Finally

I have finally finished my first rug punch project, it was actually weeks ago...but I went out and got a bill paying job which has seriously cut into my play time!

The good news is I have been thinking up new projects to add to the line that will be available at the only two shows I will be doing this year. I didn't get picked for FC this year so I won't be off to see my friends in Maine, another time... Yesterday I picked up a great Leclerc tabletop loom to try out, fortunately my friend Betsy of A Loom With A View is the perfect person to get us both up and running. Speaking of running I am training for a ten mile in Florida in Sept. but before that I will be running in the Run to Remember in Boston with my daughter and her police dept. running crew, I hope it's not as hot as it was last year. I am also hoping to get our web site up soon, and when I do this blog will move to the site, no time for both;)

Rug Punch Project

There is surprisingly little help on the internet with regard to rug punch, hook yes, punch no. After much research I found a wonderful supplier in Arundel Maine. W.Cushing Co.carries several types of backing materials, I chose rug warp it is perfect for the wool yarn I am using. They also carry supplies for hooked rugs, and yards of beautiful wool from Dorr Mills in NH. I am using yarn in natural undyed shades from Riverslea Farm.

Once I decided on rug warp it was time to construct a frame, lucky for me I had 3 frames already made that I use for painting floor cloths. Next I rushed off to our local Lowes for some carpet tack strips, they come three strips to a bag for less than two dollars. At Lowes I also found 1.5"wide X17'long rolls of felt weather stripping(buy 2 rolls). Back at the shop we attached the carpet strips so that the points face toward the outside perimeter of the frame,if you do it the wrong way, best of luck stretching the backing onto the frame:) Cut your backing material leaving at least a 2" border that can be taped(temporarily) or sewn to prevent raveling,Ravelry fun,raveling bad. Stretch the material evenly over the frame,be very careful of the tacks! When you are satisfied with the backing stretch cover the tacks with the felt strip, double it up as it is not thick enough,staple or tack the felt down to prevent it popping off.
Next you are ready to draw your design, use a sharpie, it won't smudge or run. As I began to punch I realized I needed something to hold up the frame, it was too heavy for me to move around to get to each section of my design. Looking around I spotted a wood tray table and decided to incorporate a folding leg design to save space when I was finished with my punching, we measured the hight by sitting in my favorite spot and measuring from elbow to floor. After adding felt pads to the bottom of the legs, as I have a hardwood floor, I was ready to go. It is perfect for my needs, and it will be easy to store when I am finished. Next up will be what I have learned as I punch my way to victory:)
Have a good one,
Kim

new project/new supplier

I finallyhave the time to act on the projects that have been collecting in my mind over the holiday production season. First I am going to teach myself rug punching with the help of a good book picked up at Halcyon, and some excellent supplies from W.Cushing & Co. They have recently relocated to rte.1 in Arundel from Kennebunkport. The staffis helpful & friendly & they carry an excellent selection of first rate backingmaterials as well as gorgeous wool fabrics from Dorr Mills. All of these items are offered at a great price & they ship!
I plan on creating a large tote bag with my Dunlin design created using a palette of my friend Liz's natural yarns, along with one accent in green. She has an amazing array of undyed shades she has created in her own flock at Riverslea Farm. I can't wait to get started! I have to be patient until my husband builds a frame for me to work on this weekend. I will post photos of my progress including the frame design.
Post again soon,
Kim

Peace on earth, goodwill to all.

No matter the greeting used or how we choose to celebrate this season, don't we all simply wish for the same things?

Kim & Gene

Happy Holidays

     Two very successful shows behind me, & one artist showcase to go. I am going to be one of three artists showcased on December 9th from 6 to 9 p.m. at A Loom With A View. This is one of downtown Newburyports' Invitation Nights, where the shops stay open later and there are many special holiday events going on. Then I am DONE for the year. I met wonderful artists at both events, which is the best part really; and what keeps me participating in a show. After all you are in a rather confined space for five plus hours, if the people around you aren't fun to be with it's time to find a better place.
     My daughter & I just made pies for dinner, the dogs are fed, & it's time to kick back and enjoy Ellen until my better half gets home. Have a good evening all.
Kim

So much to do, so little time

     I think we all run into this problem at one time or another...trying to accomplish a dozen projects at once. The need to make money versus the need to create can sometimes leave us feeling dissatisfied. Mass producing items that are best sellers, and creating items that will appeal to a certain audience is not easy when the urge to just run with an idea keeps nagging at you, over, & over &.....you see where I am going with this.
    My daughter called today and pointed out that I haven't painted in a while, & I have never posted any of my completed watercolors on line; and I have only posted one of my decoys. She is right, they are two of my favorite and personally enjoyable things to do, but there is that pesky need to produce items that sell in volume that gets in the way. In this economy sales of expensive items are slow at best and non-existant at worst.
     So as I try to keep stress to the minimum, while creating enough items to fill my spaces at the two holiday fairs I am committed to I am posting a photo of my favorite watercolor for my lovely daughter. If you are in the same boat as I, hang in there baby! It will be over before you know it.

