tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15061721413053825432024-03-05T00:44:51.505-07:00Bobbi's ArtArt as Life and Life as ArtAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11096973688127898453noreply@blogger.comBlogger698125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1506172141305382543.post-968664654860074562013-04-26T08:02:00.002-06:002013-04-26T08:02:13.627-06:00Surprise! I've Moved!I've been busy, busy, busy creating a new website and today it's ready! Click over here to see it <a href="http://bobbilewin.com/">bobbilewin.com</a>. Don't forget to update your bookmarks:)Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11096973688127898453noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1506172141305382543.post-72257115761435012592013-04-24T12:42:00.000-06:002013-04-24T12:42:58.267-06:00My Book ProblemI want to start this post by apologizing for the poor photo quality. Apparently I was having a blurry picture day yesterday. I think it's time to admit to myself that I need to start wearing my glasses when I take photos, but I find it so awkward. What about you? Do you wear your glasses when taking photos?<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/bobbi_jean/8677854441/" title="books_1 by Bobbi_Jean, on Flickr"><img alt="books_1" height="355" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8527/8677854441_37a066d5eb_o.jpg" width="530" /></a></div>
So, I am here today to confess my book addiction. I have stacks of books everywhere.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/bobbi_jean/8677854405/" title="books by Bobbi_Jean, on Flickr"><img alt="books" height="355" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8118/8677854405_f7a8bdd069_o.jpg" width="530" /></a></div>
I have books about diet and cooking.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/bobbi_jean/8678964014/" title="books_2 by Bobbi_Jean, on Flickr"><img alt="books_2" height="355" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8541/8678964014_c22bfc8e7e_o.jpg" width="530" /></a></div>
Books to read with future plans in mind.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/bobbi_jean/8678964076/" title="books_4 by Bobbi_Jean, on Flickr"><img alt="books_4" height="355" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8393/8678964076_1f9eedbf14_o.jpg" width="530" /></a></div>
Books to help me grow my business.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/bobbi_jean/8678964122/" title="books_5 by Bobbi_Jean, on Flickr"><img alt="books_5" height="355" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8381/8678964122_248efa739e_o.jpg" width="530" /></a></div>
Books that inform my art.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/bobbi_jean/8678964156/" title="books_7 by Bobbi_Jean, on Flickr"><img alt="books_7" height="355" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8526/8678964156_001a0c2880_o.jpg" width="530" /></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/bobbi_jean/8678964156/" title="books_7 by Bobbi_Jean, on Flickr"></a></div>
You know those lists of "most important books to read before you die"? I have pulled together all the ones I could find in our possession, in hopes that I will get around to reading or re-reading them.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/bobbi_jean/8677854583/" title="books_8 by Bobbi_Jean, on Flickr"><img alt="books_8" height="794" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8540/8677854583_5432aa4586_o.jpg" width="530" /></a></div>
I have books that I sit things on.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/bobbi_jean/8678964202/" title="books_9 by Bobbi_Jean, on Flickr"><img alt="books_9" height="355" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8530/8678964202_e45c2d6e23_o.jpg" width="530" /></a></div>
I have too many books that I've begun and then gotten distracted by something else and so wandered off.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/bobbi_jean/8678964254/" title="books_10 by Bobbi_Jean, on Flickr"><img alt="books_10" height="355" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8519/8678964254_a395b6acb7_o.jpg" width="530" /></a></div>
Let's not even talk about the magazines!<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/bobbi_jean/8677854679/" title="books_11 by Bobbi_Jean, on Flickr"><img alt="books_11" height="355" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8531/8677854679_fd987f4e79_o.jpg" width="530" /></a></div>
And there are new books that have suddenly showed up! In my favor, I did walk right past the bookstore today without going in. I was on my way to the library;)<br />
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What are you reading?Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11096973688127898453noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1506172141305382543.post-67750173032241413412013-04-22T12:36:00.001-06:002013-04-22T12:36:37.093-06:00Join Me for a Virtual Gallery Tour<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/bobbi_jean/8671625213/" title="usdg show opening_8 by Bobbi_Jean, on Flickr"><img alt="usdg show opening_8" height="355" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8541/8671625213_f3d1bc8f87_o.jpg" width="530" /></a></div>
The Utah Surface Design Group show opened Friday night at the Michael Berry Gallery here in Salt Lake. It was absolutely wonderful! Members of the group made their own interpretations of prayer flags, which were strung across the space.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/bobbi_jean/8672726838/" title="usdg show opening_7 by Bobbi_Jean, on Flickr"><img alt="usdg show opening_7" height="355" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8384/8672726838_2b488c5758_o.jpg" width="530" /></a></div>
We had a really good turn out of visitors to the gallery. There were so many stunning pieces of work. Here, I was trying to capture a patron as he viewed the art, but when he saw the camera he ducked out of the picture frame:)<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/bobbi_jean/8672726932/" title="usdg show opening_10 by Bobbi_Jean, on Flickr"><img alt="usdg show opening_10" height="794" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8386/8672726932_af4336f672_o.jpg" width="530" /></a></div>
It was fun to watch people discuss my work.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/bobbi_jean/8671624933/" title="usdg show opening_1 by Bobbi_Jean, on Flickr"><img alt="usdg show opening_1" height="794" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8526/8671624933_895c375328_o.jpg" width="530" /></a></div>
I loved seeing it on the wall with the little info cards beside.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/bobbi_jean/8671624941/" title="usdg show opening_2 by Bobbi_Jean, on Flickr"><img alt="usdg show opening_2" height="355" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8403/8671624941_85b1504e92_o.jpg" width="530" /></a></div>
This was an addition to <a href="http://bobbilewin.blogspot.com/2013/04/installing-show.html" target="_blank">a piece I showed you last week</a>. This work is by Polly Masaryk.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/bobbi_jean/8672726612/" title="usdg show opening_3 by Bobbi_Jean, on Flickr"><img alt="usdg show opening_3" height="355" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8520/8672726612_3555d07b8a_o.jpg" width="530" /></a></div>
This is a close up of a large piece by Mimi Rodes. Don't you just want to touch it and run your fingers through that shaggy texture?<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/bobbi_jean/8671625041/" title="usdg show opening_4 by Bobbi_Jean, on Flickr"><img alt="usdg show opening_4" height="355" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8264/8671625041_7f4797918b_o.jpg" width="530" /></a></div>
I had fun discussing my work too:)<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/bobbi_jean/8672726740/" title="usdg show opening_5 by Bobbi_Jean, on Flickr"><img alt="usdg show opening_5" height="794" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8545/8672726740_9c5666182e_o.jpg" width="530" /></a></div>
This piece is by Chris Bramhall. It's a Korean felted paper technique called Joomchi. I watched a demonstration of this last month and can't wait to try it out myself!<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/bobbi_jean/8671625377/" title="violets and linens_6 by Bobbi_Jean, on Flickr"><img alt="violets and linens_6" height="355" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8254/8671625377_af80e6eecf_o.jpg" width="530" /></a></div>
A sweet friend and member of the group gifted me with these exquisite linens passed down from her and her husband's grandmothers. My mind is already churning away, imagining what they might become!<br />
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Thank you for joining me on this tour:) I'll see you on Wednesday!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11096973688127898453noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1506172141305382543.post-22549579715301893132013-04-19T10:51:00.001-06:002013-04-19T10:51:45.330-06:00Crocheting, Listening to the News, and Sending Love out to the World<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/bobbi_jean/8663652774/" title="crochet garden_4 by Bobbi_Jean, on Flickr"><img alt="crochet garden_4" height="355" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8241/8663652774_c19bde421c_o.jpg" width="530" /></a></div>
I think I won't be getting much done today. I'm glued to the tv keeping up with the news. I have my crocheting in my lap, and I'm holding Boston in my thoughts. It seems impossible to concentrate on anything else, so I'm not even going to try.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/bobbi_jean/8662554747/" title="May Baskets by Bobbi_Jean, on Flickr"><img alt="May Baskets" height="355" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8247/8662554747_b58868c8ca_o.jpg" width="530" /></a></div>
