Making art with the sun

Many of you may have heard of a type of print called a "cyanotype" or "sunprint".   Basically it is specially treated paper which, when a resist (image, object, etc.) is placed on it and it's exposed to UV light, a ghostly image will be left behind.   That's really the quick and dirty explanation - I'm sure there's more science-y stuff in there, but that's not how I roll. 

Anyhoo, I happened across this great website that sells pretty much anything you can imagine with regard to sun printing.   I purchased a silk sunprint scarf and, using vintage skeleton keys and escutcheons, made a really pretty and interesting scarf. 

During the process:

And after (please excuse photos, they were taken with my phone after two cups of coffee!):

If you can tell in the "before" shots, the fabric is sort of green and slightly stiff.   After the exposure and the rinsing, the fabric turns an amazing blue with variations from robin's egg to cobalt.  This is a really fun project and would make an amazing gift for someone!   You can visit Blueprints on Fabric for more inspiration and a list of products.

Renewed Effort and a Tree Bed!

Yes, I know it's been AGES since I've posted, but since I'm pretty sure I only have about four readers, I didn't think it was a big deal.  However, since my little boy is in FIRST GRADE now, I have all day in which to discipline myself and post on a regular basis.  We'll see how that goes.  No one hold their breath. 

Today I'm posting about this amazing bed.   See, I have this secret dream (well, not-so-secret anymore) that I'm really a fairy princess living in the human world.  If that were true, then this would be the bed for me!
 

This amazing piece of art is completely hand-made!   Check out these fine folks' website HERE.

Amusement

I apologize for my absence.   Seems that, for me, writing in a blog is much like writing in a journal - I know I'd like to do it, but somehow it always ends up at the bottom of my to-do list.   With a 6 year old son at my side during these summer days, the time slips away like mercury.  


However, I do have a fun post today!   We took a little 3 day vacation to a local amusement park here in Pennsylvania, called Knoebel's.   Nestled among tree-covered hills, filled with vintage, shiny rides and great food (yes, great food!), we truly enjoyed ourselves.   Here's evidence:

A Little Egg

Always fascinated with nests and eggs, I finally got this piece finished.  I am lucky enough to be surrounded by immense, grand old trees, which house several birds come spring.  I've been seeing them flitting about with bits of straw in their beaks, preparing nests for the young ones. 

There really is something so gratifying, so magical in watching nature shake off her austere winter clothing, adorning herself in blossoms, catkins and greening leaves.  So, in honor of our awakening landscape, I think I'll follow suit.   I'll put away my grey shirts and yoga pants and wear a brightly colored blouse, and may just tuck a flower in my hair.  Happy Spring, everyone!

New Sparklies!

I thought a little sparkling eye candy would be appropriate to welcome spring!

Crocuses, snowdrops and sun, Oh My!

When I see the snowdrops and crocuses bravely breaking through the semi-frozen ground, I smile, heave a deep sigh and rest in the comfort of knowing the long winter is soon to be over.  Very soon, indeed.   I heard the mourning doves cooing yesterday morning, which is another harbinger of spring.  Hmm....think I'll dig out those seed catalogs today! 

Spring!

Yesterday I was moping about, freezing in the cold wind outside and longing for spring so hard, I could feel it in my bones.  This is the hardest time of year for me...when winter seems to grip just a little bit tighter before letting go of the earth, and my creativity has all but slowed to a frozen trickle.  Walking back to the house after seeing my son off on the school bus, I happened to look down and what did I see, but a brave little clump of snow drops!  I lingered a bit, grinning wildly, feeling some of the frost in my spirit thaw, knowing that spring is indeed on its way.