Friday, December 17, 2021

3 Little Birds…

are at my doorstep. Actually, it's turning into a veritable flock around here! For awhile now I've been thinking about how to make a simple resist for chickadees -- and with just the right amount of internal pressure to put pesky procrastination on notice (e.g. the holiday shipping deadlines bearing down), I put my noodle on it last week and got the job done. While pleased with the resulting felted "feathered" friends, I am most satisfied with the elegant plastic resist design which solidified after a few definitely-not-so-elegant iterations (three, to be precise). Like many makers, I find the design phase (including making the prototypes) to be the most rewarding part of the creative process... and would much prefer having a team of little elves do the production of the actual inventory. But how can I complain when I get to fill any downtime with making suff -- it's like being a kid again. Note: The gift chickadees flew the coop, and these six stayed behind. If you would like to adopt one, go to the gallery in Fountain Hills to pick out your fave! Happy holidays to all!

Friday, November 5, 2021

Felted Drawings

In the Studio: Continuing to develop a series of wet-felted flat pieces that translate my pencil sketches into wool works. Whenever I cut shapes, Matisse comes to mind and it's difficult trying to keep him from over-influencing my hand and scissors! I started this work a few years ago and like the simplicity of the shapes, playing with white space and other design elements and principles, and introducing a bit of narrative too. I plan to matte a few and take them over to the gallery to see how others respond. Topmost Photo: "Catching Diamonds", wet-felted wool, 11"x13.5"; Lower Photo: "To Have and to Hold", wet-felted wool, 11"x14"

Sunday, October 3, 2021

Some Press!

Toot toot! Delighted to have three of my felted sculptures showcased in the Summer/Fall 2021 issue of Fiber Art Now magazine! The new issue is chock full of work by fiber artists pushing the edges of the medium, reimagining traditional methods, and/or refining the craft in novel ways. This periodical is alway inspiring, so if you are a fiber artist and not already a subscriber, follow the link to sign up. 

Saturday, July 10, 2021

Gallery Installation

Last May, my husband (landscape photographer, Mike Buchheit) and I installed our work at the Fountain Hills Artists Gallery. We are excited to be represented at this wonderful gallery with a fantastic group of talented, supportive artists! If you're in greater Phoenix, be sure to swing by.  

Friday, April 23, 2021

Machine-stitched Wool Portraits

My little Singer Featherweight II isn't able to do free-motion emobroidery, but I'm enjoying the quirky results of working with a standard machine. Here are some of my latest experiments in machine-stitched mini wool portraits (dimensions: 3"x 4.25"). The base material is handmade felt from Merino wool. I love drawing little narratives, and this technique allows me to combine traditional illustration with fiber art. (Follow me on Instagram if you want to see more.)