I did finish some new <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/129704426/tussie-mussie-crochet-flower-cone?ref=shop_home_feat" target="_blank">May Baskets</a> this week and listed them in the shop. These were a lot of fun to make, and brought back happy memories of childhood May Days.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/bobbi_jean/8662554799/" title="May Baskets_2 by Bobbi_Jean, on Flickr"><img alt="May Baskets_2" height="355" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8240/8662554799_f06138a4f7_o.jpg" width="530" /></a></div>
I'll go back to crocheting and watching the news now. At some point I need to get ready for the exhibit opening tonight. It's so hard to even care about that right now. How do you carry on with business as usual when there is such turmoil taking place? I know that in other countries this kind of chaos is business as usual. What are your thoughts?Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11096973688127898453noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1506172141305382543.post-79066359626167800792013-04-17T13:09:00.000-06:002013-04-17T13:09:02.735-06:00Fermenting Things<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/bobbi_jean/8657792479/" title="fermenting things by Bobbi_Jean, on Flickr"><img alt="fermenting things" height="355" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8119/8657792479_9f38cb13bb_o.jpg" width="530" /></a></div>
There's a lot of fermentation and culturing going on over at our house. I'm re-learning how to make yogurt.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/bobbi_jean/8658898408/" title="fermenting things_1 by Bobbi_Jean, on Flickr"><img alt="fermenting things_1" height="355" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8105/8658898408_7b1c0b10c9_o.jpg" width="530" /></a></div>
I'm not a gadget person, so I never saw the need for a yogurt maker; my idea of a food processor is a sharp knife. Before, I always just poured the milk in a pan, heated it up, cooled it down, added the starter and poured it in some jars to sit in a warm place until it was yogurt. According to the <a href="http://gapsdiet.com/" target="_blank">GAPS diet</a> that we are following, the only legal yogurt is cultured for a full 24 hours at 110 degrees. Not having an efficient way to do that, I broke down.<br />
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The first batch I made, using just the bottom layer, was with raw milk; I used Brown Cow yogurt for the starter. It turned out quite delicious. The next time I went to make it, we couldn't get the raw milk, so I used Organic Valley Grass-fed milk and the Whole Foods 365 brand Greek yogurt. That batch came out really grainy and crazy sour. I thought perhaps I had accidentally boiled the milk, so I tried again, being extra careful. Still grainy. The second time, I also used the top tier, and those jars didn't firm up as much as the bottom tier. In all the jars the whey was separated from the curd. Was it the milk or the yogurt? I don't know.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/bobbi_jean/8658898428/" title="fermenting things_2 by Bobbi_Jean, on Flickr"><img alt="fermenting things_2" height="355" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8125/8658898428_60abacd035_o.jpg" width="530" /></a></div>
This time around, we procured more raw milk. I used Greek Gods brand yogurt for the starter, and I placed a towel on the top of the contraption. After ten hours I also switched layers. This batch is creamy and tasty, with just the right amount of tang.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/bobbi_jean/8657792585/" title="fermenting things_4 by Bobbi_Jean, on Flickr"><img alt="fermenting things_4" height="355" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8104/8657792585_6429bab63f_o.jpg" width="530" /></a></div>
I've been reading "The Art of Fermentation" by Sandor Katz. I'm learning about how the good bacteria from fermented foods can do wonders for the belly.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/bobbi_jean/8658898460/" title="fermenting things_3 by Bobbi_Jean, on Flickr"><img alt="fermenting things_3" height="355" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8112/8658898460_c671d0c0a9_o.jpg" width="530" /></a></div>
Right now we have sauerkraut on the counter, doing its fermentation thing. It's stinky! But it tastes good. We've chosen to let it go awhile longer. I used plain white cabbage, but put a plug of red cabbage on top to hold everything down under the brine. The red is seeping through. I think it's pretty:)<br />
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What's happening in your kitchen? Anything yummy that you want to share?Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11096973688127898453noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1506172141305382543.post-12317299647585034592013-04-15T15:04:00.000-06:002013-04-22T12:21:59.527-06:00Installing the ShowIt seems rather petty to be blogging while Boston is in such turmoil. It distracts me though. When tragedies like this happen, I glue myself to the television, watching the video over and over, unable to pull away. My heart feels so sad for our world. I wish we could heal.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/bobbi_jean/8653495238/" title="usdg show by Bobbi_Jean, on Flickr"><img alt="usdg show" height="355" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8401/8653495238_be83934d20_o.jpg" width="530" /></a></div>
This is where I was this morning, helping to hang the Utah Surface Design Group show. This was such an interesting experience, gathering all of the pieces together and in effect creating another work of art which is the exhibit itself.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/bobbi_jean/8653495278/" title="usdg show_4 by Bobbi_Jean, on Flickr"><img alt="usdg show_4" height="355" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8383/8653495278_4c27fac334_o.jpg" width="530" /></a></div>
I really like the way this wall turned out.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/bobbi_jean/8653495380/" title="usdg show_3 by Bobbi_Jean, on Flickr"><img alt="usdg show_3" height="794" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8533/8653495380_2164764a07_o.jpg" width="530" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">{Polly Masaryk}</span></div>
There are so many incredible pieces. I believe there were 70 in all.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/bobbi_jean/8653495460/" title="usdg show_5 by Bobbi_Jean, on Flickr"><img alt="usdg show_5" height="794" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8254/8653495460_5fd72059f1_o.jpg" width="530" /> </a></div>
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I wish I had gotten a better pic of my own! I'll try again Friday night at the opening, or later maybe.</div>
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I guess I'll go find something else to distract me now. I hope that you are safe where ever you are and that all of your loved ones are safe.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11096973688127898453noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1506172141305382543.post-60067739180833211582013-04-12T15:19:00.000-06:002013-04-12T15:19:00.612-06:00It's Friday and I'm Finished!Wow. I feel like I'm about to lay my soul bare. This is a very personal body of work. Usually, I'm just painting or stitching happy little birds and flowers; this stuff is about the environments that shaped me and made me who I am today. As I mentioned earlier, I am working on a series of textile art pieces that I am calling Personal Landscapes. This is a project that I've been incubating for the past year. Each piece starts with an article of vintage linen, a napkin, table runner, hankie, whatnot, and I add elements, incorporating the existing stitchery into the design. Through this work, I am exploring ideas of physical and mental environments and how they shape people and families, namely, myself and my family. I will be doing one piece for every place I've lived, plus some additional pieces that relate more to my family of origin. These three that I'm about to show you are going to join their <a href="http://bobbilewin.blogspot.com/2013/03/hankie-panky-textile-art-series.html" target="_blank">hankie friends</a> over at the Michael Berry Gallery as part of the Utah Surface Design Group show that opens next Friday.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/bobbi_jean/8642859781/" title="Personal Landscapes_9 by Bobbi_Jean, on Flickr"><img alt="Personal Landscapes_9" height="794" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8396/8642859781_91c72009b0_o.jpg" width="530" /></a></div>
This one represents Utah; I actually made this one last spring. I'm calling it Salt Flats, because it has a piece of the Salt Flats on it, and because that place itself says a lot about how I feel about Utah; it is harsh, and barren, and beautiful. I moved here almost nine years ago. This experience and place is full of dichotomies. It has been wonderful and horrible. I have met lovely, kind, friendly people, and I've met an equal number of mean, judgmental, arrogant, selfish people. Never in my life have I encountered so much passive aggressive behavior. It's almost institutionalized. There seem to be a lot of injured souls here. The only other place I've ever come across so many emotionally unhealthy people was while I was working in a domestic violence shelter.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/bobbi_jean/8642859569/" title="Personal Landscapes_8 by Bobbi_Jean, on Flickr"><img alt="Personal Landscapes_8" height="355" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8386/8642859569_b5c81521a5_o.jpg" width="530" /></a></div>
A close up of the salt. The salt crust is very fragile. I think I've become a lot more fragile since coming here.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/bobbi_jean/8642859179/" title="Personal Landscapes_4 by Bobbi_Jean, on Flickr"><img alt="Personal Landscapes_4" height="355" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8101/8642859179_0072c1f936_o.jpg" width="530" /></a></div>