Fall

     Fiber College is over, it was short but sweet for me...my students were great, and as usual the venue was fantastic. Astrig and her crew of volunteers did a stellar job of organizing a wide array of classes and people in what has to be one of the most beautiful places on earth. (It doesn't get better than the coast of Maine for me.) The table/chair set up guys were so helpful and like everyone else involved with FC, very cheerful. I'm already thinking up something new to propose for next year, when I'll be able to stay longer!
     Next week it's off to Florida for a vacation with my daughter and a couple of friends. I'm actually running in my first 5K at Disney, thanks to my new dog Bonnie I think I'm ready. Then it will be back home and the crunch will be on for two Holiday Fairs and my three weekend felted Father Christmas classes, there are a couple of spots left if anyone is interested send me an e-mail :)
My friend Liz has done a great job dying all of the wool, I just have to buckle down and get it done!
    

8 more days until Fiber College!

     Can you believe it is only eight more days until Fiber College? Time is flying by, ten days after FC I'll be heading to Florida and running my first 5K...should be interesting. I picked up freshly dyed wool at Riverslea this a.m. the colors are beautiful, still need one more for my FC class, but what I have is amazing. Unfortunately they have been without power since last weekends storm and are having a difficult time with their generator, fingers crossed they are up and running soon. Being on town water you forget that people need power for their wells, makes it hard to take care of over 200 sheep!
     After I left the farm I headed east to Newington and the bookstore to see if the latest copy of Cloth Paper Scissors was in yet, and tah dah, there it was...and my Spring Ram mixed media piece was published! I knew it had been selected as a finalist, and I had sent it in to be photographed, but wouldn't know if it had made the final cut until the magazine came out...very excited to say the least. (I did splurge on two copies.) They should be shipping him back to me sometime this month, maybe in time for FC?

Kim

Summer is winding down...

Hi there,
     Here it is the second week of August already, less than one month away from Fiber College. My instructions are printed and most of the supplies are packed and ready to go. Busy times at the mill are holding up the dyeing process, makes me a little nervous, but I know I can count on my friend Liz at Riverslea Farm to come through in a pinch. I just happen to be one of those people that need to have everything done and ready before I can relax, I don't relax often.
     This year I will only be enjoying one day of FC, as my 10th wedding anniversary is coming up in October and I will be away...my better half and I will be spending some alone time (which rarely happens) enjoying the great state of Maine. Lets just say my idea of a good time and his aren't always the same, I like fiber shops and he likes boatyards, we meet in the middle at antique shops :) He's a keeper!
     Before we know it the fall craft season will be here which is good news for lovers of wool, as we all know buyers just aren't in the mood when it's 90 out, strange. I will also be teaching my three part Father Christmas classes at A Loom With A View in Newburyport, at last check there was only one spot left, yay!!
So don't wait until it's to late, hit the vendors at FC or head to your favorite fiber place and get felting, spinning, weaving, knitting, or what ever gets you to your happy place, before we know it a certain BIG holiday will be here...I am not ready.

Kim

Where does time go?

     Can you believe we are half way through July? Before you know it we will be heading to Fiber College & beautiful Searsport Maine. I have most of my supplies ready for the class I will be teaching, Needle Felted Shorebirds, the  class will pick four of the seven birds available, which means dozens of tiny wood beaks, legs, grass, and stands. I was quite relieved to have all of those finished!
      My two classes that were required in order to take my Father Christmas classes this fall went very well, I think the fall classes will be full, yay!! In between Fiber College & fall classes I will be heading to Orlando for two weeks with my daughter and a couple of friends to take in the International Food Festival & run in the wine&dine 5K, My daughter & her buddy are also running in the 10K on the same day, kids!
     Of course I still have to get stock ready for the fall fair season, on top of helping the SPD with their first annual road races/health & safety fair. I don't see any down time in the near future! In the middle of it all we adopted another dog, a tornado victim from Alabama, quite traumatized but very sweet, and she loves to run!
Have a safe happy summer :)
Kim

