Chicken Mittens!

Chicken Mittens by: Snow-Day Artist

My chicken mitten pattern is almost ready to fly. I have put many an hour into this pattern in order to create directions for 6 sizes. The sizes range from a Baby (thumb-less) up to Medium Size Adult (women's). I've knit these in various color ways to inspire possibilities. Cluck, Cluck!

Who Turned on November?

 Wow - where has the time gone and how did I land in the month of November?! Actually, I know exactly where all the time has gone. My district switched over to 'Standards Based' or 'Proficiency Based learning and grading this year. There has been a huge learning curve. I would say truthfully that there has been more of a learning curve for the software program that we enter our assessments into than the concept of Proficiency Based Learning. I am very lucky to work with a supportive group of dedicated educators. With a few 'bumps in the road', we made it through our first set of Parent/Teacher conferences last week.

Perce Rock (Pierced Rock)

Side view of Perce Rock

Distant view of Perce Rock

Speaking of the road, last month we went on a little road trip to celebrate our 30th anniversary. After turning our pick-up into a 'campah', we spent five days driving around the Gaspe Peninsula in Quebec. We had a great time - a much needed little break. I'm glad I researched campgrounds ahead of time because most had already shut down for the season. We ate well, read good books, and soaked up the gorgeous views.

School Underway, Good-Bye to Summer

I've had a remarkably busy month and a half. School is well underway now. My students will have their artwork on the walls of the DOE in Augusta from 10/1/14 through 12/31/14. My annual school mural is done. This is the 10th year I've created a mural with my students and staff. Actually, this year it was fully the students - not enough squares for the staff! I broke from tradition and created a 'quilt' like mural of a folktale. The story is: 'Anansi the Spider', and the students love all the color.
Last month had me in California for a wonderful wedding. After photographing way too many palm trees while I was out there... I bought myself a little palm tree for my drafting table.

view from the wedding venue....

My mittens were featured in a Blast From the Past post on the Handmade Movement blog:

http://handmademovement.blogspot.com/

Summertime... Summertime

Poppy in progress

Lots of painting in my studio for July and August. It's all about flowers this summer. I am so grateful the poppy seeds I got in Vermont last summer produced another crop this year. After shocking red-orange petals, their pods have such wonderful shapes and patterns.
I've just loaded my Sweet Peas print in my Etsy shop. I'm happy with how it came out.

This summer's weather has been lovely - truly a gift after that cold winter. I'd like it to go on and on but the 'back to school' flyers are arriving in the mail and I'm starting to 'prep' in little ways.

Sweet Peas print in my Etsy shop here

Needle Felting on Mittens

 SnowDay Artist - Genevieve Keller

Here's my latest pair of fingerless mittens. I've needle felted panels on the fronts. In order to have the mittens accept the felting, they were knit with 3 strands of worsted weight yarn.
This shade of green is just about my favorite color. The design feels like 'Celtic Art Nouveau' if there is such a style. Happy 4th of July!

 SnowDay Artist - Genevieve Keller