Today was a stressful day. It was, as I told my husband, the Monday of Mondays. Getting to work was not difficult, but once I was there it was one thing after another. There was a lot of absenteeism today. Many people are out with whooping cough which is kind of uncomfortable. I took my lunch break to run some errands. I sent my grad school application off which was good. The rest is in the hands of the administrators and the Gods. I then took some time to make what I thought would be a quick business call. It turned into a very long and stressful exchange, but supposedly everything was rectified. A second time. Gods willing, everything is fine and I will get my bloody certificate of authority so I can legally sell at the upcoming craft show! Everyone was very kind, patient, and helpful so I can't fault them too much...
I've come to accept that it's going to take me awhile to finish my Initiate Study Program. Hell, it took me at least a year to delve into my DP, and three years after that to finish. I took my time. Who can blame me? I was working on my first degree while working part time and maintaining various hobbies. Working full time while attending grad school? I know I'm going to have my hands full.
I am finding myself less resentful and guilty for my limited Druidic studying. I do what I can. I do my short daily devotionals, I pray, I make offerings to Brighid when I sew, and I do my weekly ritual complete with ogham reading. I practice bits of kitchen magic here and there. I try to make time for meditations and walks in the woods. I listen to Pagan music and podcasts. I alternate fiction with Pagan studies when I read before bed. I get in touch with my inner self and the spirits through my art. That is how I am living and experiencing Paganism now. Do I feel like I could do more? Sure. But I'm not beating myself up over it now.
( For My LJ and FB Friends: http://adfcatprints.blogspot.com/ )
Showing posts with label sewing. Show all posts
Showing posts with label sewing. Show all posts
Monday, December 6, 2010
Sunday, December 5, 2010
Continuation of Crafty Goodness
I forgot to add a few things. Here's more that I made this weekend!
( For My LJ Friends: http://adfcatprints.blogspot.com/ )
Five new Goddess dolls.
A dark brown catsidhe with pink wings.
And finally, a demonic catsidhe. OMG isn't he amazing? *fiendish grin*
( For My LJ Friends: http://adfcatprints.blogspot.com/ )
My Weekend Thus Far...
...has been spent sewing. I did mention in my last post that I also worked on my grad school application, but a majority of my time was spent preparing for the upcoming craft show. I did a lot of work, especially yesterday. Some things aren't done yet, but here's what I did complete. I apologize that some of them are a bit hard to see. I need to make a light box.
( For My LJ Friends: http://adfcatprints.blogspot.com/ )
A small teddy bear.
Side of a small black dragon. It will eventually be turned into an ornament.
The front of the mini dragon.
A pixie. She will also become an ornament.
Mini wizard. Another ornament.
( For My LJ Friends: http://adfcatprints.blogspot.com/ )
Saturday, November 27, 2010
Excited for Tonight
Visiting family usually means that my mental discipline goes out the window. Not that I've had much recently in regards to religion... With a craft show coming up, my free time is filled with more sewing than meditation, ritual, or spellwork. I even brought my work with me so I can create while visiting family. So far I've made a small dragon and another mushroom spirit. I'm in the middle of working on a larger doll. I think I'll have a nice collection of whimsy available for the craft show!
Obviously I have my hands full and am mentally distracted. I brought my traveling altar with me and did a quick devotional on Thursday evening. Otherwise it's hard to find a private, quiet time to do anything. I pray or chant to myself. My Gods, while they do like attention, are not so full of condemnation when I cannot visit my altar each day. They hear my whispered prayers, I think. They are tribal Gods and seem to understand the importance of family time. My patroness is pleased by art and, to me, sewing is a way of bringing her honor because she is my muse. It is a different sort of ritual and I am coming to terms with that. There is a sort of magic in art - that cannot be denied.
My family is not Pagan, although some of them have animistic tendencies. They are accepting of my beliefs, and I am free to talk about them, but I do not go out of my way to rub their noses in it. I may pray in front of them from time to time, as I did for Thanksgiving, or discuss my ways, but I generally find myself a quiet corner to perform any rites in. I prefer it that way. I don't want to be a spectacle.