Ahh Iowa! My husband always teases me about being a "gold" personality. That means I have this thing about how rules should be followed. There is a certain way that things are to be done and you'd better do them that way. I can be strict and rigid with myself and others. When I was visiting Iowa earlier this year, I spent a lot of time observing people, their mannerisms and behavior. I started to wonder if there is a preponderance of specific personality types in various geographical regions. It occurred to me, very clearly, that Iowa had shaped my gold personality in my early years spent there.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/bobbi_jean/8642859527/" title="Personal Landscapes_6 by Bobbi_Jean, on Flickr"><img alt="Personal Landscapes_6" height="355" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8247/8642859527_1021dc8f44_o.jpg" width="530" /></a></div>
When I think of Iowa, I think mostly of the summers I spent there with my children when they were young. I think of sunshine and blue skies stretching out forever, along with the fields of corn below. I think of expansiveness and fresh air. Upon examining it more closely I do realize there is very much this expectation of doing things the way they are supposed to be done. To reflect this, I tried to be much more precise when creating this piece than how I usually create my art. I took a pile of fussy, messy, silk sari threads and reined them in with a felting needle. Looking at this photo now, I can see that I wasn't quite as precise as I meant to be.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/bobbi_jean/8643956230/" title="Personal Landscapes_1 by Bobbi_Jean, on Flickr"><img alt="Personal Landscapes_1" height="794" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8525/8643956230_8b0a097d4c_o.jpg" width="530" /></a></div>
This one is Colorado. I'm calling it "Baptism by Flood". The Colorado landscape seeped inside me more than any other place. Just a few blocks from where I lived was the Big Thompson River. The Big Thompson starts up in Rocky Mountain National Park and flows down through Loveland where we lived. By the time it got to us it was a trickle. We called it Big Thompson Creek. In late April 1999, my first spring in Colorado, it started raining and the river started rising. Each day I would walk down to the river bank after work to watch the water rise and rush, until one day, while I was at work, the water came right up to the parking lot of the apartment I was living in. It was exhilarating! Moving to Colorado was a huge turning point in my life. For the first time I was finally starting to get to know myself. I was awakening, growing, and finding a strength I'd never had. I felt very connected to this flood. It was washing through me, washing away all the crap from before.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/bobbi_jean/8643956268/" title="Personal Landscapes_3 by Bobbi_Jean, on Flickr"><img alt="Personal Landscapes_3" height="355" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8531/8643956268_1e85305f54_o.jpg" width="530" /></a></div>
This is mica from near the Big Thompson.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/bobbi_jean/8642859631/" title="Personal Landscapes_2 by Bobbi_Jean, on Flickr"><img alt="Personal Landscapes_2" height="355" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8392/8642859631_29944f7beb_o.jpg" width="530" /></a></div>
I love that feeling of having completed a big project. Creating a piece of art can be very much like giving birth. You push and push trying to get it out, and finally your baby is born and you can breathe again:)<br />
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I'm going to go breathe (and clean up the mess I've made). Have a lovely weekend!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11096973688127898453noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1506172141305382543.post-45297880782563352702013-04-10T14:26:00.000-06:002013-04-10T14:26:41.202-06:00Whining on a WednesdayI am in avoidance mode. My fingers are cramped and it hurts to knit, so I am doing everything but. I know I only have two more days to finish my art work. I'll get there. Right now, I'm taking a break.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/bobbi_jean/8638722412/" title="april 10 2013_3 by Bobbi_Jean, on Flickr"><img alt="april 10 2013_3" height="355" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8249/8638722412_0787e1c5bd_o.jpg" width="530" /></a></div>
The sun finally came back out, so I darted outside with the camera this morning. There was sun, but everything was frozen solid.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/bobbi_jean/8638722588/" title="april 10 2013_2 by Bobbi_Jean, on Flickr"><img alt="april 10 2013_2" height="355" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8108/8638722588_52bfc40220_o.jpg" width="530" /></a></div>
My purpose for going out there was to get a picture of this weeping cherry. Every year I miss the height of its blossoming. It never fails, as soon as it starts to bloom, the weather turns cold and rainy, so I can't get out there with the camera. I just peek out the window, watching the rain pummel the flowers. You can see how droopy they are.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/bobbi_jean/8638722456/" title="april 10 2013_4 by Bobbi_Jean, on Flickr"><img alt="april 10 2013_4" height="355" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8261/8638722456_efaf8cbbe4_o.jpg" width="530" /></a></div>
The daffodils are still giving some cheer:)<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/bobbi_jean/8638722490/" title="april 10 2013_5 by Bobbi_Jean, on Flickr"><img alt="april 10 2013_5" height="355" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8530/8638722490_c12f91fc4b_o.jpg" width="530" /></a></div>
If my fingers weren't so cramped, I'd consider knitting little sweaters for these shivering fellas.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/bobbi_jean/8638722534/" title="april 10 2013_6 by Bobbi_Jean, on Flickr"><img alt="april 10 2013_6" height="355" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8402/8638722534_ae7d42e55c_o.jpg" width="530" /></a></div>
This poor dead fairy, left out under a tree all winter, pretty much says it all. Poor dead zombie fairy. It's not good to piss off the fairies;)<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11096973688127898453noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1506172141305382543.post-54247388262156036192013-04-08T16:21:00.001-06:002013-04-08T16:21:12.010-06:00Monday (I think) WIPS<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/bobbi_jean/8632045709/" title="personal landscapes wips by Bobbi_Jean, on Flickr"><img alt="personal landscapes wips" height="355" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8122/8632045709_34ae75ba2f_o.jpg" width="530" /></a></div>
Did I tell you anything at all about what I'm doing with these textile art pieces? I don't think I did. Here is another little peek into my process. This is a project I've been incubating for the last year. Through the art, I'm working through ideas of what I'm calling personal landscapes, thinking about how people and families are shaped and influenced by the landscapes they exist in. I'm doing a piece for every place I've lived.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/bobbi_jean/8633152022/" title="personal landscapes wips_2 by Bobbi_Jean, on Flickr"><img alt="personal landscapes wips_2" height="355" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8385/8633152022_b5bc92d549_o.jpg" width="530" /></a></div>
Each piece starts with a vintage napkin or towel or hankie which becomes my canvas. Some pieces will have actual pieces of the earth from that spot. With each, I'm thinking about what the strongest feelings that place conjures up for me are.<br />
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I need to get back to it, so I'll show and tell you more later. In the meantime, I'd love to hear your ideas on the subject. How are you affected by the landscape that surrounds you? How has it shaped your family?Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11096973688127898453noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1506172141305382543.post-7096254998237005412013-04-05T11:29:00.000-06:002013-04-05T11:29:27.642-06:00Lazy Rainy Friday<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/bobbi_jean/8622667576/" title="rainy day by Bobbi_Jean, on Flickr"><img alt="rainy day" height="794" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8260/8622667576_405eb0477e_o.jpg" width="530" /></a></div>
Do you ever just shut down? That is apparently what I'm doing today. According to my blog calendar, I had planned to blog from the garden today. Instead, I'm sitting here in the dark, like a slug on a log, watching it rain....<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/bobbi_jean/7658176836/" title="Rowan and her tent 8 by Bobbi_Jean, on Flickr"><img alt="Rowan and her tent 8" height="353" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7258/7658176836_57db7a8ab5_o.jpg" width="530" /></a></div>
and remembering the fun times with this sweetie last summer....<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/bobbi_jean/7223059734/" title="May 17 2012_4 by Bobbi_Jean, on Flickr"><img alt="May 17 2012_4" height="353" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7244/7223059734_df66524f9d_o.jpg" width="530" /></a></div>
and dreaming of what my garden will soon look like soon...<br />
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and squandering a lot of time playing <a href="http://pinterest.com/bobbijlewin/pins/" target="_blank">here</a>, <a href="http://indulgy.com/bobbijlewin" target="_blank">here</a>, and <a href="http://instagram.com/bobbi_lewin/#" target="_blank">here</a>:)<br />
