Friday, June 15, 2012

Birdhouse yarn bomb!

The birds are chirping, the yarn is bright...why not brighten up the day for a few friends and the birdies! I decided to yarn bomb a few birdhouses and then secretly leave them at the home of 2 dear friends and avid bird lovers.

finished bird houses!

This is what I started with...a pre-made birdhouse (I am NOT a carpenter...yet!) and 4 rolls of yarn (purchased for $1.00 each!).


Before...

And then they were bombed...front pieces were created with felt. For the house on the left I used green wool and felted it and the house on the right I used felt that I had purchased.

see the button!

Operation Yarn Bandit...drop off time!

getting ready to deliver!

So, I tipped toed to my friend Barbara's door - a yarn bomber does not want to be caught and I was doing this in broad daylight! And left the house by her front door...

goodbye birdhouse...enjoy your new home!

And then I drove over to my friend Chris' home. Her car was gone so I knew I was safe for a few minutes...and I left the bird house by her back door to await her return.

waiting...
Chris has a fence in her garden with several bird houses. I hope this one will be added to 'Bird House Row'!

P.S. I wasn't caught but Chris knew immediately who the yarn bandit was! Barb thought it was Chris so at least I fooled her for a few minutes.


Monday, June 4, 2012

Here and There - Connecting Across The Pond


On Thursday, June 21, 2012 from 10:00am until 11:30am, I will be at The Delaware Art Museum in Wilmington, Delaware as I co-create a labyrinth walk with Linda Gordon.

The labyrinth will be walked simultaneously in Wilmington, DE and Devon, England as part of The Home and The World Creative Summit, a summit for creative artist and thinkers.

We will connect live via Skype with Environmental artist Linda Gordon (for more information on Linda's work visit Linda Gordon's website).

Here are a few samples of her inspirational work...

Photo property of Linda Gordon.

Photo property of Linda Gordon.

For more information on the Summit visit Aune Head Arts.

Walk is outdoors and at the mercy of the elements...in the event of heavy rain we will connect via Skype but we may not walk! Join me if you can...

Thursday, April 26, 2012

Coming To The Table Gathering Richmond Hill, Virginia


In March I had the opportunity to join a group of descendants of slaves, slave owners and slave traders at The Coming to the Table (www.comingtothetable.org) conference. Coming to the Table (CTTT) is an organization that "provides leadership, resources and a supportive environment for all who wish to acknowledge and heal wounds from racism that is rooted in the United States’ history of slavery." The weekend was filled with tears, stories, connections, awareness and friendship (newly formed and reconnections).

Cupola 

The conference was held in the sacred space of Richmond Hill Virginia. Richmond Hill (RH) is "an ecumenical retreat center based on prayer, healing, hospitality and reconciliation."  The retreat center is distinctively Christian, but welcomes people of other faiths who chose to worship there. Richmond Hill houses a full-time residential community that supports the operation of the retreat center. One special feature I enjoyed was the rhythm of prayer at RH - prayer or silence is expected 3 times a day for 15 minutes (7am, 12 noon and 6 pm). I welcomed the ringing of the bells as an opportunity in reflect and spiral inwards towards prayer and contemplation.


The Labyrinth

Of course, I was thrilled to find out they have a beautiful labyrinth. I walked the path several times during the weekend including early morning as the sun was rising and late at night with the City of Richmond lights illuminating the path.


Basketball Anyone?

And remember...it's not all work/prayer and no play! I loved the basketball hoop especially since Play and Leisure have been my field of study!


Cupola and view of Richmond

The Cupola sits alone on top of the retreat center and overlooks the City of Richmond. With windows on all 4 sides, a table to hold my morning coffee and cushioned chairs to support me, the cupola offered a special space to sit, meditate and write. I wrote the following poetry sketch in the comfort of the cupola.

Growing Into Oneself

Growing up
Growing older
Growing into oneself
How does one grow into oneself?
Why is it so painful?
Is the pain caused by the expansion of oneself?
Does this leave room for more?
More understanding...
More love...
More pain...
More compassion...
Arm's open
Christ on the cross
Acceptance and love
Speak less - listen and love more.


fuzzy photo from the garden!

Stay tuned for more on this amazing journey with CTTT...and think about joining me in Richmond Hill in August for an overnight retreat!

Thursday, March 29, 2012

Rock Yarn Bomb in Wilmington, DE
(corner of Green Hill & Pennsylvania Ave)

finished rock!

There once was a displaced rock that waited to be reconnected with her wall....


Spring had sprung and the flowers were blooming...

felted flowers with button centers

Then one day someone came to visit the rock and wrapped it with warm felted wool (it does get chilly in the evenings during springtime), embellished with a crocheted vines and flowers and returned it to its home on the wall...


Now the rock is warm and safe and hopefully is bringing a smile to weary commuters faces as they travel to and from work and school in downtown Wilmington!

view from across the 4 lanes of Pennsylvania Ave.

