Cow Skull in Black and White

 Best use I've found for the Stock Exchange section of the newspaper....... other than starting the fire.

Tea Time

Gwen's Teapot

 During the winter, my husband John, my son Max and I, had a drawing get-together every day for 2-3 weeks for about 45 min. each session.  It was a good way to talk about art and inspire each other during those long winter days.  Each day we took turns deciding what the subject would be and what medium we would use.   

On this particular day I chose conte  and we all drew our Silver teapot.  It is an old one that we found at the Sussex Flea Market years ago and has been in use in our kitchen ever since.  I asked the older gentleman, who I bought it from, if it made good tea and he replied that it always did when he used it.  I only asked him that because I have had teapots in the past that really did not make good tea... not sure why... but he was right, it did make good tea.  

 It doesn't shine anymore as most of the silver plating on the outside has worn off  and even though it is tarnished and aged, it makes the best tea... sort of like it was broke-in.  The surface of the body is covered with scrolling decorative patterns but it doesn't show in my drawing as we gave ourselves a set time limit to complete or go as far as we could with each drawing and I never had time for the patterns.

I thought I could easily round up John and Max's drawings to post too but they are out today and i can't find them.  When they find them for me I'll take some photos and post them...............

*
waiting
*

 John's Teapot

 .... and just a bit later... John has found his.  I find John's teapot very painterly... it has life and flow and feels like music to me.
 His writing is very musical too.  Ok he gets an "A".
Whereas, I am  giving myself a "C"  and a note to tell myself to Loosen Up!

*
and a bit later still ......after more searching
*

 Max found two teapots...

... really fun to see all the different interpretations!

 And as a little connection to this, later on when we were back at our workbenches  making our jewelry lines for our new catalog, we updated our "Tea and Coffee" earrings to this steaming pair of Mug and Teacup below. They have had a great response so far...we'll keep our fingers crossed.

"Take some more Tea," the March Hare said to Alice, very earnestly.

"I've had nothing yet,"  Alice replied in an offended tone,

 "so I can't take more."

from Chapter 7,  Alice's Adventures in Wonderland,  by Charles Lutwidge Dodgson,

otherwise known as,   Lewis Carroll, 1832-1898

drawings each approx. 10" x 10"

Drawing Hands Holding Pens and Brushes #13

Using pen and ink I did a series of two of my favourite things... Drawing and Hands.

They were inspired by photographs in a book showing various ways to hold drawing tools.

The quill (above) is held firmly between the thumb and the forefinger... the shape of the quill and the pressure you apply make all the difference in the marks produced.

For strong and sharp lines that require more pressure, support the pen on two fingers

 I did one in gray ink but it seemed a little pale so I continued on using Sepia.

This shows the pen being held between the second and third finger... good for a rich, rough line.

 Most often a Chinese or Japanese calligrapher's brush is held vertically... a very particular technique altogether that creates flowing lines in varying widths.  I have watched an experienced artist work in this method and it seemed to flow from them...but I am sure they practiced for years to make it look that easy.

 You can use the pen nib with the reverse side facing down to make large areas of color.

 Your little finger can be used as a lift to elevate your hand and brush when detailing or working over wet ink.

The brush can be balanced very gently  between thumb and forefinger for fine delicate lines

Grip it close to the ferrule to separate and spread the hairs to create broad chiseled strokes.

 For stability and raising your hand above the drawing surface and being precise, you can brace your hand  on your other hand.  I have found myself doing that quite often.

 11" x 14" page from my sketchbook...

 *Note* I should have taken the recycled paper that I was using to divide the pages, out from behind the drawings before I took the pictures because I  now notice  faint lines showing through...... darn... just got to carry on. Cheers.

Desideratum Art and Jewelry studio, St. Martins, New Brunswick, Canada

Glimakra 60" 8-Harness Countermarch Floor Loom ...FOR SALE

 In my continuing saga of paring down due to having our house for sale,

 I have finally allowed myself to part with my Loom and all the accompanying accessories that make a weaving studio complete and a pleasure to use.

 I love fibre work and textile design,  and in the past I have spent many happy hours weaving, everything from blankets from handspun wool from my own sheep and goats, rag rugs, fine cotton/wool colonial overshot, cotton and linen teatowels, scarves, yardage of all descriptions,  etc.....
But since creating our Desideratum Art Jewelry, for a living,  I have had less and less time to dedicate to weaving... and the thought of this lovely loom sitting in the back room not getting used is a shame... so that is the other reason I have decided to sell it. 

  2 Pick-up sticks, 4 Ski Shuttles: 2 Large, 2 Regular, Large Wooden Mallet for assembling and taking apart the loom, Threading Stablizers/Threading Helpers, 2 Shaft Holders

 Dozens of extra Boat Shuttle Bobbins in Large and Regular size and a  doz. Tapestry Bobbins

 2 Large and 8 regular Boat Shuttles and Glimakra Loom Manual, Tapestry Fork, 4 Threading hooks

 Lots of extra bundles of Texsolv heddles

 Lease sticks and lots of warping sticks, extra 60" 8 dent reed , also a 6 dent reed in the Beater.