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I don't particularly like being completely controlled by the weather, and I am hoping that something will come along and light a fire under my butt today, but for now I think I'll just go read some blogs.<br />
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Have a very lovely weekend:)Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11096973688127898453noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1506172141305382543.post-90738657918515972922013-04-03T13:35:00.000-06:002013-04-03T13:35:10.488-06:00On My Workspace<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/bobbi_jean/8616358057/" title="pink and green scarflette custom order by Bobbi_Jean, on Flickr"><img alt="pink and green scarflette custom order" height="355" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8525/8616358057_e27cff7e43_o.jpg" width="530" /></a></div>
Has anyone out there figured out how to clone yourself yet? Because, seriously, I need to be two people (or more) so I can do everything I want to do. In my constant battle to be present in the moment and go with the flow, I still find myself to be a busy, busy girl! And busy with very good occupations! I've been sending out packages, like this new scarflette I made as a custom order. Isn't it springy?<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/bobbi_jean/8617464788/" title="white breasted nuthatch order by Bobbi_Jean, on Flickr"><img alt="white breasted nuthatch order" height="355" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8118/8617464788_a64970a0d9_o.jpg" width="530" /></a></div>
Mr. Nuthatch flew off.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/bobbi_jean/8616357517/" title="on my workspace 4 3 13 by Bobbi_Jean, on Flickr"><img alt="on my workspace 4 3 13" height="355" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8123/8616357517_49c84c9335_o.jpg" width="530" /></a></div>
My shelves in the <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/BobbiLewin" target="_blank">fiber shop</a> are getting rather bare, again a good thing really. I just wish I could crochet faster! I'm working on new garlands; meanwhile, my mind is swarming with new ideas I want to try out.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/bobbi_jean/8616357591/" title="on my workspace 4 3 13_2 by Bobbi_Jean, on Flickr"><img alt="on my workspace 4 3 13_2" height="355" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8117/8616357591_3a804a7e8b_o.jpg" width="530" /></a></div>
I have some presents I'm wanting to make for some special people:)<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/bobbi_jean/8617464408/" title="on my workspace 4 3 13_4 by Bobbi_Jean, on Flickr"><img alt="on my workspace 4 3 13_4" height="355" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8389/8617464408_207ca1818f_o.jpg" width="530" /></a></div>
I'm also finishing up some textile art pieces for a group exhibit I'm participating in later this month. This cabbage dyed napkin is the base for one piece I'm working on.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/bobbi_jean/8617464528/" title="on my workspace 4 3 13_6 by Bobbi_Jean, on Flickr"><img alt="on my workspace 4 3 13_6" height="355" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8255/8617464528_0d12d984f9_o.jpg" width="530" /></a></div>
These are all elements of another.<br />
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In the midst of all this, my garden is calling my name, telling me that there are spinach seeds to plant:)<br /><br />What projects are you working on this week? Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11096973688127898453noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1506172141305382543.post-55994522052127904972013-04-01T16:04:00.000-06:002013-04-01T16:04:03.091-06:00Handmade Joy in My Mailbox<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/bobbi_jean/8610688723/" title="handmade joy in the mail_1 by Bobbi_Jean, on Flickr"><img alt="handmade joy in the mail_1" height="353" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8394/8610688723_cd719d87f1_o.jpg" width="530" /></a></div>
I recently participated the Handmade Joy exchange that Anne of <a href="http://mygiantstrawberry.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">My Giant Strawberry</a> organized. This is the delight that arrived in my mailbox last week! My handmade joy came from <a href="http://www.danabarbieri.com/" target="_blank">Dana Barbieri</a>. It is amazing that someone I've never met could know just what to send to give me joy. The watercolor bird and the flower photograph handmade card were wrapped up in the lovely purple flowered hankie and tied with the lace ribbon. What could be more perfect?<br />
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I will show you what I made at a later date, as I don't know if it has arrived to its destination yet. In the meantime, pop on over to <a href="http://www.danabarbieri.com/" target="_blank">Dana's blog</a> and to <a href="http://mygiantstrawberry.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">My Giant Strawberry</a>.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11096973688127898453noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1506172141305382543.post-69698869595590691542013-03-29T12:27:00.000-06:002013-03-29T12:27:05.725-06:00Creative PlayOne of the pitfalls of working for yourself is that it is really easy to
get in the habit of just working constantly and never taking time to
play. This has really caught up with me lately and I've found myself running
on empty, both physically and emotionally. So I decided to remedy the
situation by starting with this bit of creative play. It's time to fill the well.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/bobbi_jean/8600085511/" title="nesting inspiration journal_6 by Bobbi_Jean, on Flickr"><img alt="nesting inspiration journal_6" height="353" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8391/8600085511_65e8aa1672_o.jpg" width="530" /></a></div>
I wanted a place where I could keep inspirational photos and notes for home decor and nesting. I ordered some pretty origami papers and washi tape online, then went out and picked up an inexpensive sketchbook. Because I've really been drawn to this pink color lately, I redid the cover with lots of pink and a spattering of orange. I first covered all the words with gesso. I didn't care if some of the blue still showed; I thought it offset the pink nicely. Next, I put down some layers of pink acrylic paint and after that dried, I glued down some flower shapes. I had to keep telling myself, "You are just playing. You're not making fine art. Just have fun damnit!!" Then I traced around the flowers with some more paint, and covered it all with acrylic medium. There is also some watercolor pencil and Jacquard Pearl Ex pigment in there. It's all pink of course.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/bobbi_jean/8601184560/" title="nesting inspiration journal_3 by Bobbi_Jean, on Flickr"><img alt="nesting inspiration journal_3" height="353" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8392/8601184560_d00f32a3af_o.jpg" width="530" /></a></div>
I separated the book into sections and gave each one a tab and a name. I have sections for colors, textures, and spaces that inspire me, as well as tabs for things I want to do or make.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/bobbi_jean/8601184512/" title="nesting inspiration journal_4 by Bobbi_Jean, on Flickr"><img alt="nesting inspiration journal_4" height="353" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8374/8601184512_3969924b20_o.jpg" width="530" /></a></div>
I wanted a decorative front page:)<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/bobbi_jean/8600085299/" title="nesting inspiration journal_7 by Bobbi_Jean, on Flickr"><img alt="nesting inspiration journal_7" height="353" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8510/8600085299_228ce4a9b5_o.jpg" width="530" /></a></div>
My mouth is starting to water, thinking of the strawberries growing in my backyard!<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/bobbi_jean/8601184360/" title="nesting inspiration journal_1 by Bobbi_Jean, on Flickr"><img alt="nesting inspiration journal_1" height="353" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8532/8601184360_7304e08cdd_o.jpg" width="530" /></a></div>
Inside I am taping or gluing down magazine photos that I find attractive. Nesting is one of my all time favorite activities, but it is another one that gets pushed to the periphery of my life. Oh sure, I make the bed, wash the dishes, and vacuum the floor. When I talk about nesting, I mean the little details that help make the house a home, things like making pillow covers or putting flowers in a vase. Grace notes.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/bobbi_jean/8601184300/" title="nesting inspiration journal_2 by Bobbi_Jean, on Flickr"><img alt="nesting inspiration journal_2" height="353" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8517/8601184300_c47ed208a1_o.jpg" width="530" /></a></div>
Big sheets that have something I want on both sides, I'm just taping down on one side, so I can flip it over. I'm leaving space on the pages so I can take notes or make sketches. I'm noting what it is about rooms or photos that draws my attention. Is there something there that I can replicate in my home? Is it something specific or a feeling? I find that I'm always drawn to rooms with lots of light, also ones with white walls. I just don't know if I would really be happy with white walls in my own home. I love color too much! I am going to paint my kitchen and studio white, the kitchen because I need as much light in there as possible, and the studio so that I can get true color when I'm photographing or painting.<br />
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I've been having a lot of fun with this, and I have to say I am feeling better already! Of course, that may also have something to do with getting a couple deadlines out of the way and catching up on my sleep here the last couple of days;)<br />
