Anvil Envy

 Brinnngggg, brinnnggg...Hello?...We have had a cancellation in our formforming class starting tomorrow and have a space available if you are able to attend...Um, let me call you right back.  I had tried everything to get into this class and had to settle being on the waiting list, with no actual hope of getting in. I had actually forgotten that it was coming up. They called on Wednesday morning for a Thursday evening start, which if I were close this would not be a problem but the school is an hour away and somebody has to tell husband that I will not be working on Friday. Also, I would have to call my BFF, ask to sleep on her couch, and to be transported to and from the art school for the weekend.  So I spilled all this to Husband quickly and hoped for the best...which I got. He said that I had the money put back, a free place to stay, and would not have this chance with this instructor again so I had better get to planning.  Yep, he is a keeper.  

This Masters class was taught by Charles Lewton-Brain, the founder of the formforming technique (using hammers, force, and heat to make beautiful organic forms with metal sheet).  What that means is that all the other ladies (and one gentleman) KNEW what an opportunity this was.   I, on the other hand, just thought that it would be a great thing to learn (piddle with) to incorporate into my sculptures.  Little did I know what a great opportunity I was given.  The amount of information he shared with us was incredible and he can forge metal at the speed of light.  By Sunday afternoon my head was stuffed full and was reeling.  I needed a nap.

I also have a list of other things I need...a vise and a couple of special hammers (to start), some soldering supplies for annealing, fire blocks because apparently me using a cinder block is bad because it might blow up and an anvil.  Now I don't really NEED an anvil but I always have anvil envy when I take a metal class there.

Now to the picture above.  While I really like the finished piece, (so did the instructor, yea) the actual formed metal part looked nothing like it was supposed to.  It did not start out to look like a boat.  The plan was to have it curve around on itself, which mine did not, and have a beautiful flowing leaf form on the other end, mine was stunted.  I was still happy that I was able to get the metal to move somewhat, if just not in the intended way.  As for the color, during the patina discussion, I offered my piece up for the demo and the lovely blue color gave way to the mermaid idea.  

It was a lovely weekend with great weather, spending time with BFF, and being immersed in a new art form.  I could not ask for anything better.

Peace,

Hilari

#arrowmont #craftexperience

One slight push and Weeeeee!

 One Slight Push

I have become obsessed with creating these little metal based rockers.  I have actually only made 3 but I really enjoy making and playing with them. Using hand sheers I cut a 2.5 to 3 inch circle out of a metal sheet from Lowes, sand the edges, and bend it in half with a sturdy edge and wooden mallet.  I learned the hard way not to smash it shut.  Fitting the edges together as best as possible is important for ease of motion and to center the bend.  After the figures are made I use a drill press to make the holes for the wire to attach to.  Balance is key for the function of these pieces so I have had to add a little weight or slightly bend the figures to get a smooth rocking motion. I believe my next one will be a mermaid.

This past weekend our book making club, KBAG, had a gallery showing at Striped Light, a hands on printing press downtown.  Friday night around 60 people enjoyed our set up and many asked questions about construction and materials. Saturday was sale day and even though the rain (and UT vs Georgia, which we won, breaking our 5, yes 5, game losing streak) kept many at bay, we had a good time creating posters on one of the presses.  A big thanks to Brian for opening his studio to us and introducing us to his sweet daughter Samantha and Lilly, their four legged partner in crime.  Woof!

It is about that time of year for me to start thinking about what I am going to make for Christmas presents.  Actually, I started much earlier with what I thought would be the perfect gift... crochet pokey dot stockings. Oh, in the picture they were adorable.  Nope, not adorable at all.  I'm not sure if it was me or the pattern but was a bust.  And I was so proud of myself for getting a jump on things.

Monday is just about over so the weekend is just around the corner!

Peace,
Hilari

Five O'clock Shadow

Spotted by the neighbor cat while walking, I, of course, had to stop and give a friendly head rub.  Sitting with us, unconcerned, was this moth (or butterfly...wings up - butterfly ?...I never can remember), his shadow effortlessly casting at 5:00.  We were all content to share our space or at least the cat and I were.  The moth (or butterfly) could have been shaking in his boots but being strong willed, he never let it show.

