pomo mama design dot com

Roses are red ... and not suitable for advance purchase

2012-01-29T08:42:00.000-08:00

Roses are red ... and not suitable for advance purchase:

felted flower pin by Caroline Flett

Well, not these ones.

If you'd like to be prepared for Valentine's Day this year and flatter your honey with a beautiful red rose this year, why not check out our selection of floral alternatives in the gift shop?

framed rose by Del Holbrook

These roses won't need watering, or keeping in the cool, or even pre-ordering (though we do advise getting down here ASAP in case someone else gets here first).

ceramics by Jacq Sheridan

Roses - the ultimate "I love you" (unless you're a "nothing but chocolate will do" kind of gal - just sayin').

(yesterday's) Wordless Wednesday: love is (still) in the air

2012-01-26T08:48:00.000-08:00

Wordless Wednesday: love is (still) in the air:

blood red wire-wrapped pendant on handknit Viking weave
chain by Luci Gimenes

wordful wednesday: before i forget

2012-01-25T09:17:00.000-08:00

On the twelfth day of Christmas ...:

Before I forget to blow my own trumpet (and because I don't have anything wordless and pretty for today's post), a blast from the past - the twelve days of Christmas (click the link for all the verses; hint - scroll down past the valentine's post) in all their poetic glory (from my posts for the gift shop).

(can you feel the tension mounting?)

... my true love (yes, i still love him, even though he spends every spare minute shopping at the gift shop) gave to me,

Twelve glassy magnets (not sure if the fridge door is big enough but they'll make awesome stocking stuffers for the kids),

Eleven finely woven mufflers (a matching one for every outfit, whee!),

Ten by three (which makes thirty - go on, count them) expertly applied lines of paint in a very pleasing arrangement plus a light house,

Nine sparkling glass stars (i think they're snowflakes but i hate to disagree openly with my true love at this stage in the festivities),

Eight jolly vintage buttons (i've picked my favourite and the rest are for the christmas dinner napkins),

Seven steamin' stompin' haulin' vroomin' road trucks (guaranteeing a quiet afternoon with the nephews),

Six upstanding and tranquil-looking fence posts (new year's resolution - hike more!),

Five wooden urns (they're vases)!

Four dotty spotty cups (would make great wine beakers),

Three orcas swimming on by (ah, summer holidays),

A cute penguin couple (awwww!),

and that origami peace crane still hanging out peacefully in the fir tree.

Now that's Christmas! (that was christmas)

midlife monday: got out and played

2012-01-24T08:09:00.000-08:00

I posted this on my other blog, and thought I should share it here with you too.

On Saturday I had a ski lesson.

On Sunday I took a painting class.
:)

Everybody should get out and play once in a while (or more often).

The mixed media pieces were created with acrylic paints and acrylic medium, over tissue and corrugated paper stuck to mat board. I stuck strips of fabric onto the larger blue piece - it's not ye finished but I'm leaving it awhile so I can see what direction to take it.

Getting smoochy in the gift shop!

2012-01-21T17:05:00.000-08:00

Getting smoochy in the gift shop!:

devoted heron couple by Cathy Rycroft

Hard on the heels of Christmas and New Year - Valentine's Day! It's when couples need no excuse to get even closer than ever, unless the furnace has broken down again. It's a day of smooch, sloppy kisses, suspension of hostilities, and, if you're the mum of an elementary school kid, an awful lot of Disney-branded card-and-candy packages to get signed!

adorable frog couple by Tom Reid

Named after 14 martyred 'rebels of the state' in ancient Rome, February 14th is the day to celebrate romantic love. It's the day when over-consumption of chocolate is positively encouraged, and the notion of passion is tied in with commercial purchases.

the couple that swims together, stays together - platter by Dan Severance

So, if you want to show your romantic interest how much they mean to you, why not visit the gift shop and up your commercial purchasing quotient from our shelves.

Nothing says "I love you" more than a handcrafted love token from a local artist.

xoxo

together by Del Holbrook

studio portrait thursday: great, great outdoors

2012-01-19T21:01:00.000-08:00

lichen and moss - yes, i do love a nice bit of lichen and moss :)

OK, so not my studio (which I variously describe as dark, dingy, hole, cave, haven, cluttered, chaotic) but someone else's this week.

The great outdoors. Not just the preserve of en plein air painty folks.

These photographs, which show land artist, Chris Mackenzie, at work in his studio, are somewhat a rarity since most of his work is created waaaaay off the beaten track. He stomps off into the wilderness, makes art, takes a photograph and then treks back to ?civilization. ... and his art stays behind as temporary evidence that something beautiful has been added to nature (added, since you can't improve). Chris did tell me that he re-visits some pieces to see what nature has done with them in the interim.

The slideshow is of his latest installations beside the Port Moody Arts Centre (which currently houses an exhibition of his work) and in front of the library. He and his partner worked in full view of the passing public to show how the art is created. It's not often that you see this process; it's not often you're invited to take part either, and you can see by my Wee Guy's expression that it is a An Activity Of Great Importance.

Can't wait for the hiking trails to thaw so we can get out and make our own art :)

design for life

2012-01-16T14:01:00.000-08:00

business card template "i make stuff"

Apart from the wire crochet power station (a few more lines were added yesterday evening), there's not a lot of 3D creativity going on at the bench currently (and my fingers are itching to be back in business).

There is, however, a lot of homework going on; mouseclicks, typing, cut and paste, etc..

In case you didn't already know, I'm at college part-time, taking a professional writing diploma, and these business card designs are sort-of homework. I do have business cards, but they're for my other ID as a jewelry maker. They feature pretty pics of my work, give my web address, and are designed for people to pick up from my table at craft fairs.