If you happen to drive by....stop to visit the gardens at Gibraltar and the gardens at University of Delaware, Wilmington campus (both are located at this corner of Pennsylvania Ave & Green Hill Road). 

Tuesday, February 14, 2012

Yarn bombing a cup of coffee...

Have I lost my mind?

Actually, my dear friend Robyn (www.rainbowweaves.blogspot.com) was offering up a "Queen of Hearts" challenge and I wondered how I could incorporate yarn and a Valentine's gift. This is what I came up with...



A coffee cozy with LOMA Cafe coffee!


I decided to create a coffee cozy by knitting a rectangle, sewing a crocheted chain into the shape of a heart and then whip stitching it into a tube shape.


before I sewed up the cozy!

Then I added a cup of delicious LOMA Cafe coffee and gave it away to a man on the street as I wished him a Happy Valentine's Day. It is sometimes nice to give your heart away!

Wishing everyone a HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!!!

Monday, February 13, 2012

A Desire For Spring...


This weekends beautiful dusting of snow has melted and left behind freezing temperatures and blustery winds. So this week I decided to add a little color and thoughts of spring in my 'yarn bomb' by adding flowers.

Yarn bomb in Wilmington, DE

I knitted a band to wrap around a tree just off the parking lot of WYRA (Wilmington Youth Rowing Association) where my daughter, Kelly, rows crew.

Christina River

The boat house host the WYRA crew teams (novice & varsity), University of Delaware Crew and St. Marks crew team....needless to say, it is a busy place!

Boat house parking lot

A parting shot of the empty dock...too cold to go out on the river but spring season is a few weeks away!

View of the floating dock...waiting for warmer weather!

Sunday, February 5, 2012

Yarn-bombing Meters On Market Street!

Yarn-bombing!!!

Today I had the opportunity to 'yarn-bomb' for the first time. I spent time last week knitting the 'bomb' and I decided to attach it today (I figured everyone would be getting ready for the Super Bowl and the meters are free on Sun.)...with my 14 year old daughter, Kelly, as look-out.



Finished pieces before installation.

I yarn-bombed 2 parking meters in Wilmington. There has been a recent brouhaha concerning parking in the City of Wilmington (see www.wilmingtonparking.blogspot.com) and I have had several 'run in's' with the meter men. In one situation the man was downright rude – but I would hate his job so I decided to try to brighten their day instead.


First Meter Completed!


So tomorrow morning, if you are on Market St (in front of Film Bros. & Bloomsbury Flowers – 205 & 207 N. Market) stop by, see if they are still there, get a cup of coffee at LOMA and see if the meter men & women are smiling!!

Second Meter

Hummmm....what should I Yarn-bomb next?


Caught in the act!!!

Thursday, October 6, 2011

postcard project....going strong!

The postcard project is going strong and I am still having fun deciding which postcard best fits which friend! Although I have strayed from mailing just the 'book covers' and I have created a few cards and look forward to altering some postcards as well.

Here are a few I recently sent...

Sent to my dear friend Robyn Joseph's in Asheville, NC!

Sent to Barbara Seymour...gardener/landscape architect extraordinaire! 

Send to Chris DeGrado...a VERY intelligent woman indeed!

Sent to Amy Isaacs - SoulCollage facilitator and her office is on Circle Ave in Salisbury, MD!

Have you sent any postcards recently? Share the details!


Monday, September 19, 2011

Postcards continue to be written...

Although I have not written about the postcard project the past few days that doesn't mean I have not sent any!  I have sent the following postcards to the following fabulous people...

September 16, 2011. My brother Ed Rollins and I share a love for the Tour de France. A local company, Lead Graffiti, created a poster a day during the 'tour' (23 posters in 23 days) and I purchased several postcards created from a makeready sheet. For more information on Lead Graffiti visit www.leadgraffiti.com. My big brother has always been there for me and continues to amaze me as he travels in his own 'tour de executor' of my parents estate. Definitely not a fun job but he has been rolling along despite a few crashes on the hairpin turns. He is my "King of the Mountain"!!

Tour de France card for my brother Ed

September 17, 2011. Joanne Reinbold is a friend, labyrinth inspired artist and brilliant writer. My life has been blessed by her presence. Together we dreamed of 'a room of our own' to create and share. But Joanne did more than dream....she manifested it at her church. Now we are creating finger labyrinths, collage cards, talisman pendants, books and friends. Thank you Joanne...

Joanne Reinbold & I dream of having a room/studio of our own!

September 18, 2011. I consider Diane Terry-Kehner my labyrinth sister. Kindness, friendship and love flow from her like the fountain of youth! Her postcard is also a "Tour de France" card because she is not only fluent in french (and a french teacher) but a trip to Chartres opened her heart even wider. Although Diane lives less than an hour away we only see each other at TLS (The Labyrinth Society) board meeting. I think that needs to change...and I will change it. Watch out Diane...I'm heading to New Jersey!

Diane Terry-Kehner - the energy of the labyrinth!