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Tell me how you find time for creative play in your life and what that looks like. I'd love to know how you fill your well:)Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11096973688127898453noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1506172141305382543.post-34620498978516099782013-03-27T14:20:00.003-06:002013-03-27T14:20:57.013-06:00Blogging from the Accountant's OfficeYes, I admit, I procrastinated and here I am at the accountant's office and didn't get the blog post I had intended finished. She is saying things I don't really understand. So instead I'm going to show you some fun Etsy finds!<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-k6XcPU-4psw/UVNP1YuC66I/AAAAAAAABdc/gF14SIxkstQ/s1600/sunnyspex.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-k6XcPU-4psw/UVNP1YuC66I/AAAAAAAABdc/gF14SIxkstQ/s1600/sunnyspex.jpg" /></a></div>
I'm dreaming of warmer days and outside excursions in the sun. These super cute pink sunglasses from <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/126368763/pink-oversized-vintage-sunglasses" target="_blank">sunnyspex</a> would be wonderful!<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ip61D-MezoY/UVNP1aBvI2I/AAAAAAAABdg/-hVh4f5QnjQ/s1600/housejewels.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ip61D-MezoY/UVNP1aBvI2I/AAAAAAAABdg/-hVh4f5QnjQ/s1600/housejewels.jpg" /></a></div>
I'll take a picnic lunch and tuck my gluten-free bread sandwich in this eco-friendly pouch from <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/80613206/eco-friendly-reusable-sandwich-and-snack" target="_blank">HouseJewels</a>.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8_zJooSb8wg/UVNP2FRmSXI/AAAAAAAABds/ExI6rfpLvdA/s1600/gildednotes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8_zJooSb8wg/UVNP2FRmSXI/AAAAAAAABds/ExI6rfpLvdA/s1600/gildednotes.jpg" /></a></div>
I'll be wearing a pretty, flouncy summer dress, with this lovely pendant from <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/127522128/sheet-music-necklace-romantic-shabby" target="_blank">GildedNotes</a> around my neck, as I sing, "summertime and the livin' is easy".<br />
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Shopping on Etsy is so much more fun than hanging out in the accountant's office! I have a nasty headache. I think I'll go browse <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/BobbiLewin" target="_blank">Etsy</a> some more while they keep jabbering away:)Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11096973688127898453noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1506172141305382543.post-80458000124283791062013-03-25T14:54:00.000-06:002013-03-25T14:54:58.350-06:00On My Workspace<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/bobbi_jean/8590755318/" title="workspace march 25_1 by Bobbi_Jean, on Flickr"><img alt="workspace march 25_1" height="353" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8226/8590755318_c1c2391ac9_o.jpg" width="530" /></a></div>
This is what is on my workspace this week. There is work to be done, and in between I'm going to squeeze in some play time. Looking at this photo I see an intersection of work and play. Up in the top right hand corner is absolute, yucky, April 15th kind of work. In the left top corner and right bottom is pure play. The rest is where my work (the good kind, not the yucky tax kind) intersects with play. I feel blessed that I am able to follow my bliss:)<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/bobbi_jean/8590755256/" title="workspace march 25 by Bobbi_Jean, on Flickr"><img alt="workspace march 25" height="353" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8106/8590755256_d2eaee4032_o.jpg" width="530" /></a></div>
Work and play intersects here too:) These guys got their passports and are heading to the UK now.<br />
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I won't subject you to the yucky part of that first photo, but I'll be back later in the week with updates on the other, much more fun, corners!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11096973688127898453noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1506172141305382543.post-74290924067534019232013-03-22T15:51:00.000-06:002013-03-22T15:54:33.468-06:00Etsy FindsIt's dark and dreary, and it's snowing again, so I decided to do some virtual shopping on Etsy. Then I decided I should share my finds with you:)<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-77GFQKCr3s4/UUzOr1F1mRI/AAAAAAAABc8/PdE6RyYRtNw/s1600/il_570xN.437690450_4t2i.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-77GFQKCr3s4/UUzOr1F1mRI/AAAAAAAABc8/PdE6RyYRtNw/s1600/il_570xN.437690450_4t2i.jpg" /></a></div>
This simple, glass pendant by <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/126362825/spring-green-and-silver-glass-pendant" target="_blank">bprdesigns</a> reminds me of both a mossy creek, and a green apple Jolly Rancher;) It's made of fused glass with a silver bail. Wouldn't it be lovely on a silver chain with a breezy cotton top? (I'm dreaming of spring)<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fstlSw1hMo8/UUzOr5pXVoI/AAAAAAAABdA/VfFNBVavKuw/s1600/il_570xN.322248937.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fstlSw1hMo8/UUzOr5pXVoI/AAAAAAAABdA/VfFNBVavKuw/s1600/il_570xN.322248937.jpg" /></a></div>
I'm imagining carrying this lavender silk clutch by <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/90365071/lavender-wedding-clutch-foldover-clutch" target="_blank">Southern Twisted Bags</a> as I wander around downtown SLC on a balmy, summer evening with my sweetheart:)<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-emSeaS6fJcw/UUzOrg8Q8QI/AAAAAAAABdM/ha2prP-56I8/s1600/il_570xN.437968389_k7aa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-emSeaS6fJcw/UUzOrg8Q8QI/AAAAAAAABdM/ha2prP-56I8/s1600/il_570xN.437968389_k7aa.jpg" /></a></div>
I am loving these upcycled journals from <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/126434988/the-scarlet-letter-journal-nathaniel?ref=shop_home_active" target="_blank">Blackbird & Peacock</a>. Hope takes vintage books apart, and puts them back together with a wire binding, blank paper, and keeps a few pages of the original in there. They are so cool.<br />
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I invite you to visit my <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BobbiLewin" target="_blank">facebook page</a>. One of my followers asked me to share my top 10 ways of displaying my crochet garlands. So, rather than just giving a list, I went around the house with my iPhone and took pics! Check them out <a href="https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10151353225732769.507549.331667892768&type=1" target="_blank">here</a> and while you are there, give my page a like:)<br />
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Have a beautiful, relaxing weekend!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11096973688127898453noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1506172141305382543.post-41462352269966574882013-03-20T14:03:00.001-06:002013-04-12T14:14:17.687-06:00Hankie Panky: A Textile Art Series<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/bobbi_jean/8575878792/" title="Hankie Panky _3 by Bobbi_Jean, on Flickr"><img alt="Hankie Panky _3" height="353" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8392/8575878792_1ee5f61dbe_o.jpg" width="530" /></a></div>
I have finished the first three pieces in my <a href="http://bobbilewin.blogspot.com/2013/03/textile-art-wip.html" target="_blank">Hankie Panky series</a>.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/bobbi_jean/8574782309/" title="Hankie Panky _2 by Bobbi_Jean, on Flickr"><img alt="Hankie Panky _2" height="353" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8239/8574782309_1a8cdd2367_o.jpg" width="530" /></a></div>
I wanted to give you a quick peek at them.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/bobbi_jean/8575876886/" title="Hankie Panky by Bobbi_Jean, on Flickr"><img alt="Hankie Panky" height="353" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8250/8575876886_95288f7b44_o.jpg" width="530" /></a></div>
They are going to go live someplace else for a short while.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/bobbi_jean/8574782379/" title="Hankie Panky _1 by Bobbi_Jean, on Flickr"><img alt="Hankie Panky _1" height="353" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8506/8574782379_0b838cef74_o.jpg" width="530" /></a></div>
And while they are gone from here, I'll keep thinking about what it is I'm doing with them:)<br />
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How is your Wednesday going? And your vernal/autumnal equinox depending on where you are located in the world, is it all you had hoped? If you sense a little bitterness there it's because my first day of spring is cold, dark, wet, and dreary. I am in desperate need of sun and open windows and dirt to play in. It's coming, I know. I am just so very, very impatient:)Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11096973688127898453noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1506172141305382543.post-30305203969900435422013-03-18T12:58:00.000-06:002013-03-18T12:58:32.389-06:00Crochet Pretties<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/bobbi_jean/8568625085/" title="Americana garland crochet hearts flowers fourth of july patriotic by Bobbi_Jean, on Flickr"><img alt="Americana garland crochet hearts flowers fourth of july patriotic" height="353" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8511/8568625085_a476d3a14c_o.jpg" width="530" /></a></div>