Not tonight! Tonight will be full of magic and socializing - with my witchy friends in Utica! Since moving to the North Country, my old Pagan pals stopped meeting openly. The high priestess*, my dear friend, has learned a lot from her teachers and she is forming her own coven/circle/study group**. They've continually made it known to me that, no matter my path or where I roam, I'm always welcomed to join them. I've started to take them up on that offer. I miss the frequent magic and Pagan fellowship. Between ADF rituals and amidst so much work, this is exactly what I need. I cannot exactly put into words exactly what I feel about working with them all except to say that we've all grown. There is a palpable trust and understanding between us which allows me to feel very comfortable and welcomed despite my different ways. I think we intersect on our love of folk magic and academic study. The high priestess and one of the others seem more and more influenced by traditional witchcraft - something I am also continually drawn to. I feel like Druidism is my religious path, but traditional witchcraft can fit very nicely in there. This is something I'm still exploring, and the group in Utica is just what I need. I'm so excited for later. :)
*I am not sure if she is comfortable being called such, but, to me, that is what she is and that is the role she plays. In my opinion, it sounds less cult-like than "leader." :P
** They are not actively calling it a coven, but I can see it going that way. And you know what? I've grown spiritually since a couple years ago and find myself comfortable being a part of that. Totally another entry for another day...
( For My LJ Friends: http://adfcatprints.blogspot.com/ )
Obviously I have my hands full and am mentally distracted. I brought my traveling altar with me and did a quick devotional on Thursday evening. Otherwise it's hard to find a private, quiet time to do anything. I pray or chant to myself. My Gods, while they do like attention, are not so full of condemnation when I cannot visit my altar each day. They hear my whispered prayers, I think. They are tribal Gods and seem to understand the importance of family time. My patroness is pleased by art and, to me, sewing is a way of bringing her honor because she is my muse. It is a different sort of ritual and I am coming to terms with that. There is a sort of magic in art - that cannot be denied.
My family is not Pagan, although some of them have animistic tendencies. They are accepting of my beliefs, and I am free to talk about them, but I do not go out of my way to rub their noses in it. I may pray in front of them from time to time, as I did for Thanksgiving, or discuss my ways, but I generally find myself a quiet corner to perform any rites in. I prefer it that way. I don't want to be a spectacle.
Not tonight! Tonight will be full of magic and socializing - with my witchy friends in Utica! Since moving to the North Country, my old Pagan pals stopped meeting openly. The high priestess*, my dear friend, has learned a lot from her teachers and she is forming her own coven/circle/study group**. They've continually made it known to me that, no matter my path or where I roam, I'm always welcomed to join them. I've started to take them up on that offer. I miss the frequent magic and Pagan fellowship. Between ADF rituals and amidst so much work, this is exactly what I need. I cannot exactly put into words exactly what I feel about working with them all except to say that we've all grown. There is a palpable trust and understanding between us which allows me to feel very comfortable and welcomed despite my different ways. I think we intersect on our love of folk magic and academic study. The high priestess and one of the others seem more and more influenced by traditional witchcraft - something I am also continually drawn to. I feel like Druidism is my religious path, but traditional witchcraft can fit very nicely in there. This is something I'm still exploring, and the group in Utica is just what I need. I'm so excited for later. :)
*I am not sure if she is comfortable being called such, but, to me, that is what she is and that is the role she plays. In my opinion, it sounds less cult-like than "leader." :P
** They are not actively calling it a coven, but I can see it going that way. And you know what? I've grown spiritually since a couple years ago and find myself comfortable being a part of that. Totally another entry for another day...
( For My LJ Friends: http://adfcatprints.blogspot.com/ )
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Busy Sewing (Image Heavy!)
In anticipation of an upcoming craft/art show, I've been sewing like a mad woman. Some of my creations aren't done yet, so I've not bothered to photograph them. I have three large dolls in the works. One is nearly done. She just needs shoes. I felted some grapes for the second. They need leaves and vines. Then she needs hair, clothing, and wings. The third doll is, as I like to say, gestating. Her body parts are in various stages of development. She's currently in a bag. I hope to work on her while visiting my family this week.
I have made several little things. Check 'em out!
