Moodling with Kari McKnight Holbrook

I was not at my best last May when I went to the Moodling workshop with Kari McKnight Holbrook at SmittenDust

But oddly enough, art really can take you out of yourself that the headache -- which, as soon as you think about it is a killer -- really isn't that noticed.

Working with lovely people who are all creating their own unique versions of the sample and guidance that we are learning is motivating, delightful and fun.

Learning new techniques that you know you will use again feels as though you are actually accomplishing something. I'm not going into details, because on things like this I feel that sort of belongs to the teacher. But this is enough to give you the idea.

Our Moodling class involved taking a 4 inch square canvas (although that size is optional), painting it with acrylics, then using techniques such as texture and crackle glaze to give it character.

Add to that the polymer clay embellishments we made: hearts, birds, an Eiffel Tower. Ours all were different which was what made it fun.

Then after that, a word, a phrase, a highlight or two, some beads or buttons. Voila! Art!

That makes it sound very simple. But if it was, I would have finished! Of course I didn't finish my pieces in class. It's more likely that I don't rather than do!

So I took them home and now, several weeks later, the finished pieces!

 This one has my made-by-me Eiffel Tower, an antique button from a Parisian flea market and the texturing you saw above That crackle doesn't show up well in the photo, but really, it does!

A couple of us were captivated by this bird mold. I had a dickens of a time with painting the background and gessoed-and-removed more than once! The nest are lines from an old French book, the eggs, pearls.
Kari is an incredible teacher -- she's fun, she explains things well, she's generous with her supplies and she brings great spirit and energy to any class -- I've taken others from her as well, and will gladly take more. I strongly recommend her as a teacher -- and her projects are just plain fun!

There will be more of these wee canvases. In fact, in class I prepped two others. One is nearly done; the other still requires some creative thinking. But I'll share those, too!

Meanwhile, I just want to thank Kari and Dusty of SmittenDust for bringing wonderful artists to Lansing. Jen Crossley did workshops at SmittenDust at the same time Kari was there and Kristin Robinson is coming in August. We all loved the shopping opportunity, the delightful atmosphere and jolly times being creative. If you're in the mid-Michigan (or beyond) region and are interested in checking out the upcoming workshops, visit SmittenDust.com -- and get on Dusty's email list!

Why Me? Why Not?

Over the past few weeks, I've had so many wonderful people come up to me and, referring to my illness and then to my shoulder injury (a fall at work; scared the heck out of me, but MRI said bursitis), and say "Oh, why does this have to happen to you?"

My usual answer to them is, "Why not me? It's my turn."

I have to say that lately, it would be pretty easy to fall into the "Why Me" pity party. And I've had my moments. You can ask Rick about that! It's been a terrible round of "stuff" lately, and not much of it is fun.

But I do have to add that apart from slamming myself into a door and a weird wisdom tooth that may need to be pulled in the immediate future, I've been feeling pretty good. They are retesting to be certain they don't have false positives and this gives me a reprieve before I begin any kind of treatment.

Perhaps the better question is "Why not me?" What makes any one of us exempt from challenges? Is "being nice" or "being thoughtful" or "being a hard worker" a pass from challenge?

I think not. 

And I have the friends and family members to prove it.

And while it would be nice -- well, not nice but at least normal -- to think that those who are brutal, violent, callous, arrogant or downright mean should get a comeuppance, the fact is that illness, loss and more than one's share of "bad luck" coming all at once don't pick and choose based on "good" or "evil," "friendly" or "snobby," "humble" or "arrogant."

And guess what -- you know that because chances are, it has happened to you. You have lived lives that are creative, loving, kind and compassionate.

 

Yet I feel pretty safe saying that every single Gypsy reader has faced one or more tremendous losses or challenges: deaths or estrangement of spouses, children, parents, loss of your job, or your home or your health.

It's not just me or just you. It really is all of us. Maybe not all at the same time. But we all get our share.

It's my turn.

And while it is my turn, it is also someone else's turn. Maybe the people who were damaged in the Boston Marathon bombings. Or those who have lost their homes and their loved ones in tornadoes in Oklahoma and elsewhere. What about those who are evacuated because of the recent wild fires in several states. Really. And I think I've got troubles?

Often one hears "Things happen for a reason." Or, "God doesn't give you more than you can manage."

Being the person I am, I will think, "I need to know the reason now." Or, "He may think I can manage it, but really, right now I could use a break." (Then I look at my favorite Anne Lamott book, "Help, Thanks, Wow" and know I'm not alone in that thought!)