I also have utterly gorgeous MOO cards on sumptuous touchy-feely cardstock, featuring my best flickr product shots with my URL, etc on the reverse. But nothing for my 2D exploits as wannabe writer.

In fact, it's the writer-bit that's had me blocked for quite a while. I'm not sure what kind of writing career I want yet, so I'm very unwilling to settle into a niche so early. It's also feels incredibly pseud-ish to even call myself a writer at this point.

But after a quick query on twitter, I was encouraged to declare myself as a writer (thank you, twitterverse).

So I have done so. What do you think?

tech details: business cards designed in MS Publisher

design #1

design #2

design #3

Critter Adoption Post: Searching

2012-01-15T08:46:00.000-08:00

Critter Adoption Post: Searching:

In once of those beautiful almost-coincidences Valerie Gilbert's art card settled under Vicki Allesia's haunting picture of a dog awaiting rescue from the local shelter.

It's quite a timely reminder that about this time every year, the novelty of a new puppy or household pet is wearing off once the daily responsibility of exercise, feeding and cleaning sets in, and everyone's back at work.

Please - don't gift pets. Think carefully before you buy - that cute puppy or kitten will grow quite a bit and not look so cute within a few months.

Are you really ready for the lifelong commitment that owning a pet means?

Any doubts, don't do it, please.

fibre friday: The Great Tapestry of Scotland

2012-01-13T09:38:00.000-08:00

from the Great Tapestry webpage

Not my fibre work, but a lovely link to something mentioned in edit, my University of Edinburgh alumnus magazine (why yes, i am an alumnus).

Author Alexander McCall Smith (another Edinburgh alumnus), among others, has helped create the Great Tapestry of Scotland project which will document the history of my homeland á la Bayeux tapestry style. It will feature such notable events as the opening of the Scottish parliament in 1999, Flodden, and the invention of the swing plough.

The project is apparently in need of stitchers; the organisers are registering expressions of interest on the Registration tab of the website. So, if you're in Scotland (or even if you aren't), why not sign up for this unique historical project!

For another feast of stitchiness, check out the brief article itself on p28 of edit (it's here on p15 of the online spread).

wordless wednesday: invite

2012-01-11T07:00:00.000-08:00

a crocheted power station

2012-01-09T20:40:00.001-08:00

a crocheted power station, originally uploaded by ebbandflo_pomomama.

No, I'm not kidding.
This is my latest project, a mixed media panel for a larger wall hanging.
I'll update with photos and posts as I stitch.

At City Hall in January 2012

2012-01-07T20:23:00.000-08:00

At City Hall in January 2012:

The whole co-operative is on show at City Hall this month! It's a great opportunity to see the breadth of work represented by the society.

Next time you're paying a parking fine, business licence or visiting the library, why not take the stairs to the mezzanine level up to the council office for a look.

As always, items are for sale through the gift shop. Please phone to arrange a viewing.

fibre friday: out in the world

2012-01-06T07:00:00.000-08:00

lettuce (for the neck)

Yesterday's post was all about inventory and re-stocking, and I promised to let you know where work was going.

Well, these two fibre-y goodies are now at the Blackberry Gift Shop in the Port Moody Arts Centre.

'Lettuce' is a shibori silk and wire collar, light and very airy to wear, with a bubble chain extender so it can be worn at various lengths. A cute flower beads dangles from the chain, reminding you that spring is not too far off :)

embrace

The copper 'embrace' cuff came from my 'home is where the heart is' collection and features a beach pebble (tumble-polished by my mother!) enmeshed in my signature wire and felted fibrecrochet. It's light and comfortable to wear, and quirky. You won't see another piece like this around :)

studio portrait thursday: that most cluttered time of the year

2012-01-05T07:00:00.000-08:00

Yes, it's inventory time! I retrieved approximately 90% of my unsolds from the various shops just before Christmas and here they are laid out on a table in my studio.

And after the inventorying comes the re-stocking!

I'll let you know what is going where in the next few posts.

And yes, I'm planning to re-open my online stores too :)

wordless wednesday: heads up to a new year

2012-01-04T12:13:00.000-08:00

A very Happy New Year to all - may 2012 bring everything you wish for xoxo

fibre friday: painting fibre

2011-12-30T22:11:00.001-08:00

my Wee Guy, originally uploaded by ebbandflo_pomomama.

Well, it is a stretch but I'm very pleased with the watercolour renderings of the fabrics in this photograph of my wee guy. The face? less so - I need to work on this, but I am pleased that this was all drawn using a waterbrush, with no pre-sketching in pencil.

studio portrait thursday: on holiday

2011-12-29T22:56:00.001-08:00

art in the afternoon, originally uploaded by ebbandflo_pomomama.

So far this holiday, and despite a niggling head cold, I have managed to tidy up the studio, install my new computer (!) and reclaim about 90% of unsold inventory for the end-of-year check.
And we've managed a few creative moments as a family too, mainly sketching and some watercolour painting in our new journals. I've added a few new illustrations to my summer journal. Who knows? It might be finished sometime soon!

wordless wednesday: art in the afternoon

2011-12-28T09:48:00.001-08:00

art in the afternoon, originally uploaded by ebbandflo_pomomama.

merry christmas and a happy new year

2011-12-25T10:45:00.001-08:00

rose hips frost, originally uploaded by ebbandflo_pomomama.

Many thanks to all my readers, customers, supporters and inspirational muses for your company during 2011. May 2012 bring you all you truly desire.
:)
Amanda xoxo

things that are christmas: cake decorating, polar express, soap

2011-12-24T20:48:00.001-08:00

This afternoon the Wee Guy finished decorating the cake by doodling over the icing with decorating pens. We've also made some melt-and-pour soaps, and finished the candied pecans. Listening to The Polar Express rounded the afternoon off quite nicely :)
Let Christmas commence!

