MUSHROOMS OR TOAD STOOLS?

I really don't know the answer to that. I don't think it matters. Since I've started making the birds, my mind has been filled with thoughts of woods and forests and the flora and fauna that thrive there. Who knows where this run will take me. I'm just going to go with it!

A BRITISH ROBIN

During one of my holidays in England, I remember asking the owner of the cottage that I was renting, what that sweet little bird with the red breast was. Her reply was that it was a robin. I sort of questioned her on her answer because it sure didn't look like any robin that I was familiar with! Turns out is was a robin common to the British Isles. Much smaller than our American Robins, kind of the size of our sparrows, but a trifle plumper. Since I have been on this bird sculpture kick, I decided to make one

This is my version, made with vintage wool, linen, and bark cloth. I'm not trying to be perfect with my sculptures, but rather a primitive, unstructured look. I love "painting" with bits of fabric and thread to add a ragged sort of detail that becomes humorous.

AND THE FLOCK GROWS.........

........To include some sparrows. I'm really lovin' these projects! It can take a whole day (which I rarely have) to make just one bird as everything is done by hand. But I'm having a great time.

I FEEL OWLY.......

I'm a sucker when it comes to how-to and craft books. I have hundreds, most of which will not fit in this lawyers case. Right now my very favorite is.......This one!!!!!!! It's full of patterns and helpful techniques on fabric bird sculptures. I will now have something worthy to make with my stash of vintage wools and ticking's.

These three owls are my first attempts. While very time consuming, the projects are also fun. It's very satisfying to see their personalities emerge. These guys still need some fine tuning, but very good practice for me none the less.

OOPS, REDUNDANT!

Just a reminder! If you print out this page and take it to the Antiques & Collectibles Market at Grayslake this Feb. 12 & 13, you and everyone in you party will receive 1/2 off of the entry fee, courtesy of Zurko Promotion! What a deal! Don't miss out on this great market! You can't afford not to attend!

THE BLIZZARD OF 2011

This drift, at the front of my house, is shoulder high!

Front of house window. I think most of the snow on our block ended up in our yard.

Side of house!

The walls of the patio are almost waist high. Enough said!

INDUSTRIAL COMES TO THE SHOP

BEFORE I TALK ABOUT THE SHOP, I WANT TO REMIND EVERY ONE WHO READS THIS POST THAT IF THEY PRINT IT OUT AND BRING IT TO THE ST. CHARLES, IL. DUPAGE EXPO ANTIQUE SHOW, ACROSS FROM THE PHEASANT RUN RESORT, THEY WILL GET 1/2 OFF THE PRICE OF ADMISSION FOR EVERYONE IN THEIR PARTY. THANKS TO ZURKO PROMOTIONS, WHO ARE WILLING TO DO THIS FOR THEIR PATRONS. THE SHOW STARTS A 11.00 AM ON SAT. FEB. 5th AND LASTS THROUGH FEB. 6th. HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE! BE SURE AND STOP BY AND SAY "HI" TO JUDY, JANICE AND PAPER PATTY!.............Recently, Mary found some really cool industrial stuff from a factory in Elgin that was going to be demolished. Check out the neat truck (dollie?), industrial stools and other finds. Since we pride ourselves on the one of a kind and eclectic, we put together a large display right in the middle of the front room. It is awesome!We put a huge metal shipping trunk to good use. Check out Mary's chalk board globe. What a great way to leave messages!

Last fall, when I was a vendor at the Junk Bonanza in Minn. The promoter, Ki, passed out these really neat canvas bags. I loved the graphics on the bag and decided to give it more prominence. It made a perfect cushion for this footstool.

JUNK IN A JAR

I recently acquired a box of rusty tools, drill bits, springs, bolts, nails, chain and stuff I cannot identify. What can i say? I love stuff like this! It usually sits in the box for years, even though I sort through it once in a while while looking for a certain part for a current project. I also have a lot of jars that are missing their lids. Longing for the scent of spring, (ie: damp earth, moss, and greenery) I made up a few nature jars. If I were a wee, tiny, forest critter, I could picture myself happily living in one of these jars.This one has drill bits, a long spring that I shaped into an arch, rusty chain, moss, plants, and a cement pair of white snuggle bunnies.

This is an old, glass, peanut butter jar. It contains moss, plants, contorted hazelnut branches, square nails and a cement nest w/eggs. I will probably be taking these to the next Dupage Expo show, in St. Charles Il. to be held on Feb. 5th & 6th.

BY THE WAY!!!! IF YOU PRINT OFF THIS PAGE AND TAKE IT TO THIS SHOW, IT WILL EARN YOU 1/2 OFF THE ENTRY FEE FOR YOURSELF AND EVERYONE IN YOUR PARTY. IT IS TAPESTRIES OF NATURE'S AND ZURKO PROMOTIONS WAY OF SAYING "HAPPY NEW YEAR AND THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT".

FRIENDS & STUFF

New Years day found a lot of my dealer/friends and myself starting out doing an antique show at the Dupage Expo Center of Pheasant Run. Diane, Janice, and Paper Patty are all talented designers and display artists. Neighbor Jo Marie with her handmade vintage lace wreath and other vintage goodies.

One of my nature jars w/cast iron lamp stand top.

Some cement toadstools that I had cast in soil and moss.

STUFF....

...AND MORE STUFF!

Diane's lovely display.

And some of Diane's Butterfly apothecary jars and terrariums.

One of Janice's beautiful displays........

.....and Paper Pattie's wonderful vintage prints and special valentine hearts. There was definitely a nature theme going on with us!