Happy Mother's Day!

I spent the weekend gardening. First buying and transplanting seedlings. Then weeding. I took lots of pictures. Happy Mother's Day to everyone!

Spring Break... Leopard Slugs!

The snow is finally gone and it's
starting to 'go green' around this little knoll top 'farm'. Do three chickens and a few gardens make us a farm? At any account, I frequently think of new names to give our spot here along the Sheepscot River - depending on what's about. A few days ago I encountered a Leopard Slug in my basement. Why is it that about 15 minutes after the snow melts... the creatures arrive? When I was removing the horrid creature I opened the basement door only to find another leopard slug on the stone step. Latest farm name: Slug Convention Farm.
Other than the slugs, today ends a wonderful week long spring break. I weeded my flower bed, painted and drew in my studio, knitted 3 pairs of mittens and felted mice. I also got a copy of 'Miss Potter' the movie. I've been trying to stream this on-line to no avail. Now I own a copy and may watch it any time - it's a great movie. What a great woman. I hope you are enjoying your out doors where ever you are.

MAEA Spring Conference

I had a wonderful time at Brunswick High School yesterday. I attended the Maine Art Educator's Association Spring Conference. The title was 'Cure for the Common Core' - always a lighthearted and clever group of educators! Here are a couple of pictures from the workshop I taught on needle felting. My 'students' made butterflies and penguins.

Last night the MAEA group headed over to the Inn at Brunswick Station for an award ceremony. I received recognition for becoming a National Board Certified Teacher in Art for Early and Middle Childhood. I was given this great ceramic box - I love it. Mr. Mousey is getting in the picture to say that I will be teaching needle felting mice at PortFiber the next two Saturdays. Check out PortFiber's website to join the class!

Maine Art Educators Association Spring Conference

If you are looking for a place to live, I highly recommend Scarborough, Maine. I spent last Saturday at the Scarborough Library doing a demo on needle felting. Approximately 500 patrons came through the library that day. These people, patrons and the public, were very nice, interesting, and fun. The staff were friendly and helpful. This wonderful Library frequently holds events like this Textile Day - how cool is that?! A library that feels like the center of the community. So there you have it, move to Scarborough.

This Saturday I spent the day painting scenery panels for the school play. It was fun to paint on a large scale. In two weeks I'll be teaching a beginner's class in needle felting at the Maine Art Educator's Association Spring Conference. The conference will be at the Brunswick High School. I'm hoping to find the time to hop over to the art museum at Bowdoin College during the day. Tomorrow is April! During April school vacation I'll be teaching needle felting my mice at PortFiber. I hope to see you there!

Scarborough Public Library Textile Day

Scarborough Public Library - 'The Starry Night'  needle felted sweater

I will be doing a needle felting demo next Saturday at the Scarborough Library's 3rd Annual Textile Day. This will be felting in an 'applique' fashion. Here's a picture of my work - a sweater that I started a while ago. I will also have felted mice, mittens, and art prints at my table.
If you are interested in felting mice, I will be teaching a class at PortFiber in April - just check their website. PortFiber is a fiber artist's haven in Portland.

For the record, yesterday was Snow~Day #5! I might be in school in July at this rate!