I recently had the opportunity to create this new garland for a custom order. This customer has both a husband and daughter in the military. She has a room that she has decorated with red, white, and blue, and wanted a garland to match.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/bobbi_jean/8569723610/" title="americana garland_1 by Bobbi_Jean, on Flickr"><img alt="americana garland_1" height="353" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8532/8569723610_df404704ba_o.jpg" width="530" /></a></div>
I love working together with my customers to develop new garland designs. It's always so fun to share ideas and inspiration.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/bobbi_jean/8568662559/" title="package rwb by Bobbi_Jean, on Flickr"><img alt="package rwb" height="794" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8234/8568662559_2b27936190_o.jpg" width="530" /></a></div>
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I get as big a kick out of wrapping the packages as I do crocheting the garlands. I know that when I buy things from Etsy, I am so thrilled when it comes with special packaging. Even though I have bought it for myself, I still want it to feel like I'm getting a present. This is what I want for my customers as well. When they buy from me, I want to provide them not only with a high quality product; I want to provide an experience, a special moment of glee:)</div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11096973688127898453noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1506172141305382543.post-69432800339173979482013-03-15T12:14:00.000-06:002013-03-15T12:14:25.355-06:00Textile Art - WIP<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/bobbi_jean/8559335183/" title="hanky panky by Bobbi_Jean, on Flickr"><img alt="hanky panky" height="353" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8506/8559335183_e97dd1f29a_o.jpg" width="530" /></a></div>
This is going to be one of those posts where I'm kind of thinking out loud. I want to show you an art project I'm working on, but I don't have it all sorted out in my mind yet. I'm hoping that talking through it here will help me better understand what I'm doing.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/bobbi_jean/8559335219/" title="hanky panky_1 by Bobbi_Jean, on Flickr"><img alt="hanky panky_1" height="353" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8385/8559335219_1513164a1e_o.jpg" width="530" /></a></div>
I have a fascination with vintage things and mid-century imagery. My cousin who deals in antiques and vintage goods claims that baby boomers have this attachment because those things remind us of our childhoods, a time when life was simple and happy. I can see that, and I agree that is a part of why I'm drawn to these things. There is more there for me, and that is part of what I'm working through with these pieces. I am exploring ideas of domesticity, family, and what is a home, this ideal that I've ran after all my life and in some ways, on which, I completely missed the mark. <br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/bobbi_jean/8559335267/" title="hanky panky_2 by Bobbi_Jean, on Flickr"><img alt="hanky panky_2" height="353" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8530/8559335267_36549e4186_o.jpg" width="530" /></a></div>
I am reappropriating images from mid-century magazines, attaching them to vintage hankies and then incorporating my own embroidered drawing into the mix.<br />
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Well, I've told you what I'm doing, but it's all still clear as mud to me:) I think this is going to evolve over time and I will figure out what I'm doing, and then I'll be done with it. I'll keep you posted as it grows. For now, I'm off to tackle today's to-do list. What are you doing?Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11096973688127898453noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1506172141305382543.post-90651709346433585372013-03-13T09:01:00.000-06:002013-03-13T09:03:39.726-06:00Thrift Store Living Room Facelift: Part II<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/bobbi_jean/8552780255/" title="thrift store living room re-do II_4 by Bobbi_Jean, on Flickr"><img alt="thrift store living room re-do II_4" height="353" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8519/8552780255_cb89462850_o.jpg" width="530" /></a></div>
Finally, I can show you my <a href="http://bobbilewin.blogspot.com/2013/02/thrift-store-living-room-makeover-part-1.html" target="_blank">living room update</a>. Mind you, there are no painted walls, or new furniture purchases, but I am happy with the boost of color I got from my $14 thrift store spree. I used the items I purchase back in February, plus used and re-purposed things from my own stash around the house. Click through to see the details:)<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/bobbi_jean/8552780077/" title="thrift store living room re-do II by Bobbi_Jean, on Flickr"><img alt="thrift store living room re-do II" height="353" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8375/8552780077_be9f4713e2_o.jpg" width="530" /></a></div>
I've spent much of the last few weeks making new pillow covers. In addition to the four pillows that I picked up at the thrift store, I also had a couple old ones to recover, and I kept the nice pillows I had. The bolster up there and the patterned pillow, second from the left were ones I had made a couple years ago. I hammered in the broken part of the couch with a huge nail, because the upholstery tacks just refused to stay. As I look at the photo now, the gold blanket looks a little messy, but sitting here with it, I like it. Between the covers and the pillows, it really brightens up the room. It feels good to see a different color.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/bobbi_jean/8553882002/" title="thrift store living room re-do II_1 by Bobbi_Jean, on Flickr"><img alt="thrift store living room re-do II_1" height="353" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8095/8553882002_2ff9725e09_o.jpg" width="530" /></a></div>
The pink pillow there was a pillow case. I cut it to size to fit the new pillow, and made fabric rosettes from the leftover fabric. The blue and green pillow in the middle, I made from yarn stash using Tunisian crochet on the front and a piece of turquoise silk on the back. I love love love Tunisian crochet! I looks like weaving, and in effect it is, just done with a crochet hook.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/bobbi_jean/8553882096/" title="thrift store living room re-do II_3 by Bobbi_Jean, on Flickr"><img alt="thrift store living room re-do II_3" height="353" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8390/8553882096_e01742dcb9_o.jpg" width="530" /></a></div>
With one piece of the yellow fabric from the thrift store, I was able to get two pillow covers. I added this fun crochet circle edging in shocking pink for just a little more oomph. I've been reading Holly Becker's new book, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Decorate-Workshop-Design-Style-Creative/dp/1452110646/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1363185035&sr=8-1&keywords=decor8+workshop" target="_blank">Decorate Workshop</a>. Even though I'm not doing a top to bottom overhaul here, I am still getting so many wonderful ideas from her book. Using shots of pink, a color I never would have considered, is one idea I got from her book.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/bobbi_jean/8553882160/" title="thrift store living room re-do II_5 by Bobbi_Jean, on Flickr"><img alt="thrift store living room re-do II_5" height="353" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8521/8553882160_3e27d87d85_o.jpg" width="530" /></a></div>
This isn't too much different from last time I showed you. I added the new tea pot and another doily.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/bobbi_jean/8552780351/" title="thrift store living room re-do II_6 by Bobbi_Jean, on Flickr"><img alt="thrift store living room re-do II_6" height="353" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8241/8552780351_1f6650d5c8_o.jpg" width="530" /></a></div>
I pulled brightly colored objects from other parts of the house, like these dolls from Japan and Korea, and the little turquoise doilies my friend Lalie gave to me. Decorating a room is much like making a painting. In a painting I will repeat colors to draw the eye, and I did the same with the shots of pink in my living room. <br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/bobbi_jean/8552780103/" title="thrift store living room re-do II_10 by Bobbi_Jean, on Flickr"><img alt="thrift store living room re-do II_10" height="353" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8234/8552780103_ea7548754f_o.jpg" width="530" /></a></div>
Trying to keep the coffee table tidy is really a lost cause, but for a few hours a week I can have it orderly:) I'm reading another book, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Perfectly-Kept-House-Sign-Misspent/dp/0847833658/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1363185621&sr=1-2&keywords=a+well+kept+home" target="_blank">A Perfectly Kept House is the Sign of a Misspent Life</a>. In it, the author argues that it's ok to have some lived in clutter around your house. I'm trying to learn to accept that more. My house is almost always full of lived in clutter, but it bugs me so much. DH was laughing at me while I read the book, because there are "messy" things printed on the pages, like hairpins, tape, and coffee rings. I kept trying to brush them off and tidy up those pages! He said it's probably a good book for me to read;)<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/bobbi_jean/8552780427/" title="thrift store living room re-do II_9 by Bobbi_Jean, on Flickr"><img alt="thrift store living room re-do II_9" height="353" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8245/8552780427_c1cb61ffbb_o.jpg" width="530" /></a></div>