 Large manual LeClerc Bobbin Winder, the large ratio makes winding bobbins very quick. 

This style is functional, hard to find, and collectable.

 Warping Reel, disassembles for convenient storage

 Over 170 tubes of  Cotton thread in sizes 8/8, 4/8, 2/8, 2/16 , in Natural, Red, Navy 

and 5 lb. of Natural Linen

 Beautiful sought after and standard books any weaver would love to have in their collection, all hard cover but the 2 small ones. I may even have a couple more books... and I just found another collection of spools of weaving cotton, wool etc that I don't have a picture of yet that will be going with this.

The only thing I am not selling is the bench... it has sentimental value because John made it for me.

  

 My Description follows:  a copy of the Ad that I have put on Kijiji.

The Queen of Looms.  The Glimakra Countermarch Floor Loom is a favourite of highly skilled weavers and perfect for beginners, too. Made in Sweden and built to last a lifetime. Can be assembled or taken apart in minutes if it needs to be moved or stored. Sturdy, functional, quiet and the most versatile of the hand-weaving looms.  Warm honey pine color.

This is a 60",  8-shaft floor loom which is presently set up with 4 shafts and has up to 10 treadles. You choose the number of treadles you hook up by the simplicity or complexity of the weaving pattern, from 2 to 10. This loom has the ability to weave delicate lace, intricate and simple patterns, woolen blankets, heavy rugs and everything in between. 
Originally from the Banff Centre of the Arts... well taken care of and in excellent condition.  A dream to use.

An extensive list of items go with it. Everything you would need to set up a weaving studio of your very own.  If you have always wished to take up weaving this is the best opportunity to have the implements for a full working studio set-up, for this price. If bought separately this complete collection would cost thousands more.
 

The Loom comes with:
2 x 60" Reeds, 6 dent and 8 dent
LeClerc Warping Mill
Ski Shuttles 2 lg. and 2 med.
Boat Shuttles, 2 large and 8 regular
Dozens of Bobbins for both size shuttles
LeClerc Bobbin Winder
Pick-up Stick
2 Harness Stabilizers/Threading Helpers
Lease sticks and a large bundle of warping sticks
Extra bundles of Texsolv heddles.
Lg. Wooden Mallet (to use with pegs for assembly)
Tapestry Fork and a doz. Tapestry bobbins
4 Reed Hooks in various sizes
2 Shaft Holders
Temple

Cotton Weaving Thread (over a $1,000. value on its own)
22  x 1 lb. Tubes of 8/8 Natural 
152 x 1/2 lb. tubes of 4/8, 2/8, 2/16  in Natural, Red, Navy
5 lbs. Linen Thread

Collection of Excellent Weaving Books ( much sought after) All included in price.
*The Structure of Weaving, Ann Sutton
*Rug Weaving Techniques, Peter Collingwood
*A Weaver's Book of 8-Shaft Patterns, Strickler
*Handwoven Laces, Donna Muller
*A Handweaver's Pattern Book, Margaurite Porter Davison
*Woven Lace and Lacy Weaves, Robert LeClerc

*Contact me  506-833-1811 or  Email .  Thanks.

For the Complete Package, $3,500. 

 Desideratum Art Jewelry and Art Studio, in St. Martins, New Brunswick, on the beautiful Bay of Fundy, Canada

 

3 Dogs

 

Since I am still busy with the jewelry making side of things, here are 3 drawings I did back in the winter. 

 The "Dalmatian" evolved, covering up an old image in my sketchbook and it kind of took over what was underneath.  I say this because I just noticed a nose poking itself through. hummm.

crosshatch, line ,chalk charcoal.

a brief little pen and ink sketch in an acrylic ink, of a "Loyal Dog looking to his Master".

and one, of our smallest dog  "Pirate", waiting to go somewhere... anywhere, please!... as long as he is with a master-type human being, he is ready.

...for this little drawing, I smudged charcoal over the page and wiped the excess off with a cloth, so that it made a smooth gray starting point.. then started the drawing by using an eraser to define the shape. I added the color for emphasis.  a fun way to work... but it wasn't really work. 

at Desideratum Art and Jewelry Studio, St. Martins, NB

Homemade Pizza Pie... in the Toaster Oven

When I am really busy and want something quick,  this is a great recipe.  It takes 5 minutes to pop all the crust ingredients  into the bread-maker pan... it mixes for 1 1/2 hours on the "dough" setting, while I get more work done in the studio.

This pizza dough recipe is enough for two Pyrex pie pans... the dough is really smooth and easy to stretch to the right size. I pull it up the sides of the pan and then we load all the goodies on top.