Counting my blessings

Hello,

Summer has arrived, with a vengeance in some areas. Looking at the loss and destruction that has happened in the past month across our country has reminded me once again how very lucky I am. The family is all healthy, my pets are happy, and our beautiful home is safe and secure. I know it is always said you can replace your belongings, and that is true, but we accumulate these things because they have meaning in some cases and because they are practical in others. Those with meaning are not so easy to replace, and to lose everything at once must be heart breaking. Photos, heirlooms, and that warped ceramic pot your child made in third grade are a part of  what has made up your life, and it only adds to the pain of an already tragic situation when they are gone.
     So while we can not replace these treasured items, we can help those in need to rebuild and move on. I know many of us have knitting and sewing projects half finished, now is the time to get it done, and move it along. Please go to one of the many sites that have been set up to help the survivors of this terrible tornado season. There are many on Facebook that can guide you, I have 'Liked' a couple of them on my wall as well. Unfortunately this is only the beginning of tornado season and this is likely to happen again, but we are resilient and capable of great things when we are tested, and just knowing that someone cares is sometimes enough. Do not forget our freinds and neighbors when they become yesterdays news.
Best wishes to all
Kim

Spring at last...

Hello everyone,
We have actually had two or three sunny days in a row...of course it is supposed to rain off and on for the rest of the week, yuk! Wool and water are not a good mix unless of course you are trying to get it to shrink or felt, add a little heat and voila! you've ruined a sweater or created a work of art, it's all about your perspective.
     I am very happy to say that I will be teaching my needle felted shorebirds at Fiber College on Penobscot Bay this year,yeah!!!! It is my second year as an instructor there, and I can't wait it is such a good time, check out there web site fibercollege.org for a list of great classes at the beautiful Searsport Shores. You can even sign up on line this year, makes it a lot easier as you can see right away if the class is full or not...they are filling up fast, don't wait!
     I am also teaching a series of classes at A Loom With A View in Newburyport starting in June with two classes leading up to a three part class in October where I will be teaching my 3D Father Christmas class size is limited to eight so check out their web site for details sooner rather than later.

     Recently I created a project for a reader challenge in Cloth Paper Scissors magazine, log on and check it out, leave a comment if you wish, I love to hear from everyone. A challenge like this is great as it makes you think out of your comfort zone, trying something new is always a good idea!
Have a good one...
Kim

Signs of spring » PortWatch » NewburyportNews.com, Newburyport, MA

Signs of spring » PortWatch » NewburyportNews.com, Newburyport, MA

Fiber College

Hi all,
     I am very excited to say that I am going to teach a class at Fiber College again!!! Last year was my first time and it was without a doubt the most enjoyable, relaxing weekend I have ever had. Please go to their web site fibercollege.org and check out the great list of classes that will be up on April 1st. You will not be disappointed if you mark the days on your calendar and join us all in Maine at the beautiful Searsport Shores.
I will be teaching my needle felted shorebirds, they are really fun to make and share, if you can bear to part with one.
     I have several classes coming up at A Loom With A View in Newburyport, and Riverwalk Gallery in Amesbury,check out their sites for details and other great classes. I also plan on teaching some small classes at my studio here on Rings Island, info will be coming on my Sheehan Art & Design Facebook page, and here in the blog.
     The sun is out at last, and temps are in the high 40's with 60+ coming tomorrow, head outside and catch some rays and fresh air.. I might even do a little raking...maybe.

Kim

Oliver

Last week we lost our little JRT Oliver. He was my constant companion for over fifteen years, and the best friend anyone could ask for. It will be very hard to go back out to the studio alone this spring. My other two little buddies are trying their best to cheer us up, they are quite a pair. A chihuahua and a toy fox terrier who is all legs(both rescues), unfortunately they are a disaster in the studio. There is nothing they can't and don't get into, no stone,or bag of wool is left unturned.  It will be different and it will be hard, but we will get through it with family and friends. If you have room in your home and your heart rescue a dog or cat, someday they may rescue you right back.                                   Kim                                                                                                                  

Where does the time go?