Yesterday was front break job on our work van day.  Husband has a tweeky back, so I was his helper girl.  It was a beautiful day and after I gave all the assistance needed, I was free to play with the rotor destined for the trash or recycle, or whatever men do with these things.  I gathered my wire, tools, roofing tin, which I stashed after finishing the workshop, and set off.  I cut flower petals and, wishing I had a pop rivet tool, used a crop a dial to make holes and connected then together with 30 gauge floral wire.  With only one little gouge in my knuckle, I continued on with fencing wire for the stem and center of the flower.  I finished the underside of the petals with 19 and 24 gauge wire to help to soften the joins.  Now that the bugs are worked out I will make a few more stems and see where it goes from there.

My favorite quote from the internet this week comes from a conversation concerning the health issues of sodium nitrites. "Why has Jesus been dragged into the conversation about bacon".  People are funny.

Looks like another lovely day.  I hope the clouds stay clear for the evening viewing of the super moon.  Should be spectacular!

Peace,
Hilari

Nose Stuck In a Book

She Always Has Her Nose Stuck In A Book

I noticed that during the time Mother-in-Law was staying with us I spent my free time with my nose in a book.  Now, my nose is not as big at the reader here, but this nose needed to be a respectable size to get the point across.  I would have liked it to hold the weight and keep her face suspended but this just was not going to happen with this particular piece.  I will have to connect the nose to the book in a different fashion on the next attempt, though how I am not sure.  For now, I am pleased.

 * Upon further consideration, I might be able to hide the stabilizer much closer to the spine of the book to get the wanted effect...an awake at 3 am thought. Hum....will have to overcome weight and stabilization...

We have these lovely, tall, bright yellow flowers that grow free at the corner of our road.  We live in the county, just, and the county land is not as well tended as the city land.  Because of this, our little boulevard is full of trees, mimosas, and these beauties which helps to block the view of the other houses across the way.  Ours is not a thru street so it is a wonderful place to walk, do large scale chalk drawings and pet the neighbor cat.  Peaceful.

Happy First Monday Night Football of the season to all!
Hilari

Many Shades of Green

 I was raised at the doorstep of the Smokey Mountains and very thankful to parents who fostered a love for them. One of my father's heroes was Sir Edmund Hillary, so when I was 8 years old we trekked to the top of Mt. Leconte  and stayed in one of their small, musty, cold, very rustic cabins for the night.  That was Dad's Mount Everest and I am glad that he shared that with me, but I believe that my parents were just as glad to get off that mountain as I was.

I love stringing and breaking beans.  I love the smell of them cooking. (Thanks, Granny) But I hate the way they taste! In the early years Son would eat the school lunch green beans but NOT the ones from a can.  I could not figure it out because I was sure that the school did not break beans for all the little ones.  At a Boy Scout function I was introduced to a mother who worked in his school cafeteria.  I am not sure I even said "Hello" before I questioned her on her green beans.  What was her secret?!?  Ham stock, who knew...well, I'm sure many know but from someone who cannot stand to eat them, I had no idea.  This stuff was not as easy to find as you would think, or at least not where I was looking, but low and behold I tracked it down and he has been eating my beans ever since.  I just throw salt, pepper and ham stock in the pot and hope for the best.  I am not going to taste test it.

My art work has been more on the utilitarian side as of late.  Mother-in -Law has been out of her gallery/pottery shop since early June so I have been making items to help fill the shelves until she is able to work the clay.  I have been making bead earrings, crochet hats, and coptic stitch books.  Thanks to Ms. Cheryl for teaching me the coptic stitch, and for you tube for filling in the blanks where I was confused and not sure how to proceed. She is back with us after another 3 weeks in the hospital and we hope that she will be back in her house sometime next week and her shop doors open soon after.

As a side note:  One of my father's other passions was reading Sherlock Holmes stories.  My first and second names are Hilari Holmes.  I am just thankful that Bond or 007 was not in there somewhere.

