Category Archives: Friday freebies

Friday Freebie – Threads of Blessing

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When the Sathreads1cred Ground exhibit opened at Cathedral House Gallery in late May, I met a woman named Helen Schnelzer who sponsors a wonderful program called Threads of Blessing, an annual needlework workshop for the women of Uganda. These workshops are designed to encourage women to gather as a community, learn organizational skills, and help develop personal esteem. I purchased five of the embroidered tapestries and wanted to share one with a SHARDS subscriber as a Friday Freebie. This one was embroidered by Abby Thorciba, who writes in her statement, “I have orphans I care for . . .the Lord has given me this to feed, clothe and care for them and myself.” Look at the great expression on this face!

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Here is the full tapestry – it’s about 18×18″ on unbleached muslin and could be stretched to frame or sewn into a hanging or a pillow. It’s signed by Abby Thorciba. I’ll wait until Sunday to do the Friday Freebie drawing but will let you know who the winner is Sunday night. All subscribers will have a chance to win, and I thank you so much for reading my blog.

And here’s the brochure – click on it to read it, and if you’d like to donate, you can write to The Episcopal Diocese of West Texas, Attn: Threads of Blessing, PO Box 6885, San Antonio, TX 78209 (or just email me and I can give you more information – I’m not affiliated with the program, but I definitely support its philosophy and will continue to threads3purchase these unique works).

 

 

It’s Mouse by a nose . . .

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The Friday Freebie winner is a bookish fellow whose persona is Sir S.G Mouse of the DC Area – he’s a friend from the Food and Wine list and a deserving recipient! Email me, you lucky rodent, and send me a mailing address where you little dish should be sent.

Now about those mirrors – I think I figured out how to finish them. I attached a 4″ round mirror to the back with E6000 glue (which would adhere an elephant to a Volkswagen) and then covered the mirror and the rest of the back with Mexican Amate paper made from three bark. It’s as strong as fabric but more suitable because it doesn’t slide around as much. Here’s what it looks like – the tag is about 6″ long so you can see the size. OK – wrapping it up, happy weekend, everyone, and if you’re here in San Antonio, didn’t you enjoy this wonderful rain!

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Back to Books and Basics

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I’ve been working so much on large paintings that I’ve missed doing the smaller works that I love, like journals and mixed-media collages. Fortunately, the wonderful Nueva Street Gallery owners sent out a call to me for more of both. I just complete six journals for them in a format that was developed especially for their lovely gallery in historic La Villita. Part of that format includes incorporating face shards in the design. Here are some photos. These will be available at Nueva Street Gallery as soon as I get down there tomorrow or Tuesday. I put a new little label on the library card that goes inside the journals – it says La Vida es Buena – Life is Good. Yep!

PS If you’ve read this far, the Overdue Friday Freebie will be a journal like one of these – all subscribers to Shards are in the pot! You can choose your favorite and I’ll make one for you that is similar.

 

Friday Freebie – little spring cards

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I saw the most amazing redbud tree yesterday on my way to Trinity, and all of the ornamental pears are loaded with white blossoms – spring is definitely coming out all over. Here are some little cards to tie on baskets or bouquets. You can print them out, cut and fold them, and attach them to Something Nice for Someone.

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Friday Freebie: Secret Skin Formula

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Hazelnut OilSpeaking of aromatherapy, today’s freebie is my never-before-revealed aromatherapy formula for the best skin treatment. It really is nice, natural and effective – friends ask me to make it for them often and now you can make it for yourself – Ta Dah! It starts with Hazelnut Oil. You can order it from fancy spa sites, but guess what? You can buy it in the gourmet oil section of Central Market or Whole Foods for much less. And it’s food grade, so it’s very pure. I’m giving you two formulas, below, but the first one is my favorite. Essential Oil of Lavender is easy to find, Frankincense not so much (and it’s pricey). But lately I’ve just been using Lavender Oil on its own and its still wonderfully effective. Don’t mix it in larger quantities than two ounces, and don’t refrigerate it. This should last you at least a month, because you don’t need very much. It’s non-greasy and is especially good for your neck and eye area (don’t get it in your eyes!)

Here’s the formula – there’s lots of other information on the Chemaroma website that I share with Dr. Bill Kurtin. Happy Friday!

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Friday Freebie – get in the spring spirit

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I’m having my first workshop on Creating Spirit Dolls this Sunday. That one is full, but there is another one on Sunday, March 24th, that has spaces if you’d like to sign up. There is also a very eclectic workshop on Creating Mala Meditation Bracelets and Prayer Flags on March 17th. Celebrate spring and refresh your spirit!

Today’s freebie is a booklet for everyone about Spirit Dolls – I put it together last Sunday when I was working by myself in the Studio making my own Spirit Doll. It was an odd experience – she really seemed to become “real” as I worked with the fabric, twigs and clay. Here’s a link to the booklet. I’d love it if you came to the workshop at the Studio and worked with the group, but you can try it on your own as well with these instructions.

PS – I’ve also done an update on my webpage that,hopefully, will make it easier to find out about events at the Studio.

Freebie winner & weekend updates

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Congrats to my old pal Clif Tinker for being the lucky random-number draw-ee for the Shard Faces. Clif’s work is colorful and fun – here’s his cactus painting:Clif's Cactua

Clif abristowsepiand I share a love for Bill Bristow, Trinity Art Professor Emeritus, who is coming out of semi-retirement to start a series of drawing classes at my Studio next week. The first class filled instantly, and there will be a second one on March 6th. Email me if you want to be included in Bristow’s class info and schedules.

Other cool things happening at the Studio – I’ve scheduled a second workshop for Spirit Dolls – these little soft sculptures are resonating with so many people. this one will be on Sunday, March 24th, from 3-5. You can reserve a spot on my PayPal page or Email me. I think there are three spaces left. And there are poetry readings, a guest lecture on Creativity and Intent by TOCI founder Heather Ash Amara, and a very special two-day workshop with renowned encaustic artist Michelle Belto in April, so stay tuned. Thanks so much for subscribing to Shards and being a part of the Studio happenings – happy weekend, y’all!! ♥♥♥