See the full gallery on Posterous

studio portrait thursday: (one more) out and about

2011-12-15T11:50:00.001-08:00

Took myself and the knitting out for a break in between errands. Christmas shopping = all but done :)

On the pins = moebius shawl in gorgeous lumpy hand-dyed cotton, drop-stitch wave pattern for some 'easy' lace stitches

The studio = courtesy of coco et olive on Main Street @ E 21st Ave (gorgeously creamy mocha, thanks)

On the second day of Christmas ...

2011-12-15T08:56:00.000-08:00

On the second day of Christmas ...:

penguins carved by Tom Reid

... my true love gave to me,

a cute penguin couple,

and an origami peace crane in a fir tree.

Blackberry Gift Shop on The Express

2011-12-10T10:18:00.000-08:00

Blackberry Gift Shop on The Express:

... and here we are (around minute 4)!

A big thank you to Shaw TV, and to the artists who took part in our moment of fame :)

yesterday's wordless wednesday today: earrings

2011-11-24T08:51:00.001-08:00

earrings, originally uploaded by ebbandflo_pomomama.

cluster earrings for Portobello West this weekend

freshwater pearls, glass, on sterling hand-forged earwires

Portobello West this weekend

2011-11-21T21:24:00.001-08:00

birthstone gemchip cuffs, originally uploaded by ebbandflo_pomomama.

... and the Christmas hard sell marketing season continues!

Go buy my carp at Portobello West market this weekend. I'll be selling these ultra fine and dandy gemchip wire crochet cuffs and I have the birthstones chart with me too, so there's no excuses for not buying batty Aunt Susan (birthday 9th June, birthstone - moonstone) a nice wee gift for Xmas.

not quite studio thursday

2011-11-17T09:41:00.001-08:00

by my son, originally uploaded by ebbandflo_pomomama.

... but I thought I'd share this lovely video my son made for me :)

wordless wednesday: button pendant

2011-11-16T08:55:00.001-08:00

button pendant, originally uploaded by ebbandflo_pomomama.

wire crochet bezel holding ceramic button handmade by Pauline Doyle

Positively Petite opens at Place des Arts

2011-11-15T11:58:00.001-08:00

there's more ... Fab Fair 19th and 20th November

2011-11-14T10:12:00.001-08:00

... and so, it begins.

2011-11-13T08:03:00.001-08:00

Christmas has started.
I'll let that sink in a little.

Christmas has started. pomo mama design (me) has just finished the first day of the first seasonal craft fair. Sales were reasonable, not stellar, and I chatted with some wonderful shoppers. It's a great way to meet people - who knew there we're so many expats in the Tri cities?

Tomorrow is a later start than this morning's 6.45am wake up. Maybe we'll have waffles for breakfast?

It snowed up on the mountain today - christmas is closer than you think :)

Remembrance

2011-11-11T21:59:00.000-08:00

Remembrance:

photograph by Sarah Ronald

gift bags by Angela Holbrook

painting by Elizabeth Wallace

In Flanders fields the poppies blow

Between the crosses, row on row,

That mark our place; and in the sky

The larks, still bravely singing, fly

Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago

We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,

Loved and were loved, and now we lie,

In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:

To you from failing hands we throw

The torch; be yours to hold it high.

If ye break faith with us who die

We shall not sleep, though poppies grow

In Flanders fields.

John McCrae (1872 - 1918)

studio portrait thursday: chaos reigns

2011-11-10T23:26:00.001-08:00

studio portrait thursday: chaos reigns, originally uploaded by ebbandflo_pomomama.

There! I told you.

studio portrait thursday: interim

2011-11-10T08:33:00.001-08:00

wire and wire necklace, originally uploaded by ebbandflo_pomomama.

Somewhere, probably under a pile of other necklaces for labelling, lies this beauty. It's a delicate, airy little concoction of wire crochet with crystal chips, and strands of white quartz and sophisticated white porcelain beads. And it needs labelling for this weekend's craft fair.
Labelling is not my favourite job - I'd much rather be making the stuff than dealing with the administrative grunt work.
If I finish the grunt work on time, I'll post a photo of what utter chaos my studio looks today so you can commiserate with me (preferably in person at Archbishop Carney School this weekend?)

wordless wednesday: freshwater pearl and silver wire crochet cuff

2011-11-09T08:46:00.001-08:00

freshwater pearl and silver wire crochet cuff, originally uploaded by ebbandflo_pomomama.

Archbishop Carney Craft Fair - the first of the season for pomo mama design!

2011-11-08T09:01:00.000-08:00

See you there!

wire crochet flower pendants - multi tasking

2011-11-07T08:05:00.001-08:00

wire crochet flower pendants, originally uploaded by ebbandflo_pomomama.

Who new these cute little flower pendants could be so versatile? Why not try them as hair accessories? Simply slide them off the cable necklace and onto a bobby pin, then afix them into your updo :)

PS: works well with Christmas stars too

wire crochet flower pendants

2011-11-06T10:58:00.001-08:00

wire crochet flower pendants, originally uploaded by ebbandflo_pomomama.

New for Christmas, these wire crochet flower pendants measure approximately 2 inches diameter but are light and airy. Find them in gold or silver non-tarnish wire with copper or gold contrast stitching. Complete with steel cable necklace.

... to this! Christmas Marketplace opens this evening :)

2011-11-04T09:52:00.000-07:00

This should read "now open" :)
Opening night went really well, and I am sold out of Christmas stars. Not to worry - more will be arriving soon. I'll probably be making them during my shift in the shop on Sunday. See you then!

... to this! Christmas Marketplace opens this evening :):

Please consider this as your invitation to the 2011 Blackberry Artist's Society Christmas Marketplace Opening Reception, to be held in the Port Moody Arts Centre this evening starting at 6pm. Free entry, refreshments provided, shop till you drop ...