But the fact is, I can argue or I can turn it around and seek the reason. Organize the things I am presented into a way I can manage them as best as possible.

We all can. If we believe we can.

A few weeks ago I told Rick that I think I am the luckiest person in the world. Practical Rick said, "I don't think so. Look what you're going through." And I said, "Yeah, but look what I have to get me through it. Unlucky would be being alone, not having an income, a roof over my head, and most of all having good friends and family and bloggies and others in my world who care."

Yes, unlucky would be dealing with all that on top of debt I couldn't manage or a home without Lizzie. Unlucky would be dealing with this alone, without Rick. Without friends and family. Without you.

I have been overwhelmed and encouraged by the comments you have left on my blog, the emails I have received and the gifts, flowers, emails and cards that have come my way at home through this caring community. That support has lifted me through some tough moments and it fills my heart with purpose.

I will share some of the ideas and strategies I've learned from your comments to guide me in the healing process in a future post. But let me say right now that two phrases that have surfaced in many comments have been "inspirational" and "such a positive attitude."

I've never thought of myself as an inspiration to anyone, really. I just do what I do, say what I say. But I know that if it touches someone and makes a difference, then part of my work in this life has been a success. I feel rather humble for that, and honored.

As for the attitude, I've been known as being obnoxiously cheery, sometimes when I think people would prefer to bop me over the head and have me be as miserable or ticked off as they are. In fact, they've told me that. 

Cheery doesn't always work, but that's pulled me through many a tough day. And when I'm not -- and that happens -- those days are ever so much harder.

If I have a positive, can-do, must-do attitude, it is because I must. Otherwise, I will fail and fall.

I know I'll have bad times, not because I expect them (although the side effects of these drugs sort of scare me).

I'll have them because we all do. It's my turn.

And I will get a little nutsy at times. Of this I am also certain. But I will know that when I walk that path, I'm not walking alone. I am walking with you. 

And with a bunch of critters at the lake. And that will make the journey much easier.

Thank you.

Down Time

I thought I'd kicked the shingles headaches, but I have one today that's a killer. That and a meltdown last night and I realize I'm not as jazzy as I sometimes pretend to be.

Between that and fatigue (and not much to say!) I'm going to take a few days of downtime (some of which will be spent with a purr therapist, whom as you can see doesn't like to be disturbed!) Hopefully soon I can get up a good post for you.

I have a couple in the queue but just can't get them right. So, I thought I'd take a note from Mlle. Lizzie Cosette's book and catch a few winks. (She does that so well!)

Some of you have asked if there is any news from my docs on starting treatment. My next appointment with them is June 25 -- they are having me do some retesting, to verify that there aren't false positives. 

 

Time seems to be moving slowly. But then, I'm a little afraid of the answers. I'll get their plan at that appointment; then I need to make some very hard decisions.

P.S. Down time may be extended. I just fell into a glass door (didn't break) and may have torn my rotator cuff. Still waiting for MRI/ortho guy. Meanwhile, I'm hoping it's just sore. On work property so worker comp. Didn't need that on top of everything!
 
The photos of Lizzie and me are from my friend Judy Winter, who shot them in February, when I looked a lot better than I do now!

Table Setting Tips with Barb

My friend Barb is a miracle. She turns out an amazing salad, beautiful cake, incredible floral arrangements and she's fun!

So when Barb hosted our Paris Brest cooking gig, I thought it would be a great time to get a step-by-step (or layer-by-layer) or table setting tips!

 Paris Brest is French with a red, white and blue flag -- and those are the colors associated with Memorial Day. So Barb used two tea towels as a table runner -- and to cover up the word "VOTE" on the towels, used a rectangular centerpiece.

Next, simple round placemats. The kind you get a Pier 1 that don't cost a fortune!

Plain white plates show off the food well. 

Next came the water glasses.

Barb said we needed to jazz up the centerpiece and used red peppers. Easy, simple and functional to use your veggies in the centerpiece -- and it really gave it a pop!

Napkins and silverware came next...

...then wine glasses.

The party favors didn't look quite right on the white plate.

 

Since we had salad and dessert to come, added plates for those.

Voila!

Supper time!

From this fun time together, I picked up these tips:

Use what you have -- and have some versatile things. Simple dishes, everyday silverware, colorful solid napkins all make it possible for you to set a pretty table without rushing to the store to buy something new.

Think creatively. I thought the idea of using the tea towels as a runner, then covering up the word "VOTE" with the centerpiece was brilliant. And inexpensive.