September 19, 2011. "All the world's a stage, and all the men and women merely players. They have their exits and their entrances..." This quote from William Shakespeare captures part of Janice Toomey gifts. As a teacher at NCCL (Newark Center for Creative Learning), she was able to instill a love of theatre especially Shakespeare and Gilbert & Sullivan. Janice is a role model as she always goes above and beyond, teaching team work, cooperation, understanding and dedication through her actions...I am blessed to have her in my circle of friends.

"All The World's A Stage" and Janice Toomey is a star!

Thursday, September 15, 2011

The Catcher In The Rye

Postcard #3 has been written, stamped and ready to be mailed. J.D. Salinger's The Catcher In The Rye will soon arrive in my sister Connie's mailbox. What a great book and my sister is "a catcher in the rye" - she has caught me many times as I ventured near the cliff. Thanks Connie for being a wonderful sister, a fantastic role model, a creative inspiration and especially thanks for having arms big and strong enough to catch me. I love you!

Originally published in 1951...and still a great read!

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

The Universe is screaming at me!!

The month of August has been a blur...my daughter Kelly was sick and ended up in the hospital with pneumonia. Then it was my turn but I had to do better (my competitive side is coming out!). I ended up with pneumonia in both lungs, the blood test revealed I was recovering from mono, I popped a rib coughing, then I was stung by a bee. All this in the midst of a hurricane, a tornado, an earthquake and the rainiest August on record. Needless to say...my backyard pilgrimages have been put on hold.

So what is a pilgrim to do when she doesn't have the energy to walk to the backyard - or the mailbox! She decides to send postcards, letters and thank you notes. Several things have occurred that inspired me to write letters.  First was winning a bid on the Labyrinth Society's Online Auction. Letters From The Lighthouse began to arrive in my mailbox. Wonderful stories of life in Victoria, BC and the Carmanah Lighthouse. Janett Etzhorn inspires me, makes me laugh with her stories, has me thinking of my younger years when I had a pen pal and reminiscing my Cunard cruise ship/Golden Door/Rancho La Puerta days of travel and communication (pre-internet days!). 

The second hint from the universe occurred after my mother passed away in April. I was amazed at the kindness of friends. Letters, calls, emails, gifts and flowers arrived. What a joy to greet the day with a trip to the mailbox and find thoughts of  love, encouragement and condolences. I felt truly blessed.

The universe continued to talk...well, maybe scream. On a June trip to Maine the cabins mail was delivered by boat. I simply loved this idea and hope to maybe catch a ride on the mail boat next year!

Belgrade Lakes Mailbox
Then, I was in Anthropologie when I came across a packet of 100 Book Covers in One Box. It was a box of Postcards From Penguin. I purchased the box with thoughts of writing the 100 postcards in 100 or so days. The box sat on my desk for over a month.

One Hundred Penguin Book Cover Postcards

Next I heard the news that the US postal system announced budget problems due to the fact that they are too large of an organization and many people are emailing, texting or calling instead of letter writing. Lastly I went to Border's for the final closing sale and came across a book titled Good Mail Day. A Primer for Making Eye-popping Postal Art. Of course I had to buy it...and it was 70% off.

Isn't everyday a good mail day?
Now the fun has begun...searching through the postcards deciding who should receive which one. I found a perfect postcard for my friend Kimberly Saward.

For Kimberly - a knitting Goddess!

So yesterday I sat down and put pen to paper. And mailed the postcard off to England.

Today I wrote a card to Janett Etzhorn. Her book title was D.H. Lawrence's Lady Chatterley's Lover. I think she will understand why...Janett think paddleboards, testosterone and 2 German women!

Some of the postcards.
Well...2 down, 98 to go! Have a favorite Penguin book? Would you prefer a letter or postcard instead of bills and junk mail? Send me your address and anticipate delivery. Let's get back to the joy of getting something in the mail!

Thursday, July 14, 2011

Ceramic Finger Labyrinths & Collage Cards

Sharing the labyrinth and crafting are my passions. Recently I have had the opportunity to share the labyrinth and labyrinth inspired art during a series of workshops at First & Central Presbyterian Church in Wilmington. I love the opportunties the labyrinth offers in developing and opening your creative side or right brain.

Last month we created ceramic finger labyrinths with Jenny Reazor-Davies. Many of the participants had never worked with clay but Jenny was so supportive and encouraging that the labyrinths are all beautiful works of art. We had the opportunity to play in clay, share a celebratory pot luck feast and enjoy a group labyrinth walk.







Last night a group of 7 gathered together to create Collage Cards based on the work of Seena Frost and SoulCollage. It was a lovely evening full of contemplation and cutting (plus some ripping of paper and laughter!). It is always impressive how random pictures can be cut out and pasted together and evoke a variety of emotions, especially after spending time with the journalling prompts.









Next month (August 17th) we will be creating Prayer Beads and Packets incorporating several different methods to infuse our beads with prayers, positive thoughts and wishes. What are you inspired to create?