Have you seen what you want to buy yet? It's here ... but not for long ;)

wordless wednesday:Place des Arts christmas stars

2011-11-02T14:32:00.001-07:00

Place des Arts christmas stars, originally uploaded by ebbandflo_pomomama.

samples for the upcoming Place des Arts workshop (see Classes)

inspiration board

2011-10-31T07:42:00.001-07:00

inspiration board, originally uploaded by ebbandflo_pomomama.

This morning I'm taking the inventory for the Blackberry Gift Shop Christmas Marketplace (opens Thursday night at 6pm, free entry and nibbles!) in the Port Moody ARts Centre on St. Johns Street. Under the expert guidance of Sandra, one of the other artists, I'll be moving the display plinths and setting out the artwork ready for the sale.
But my mind will be back at my bench, thinking of other creations to make for other craft fairs ...
Stay tuned!

Just Around the Corner!

2011-10-30T11:10:00.000-07:00

Just Around the Corner!:
carved bear by Tom Reid, snail on lilypad by Tracy Riddell, woodturning by Joe Martin, intarsia by Del Holbrook

Yes, it's nearly here! Our Christmas Marketplace, the one and only destination in the Tri Cities to buy unique artisan handcrafted gifts, is nearly open. For two months, our gift shop will not only be open seven days per week, but will also be much bigger as we expand into gallery space in the Arts Centre. This means that our artists can bring in many more pieces than they can normally display here. Often this means that the bigger pieces they have been working on finally come on show.
So get on down! We've got everything you need for your gift buying under the one roof, from cards and gift bags to glass art and wall art.
Opening night is Thursday, November 3rd (6-8pm, refreshments provided, free entry).

PS: Don't forget to check the tree for hostess gifts and stocking stuffers ;)

Christmas stars

2011-10-28T20:05:00.001-07:00

Not sure what happened with yesterday's post - instead of the wire stars you got me slobbing on a sofa.
Here are the stars!

See the full gallery on Posterous

studio portrait thursday: bright and shining star

2011-10-27T21:14:00.001-07:00

Star production in full swing, I'm working on some demo samples for my next workshop at Place des Arts (see the Classes tab above for details) as well as tree decorations for sale. The first stars will be decorating the tree for opening night, Thursday 3rd november, when the Blackberry Artists begin their Christmas Marketplace in the Port Moody Arts Centre.

wordless wednesday: a night at the opera

2011-10-26T08:00:00.001-07:00

a night at the opera, originally uploaded by ebbandflo_pomomama.

opera-length necklace in gunmetal chain with jade, pearl, lead-free pewter, picasso jasper and glass

October at City Hall double oops

2011-10-25T08:57:00.000-07:00

OK – this month at City Hall (as you are by now aware, dear reader) are two amazing Blackberry artists with a collaborative exhibition in the display case. Margret Billings is our stained glass artist (and coincidentally coordinates the group displays at City Hall for the society) and Myrta Hayes specialises in the translucent delicacy of porcelain ceramics. She also volunteers extra time for the society; she is our webmaster over at our main website.
Busy ladies indeed, and both have found time to collaborate on some of the pieces on display. Myrta has made the ceramic bases for Margret’s stained glass lamp shades, and the results are truly stunning.
Go see for yourself (and buy before they sell out).

Salmon Come Home

2011-10-22T10:46:00.000-07:00

Salmon Come Home:
stained glass by Margret Billings

This is the time of year when our brave salmon swim home, making their way up the rushing waters of the local streams. Energetically leaping up waterfalls and dodging hungry bears, these noble fish thrash their way to distantly remembered gravel beds

where they spawn and then die.

cough
Glad I'm not a salmon.

PS: Hyde Creek Hatchery is celebrating these demented creatures on Sunday, 23rd October. Get down to the streams and cheer them on.

fibre friday: moss

2011-10-21T20:21:00.001-07:00

It's a cuff.
Just in case you didn't recognise.
A moss cuff, to be precise (hence the tiny stems).
And asymmetric.

See the full gallery on Posterous

studio portrait thursday: on the move

2011-10-20T17:40:00.001-07:00

This is the studio this week. Yes, it's the view from the bus on my commute home. I'm either doing homework, commuting to college, or out with the Wee Guy. Not much bench time so far. Last night I made a few wire crochet cuffs as I chatted with a friend in a local cafe. Earlier, I finished off more work as my son played tennis. It's like right at the very beginning of my crafty life when creativity fitted around parenting and art was completely portable.
I'll post some pics of the results soon (I promise).

wordless wednesday: framed part II

2011-10-19T21:44:00.001-07:00

My submissions for the Port Moody Arts Centre 6x6 silent auction. Bidding opens at the opening night, Thursday November 3rd (6-8pm).

wire crochet + bead = wire crochet bead

2011-10-18T21:26:00.001-07:00

wire and glass necklace, originally uploaded by ebbandflo_pomomama.

Yes, really!
These bright and shiny mesh beads are made from a square (yes, a square - if you've taken a class with me, you'll know the secret!) of wire crochet. They're very similar to the commercial wire beads except that they are hollow and thus a little lighter in weight. They make great earrings for gals who like bling but without the painful lobes, and zingy choker necklaces that sit daintily on the collarbones. These beads look best when paired with contrasting shapes or textures, like the smooth blue glass in the pciture above.

hammered!

2011-10-17T21:48:00.001-07:00

multi-strand necklace, originally uploaded by ebbandflo_pomomama.