I didn't let it raise for any extra time after we loaded it up 

 (I was too hungry and I couldn't wait but it raised nice and puffy anyway while it was cooking.

Here it is after about 20 min. in the convection toaster oven. I made it purposely to fit my toaster oven cause my big oven was on the blink and I wanted to see what I could do with the appliances I had in my kitchen before I bought a new stove... (they are too expensive and they don't make them to last anymore... oh don't get me started... but I digress)  My toaster oven is only big enough to cook one at a time so the second pizza did raise a bit more.. it is beef, onion, parmesan, and chedder cheese.. 

I used a large can of spiced crushed tomatoes that I had bought by mistake but it worked out perfect for this recipe.  We strained them, divided the tomatoes  between the two pie dishes, sprinkled the teeniest bit of sugar over the tomatoes to take away any bitterness and...  with the cup full of delicious tomato juice that was set aside, we made a couple of Bloody Mary's to accompany our kitchen duties.   Bonus!!! 

...of course they were gone by the time the pizzas were cooked.

here's a pic of the crust after it slid out of the dish to cool.  I know, it is a deep dish pizza but I was in the mood for a big thick crust.. if you would like a thinner crust you can use a big cookie sheet but you will need a bigger oven... anyway  it was cooked just right, smelled and tasted excellent.

and it was so easy...  this will be a regular dish when i am in a hurry.. next time ham and pineapple.

here is the recipe for the crust...  it can be mixed by hand too if you would prefer, but for me, it always turns out so well by mixing in the bread-maker, why reinvent the wheel.... Plus it saves time.

Pizza Dough

1 Cup Beer (I was out of beer so I  just used water, still worked out)

1 Tbsp. oil

1 Tbsp. sugar

1 tsp. salt

2 3/4 Cups white flour ( different flour combinations can be used)

2 tsp. yeast

***

then it goes thru the mixing cycle and pre-raises .

divide the dough in half and shape into each of the pie pans.

top each pizza with sauce of your choice, and your favourite toppings.

bake at 425 F. for 15 -20 minutes.

Bon Appetite!

New Desideratum Art Jewelry Catalog 2013... Finished.

  This year the Bead People are in it and they demanded to be on the Cover....  Attitude!

THIS is Where they made their first appearance on my blog.

Spring may have been long in coming this year but that doesn't mean that things haven't been bubbling and boiling below the surface, behind the scenes and in the studio...

Copper Twisted Leaf

oh yes, it happens every year... 

 long hours of being sequestered have been involved... 

Copper Twisted Triangle

... long days of  being in the studio working and only leaving for food and sleep...

 that's how we work...

Kind of an obsession, till we get it all pulled together.

We make a few of each design till be have them where we like them.

Sterling Silver Hoops with Drops

 IDEAS were sketched, mulled over, bent, twisted, heated up, born and come to life, photos taken, adjusted, imported into Word, arranged and arranged and arranged...

 and finally Finalized.

 Copper Ocean Swirl

Yay!  Our  Desideratum Art Jewelry Catalog  has been completed for another year. 

Sterling Silver Hoops with Drops

 It must be what a leaf or a flower feels like when it finally bursts through the soil towards the warmth of sunshine, air and light....  yes, indeed, I do believe

 I feel like Spring!

*NOTE* 

 There are lots more designs in the Catalog ... 

If you would like a copy, be you a Shop owner or an individual... send me an EMAIL and I'll be happy to email you one.

 We'll be in the studio making more of everything, now that we have the designs nailed down. 

Happy Spring, Everybody!!! 

Thinking of Spring

.....while I'm working metal at my bench.

simple things... yes...  I like simplicity. 

I like nature... fresh clean air... growing things...

I like getting back to basics.

I wish I had little elves like this to perk up my garden.

Approx. 10" x 14"...  a scattering of  images done earlier in the winter in my sketchbook.
pen, ink, gouache

at Desideratum Art and Jewelry, St. Martins, New Brunswick, Canada

A Few Quick Studies of Eyes

The better to see you...........

Interesting how you start with one idea and others move in and take over.

...just like the rest of life.
 I guess it's all relative.

...inspiration from many sources, including Leonardo da Vinci, 

using sanguine conte, pen and ink, wash, hatching in my sketchbook.

Still looking at snow and working on jewelry... making headway on the jewelry, none on the snow.

Desideratum Art and Jewelry, St. Martins, NB, Canada

Doing My Thing in the Studio

 

 

  Twisting metal,   Twisting my mind.

*Top to Bottom*

The Girl from the "Primitive People",  $25.- pr
Self Portrait Giant Ear, 14" x 18", charcoal on brown paper

 Stone and glass and silver earrings, $18- pr

A friends house that's no longer there, pen and ink

Black feathers, the crows left for me

Amethyst on Spiraled Silver,  $25- pr

Pale blue beach-combed seaglass heart

By Gwen Buchanan 
at
Desideratum Art and Jewelry, St. Martins, NB