( For My LJ Friends: http://adfcatprints.blogspot.com/ )
I have made several little things. Check 'em out!
Meet the mushroom spirit! The tree spirits were feeling lonely and wanted some fun guys to play with! (Yuck yuck yuck!) Like most people, I have this aesthetic attraction to amanita muscaria - fly agaric. They are full of whimsy and magic. Many people still use them for hedgecrossing and other trance work. What magically inclined person wouldn't want one of these little guys hanging around?
Here's the amanita formosa variety of fly agaric. I'm quite fond of them because they're in my back yard!
A brown mushroom. I'm sure there is a mushroom that looks like this. I need a name for it...
A wide-eyed fly agaric.
A darker fly agaric.
Some "psychedelic mushrooms." I need to attach string to some of them... I think they make cute ornaments.
A tiny Santa.
Finally, a wee fairy. I also plan to add a string to her. She would look lovely on a Yule tree!
They're kind of hard to see, but here are her wings.
( For My LJ Friends: http://adfcatprints.blogspot.com/ )
Friday, November 12, 2010
On Mushrooms
I took a short walk in the woods yesterday, just as the sun was beginning to set. I visited the birch tree for a time and then made my usual circuit. I will sometimes deviate and wander from my path - up the hills, over the craggy heights, around the clearing beyond. Deer season keeps me closer to home, and that is okay because there is always something new to see in the forest.
I love to look at the little things: vine-like moss creeping over the dead leaves; the last of the ferns; the color of rotting wood; a moth crouching against the chill; the every shifting population of fungi... Mushrooms continue to fascinate me. I really should look into finding a mycology class. I would love to learn more about them and which ones are safe to eat. I don't often find fly agaric mushrooms in the woods. This year's record is three. Something about their iconic connection to magic and myth has clutched at me since finding my first early summer. I find myself more observant of all mushrooms. I've never paid them so much attention before this year.
As I walked in the woods, I realized that. I also realized that I spent more time getting to know the forest this past summer than I had before. I finally feel (mostly) safe there. I feel (mostly) welcomed. To me, the mushrooms symbolize my growing relationship with this new forest. As the winter rolls in with it's uncomfortable bite, I've found myself bringing the spirit of the mushrooms inside with me. Now my tree spirits have mushroom spirit friends. I cannot wait to post a photo. They've quickly become one of my favorite things to make!
( For My LJ Friends: http://adfcatprints.blogspot.com/ )
I love to look at the little things: vine-like moss creeping over the dead leaves; the last of the ferns; the color of rotting wood; a moth crouching against the chill; the every shifting population of fungi... Mushrooms continue to fascinate me. I really should look into finding a mycology class. I would love to learn more about them and which ones are safe to eat. I don't often find fly agaric mushrooms in the woods. This year's record is three. Something about their iconic connection to magic and myth has clutched at me since finding my first early summer. I find myself more observant of all mushrooms. I've never paid them so much attention before this year.
As I walked in the woods, I realized that. I also realized that I spent more time getting to know the forest this past summer than I had before. I finally feel (mostly) safe there. I feel (mostly) welcomed. To me, the mushrooms symbolize my growing relationship with this new forest. As the winter rolls in with it's uncomfortable bite, I've found myself bringing the spirit of the mushrooms inside with me. Now my tree spirits have mushroom spirit friends. I cannot wait to post a photo. They've quickly become one of my favorite things to make!
( For My LJ Friends: http://adfcatprints.blogspot.com/ )
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Sapling Tree Spirit!
One of my most recent creations - a birch sapling tree spirit.
( For My LJ Friends: http://adfcatprints.blogspot.com/ )
Thursday, July 15, 2010
You know what...
I logged into Blogger and saw my last post about Kirk wearing a mask and nothing else. I was suddenly struck by inspiration. That would make a spectacular doll... I would probably have the doll wearing a sarong (I've not mastered fabric penises yet...*). I will have to get on that...
* I have made one fabric penis. It's one of my cats' favorite toys.
( For My LJ Friends: http://adfcatprints.blogspot.com/ )
* I have made one fabric penis. It's one of my cats' favorite toys.