Off to glue some book covers.
Peace,
Hilari

A Neighbor and a Yard Sale

This little lady was inspired by a neighbor and a yard sale.  It was a lovely Saturday morning and I had a little bit of spending money burning a hole in my pocket so I headed out to see what I could add to my art stash.  I like to find metal bits, books, really anything I think I can work with at some point and time.  A lot of the stuff is just stuff but sometimes I find a great "find".  On this particular day, it was a stack of license plates under a table.  I dug through and found a few that looked appealing.  When I purchashed them the lady told me that they belonged to her late father and it was obvious that they still meant something to her.  They were a connection to her past.  Her father was a tinker so she was pleased that they were going to be used in an art piece.  I had no idea what I was going to do with then exactly.  They were just to be added to the ever growing amount of wonderful bits that I have collected.  The only thing is I had a really hard time getting these simple license plates out of my head.  What am I going to do with them...what AM I going to do with them...On Monday I found that I had a few precious moments to my self, so I grabed the screaming license plates and got to work and this is what evolved.

I made a little girl tra-la-la-ing with her father.  It was very simple in design but just right.  I thought a moment, got in the car and delivered it to the lady.  It was a special moment. Through tears she said that her father used to spin her just like the one in the piece.  I believe there was some guidance from above.  So if you ever have that feeling, you know 'that' feeling, go with it.  You never know who may need what ever you have to offer.

Good night and sweet dreams,

Hilari

A Moment of Giddiness

Bloom Where You Are Planted

I love to see little flowers growing in unconventional places.   In some cases that are a sweet surprise.   In others they are a reminder that you can bloom where you are planted.  This one is a definite reminder of the latter. It was found growing in the pea gravel walkway of  Mother-in-law's yard today as we picked up items for her temporary move to our house due to an emergency surgery.  To me it said to remember to bloom, do not become a weed.

I'm not sure how my time will be spent the next few weeks, but with a positive attitude I am hoping to have a moment or two in the workshop while mother-in-law is recuperating...or, better yet, close by at the dining room table.  Husband will be carrying most of the work load so I, not being a very good cook ( sadly, so very true ), told him I would have supper ready when he gets home.  Not to sure how enthusiast he is about it, but he will just have to bloom with the rest of us.

 Post Wedding Petal Fun

How lucky was I to catch this absolute joyous moment in time. I truly love how the young man is giving it his all and the young ladies...they are just about to pop with giddiness.  

Off to the store for rx supplies and sugar. I can make most of my cooking taste better with a little dash of sugar.  

Happy moments of giddiness to all!

Hilari

Happy 4th

Happy 4th of July!!

 

I"m heading over to my in-laws to watch the annual Frederick fireworks.  Husband is playing cards tonight with the boys, so I will be representing our family.   It is always a great time full of OHHHs and AHHHs and plenty of WOWs.  

 

Be safe tonight and enjoy view!

Hilari

Effortlessly Swirling

Recently I had the weekend to play in out workshop and this is what came out of that stolen moment in time. Well, stolen is a bit extreme,  but I know that there were items on my to - do list that were happily, completely ignored. Seeing that, at this moment, I can only do two movements with automata, these pieces are becoming a little easier to complete. I am ready to branch out and have tried, but these are the incomplete pieces cluttering up my workbench.   I leave that particular clutter to keep pushing me not to get to comfortable with what I can do now.  I want the art piece to spin, the saw blade to hack, and Superman to fly.

I love the way the girl swirls effortlessly up in the air. Her beloved is easily able to sweep her off her feet. This is one of my favorite pieces to date.

I have been enjoying the yard sales this season,  finding old items to incorporate into new pieces.  One lady was selling her late father's license plate collection and I purchased a few to play with.  She was pleased that they were going to be up scaled into something new.  I am also on the lookout for old books that need a new life.  I found my favorite Dr Seuss book, One Fish Two Fish, and am going to make a journal out of it.  Both the covers and pages were well read and in need of a second life.

It has been one of those moments in time where we will look back and go "Whew".  The refrigerator leaked and we had to replace one third of the floor we put down before Thanksgiving.   Husband's mother has been in the hospital for over 2 weeks and will come to our house to recuperate when she is strong enough.  And my Aunt Margaret's (she is 88),  the sweetest person in the world, health has quickly declined.  But husband repaired the floor, mother-in-law is getting stronger each day and we are lifting prayers for my Aunt, so we will take each day as it comes.

