Casket Back Progress

 

I do have a plan when I start. It is really more of a guide, an inspiration or just an idea.

 

It is rarely followed line by line.

 

But I do have great fun inventing ways to make my vision real.

 

The left hand side of the entry to the Enchanted Forest is pretty much complete.

 

The right hand side has a long way to go.

And yes I have a plan for what happens in the archway. I just haven't been able to make it real yet. 

 

Make America Smart Again*

 

Making Creative Children

 

I think creativity is one of the most powerful human traits we possess.

 

When we deprive children of arts programs, we aren't taking away busywork. 

 

We are taking away a chance to learn problem-solving skills.

 

Life is nothing but full-time problem solving, so why not learn to do it creatively?

 

* Make America Smart Again is a twitter campaign launched by Neil deGrasse Tyson.

Support the NEA.

The artwork and text is from my book, "Making Things A Book of Days for the Creative Spirit." 

(out-of-print) 

Make

Knot In My Backyard

 

This knot garden is stitched with a foundation of silk braided lacet trim basted to a pattern on a fabric base. Those are the red stitches. I always try to use a contrasting color, so much easier, and safer, to remove at the end.

 

Here all of the spaces between the lacet have been filled in with buttonhole stitches.

 

This is how it looks removed from the base and pattern and ready to be stitched into the background of the Enchanted Forest.

 

 

The Enchanted Forest

 

Maybe Spring is near. The Enchanted Forest is starting to grow.

   

This is for the back of my casket, the only side left to complete.

 

Half bird and half snail, what is he called?

 

Two new characters, Ruthie and Joseph.

 Two little birds.

 

Various pieces auditioning for a spot.