my 2 dads

In our on-going series of nesting projects in preparation for baby, we decided to clear up some space in the living room/dining room/kitchen by eliminating the dining table (!) and replacing it with a kitchen island.  In my search for counter stools to accompany it, I came across these beauts...

...and Chad found these...

...which reminded us a bit of this:

Chad's father, Dane, is a very talented carpenter and furniture builder, yet in our home, we had nothing that he has made.  Also, my father, David, a retired teacher and amateur historian, has experience with the traditional shaker craft of chair taping.  And so, and idea was born...

 

Photos of the finished product to follow shortly :)

snow day

I took my large self for a walk today and thought about this time last year, and this time next year, and what a wonderful time I am in now; this whole wide world laid out before me.

raw/cooked

 

Kristof Wickman's exhibit closes this week on November 27.  
He is the first artist featured in the Raw/Cooked series at the Brooklyn Museum.

changing of the guard

 

 

 Seasons in transition

five

Five years ago I made my best decision so far.  Although we celebrated in no grand style, we spent time together in ways that are meaningful to us, and the life we've built together.  Chad, I'd do it again and again.  With every breath, I'd do it again.

My dear one surprised me with a most lovely gift made of the token symbol of this particular anniversary: wood.  This necklace was made by a local artist who resides in Carrol Gardens, and was acquired at Feliz, a gem of a shop in Clinton Hill (I must ask Genevieve what exactly makes her space smell so amazing!)  I think it looks especially nice paired with this ring by Brooklyn-based jeweler Blanca Monros Gomez.  It makes me feel stylish and pretty and well loved.   <3

collographs

Last week, Fionnuala sent us home with a 1-gallon Ziplock bag.  Inside: the stuff dreams are made of.

Our assignments was to create a collograph in preparation for our second makers' gathering to be held during the brunch hour at her house on Saturday, where we'd be experimenting with the art of printmaking.  After struggling with my typical desires to have everything "just so", I finally surrendered to the process and came up with something I was quite happy with.

 

After a brief tutorial on the printing press, we set to work mixing color and inking our plates.  

*Apologies for the dark photos--I'd temporarily misplaced my camera battery charger and was using an unfamiliar substitute :)

jammin'

photo: Hana Pockat

photo: Hana Pockat

A few weeks ago I hosted a lovely group of friends for tea party and instructional meeting, during which we made and canned homemade jam from the berries we'd picked and frozen (with this purpose in mind) earlier in the season.  

As the weather turns cool, our outdoor excursions together may likely be replaced by what we hope to develop into a series of gatherings that aim to share with each other our varied talents in the fine and domestic arts.  

Next up: printmaking with Fionnuala.