Last week Wayne and I made a "tree" of dried bamboo. We have a corner that is an odd shape, and we didn't want anything else to water!

First step was to dry the bamboo, which we did down in the yard. We got it from our neighbor, who has it growing and crowding their yard in one corner. The we wedged one branch between deck and roof, and used various lengths to fill in our tree. Luckily I had some painted canvas birds I had made around last Christmas that didn't sell at my shows, so on they went with Wayne's mother's help. All done! Fun, not permanent, and good for now!

Artful Living

Yesterday I was reminded how living as an artist takes over our lives, even when we're not aware of it. Wayne and I went to check with a client of his, and on her porch was a telling sight. There was a stack about three feet high of lovely brown twigs, all about the same length. I remarked that there was a project in the works, and thought, this is an artist's home! Sure enough, she had a plan for a decorative garden fence, and a house filled with wonderful objects to look at. She is a potter, a collector of interesting objects, and a story teller with fascinating stories.

Many of us can include ourselves in this group of artful living people, if we only look around at what we've done. We have a collection of objects, arranged with a purpose. We have paintings and pottery by friends and strangers that have captured our interest. We have colors purposely placed, a rock that has a wonderful color, pictures carefully hand drawn placed with love on the refrigerator door. And people like to come to our houses, they have so much to look at, and feel the warmth and the fun of the folks that live in this way.

Every day, as I look around my little house, I am so pleased to see my "things", they make me happy and content. They remind me of friends, of places I've been, of the joy of living every day with a fresh perspective. Most days, that is enough.

Early Morning Thoughts

Watching tendrils of fog steal across the lake on an early morning shaft of sunlight.....

The first fisherman arrives at 6:30 on Lake St.Clair, while the swallows have already been feeding the new babies for an hour. they're good parents, taking the mess out of the nest and returning to the chirping babies with a bug, time after time. No shifts, just mom and dad in succession until the darkness finally stills the demands.

Painting a Canvas Floorcloth

Last week I painted a canvas floor cloth for under our dining room table. This 6'x8' rug is the largest by far I've ever done, but still small enough to be done! I started with natural colored 14oz. canvas and painted both sides. I use any latex paint to fill the canvas, by covering it with paint on both sides, letting it dry completely before getting started with the design. Then I drew my design, inspired by a card I had seen, and got all my paints ready to go. When the painting was finished, after hours of kneeling on the floor, I let everything dry. Next I turned under the measured hem and held it down with double faced carpet tape. Then my great assistant ( and husband) Wayne coated the completed cloth with three coats of poly acrylic , drying thoroughly between coats. Finished!

Here are some hints and helps about painting on canvas:

1.Don't choose too light a canvas. 12oz. seems to be the minimum, and the 14oz. works great. Especially with the larger pieces. If the canvas is too light, it will curl up at the edges.

2.Be sure to fill all the canvas with paint to start with, so you can't see the threads. This seals it, and makes it much more sturdy .

3. Any latex paint will work, even acrylic craft paint. I've used gloss, high gloss, no gloss, it doesn't seem to matter. I've also used permanent markers,they work great. Just don't put on the acrylic until the marker is dry, it'll run. I speak from experience!

4. Anything can inspire a design, wallpaper, rugs, pictures, shapes.Go with it!

5. Do a small piece first, say for a place mat, or kitchen rug. Then you get the feel for what can happen!

6. These are washable with a damp cloth,and if they get worn and lose the top coat of acrylic, just paint it on again!

7. Remember it's only paint, if you make a mistake, sand it off or paint over it. Enjoy!