have some licorice now 

I am so grateful to have a space like this to work in.

ZenDalas

 Now I'm also fascinated with Zentangle Mendalas. So wonderful to work on - puts your brain in a peaceful mood. The one above is 16"x20". Most of the ones I've been making are on the 3.5"x3.5" cards.

Below is a really old stained glass window a friend of mine found in her mother's attic as she was cleaning it out. The lead had fallen off most pieces and many of them were broken, so I repaired it and did the foil wrapping Tiffany style instead of lead caming. The pink jewels and the amber glass are all that's left of the original. I love the colors. 

Ode to David Chidgey

I've always loved the stained glass mosaics that David Chidgey creates. Since he teaches classes in San Antonio, I am sincerely hoping that he doesn't mind that I was so inspired by his work that I had to make two for the new studio. I apologize that mine ended up looking much like his - obviously not as good as his - but since I was just learning and feel like when you're learning the best thing to do is to copy, I did. There you have it. My confession. They aren't for sale - just for me to learn with. I do plan on making more using my own mandala designs. I find the process to be very meditative - particularly with the mandala. The top one (that will give you seizures if you watch it too long) is my own design. The one below is very similar to one David did.

I'll post more pics when they are installed.

 ...before the black grout.

...after the grout. 

The Barnlette

 As you can see, the barnlette where my studio will soon be located is coming right along. The roof went on Tuesday and Jimmy started framing the studio yesterday. It hailed last night on the brand new tin roof which made quite a racket!

Let's take a closer look at what's happening behind the barnlette this morning.... some idiot put a burning couch in the ditch and the volunteer firemen had to come put it out. 

Hail. Fire. 

What's the next one? I bet it's money (paper, not coins) falling from the clouds...