Though wire crochet is my main design passion, I must admit to quite enjoying hitting thicker bits of wire into spiral patterns. Any of you who joined me on Art For Youth day in Port Moody will have witnessed this side of me, as my volunteers and I introduced anyone who could life a hammer to the delights of flattening wire.
The technical term for hitting wire is conditioning. As you hit the wire, it flattens and spreads. Up to a certain point the wire work hardens and becomes more rigid. Enthusiastic hammerers quickly found that the next stage after work hardening is metal fatigue, where the wire becomes really brittle and shatters.
If you can reign in your blows, shaping and hardening the wire produces lovely swirls and spirals which add a fluid design element to a simple beaded chain. So from a straight piece of round wire, beautiful flattened connectors for your creations.

multi strand necklace with glass pearls, denim lapis, glass

October at City Hall: Joe Martin

2011-10-16T09:06:00.000-07:00

October at City Hall: Joe Martin:

This month, the work of woodturner, Joe Martin, is being exhibited in the display cases at Port Moody City Hall. The shelves are now graced with a stunning selection of his larger sculptural vases and bowls, many delicately inlaid with striking marquetry designs.

Joe became a member of the Blackberry Artist’s Society this year and we’ve been very pleased to see his work on our shelves. He works in a variety of woods, each turned and finished with exceptional skill.

As you can see from the photograph below, the display is stunning. Each piece would make a impressive statement in your home. Don’t take my word for it, next time you’re in City Hall take a walk up the staircase in front of the reception desk and check it out for yourself. All pieces are for sale – either contact the artist for details or phone the gift shop to arrange purchase.

fibre friday: framed

2011-10-14T21:45:00.001-07:00

flower panel, originally uploaded by ebbandflo_pomomama.

A new home for a felted flower panel - a tiny cube frame.
voila! a garden which never needs watering. Perfect for that tiny bijou condo :)

wordless wednesday: treasure trove

2011-10-12T22:50:00.001-07:00

Happy Thanksgiving from the Blackberry Artists

2011-10-10T11:54:00.000-07:00

Happy Thanksgiving from the Blackberry Artists:

Hope you've made it safely home.

Happy Thanksgiving.

"faberge" pearls cuff

2011-10-09T21:43:00.001-07:00

"faberge" pearls cuff, originally uploaded by ebbandflo_pomomama.

freshwater pearls with gold (Artistic Wire) crochet cuff

just one of the goodies in store for christmas
:)

PS: did you know that wire crochet is stretchy? and you can also make it smaller? since wire crochet is a mesh it will get longer if you pull it gently lengthways, and then shorten somewhat if you ease it back widthways. this is why my cuffs generally fit a wide range of wrist sizes. the only thing you shouldn't do with a wire mesh is bend it back and forwards repeatedly - then the wire undergoes metal fatigue, gets brittle and breaks :(

post early for christmas

2011-10-08T09:35:00.000-07:00

chainmaille flower earrings by Luci Gimenes

dragonfly brooch by Amanda Maxwell,
woven scarf by Beryl Hickinbottom,
ceramics by Dan Severance

a post from the Blackbery Artists' blog which i write and takes photographs for. as you may have noticed, my online etsy shops are not yet open (my Artfire shop is) - i'm hoping to sort this but right now, i'm concentrating on preparing inventory for the local shops and craft fairs. please note, i can ship directly to a gift address if you buy online :)

"It's almost that time of year (what a recurrent phrase this is becoming) when thoughts turn to buying, wrapping and packaging.

Well, at the Blackberry Gift Shop we can help you with all three, and no - it's never too early to start. A quick check of the Canada Post website will indeed tell you that the last date for international surface mail parcels for Christmas is coming in the next two weeks. We can even help you with that too! There are a large number of small, easily shipped items for sale which would make great gifts for far and wide friends and relations.

Don't forget to pick up a card, or maybe select one of our unframed prints for mailing."

earrings by Sandra Ho

fibre friday: garland of flowers

2011-10-07T04:43:00.000-07:00

Over the last year I’ve moved into a slightly different technique for combining feltable fibre with wire crochet. Previously, my designs were embroidered into the wire mesh then felted. Now I’m experimenting with adding the fibre by needle felting. This technique uses a sharp, barbed needle to push the individual fibres through the mesh to bind with each other. I’m pleased that it works; I’ve seen fibre-on-fibre needle felting and envied the precision of design resulting from it. Now I can recreate this kind of effect in my wire crochet pieces.

One of my first cuff designs using this method features a garland of flowers. First I placed and felted the stems in place, then created the individual flowers on the felting mat before attaching them to the greenery. Once happy with the placement, the whole cuff was wet felted to ‘set’ the design.

I’ll be making more of these for the christmas market (see my Events tab for details), and also teaching this method during the upcoming Wire and Fibre II class at Place des Arts (starts Saturday, October 21st – 1.30pm to 4pm: phone Place des Arts to register).

studio portrait thursday: the fuzzy corner

2011-10-06T21:40:00.001-07:00

the fuzzy corner, originally uploaded by ebbandflo_pomomama.

Some snapshots from around the studio this Thursday.

new necklaces by the bunch

This week I'm prepping for some upcoming exhibitions, as well as creating inventory for the christmas craft fairs and shops I supply.

prepping canvases for exhibition

they don't just paint themselves, you know

wordless wednesday: chainchainchain maille

2011-10-05T22:12:00.001-07:00

It's Never Too Late ...

2011-10-01T09:22:00.000-07:00

It's Never Too Late ...:

To start to advertise our Christmas Marketplace! Yes, the premier location in the Tri Cities of Port Moody, Coquitlam, and Port Coquitlam to shop for unique handcrafted artisan gifts.

Our Christmas Marketplace opens on November 3rd and then will be open seven days a week up until December 22nd. Opening hours are Monday to Friday, 10am to 7pm; Saturday, 11am to 5pm; Sunday, 12 noon to 4pm.
Oh, I so want to bounce up and down singing, Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow! as an antidote to the rain.

fibre friday: new wire and fibre workshop alert

2011-09-30T22:02:00.000-07:00

I'm teaching a new wire and fibre workshop at Place des Arts this coming month. For those of you who have taken this workshop with me previously, I have new projects for you and some new techniques! For the newbies out there, relax! you'll just join us at a different stage in the adventure.