Centerpieces don't have to be complicated. A simple pottery tray, unmatching glass vases with a few simple blooms and a handful of red peppers made for a lovely, simple and inexpensive arrangement.

The real star is the food -- and the guests. If at least one of these exceeds expectations and the other doesn't fall too short, you'll have an event to remember.

Taking Tea at Grand Oak Herb Farm

Back last winter, I discovered a treasure in our mid-Michigan community when I visited Grand Oak Herb Farm for a Christmas tea. (You can see that post HERE.) As you can imagine, in Michigan's December it didn't look like this!

To see the farm in its full spring glory was only part of the reason my friend Barb and I returned there. the other reason was to enjoy one of Beulah's teas and to get some tips on preparing aromatherapy potions.

We arrived a little early -- with a bit of time to walk around the grounds and check out the greenhouse, where fairy gardens were plentiful!

Numerous flights of fancy passed through our minds as we enjoyed the wee gardens and the soon-to-be larger plants within.

The on to tea, first passing by this charming spot...

...and entering the tea room.

The table was lovely with easy-to-make tiered sandwich/dessert trays, created with plates and goblets, which are often found at very reasonable prices at the dollar store if you don't want to start gluing your mother's Waterford to serving plates!

They were packed with sandwiches and sweets. We learned that the savory flavors were at the bottom, the saltier bits might be on the next level and at the top, the sweets! And, that you eat from the bottom up!

My plate included Beulah's wonderful basil-curry chicken salad, ham with orange marmelade and dill on pumpernickel, a potato quesadilla and the most divine crostini with an herb butter that included herbs and parmesan cheese. (I could have eaten the whole plate of that!) Other sandwiches included an open face corned beef with horshradish and mint and wee cucumber sandwich rounds.

We were most captivated by her candles. Here's how to do it: In jars, put lemon verbena and orange wedges at the bottom, add a few more fragrant greens if you like. Add water and add a floating candle. What sweet fragrance! 

We had an iced and hot tea. Beulah makes her own teas and both were delicious!

 

After we worked our way up the tray, Beulah and Peg offered a variety of demonstrations and sharing of products they make and sell at the shop -- and were generous in sharing their. Because I don't sew, 

 

I bought one of the micro-or-freezer sinus pillows, made from lavender, eucalyptus, rosemary and mint. Lavender brings with it healing properties -- and of course it smells wonderful!

My favorite was the firestarters and I will be collecting pine cones to do this. 

 

Start with a dried pine cone and tie a long wick around the middle and knot it, so it has two ends. With twine or curling ribbon, tie dried lavender stems and if need be, a drop of lavender oil. Then melt wax -- soy wax is recommended over paraffin, but I suppose both would work. drip that on the knot. Then using a piece of pretty fabric, tie a knot. (The one I bought as a sample at the shop also had a blob of the wax on the bottom of the firestarter, too.) Light both ends of the wicks and off you go! (I suppose you could use wheat or raffia in place of the fabric for a different look.) 

 

Another easy idea -- buy or make muslin tie bags, fill them with dried lavender buds and use in the dryer.

 

Peg showed us how to make bath bags -- use epsom salts, lavender, ice cream salts, baking soda and a few drops of lavender and bergemot essential oils. Put into a bag to hand over the shower nozzle or  hang over the faucet/float in the tub.

(With all items, using a cellophane bag is better than a poly one or baggie because the fragrance will leak.

Another idea -- a hankie pillow. Instead of tossing Grandma's tatted hankie, fold in half, stitch along two sides, fill with fragrance (they used lavender, lemon verbena, bergemot and mint) and stitch the top. Place between your pillows for a healing sleep!

Here's another quick idea. I've made lights like these at Christmas -- putting lights in a glass vase or bowl. But next time, I'll be adding some potpourri to it! 

They also discussed tinctures -- the importance of essential oils which are pure and so much more! They make their own moth repellent with cedar shavings, dried cedar, rosemary, lavender, cloves and bay along with eucalyptus oil. No chemicals. No moths, either!

I think our tea with Peg and Beulah was over too soon -- so much to learn, to savor, to sniff, to see! We wrapped up our visit exploring the grounds a bit more...

...and of course, the gift shop!

For those who live in the mid-Michigan area, Grand Oak Herb Farm is well worth the drive to Bancroft, a small town easily accessible by I-69. To give you an idea how popular this spot is, we had guests at our table from as far as Detroit! Please check out the website HERE for additional teas and workshops this summer and return for ones this fall.