Peace,
Hilari

Version 2

Version 2

I enjoyed making the project for the KBAG meeting and knowing I should be more familiar with the process before teaching it to my fellow members,  I  wondered what else I could do with the pattern.  Like others, I am fond of working with the tree motif, so I worked up a tree house.  I started with the basic pattern used in the graffiti piece and not so quickly realized that it would have to be modified.  I was able to get the tree to stand on it's root system with ease but attaching the building was more of a challenge.  Just when I would think it was stable and I could breath a little easier, I would sit back and see that it was leaning, not ever so slightly, to the left, then over adjust to the right.  When I added the ladder it became easier to stableize and correct any leans.

When you peek into the window you see a lady painting a flower.  This was the more complicated part of the design. The issues arrived when dealing with the wires coming through the wooden floor. I had bits coming from her legs, the stool and the easel and all of these needed to be tucked or incorporated into the tree limbs. After playing around with adding additional sticks, it worked out better to twist in more wire and sort of hide the small wire parts.  All in all, I am really pleased how it turned out.  It doesn't fall over and the lady seems to be happily painting away.

It looks to he a beautiful weekend.  Our yard is mowed and the zinnias are growing.  So as far as I'm concerned, all is good here. I hope the same for you.

Hilari

My Graffiti Project

It has been a busy time around here, so on my evening walk I stopped to smell the beautiful roses growing in my neighbor's flowerbed.  Our spring had been unseasonably warm but today has been lovely with much cooler temperatures and very little humidity.  I am sure I will be mentioning our repressive humidity this summer with great disdain...but not today!!

  

May was my month to lead the KBAG project and this was my sample piece.  The instructions came from Books Unbound and the use of wire caught my attention while flipping through my stash of books for a project idea.  My appreciation of street art is what inspired the finished piece, so I filled the removable book with images cut from the magazine Juxtapoz and placed my graffiti artists in position to leave their own mark.  This movement has grown in the public eye and some of the work is incredible.  I am in awe of projects on 7 story buildings, done with spray paint, with very detailed and beautiful subject matter. With that said, I do not condone graffiti that harms others or their property. 

I am so happy that the temperatures have warmed so I can get back into the workshop with a little more comfort.  Our little portable heater does not cut 30 degrees, but the window air conditioner does a great job with the heat, so I have been spending some wonderful, if not sometimes frustrating, time in the shop making some automata... well one completed and a second started.  I love the feeling when they actually move, more or less, the way I want them to.  If they get close I am thrilled.  I am sure my tolerance will be less the more projects I get under my belt.  But for now, YEA!

I hope everyone has a safe and enjoyable Memorial Day.  Thanks to all who have served!
Hilari

A Less Hurried Pace

I never knew how beautiful these little snails were. This guy was trucking along the stoop this morning so I stooped down to click a picture before I moved him to a safer route.   From afar these look gray with a gray house, but up close, Wow, what beautiful color and texture.   What a lovely surprise to start my day.

And in keeping with the nature theme, Husband directed me outside this morning to see the largest earthworm ever birthed.  Now, I wear a size 10 shoe.  No, I am not one of the lucky ones with a small, lovely foot.  The ones that go into the shoe store and come out with all these cute and colorful styles.  Try putting on a red floral, size 10 and see if they don't come across as clown feet.  But, I digress...  This ginormous worm was longer than my ginormous tennis shoe.  Even though I was impressed with its size I did not feel the need to whip out my camera.   Although, I could have been as surprised with him as I was with the snail.

To top the day off, this beauty was wandering a customer's front lawn.  He was stately with vibrant plumage of red and orange and iridescent black/teal tail feathers.  This one I could not not photograph. Nature is amazing if we remember to stop and look.

With tomorrow being Saturday,  hopefully there will be more opportunities to enjoy nature's gifts at a less hurried pace.

Peace,

Hilari

If There's A Will...

This weekend I plan to use my will to finish up some projects that have been poking around in the back of my mind for a while. For example, in 1999 BFF and I traveled to beautiful Builtmore House in Asheville NC.  While there we took pictures and saved momentos which I made into a lovely travel log for BFF.  While cleaning (use term loosely) my art room I found my said travel log...well, lets just say it is not so lovely.  That's project 1.  If I can stay on track, I hope to get projects 2 and 3 finished.  Husband is enjoying a day in the woods with friends so I have the time, hopefully, I will have the will!