This workshop is about learning some wire crochet. Trying a little embroidery. Felting fibre. Needelfelting. All within the bounds of making wearable art.

Strange wearable art, but then you don't want to look like everyone else.

wordless wednesday: late night batch

2011-09-29T08:22:00.000-07:00

it's not all beads and wire and pliers!
wordless wednesday: late night batch:

Late night batch of blueberry muffins for tomorrow's bake sale (they taste mmmmmmm).

wordless wednesday: fabulous jewels

2011-09-28T22:47:00.001-07:00

gearing up

2011-09-27T16:01:00.001-07:00

You know what this means, don't you?
A lttle hint - it's my studio desk. Covered in wire and beads and so on.
Yes, it's getting close to christmas :) and these are my current WIPs, also known as works in progress. Sometimes, at the start of a creative busy period (as this is going to be - check out the Events tab above, four craft fairs!) It's good planning to have some projects on the go to lead you in to being productive once more.
And oh boy, do I have to be productive!

Port Moody Festival of the Arts: Art For Youth Day

2011-09-24T10:06:00.001-07:00

his!, originally uploaded by ebbandflo_pomomama.

This afternoon I will be taking part in Art For Youth Day in Port Moody. I've got some fun hammered wire projects to get kids started on wireworking.
See you in the Rocky Point Skate Park, 1-4pm this afternoon :)

Untitled

2011-09-23T21:07:00.001-07:00

https://www.evernote.com/shard/s29/sh/2d89238e-43ca-4f36-ab8e-b033800d5fd4/57...

I've deliberately not posted much these last two weeks. Although I was so excited about coming home, the actual reality of eight weeks away was being very much behind, out of the loop and playing cat...

Something fun

2011-09-23T14:23:00.001-07:00

https://www.evernote.com/shard/s29/sh/00214f7d-d270-4e63-8678-cfb258d27f92/40...

http://bit.ly/nFIKmk

September's Featured Artist: Tom Reid

2011-09-12T08:18:00.000-07:00

September's Featured Artist: Tom Reid:

During September the work of stone carver, Tom Reid, is featured in the gift shop display. As you can see from the photographs in this post, the display case is filled with a most wonderful menagerie of critters for adoption.

From salmon to dolphins and orcas for your (very large) aquarium, plus horses, swans and and a couple of bears for the landlubbers, there is definitely something pleasing for everyone.

Tom has been carving stone for over 35 years, and works in a variety of materials including soapstone, alabaster and jade. His main works represented in the gallery are inspired by the natural world and he accurately captures exactly the right expression or stance for each animal he carves. Tom also demonstrates his carving techniques at local rock and gem shows around the area so keep an eye out to watch this artist at work.

on show

2011-09-10T21:57:00.000-07:00

I have a couple of pieces of work on show at the current Place des Arts teachers and staff exhibition. Please do visit to see what my colleagues and I have been creatively up to for the past year :)

back in business

2011-09-09T16:01:00.001-07:00

Just shipped - a set of these beauties in copper.
For more wire beads, please check out my <a href="http://www.artfire.com/ext/shop/studio/ebbandflo">Artfire shop</a>.

Vincent

2011-09-06T11:44:00.001-07:00

From Evernote:

Vincent

Spent most of today wandering blissfully around the Van Gogh/museum. Oh what heaven!
The main permanent exhibitions are arranged chronologically so it's possible to follow the artist's progression as he experimented with different techniques and ideas. Sadly, it's also a diary of his decline in the last two years of his life, culminating with his suicide in 1890.
Historians believe he suffered greatly with epilepsy during this time. To make matters worse he also felt that his artistic ability was slipping away. How unfair.
I completely fell in love with his bold colourful Parisian paintings and completely captivated by the warmth and immediacy of the Arles work. Although the museum was busy with some of the most impolite gallery visitors I have ever encountered (wandering right in front of you to obscure the paintings, standing with backs to the works while listening to the audio tour thus spoiling the view for everyone else) it was a complete treat to get up close enough to appreciate each brushstroke. One thing which occurred to me when looking at the more vibrant colourful pieces was how migrainous and jazzy the effect is; those of you who suffer from visual migraines might know what I mean. Coincidentally, it's Migraine Week right now!
And even more of a treat was the Wee Guy's very obvious enthusiasm for the whole visit, drawing admiring glances and comments from visitors.
We both appreciated the cafe :)

See the full gallery on Posterous

fibre friday: portable crocheting

2011-08-12T13:08:00.001-07:00

fibre friday: portable crocheting, originally uploaded by ebbandflo_pomomama.

our evening at the play park

crocheting with a lovely cotton hand dyed yarn (Esther Bitran: Pichasca) in a beautiful but simple shell and trellis pattern (see the little slice of life blog for more details :)

waxing lyrical en voyage

2011-08-09T01:31:00.000-07:00

waxing lyrical en voyage: "

searching for poetry

This afternoon I took the Wee Guy on an expedition around the village I grew up in. We followed the Poetry Trail set up by the Aberdour Cultural Association in 2007. Ten haiku poems are placed around the village, making an excellent walking route and child entertainment vehilce all rolled into one.
And it was a sunny day too :)"

PS: clicking on the link to the original post leads to a slideshow of the whole walk

the (more than 39) scotsman steps

2011-08-06T13:26:00.001-07:00

art fest - the scotsman steps, originally uploaded by ebbandflo_pomomama.