This bit of fabric came in the bag of goodies from the thrift store too. It's actually a small pillow cover. I decided this was a good use for it, continuing the idea of using color to draw the eye.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/bobbi_jean/8552780477/" title="thrift store living room re-do II_11 by Bobbi_Jean, on Flickr"><img alt="thrift store living room re-do II_11" height="353" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8107/8552780477_2feb6ac0f3_o.jpg" width="530" /></a></div>
My other sofa.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/bobbi_jean/8553882248/" title="thrift store living room re-do II_8 by Bobbi_Jean, on Flickr"><img alt="thrift store living room re-do II_8" height="353" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8519/8553882248_97a2fd259b_o.jpg" width="530" /></a></div>
I got this granny square pattern from <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/impossible-hexagon-12-inch-afghan-granny-square" target="_blank">Ravelry</a>. I am so thrilled with how it came out!<br />
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So that is my room re-do. Just a few dollars and some creativity can give a big boost to a tired space. Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11096973688127898453noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1506172141305382543.post-80539432552602192502013-03-11T16:30:00.003-06:002013-03-11T16:30:51.928-06:00Mercurial ProblemsDo you ever have those dreams where you can't move, or you can, but only very, very slowly? Sometimes real life feels like that. My <a href="http://bobbilewin.blogspot.com/2013/02/thrift-store-living-room-makeover-part-1.html" target="_blank">thrift store living room re-do</a> has felt like that. How can such a simple thing take so darn long? Just one thing after another got in my way. First I got really sick for a week and couldn't do anything but sit on the couch and crochet, which wasn't completely bad, because I worked on my pillows. Then DH decided to work from home for an entire week. I love the man, but.... how do you decorate with a man underfoot? I worked really hard over the weekend to finish my pillows, planning to put it all together today. Then I got up and it was so dark! And it didn't get lighter as the morning wore on; it was like the middle of winter in here. I decided to go ahead and vacuum up the cat hair and put the pillows on the sofas, hoping the sun would come out. It finally peeked out just a bit, enough to take photos anyway. I took the photos, uploaded them to the computer, did the post processing. Then I went to upload them to Flickr. {Insert angry face here.} Flickr doesn't work today. With Blogger, if I want my blog photos to look good, I have to link them from Flickr. If I upload from the computer they just don't look right.<br />
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I've heard a lot of talk lately of Mercury being retrograde and that causing problems with the best laid plans. It's supposed to be retrograde until the 17th. I'm just going to fix myself a cup of tea and breathe for awhile. I'll save my re-do for Wednesday.<br />
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Is Mercury giving you any troubles these days? <br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11096973688127898453noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1506172141305382543.post-69131372432647774832013-03-08T11:11:00.000-07:002013-03-08T11:11:17.092-07:00Yippee!<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/bobbi_jean/8539047123/" title="sc 1 by Bobbi_Jean, on Flickr"><img alt="sc 1" height="794" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8244/8539047123_ca9d96c22b_o.jpg" width="530" /></a></div>
I'm so thrilled that <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/72702108/wedding-garland-french-garden-made-to?" target="_blank">my garland</a> is featured in issue 3 of <a href="http://www.simplycrochetmag.co.uk/category/tutorials/" target="_blank">Simply Crochet magazine</a>! They have an article on beaded crochet and asked to include a photo of my beaded garland.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/bobbi_jean/8540153266/" title="sc3 by Bobbi_Jean, on Flickr"><img alt="sc3" height="353" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8241/8540153266_246996fa3f_o.jpg" width="530" /></a></div>
That's my mom's tree it's in front of:) <br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/bobbi_jean/7051028865/" title="blue wedding garland crochet by Bobbi_Jean, on Flickr"><img alt="blue wedding garland crochet" height="353" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7231/7051028865_0821ff7f73_o.jpg" width="530" /></a></div>
I took these photos last spring when I was at her house. That was such a great day; everything was turning green, violets were covering her yard, and the birds were singing like I've never heard birds sing before.<br />
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You can also find this lovely and many others in my <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/72702108/wedding-garland-french-garden-made-to?" target="_blank">my shop:)</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11096973688127898453noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1506172141305382543.post-61464067053951442372013-03-08T10:57:00.001-07:002013-03-08T10:57:39.073-07:00Coconut Oil Body Cream DIYThere are lots of fun projects on <a href="http://pinterest.com/bobbijlewin/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a>. I know I have pinned many more than I'll ever get around to doing. I have tried a few; some are successes and others big fails. For fun check out the <a href="http://www.pinterestfail.com/" target="_blank">PinterestFail</a> blog. I always forget to take photos of my epic fails to post on there, like the one for using baking soda to clean the kitchen floor. That was a mess.<br />
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I've been loving using coconut oil for everything from baking to face wash, so I was thrilled when I saw all the posts about making whipped body cream out of it. The idea is it's easier to apply. So I decided to give it a go.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/bobbi_jean/8540077778/" title="coconut oil body butter by Bobbi_Jean, on Flickr"><img alt="coconut oil body butter" height="353" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8087/8540077778_8c9181e669_o.jpg" width="530" /></a></div>
Of course I didn't bother to really read the instructions, and I melted my coconut oil, thinking I needed to do that before whipping. No, don't do that.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/bobbi_jean/8538970849/" title="coconut oil body butter_1 by Bobbi_Jean, on Flickr"><img alt="coconut oil body butter_1" height="353" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8241/8538970849_468cf3958d_o.jpg" width="530" /></a></div>
Just scrape the coconut oil into your bowl and whip it up with a balloon whisk. Whip it whip it good. (sorry, I had to say that) Keep going until it's really fluffed up. I got impatient and stopped whipping. Of course, I had longer to go because I was starting with melted oil. The more you whip, the softer your results will be, and easier to apply. I think I could have done better. If you ever want to use your balloon whisk for making meringue again, make sure you wash every bit of the oil off;) <br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/bobbi_jean/8538970893/" title="shadowed door by Bobbi_Jean, on Flickr"><img alt="shadowed door" height="353" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8522/8538970893_a9b472e097_o.jpg" width="530" /></a></div>
While I was doing this, I got distracted by the light and shadow on the door to my spice cabinet and had to take a picture. It looks kind of eerie doesn't it? What's behind that door?!? Cinnamon:)<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/bobbi_jean/8540077824/" title="coconut oil body butter_2 by Bobbi_Jean, on Flickr"><img alt="coconut oil body butter_2" height="353" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8513/8540077824_207a806428_o.jpg" width="530" /></a></div>
After you have your coconut oil whipped into submission, you can add some essential oils. Actually, add them before you're done whipping. <br />
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I love using coconut oil on my face, hair, body, and my scruffy feet. I made some with no oil for using on my face. <br />
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Do you have any favorite Pinterest projects you've tried?<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11096973688127898453noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1506172141305382543.post-40605602247246877812013-03-06T10:52:00.001-07:002013-03-06T10:52:31.652-07:00Gluten Free Coconut Almond Cookies<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/bobbi_jean/8533688591/" title="gluten free almond coconut cookies_1 by Bobbi_Jean, on Flickr"><img alt="gluten free almond coconut cookies_1" height="353" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8375/8533688591_119ee32570_o.jpg" width="530" /></a></div>
Back before I went gluten free, I used to collect specialized baking pans and lots of baking cookbooks! Sometimes I really miss them. The other day I remembered my Madeleine cookie pan and realized it would work perfectly well with this recipe.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/bobbi_jean/8533688555/" title="gluten free almond coconut cookies by Bobbi_Jean, on Flickr"><img alt="gluten free almond coconut cookies" height="353" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8085/8533688555_dd16865913_o.jpg" width="530" /></a></div>
I am thinking that learning how to bake perfectly good gluten free cookies probably was a bad idea in many ways. I do it too often:)<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/bobbi_jean/8534796478/" title="gluten free almond coconut cookies_3 by Bobbi_Jean, on Flickr"><img alt="gluten free almond coconut cookies_3" height="353" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8240/8534796478_6a972cf623_o.jpg" width="530" /></a></div>