I love Godzilla movies!  I watched the 1962 King Kong vs Godzilla recently and was inspired.  I want to make the creature coming out of a book, maybe covered with Godzilla comic pics, to where the book part is his midsection, legs out the side, and the upper torso above the top. I stopped by our local comic book store to get some inspiration and I have a comic on order with the art work by Matt Frank.  If you are into comics as an art form, check out his work.  I find it amazing.  Not sure how this will come about, and I hope I do not get distracted by this today, but the idea is in it's big man suit battling with projects 1,2 and 3.  I cannot start something else...well, maybe just some sketching...no, no no...

It's a beautiful day outside...enjoy
Happy Easter,
Hilari

Enjoying a Spring Breeze

This little gal is sure glad that spring has sprung her head out from the gloomy winter clouds.  She loves to have the wind gently swing her while she reads and watches the new growth pop out on her special tree.  Her dress is needle felted and, as you can see, the leaves are constructed of book pages.  Getting her to swing was a little tricky, but after trying this and that with wire, I dug in my stash and found a bird feeder chain that I could use links from.  She swung just fine but wanted to spin in circles, so back to the wire for a bit of tweaking.  Now she can relax and enjoy her book and the breeze.

 

Winter tried it's best to keep us indoors most of February and after three consecutive Friday delays, we were finally able to have our KBAG reception and showing with great success.  Even though our display was cut short, many made it out to see our books and because of their enthusiasm, we have been asked to have another showing in February 2017. We have been gathering once a month for 8 years and this gives us a reason to keep it up.  We all love learning new techniques and enjoying each others company.  

With the warmer weather, I have been able to spend a bit of time in the shop.  I have a couple of pieces, well pieces of pieces, strewn about on my workbench.  One is a magician with a rusty saw blade and it is starting to come together.  The other is still in the thinking stage so not much to report there.  Husband may be going camping this weekend so I am planning on camping out in the shop and playing with tools.  Yea!

Time for supper and some fresh made banana bread  for dessert, yum.

Peace,

Hilari

Hello, My Name Is Mike

Hello, My name is Mike

 This is Mike. He is a rescue cat from my parents front porch.  At the time Mother fed the dropped off and feral cats on the back porch and this sweet one was bullied and not allowed to eat. After much discussion (we already had 3 cats) we brought him home and have shared our love ever since.  On Sunday he was doing his level best to help me with taxes and I must say he did an excellent job.  We have them completed and ready to turn in, on time, which is tomorrow.  I am quite sure they would not have been finished without his sweet purring to keep us going.

 Icicles have been known to kill people,

you know!

We are in the throws of an ice storm, well, the backside of it, anyway.  We got our first round on Monday and a little more weather thrown in on Wednesday.   Added to that is waking up to 4 degrees this morning and going even lower tonight.  Whew!  The forecast is not so pleasant for Friday night as well.

 We are hoping our Japanese Maple, which we planted as a sapling, will pull through with minimal damage. But, I can say that we are a lot better off than many in the Northeast.  I do not know how they are able to survive getting food, going to work, etc. No area can be prepared for such a blast of winter.  My heart goes out to all who are dealing with such extremes.

With taxes and trying to stay ahead of the weather, I have not been able to get my hands into any artwork this week but if we get more winter Friday night I hope to be in and playing Saturday!

Stay warm!
Hilari

Happy Valentines Day

Happy Valentine's Day

I am not a big fan of Valentine's Day.  It was never one of my highlighted moments during my dating days.  It always seemed to hit during the dry spells or around a big breakup.  But being married for almost 24 years, it is probably about time to let it go.  The good thing is there will be half price chocolate tomorrow!!

This young lady is happily posing for her picture, showing off her Valentine's roses she received from her sweetheart.  She doesn't care that they are made of metal or that her book is covered with black and white roses.  She can see only love through her eyes.  Oh, new idea...something about rose colored glasses...hum...