The Edinburgh Arts Festival (which has only been running since 2004 which is why I cannot remember having attended when I lived in the UK) kicked off on Thursday with a citywide celebration of the visual arts.
One of the focal points of the event is the renovation of the famous Scotsman Steps, cladding each one in a different marble gathered from around the world. The work was specially commissioned from Turner prize-winning Scots artist, Martin Creed.
The result is stunning.

travel journal

2011-08-04T14:11:00.001-07:00

journal entries, originally uploaded by ebbandflo_pomomama.

A little bolder with the watercolours - the Wee Guy's new water pistol, and a spread of boule from this afternoon's game. Weather = cloudy sun.

Another sketch map, this one detailing a henge Dad took the Wee Guy and me to visit. Pencil sketch followed by watercolour. What would be even more impressive is a painting of the view from the top of East Lomond which we visited afterwards (and I forgot my camera!).

start of the maps

2011-08-03T12:20:00.000-07:00

map! our walk around Aberdour (waterbrush and watercolour crayons)

pencil sketches and ticket stubs from our Camera Obscura visit
watercolour crayons add colour to the weather symbol (cloud) and Scottish flag
will probably add colour to the ice cream oyster later

Wordless Wednesday: I Hope This Is Unseasonal

2011-08-02T05:31:00.000-07:00

Wordless Wednesday: I Hope This Is Unseasonal: "
by printmaker, James Mah

No apologies for showcasing this lovely print once more (it's a fave!)

"
... and this partly explains why so few blog posts appear here on my own blog. Yesterday I finished and scheduled enough posts for Blackberry Artists to keep their blog running until mid-September, which buys me some breathing space for returning home, getting back in to school and all the other domestic stuff.
But no excuse needed for looking at this beautiful print :)
Do visit the gift shop if you're a local.

a holiday project: creativity every day

2011-08-01T12:14:00.000-07:00

arrival day - a day of much jetlag (hence the spelling mistake)

Well - that's the plan! and it has been going well so far. Every day I've added an entry to my journal, recording the day's events and illustrating them with a sketch, memento or cartoon. My Wee Guy should be following alongside but his interest has waned a little - there is so much of interest to distract.

Sunday: first visit to the beach

My materials to hand are a new box of Cotman watercolours, my old (and under-used) box of Staedtler watercolour crayons, a couple of new paintbrushes, coloured pencils, drawing pencils, glue, some ink pens, and a waterbrush. Oh, and my new journal, full of marvellous thick and toothy watercolour paper :)

Monday: my new watercolours, my first run

What I don't have is regular and reliable internet connections, nor do I have huge chunks of time though my parents are very ably helping spread the parenting load with me. I've photographed entries Saturday 16th July through to Wednesday 27th July and will endeavour to catch up with more up-to-date on a daily basis.

holiday creativity oh my!

2011-07-22T14:37:00.001-07:00

creativity oh my!, originally uploaded by ebbandflo_pomomama.

I'm out of the studio and away from the bench for the summer.
:)

fibre friday: embrace wire and fibre brooches at Place desArts

2011-07-15T09:01:00.001-07:00

embrace wire and fibre brooch, originally uploaded by ebbandflo_pomomama.

Three "embrace" brooches have settled in at Place des Arts in Coquitlam for the summer.

Please note, my online shops are now closed until mid September - have a great summer.

little forest pendants in fine silver

2011-07-14T10:04:00.001-07:00

little forest pendants in fine silver, originally uploaded by ebbandflo_pomomama.

Two of the 'little forest' series of pendants have arrived at the Blackberry gift shop at Port Moody Arts Centre, along with some fresh inventory for the summer.

Bird on a Wire Re-stocked

2011-07-12T22:13:00.001-07:00

bubble chain, originally uploaded by ebbandflo_pomomama.

bubble necklaces now at Bird on A Wire in cotton candy colours

I finally got around to re-stocking some shops over the summer (so if you are a local, enjoy).

As you probably don't yet know, I will be incommunicado for the summer - around online but just not selling - so Bird on A wire and my other B&M's is where you will find my work :)

See the links up above for details.
Have a great summer

winter hips opera-length necklace and matching earrings also in stock

along with this summery daisy bib necklace

July in the City Hall Dispay

2011-07-09T10:33:00.000-07:00

July in the City Hall Dispay: "
photo sublimation print set of coasters in a wooden box

July's artist in residence in the City Hall display case (mezzanine level up stairs to council offices, if you didn't already know) is photographer, Sarah Ronald. She has a beautiful display of her photography in the display case, showcasing some incredible nature prints on textured canvas as well as some her striking images on mini art tiles (complete with easel).

The coaster sets would make gorgeous hostess gifts!
Note: all items in the display are for sale - phone 604 931 2008 to place your order through the gift shop.

(Out of the) studio friday

2011-07-08T21:55:00.001-07:00

... and this what my amazing talented students made during this week's class at Place des Arts :)

Ladies - have a great summer!

See the full gallery on Posterous

studio thursday: truly portable crafting

2011-07-07T21:59:00.001-07:00

Yes - this is the studio this week, packed into two bags for teaching a class in jewelry design at Place des Arts. Tomorrow, our last day, we tackle wire rings and daisies. All my students leave fully decked out in new summer bling.

PS: I'm teaching a new wire and fibre class at Place des Arts starting October _ check their website for details :)

wordless wednesday: scribbles

2011-07-05T09:12:00.001-07:00

via portablecrafting.blogspot.com

from the Paint Joy app on Android

Booth set up

2011-07-02T15:20:00.001-07:00

Thank you, Coquitlam, for a grea Canada Day :)

Happy Canada Day

2011-07-01T06:56:00.000-07:00

fine silver maple leaves

Happy Canada Day!
Hope to see you at City Centre Park in Coquitlam for the celebrations :)

studio thursday: Canada Day prep

2011-06-30T07:21:00.000-07:00

Just a heads up for all you locals - I will be plying my trade/selling my creative works in the Artisan Village at the City of Coquitlam's annual Canada Day celebration around Lafarge Lake on Friday. The festivities kick off at 12 noon and culminate with a grand fireworks display at 10.30pm. Local businesses will be providing food and information, and there is oodles of entertainment on tap :)

I'll have the fine silver maple leaf pendants for sale, as well as some of my new wire and fibre mixed media art pieces.
Hope to see you there.