Hi everyone,
     Do most of you feel like you are going backward often? I certainly do, more often than not. My day always involves a lot of juggling, housework, paperwork, and three dogs that put out more liquid than I remember putting in their bowls. In between it all I have managed to get my proposal for this years Fiber College in on time, deliver work to the galleries along with class descriptions, and finish my cat sculpture.
     Yesterday ...put together four gift baskets for the SPD luncheon, finished the last two goats for Black Locust Farm, and created my 'salesmans' sample of a felted Dunlin. Didn't eat dinner until 8:30, but that  was ok. Today I delivered the baskets, shipped the goats, and finished my new logo to go with the new name. It took a bit to get used to drawing with my new tablet, but I'm quite happy with the end result. It somehow all works out in the end and now I am going to make the time to go visit my friend Liz at Riverslea Farm, it is a treat to visit and check out all of her great fiber!

I hope you enjoy the pic of my sculpture: The Escape of Shushi!

Shorebirds

Hello everyone,
Did I tell you how glad I am the holidays are over? VERY!!! After running about and collecting unsold Christmas decorations(not many left, yeah)the rush began to fill my gallery spaces with new items. I've just finished a group of small needle felted shorebirds in decoy/stickbird style. I could sit and make these for days, there is so much variety of subject, and they are just fun to create. I did invade Gene's work shop to "borrow" some wood for a few bases, and get him to drill some holes. He owed me big time after starting the day by breaking the bathroom sink right off  of the drain. Some days it is like having a big ten year old...he barely bunped it, uh huh. Next up is my proposal for this years Fiber College, preparing for my next classes, and creating new items for the Wenham Museum. Gene is working on a large garden sculpture for the museum as well, in between his real job, and buildding a rack for his friends new truck...
Enjoy the new picture!

Kim

Christmas is over!!!!

Time to take a deep breath and assess the situation...the holidays are over, & sales were quite good. I am in a new studio in Amesbury, The Riverwalk Bead Studio & Gallery. This shop is in a renovated victorian train station in beautiful downtown Amesbury MA. Amesbury is becoming known as a great place for artists and fine dining. Next week I'll have to hustle to the galleries to replace holiday items with my signature wildlife pieces. There is one last holiday commission piece to complete and deliver to Wenham, a painted floor cloth of two adorable labs in the marsh. Next I need to create my piece to submit to Fiber College for consideration as a class next September. After that I have to set up my next few classes, I may also be teaching at the new gallery in Amesbury along with A Loom With A View in Newburyport. You may have noticed I am trying to avoid end of year bookkeeping, it really needs to be done next week.....
Wishing everyone a happy and healthy new year!!!
Kim

Holiday Art & Fine Crafts, Newburyport

Hello all,
     I was offered a spot in a great show this Friday and Saturday being held at the Unitarian Church Meeting House on Pleasant Street in Newburyport, MA. Fri is 5to 9 PM, Sat is 10AM to 5PM, Friday coincides with the last Invitation Nights Shopping in beautiful downtown Newburyport. Check out the Chamber of Commerce web page for more invitation night information. Saturday I'll be skipping out to teach a class across the street at A Loom With A View, Betsy Martins great yarn and weaving shop. My better half will be standing in for me at the show for two hours, he is such a good sport. Fortunately the great group of artists I met at the museum show will also be at this one, they will keep an eye on him. I'll keep my fingers crossed that no one will need to use a credit card during his tenure, it could get dicey...
Come out and support local arts, I'd love to meet you!
Kim

Sleigh Bell Fair

The fair went well, it was a bit slow on Friday which made for a pretty long day (12 hours). Saturday was much busier, and in the end I sold all but eight of my ornaments. The museum asked to keep the remainin eight to sell in their gift shop, to which I glady said yes. I met some very talented artists, and spent some of my profits buying up their best pieces before they were all gone. Judith Klein makes jewelry from found objects mainly metals and adds semi precious stones. I snapped up a fantastic necklace, and my daughter surprised me with a pin that can also be worn as a necklace, very unique work, LOVE IT!
I spent the following week completing another herd of goats and some felted goats on pillows for my friend Yvonne at Black Locust Farm, the cashmere from her goats is unbelievably soft;it is practically weightless. Please check out her web site, there are some great photos of her herd and articles made from her cashmere available.
My very amazing husband sold a garden sculpture at the show as well, he is always surprised when he sells a piece, no one else is, just him. He is also creating a piece to put in next years sculpture show at the Pingree School, the ideas are flowing...
The next two Saturdays I am teaching felting classes at Betsy Martins beautiful shop A Loom With A View, there is only one spot left in each, can't wait, love to share the fun!
-Kim

P.S. My Christmas work is also available at A Loom With A View, or drop me an e-mail.