On Saturday, I will be leading the project for our book making club.  I have my project picked out and somewhat put together, so my evenings this week will center around the details.  That and taxes.  As I write this, I am putting off gathering my tax info and delving in.  Since we own our own business it is somewhat daunting, but after 20 years of doing them, like Valentine's Day, I should just let it go and get to them.  Neither taxes nor Valentine's has killed me yet.

Here's to jumping in!

Hilari

Be Your True Self

For Christmas 2013 husband gave me a Barnes and Noble gift card and Saturday was the perfect day to use it.  I found a new book on book binding and one by the street artist Banksy.  While standing in line I found this book gift card holder and thought the sentiment lent itself to one of my girls. She must have felt the same because she worked up quickly.

My book creating club, KBAG, has been asked to show our work at the Fountain City Art Center in March.   It is always great to see a collection of our work presented because not only does it showcase the talent in our group but also the differences in our creative style.  The new girl is going to be shown along with Comic book reader and another new one, the Swinger.

When I get stressed I clean and yesterday was a full blown day of throwith away mode.  This time the studio got the much needed overhaul.  Today I'm in recovery mode which consists of chocolate and hot mint tea.  All will be better tomorrow.

Enjoy the sunshine today,
Hilari

Blooming in the Winter

I am very happy to say that I have been asked to put some of my artwork in James Freeman Interiors, a gallery in our downtown district.  It opened in October and they want to feature local artists along with their market purchases.   After the long spell of happenings, both good and not so, it is nice to have a real reason to make time for my sculptures. I so love to be immersed in a project and watch it come to life.

In connection with that last statement,  I had to take a break from the last project.  I cannot get the stupid wire to spin around the stupid dowel properly.  And after a considerable amount of time spent trying to accomplish this, it came to mind that a small Superman will be attached to top of said wire, which will throw off the weight and render all previous work concerning said wire spinning useless.  So back to the drawing board...at some future point.

News on BFF...After staying in local hospital for 29 days and a visit to Cleveland Clinic, they have ruled out some things and have done genetic testing to look deeper.  It will be 4-6 weeks until those results come back.  So for now, blood thinners and rest seem to be helping with the immediate problem.

We a have had a very dreary winter so far and it has weighed on my soul.  I used to love winter and the cold weather but the older I get the more need the sun.  These little beauties are happily blooming in the cold wintery weather and I will use them as a reminder to keep blooming myself!

Happy January,
Hilari

A Work in Progress

I always enjoy the holiday season...from feeding 14 at Thanksgiving all the way to making sure I get the Peeps for my father-in-law for Christmas.  I really really love the twinkley lights and the Christmas music playing everywhere. With that said, I am equally relieved when the holidays have come to an end. I make many of our gifts and am responsible for the hunting and gathering of the rest, so after all the festivities have been enjoyed, I am glad for a reprieve.

Before putting up all the decorations and outside lights, I have had a few moments to spend in the workshop.  Unfortunately, this is how I roll while trying to figure out a new idea.  This here...that there...and as always, the thing I am looking for is hiding under something else.  I have a new automata idea where a larger wheel (pictured left) will spin outside of a wooden box (center) which will move a circle of wire around a wooden 6- 8 inch tall dowel glued to the top of the box.  The wire will carry a small Superman which will circle around a person reading a comic book standing on the top of the dowel.  Clear as mud, right?  Now, you can see how my focus can create a work table that looks like this.  This time, though, I made a mock-up out of cardboard which will save a lot of wood from being unnecessarily sacrificed due to:  I think this is the right size...nope...how about a little bigger??...maybe smaller??

 A more completed idea

Yesterday I spent the day with BFF, who is back in the hospital.  Actually, that was day #22 for her second go around.  She is hanging in there but has moments of angst because all the test, doctors, pokes and prods have not been able to give the answers.  Watching someone go through this sure puts things in perspective. It is hard to complain about a bad day while others are so ill they are separated from their family and home, for days on end, especially during this time of year.  Yuck!

On a lighter note: You know when you are with the right person when he sees past the hair up in a bandana, Godzilla t shirt, and Christmas fleece pants and says that he thinks you are sexy while you are working with the scroll saw.  I think I'll keep him!

I hope everyone had a joyful holiday and safe new year!

Peace,
Hilari