These are completely grain-free, dairy-free, and there is no refined white sugar. They turned out delicious and more on the cakey side than chewy.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/bobbi_jean/8533688429/" title="gluten free almond coconut cookies_5 by Bobbi_Jean, on Flickr"><img alt="gluten free almond coconut cookies_5" height="353" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8390/8533688429_3745840060_o.jpg" width="530" /></a></div>
I adapted this recipe from the Pecan Shortbread Cookies in <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Gluten-Free-Almond-Flour-Cookbook/dp/158761345X/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1362591915&sr=1-1&keywords=gluten+free+almond+flour+cookbook" target="_blank">The Gluten-Free Almond Flour Cookbook</a>, an excellent source of gluten free recipes.<br />
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Coconut Almond Cookies<br />
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2 1/2 cups <a href="http://store.honeyvillegrain.com/blanchedalmondflour5lb.aspx#.UTeAzxlbyJk" target="_blank">almond flour</a> (not almond meal)<br />
1 cup coconut powder (this is coarser than coconut flour, but ground more than coconut flakes. I got mine at the Indian food market)<br />
1/2 teaspoon salt<br />
1/4 teaspoon baking soda<br />
1/2 cup coconut oil (melted)<br />
scant 1/3 cup honey<br />
1 egg<br />
2 teaspoons vanilla extract<br />
1/4 teaspoon lemon oil<br />
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice<br />
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Mix the dry ingredients together in a large bowl. In another bowl, beat the eggs, then mix in the coconut oil, honey, vanilla and lemon. Add the wet ingredients to the dry and mix just until combined.<br />
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If you have a Madeliene pan you can press the dough into the molds. Otherwise, tip the dough out onto a piece of wax paper, roll it into a log, and wrap it up. Place the log and/or baking pan in the freezer for at least an hour. This keeps well in the freezer, if you just want to bake a few at a time. I put the wax paper wrapped log inside a plastic ziplock bag.<br />
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When you are ready to bake, preheat the oven to 350 degrees, with the rack in the upper third. Bake these guys for 7-10 minutes; mine finished in 8. Watch them carefully, because nuts and nut flour burn quickly.<br />
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Enjoy!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11096973688127898453noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1506172141305382543.post-63805596995539474222013-03-04T13:32:00.001-07:002013-03-04T13:32:18.923-07:00Scrappy Flower Coaster and Applique<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/bobbi_jean/8528125813/" title="scrappy flower applique and coaster by Bobbi_Jean, on Flickr"><img alt="scrappy flower applique and coaster" height="353" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8097/8528125813_fe0dbe3000_o.jpg" width="530" /></a></div>
The other night, I was making <a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151447459527769&set=a.10151353225732769.507549.331667892768&type=1" target="_blank">fabric rosettes</a> for my new pillows, when I got this idea for some flower appliques. Then while making the appliques I thought, hey! Coasters! This is a great project for using up your fabric scraps. Click on through for the full tutorial:)<br />
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<a name='more'></a>These instructions aren't going to be real exact. If you've been
following me, then you know that the only time I'm exact is when I
crochet.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/bobbi_jean/8529238646/" title="scrappy flower applique and coaster_1 by Bobbi_Jean, on Flickr"><img alt="scrappy flower applique and coaster_1" height="353" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8382/8529238646_a00081b490_o.jpg" width="530" /></a></div>
To start, cut out two circles, about 4 1/2 or 5 inches across. You can use a small bowl or large glass to trace around. (I learned that rubbing alcohol will take Sharpie ink off a ceramic bowl; enough of the other kind of alcohol and you don't care about the ink on your new bowl:) Sew a 1/4 inch seam around the edge, leaving a small space for turning. <br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/bobbi_jean/8528125895/" title="scrappy flower applique and coaster_2 by Bobbi_Jean, on Flickr"><img alt="scrappy flower applique and coaster_2" height="353" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8530/8528125895_e6e0731bfb_o.jpg" width="530" /></a></div>
Clip the seam allowance to aid in turning. <br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/bobbi_jean/8529238692/" title="scrappy flower applique and coaster_3 by Bobbi_Jean, on Flickr"><img alt="scrappy flower applique and coaster_3" height="353" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8505/8529238692_fd8e5dbd74_o.jpg" width="530" /></a></div>
Turn the circle right side out and iron it. This is the base of your coaster. If you are making appliques, then you just need a single layer of fabric.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/bobbi_jean/8529238726/" title="scrappy flower applique and coaster_4 by Bobbi_Jean, on Flickr"><img alt="scrappy flower applique and coaster_4" height="353" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8252/8529238726_eff8ce0a39_o.jpg" width="530" /></a></div>
Cut several strips of fabric about 1 1/2 inches wide and 12 inches or so long. It's easiest to just clip the fabric and then tear. It doesn't really matter how long you make them, because you'll see in the next steps how you can just add in another strip as you need it. Fold the strips in half length-wise and iron.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/bobbi_jean/8528126003/" title="scrappy flower applique and coaster_5 by Bobbi_Jean, on Flickr"><img alt="scrappy flower applique and coaster_5" height="353" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8524/8528126003_3a87b47514_o.jpg" width="530" /></a></div>
Now you are going to sew the first strip to your circle base. Lay the end of the strip over the edge of the circle, at a bit of an angle. Fold the strip back and forth, going around the edge of the circle, about 1/4 inch in to make the petals. You can pin this down and then sew, or fold and sew as you go.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/bobbi_jean/8528126035/" title="scrappy flower applique and coaster_6 by Bobbi_Jean, on Flickr"><img alt="scrappy flower applique and coaster_6" height="353" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8225/8528126035_f34c85a45e_o.jpg" width="530" /></a></div>
Go all the way around until you reach the first petal and overlap the base of that one. If your strip runs out, just add in another.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/bobbi_jean/8529238816/" title="scrappy flower applique and coaster_7 by Bobbi_Jean, on Flickr"><img alt="scrappy flower applique and coaster_7" height="353" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8377/8529238816_3f9040e2be_o.jpg" width="530" /></a></div>
For the inner ring you can use the same color or add in a second color. Sew it on the same way, but bring this row farther in. For my second row, I folded the petals in the opposite direction.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/bobbi_jean/8528126107/" title="scrappy flower applique and coaster_8 by Bobbi_Jean, on Flickr"><img alt="scrappy flower applique and coaster_8" height="353" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8529/8528126107_c5abdf33a8_o.jpg" width="530" /></a></div>
Next I took a piece of cotton batting, but you could use any piece of thick, absorbent fabric really. Cut a smaller circle, a little larger then a glass or cup base.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/bobbi_jean/8529238884/" title="scrappy flower applique and coaster_9 by Bobbi_Jean, on Flickr"><img alt="scrappy flower applique and coaster_9" height="353" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8532/8529238884_ce3459b9c0_o.jpg" width="530" /></a></div>
Cut some fabric scraps. Pinking shears are fun:) Layer these scraps, any which way, over the smaller circle, and pin them down.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/bobbi_jean/8529238904/" title="scrappy flower applique and coaster_10 by Bobbi_Jean, on Flickr"><img alt="scrappy flower applique and coaster_10" height="353" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8087/8529238904_cc8909f2ba_o.jpg" width="530" /></a></div>
Sew around in a circle to hold all the pieces in place.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/bobbi_jean/8529238964/" title="scrappy flower applique and coaster_12 by Bobbi_Jean, on Flickr"><img alt="scrappy flower applique and coaster_12" height="353" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8241/8529238964_f56416a587_o.jpg" width="530" /></a></div>
Trim up the edges, and place this circle on top of your petal base.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/bobbi_jean/8528126281/" title="scrappy flower applique and coaster_14 by Bobbi_Jean, on Flickr"><img alt="scrappy flower applique and coaster_14" height="353" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8389/8528126281_bee310299d_o.jpg" width="530" /></a></div>
Now sew around and around, in any pattern you desire, through all layers.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/bobbi_jean/8528126323/" title="scrappy flower applique and coaster_13 by Bobbi_Jean, on Flickr"><img alt="scrappy flower applique and coaster_13" height="353" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8225/8528126323_e278844c99_o.jpg" width="530" /></a></div>
Now go have a cup of coffee. You deserve it!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11096973688127898453noreply@blogger.com3