Full entertainment listing here.

wordless wednesday: scribbles

2011-06-22T11:13:00.001-07:00

Bloom Fort Langley

2011-06-18T10:51:00.000-07:00

Bloom Fort Langley: "Bloom Fort Langley: '

The Bloom Market runs again in Fort Langley on Sunday, 19th July - Father's Day!
I'll be there with a host of other amazingly talented indie artisans.
Come celebrate the start of summer :)

Market opens at 11am in the Fort Langley Community Hall at 9167 Glover Road, and runs until 5pm. Admission = $2 for adults (children free).

Go Canucks, Go!

2011-06-15T09:50:00.000-07:00

Go Canucks, Go!: "

from Sunday's face painting with Kristal

Don't Forget: Father's Day Is Coming Up

2011-06-13T13:13:00.000-07:00

... and a peek at what other artists in my community are doing (from the blog I run as part of the co-operative)

Don't Forget: Father's Day Is Coming Up: "

Still Creek Skiff by Tracy Riddell, wood intarsia puppy by Del Holbrook

Don't forget, Father's Day is coming up soon (that's Sunday, 19th June to be precise). Although dads can be a little trickier to buy for, not all of them want a laz-e-boy recliner (or however it's spelt in the flyers arriving since mid May) or golf equipment.

by Pat de Couto

Why not take a trip to your friendly neighbourhood artisan artist co-operative gift shop (yes, that's us) for some truly original one-of-a-kind handmade gift choices? We have some great wood intarsia art, stunning driftwood carvings and even some classy sterling silver cufflinks on offer.
As your one-stop gift buying experience, we also have re-usable cloth gift bags and a selection of art cards to complete your purchase.

by Amanda Maxwell

Happy Father's Day - we're better than furniture!

Music in the Park, Sunday June 12th

2011-06-12T09:43:00.000-07:00

...and when I'm not making jewelry or working on a mixed media piece, I make simple websites and design posters!
If you're in the V3H this morning and don't know what to do, why not come down to Blakeburn Park for some music :)

Music in the Park, Sunday June 12th: "

Bloom Fort Langley

2011-06-11T21:04:00.000-07:00

fibre friday: cotton for the summer

2011-06-10T10:25:00.001-07:00

studio portrait thursday: june 9th, originally uploaded by ebbandflo_pomomama.

Experimenting with some cotton and silks crochet on bubble chain - necklaces should be ready for the Bloom market in Fort Langley on Father's Day :)

studio portrait thursday: june 9th

2011-06-09T14:31:00.001-07:00

studio portrait thursday: june 9th, originally uploaded by ebbandflo_pomomama.

It's all about prepping for class today. On the bench, notes, notes and more notes for my upcoming teens' summer classes at Place des Arts. Five days of hard work, three different jewelry-making techniques and quite a few projects to tackle. Whew!

wordless wednesday: World Oceans Day

2011-06-08T11:43:00.000-07:00

1. beach bracelet jellyfish (fine silver charms, glass, pearls and argentium wire), 2. ACEO beach scene - mixed media sketch on wire mesh, 3. life's a beach pendant (scottish sea glass pendant with fine silver shell charm, 4. tidepool embrace brooch (mixed media with claw-set scottish sea glass on nickel silver)

In honour of World Oceans Day, a $5 donation from each sale will be made to a local sealife rehabilitation program charity, the Marine Mammal Rescue unit of the Vancouver Aquarium. Please leave a comment below if you need further information :)

beach stranded bracelet ($85)

"life's a beach" ACEO (mounted on a 6x6" cradled panel, $75)

"life's a beach" scottish sea glass and fine silver pendant ($85)

tidepool mixed media art brooch ($55)

Please note, shipping is extra (please see my Policies page for details).

friday forte: giving on empty

2011-06-06T10:50:00.000-07:00

from my other blog, and some of the digital art i'm exploring :)

friday forte: giving on empty: "

One of the worst things about not knowing what I want to do and not having a clue about how to go about it anyway, is spending every day at home, trying to stay busy and maintain purpose. I had a huge drop in confidence, wondering what the heck I was thinking of so I quietly let the intern idea just die a slow, unnoticed death. Since then, I've been trying to get as much chocolate into me as possible in an effort to make some sense out of my world. Yes, I know I'll have to bite the bullet and push myself Out There into the land of work experience and 'real work' but till then I'll hide away.

One of the best things about not having purposeful aka salaried employment is having time on my hands. Earlier this year, my son's former ECE teacher was diagnosed with rapidly progressing ALS complicated by fronto-temporal dementia. She's 29 years old and dying. She has three children, the oldest is five years, and a loving husband wondering how on earth he's going to cope. Melissa and I lost touch when my wee guy started kindergarten, but another friend, the amazing Tammy, kept up the friendship and since learning the news has become a one-woman fundraising machine. She's already achieved over 1088 orders for cookie dough pails, and has a Zumba evening, silent auction, and Music in the Park day lined up.

... which is where little old stay-at-home me comes in. I donated a website, 4melissa.blogspot.com, so that Tammy can centralise the event information and keep her volunteers updated. I've also added a Donate Now button and linked it to a new PayPal account. If I can't donate money I can still give my time and skills to help a couple of friends. Good luck Tammy. Good luck Melissa.

So go! What's stopping you? Check out the website - see where you can help too.