( For My LJ Friends: http://adfcatprints.blogspot.com/ )
Monday, July 12, 2010
Latest Work
Black Cat
Small Teddy, Big Feet
( For My LJ Friends: http://adfcatprints.blogspot.com/ )
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Wellspring 2010 - A Reflection
Like many, I don't really know how to describe my time at Wellspring. The word that keeps popping up in my head is transformative. I had a wonderful time and learned a lot about myself. I feel closer to my grove, the ADF community, and the friends I've made there.
It was great to finally meet so many people who I've only known online. I spent some time with the Daws and Lesley who I know through Facebook and the ADF chats. I also met my lj friends athenamsb and Thread_of_Song. It was amazing to spend time with them. I briefly spoke with Michael Dangler, Seamus, and Jamie. I also saw Robb for the first time in a year or so! I wish we could have talked more but such is the nature of a festival I guess!
Weretoad and I spent a lot of time with our friend Parallax who moved out to Albany earlier this year. We've not been able to see her as often as we'd like to, so having her at Wellspring was great! Her husband wasn't able to come but we're already plotting plans for next year!
I feel that Wellspring was transformative for me because not only did it increase my bonds with ADF as a whole, but it helped me to better understand my own insecurities and then deal with them/move past them. I thought that being in a clothing optional campground would be hugely stressful. In the end, it became very normal and even relaxing! I felt more at ease and secure in my own beauty and worth than I ever have. Like Michele said to me in the hot tub, eventually a switch goes off and you realize that there's a definite difference between nudity and sexuality. This was also my first time camping so I learned a lot and know better what I do and don't need next year.
The rituals I attended were wonderful. Kirk's installation as Arch Druid was moving and powerful. I've never seen so many Druids in one place! The symbel on Sunday was a lot of fun and different from any ritual I've ever been to. My husband's favorite was the closing ritual on Monday. He liked that it was more relaxed and that he could sit (he liked that about the symbel as well).
Goodness... What else happened?
- I attended several helpful workshops including the Daws' lecture on Stoicism and Kirk's basic ritual skills. I got a lot out of them!
- Several of my dolls were for sale in the ADF Store. I even sold six of them! I hope that everyone enjoys them!
- I entered the doll at right, Manannan mac Lir, into the Artisan Competition and won first place in the Sacred Art category! Woo!
- Weretoad and I fell in love with sarongs. I think they're now our favorite form of clothing.
- I bought several sarongs, a dragon statue for my garden, and the book Real Magic by Isaac Bonewits.
- I enjoyed the annual meeting. I especially liked Kirk's idea to honor some of the most helpful people with certificates and rewards at the end. It's good to acknowledge the many dedicated volunteers!
- I did a LOT of dancing and it felt wonderful! My grovies want me to do a workshop on dance sometime.
- Candee and I spoke a bit about reiki and she did some on my face because I was feeling so sick on Sunday. It really helped and I am so grateful to her!
All in all, I had such a spectacular time and am so amazed with the hospitality of everyone from Stone Creed Grove to the solitaries! I am honored to be a part of ADF and I cannot wait until next year! Congratulations to everyones accomplishments! Hail to the folk and our Kindreds!
[ For my LJ friends, please visit me at: http://adfcatprints.blogspot.com/ ]
Saturday, May 15, 2010
Today was busy but in a good way. I went to Massage Works in Watertown for my monthly massage. My therapist says she noticed I didn't have as many knots this time. I asked her about lomilomi massage, because I was curious, and she did some on me. It was interesting but not something I would want for an entire session. It's very intense and, in some ways, rough. She only did a little bit, and I definitely felt like she was breaking through something. My lower back feels really limber now! Next time I might reserve a longer period and have her do some reflexology on my hands and feet. They always seem to cry out in jealousy after my back and neck get so much attention! Perhaps I'll practice some reiki on myself later to make up for it.
I also bought fabric for a cloak I'm going to make for Wellspring. I hope it turns out well! The fabric store in Watertown is just not as good as the one in Utica. It's very disappointing and I hope it improves... They didn't have enough of most fabric, so I decided on a moss green velour and a gold faux satin for the lining.
Speaking of stores in Utica, I heard a rumor that Accents of Ireland closed. Is that true? If so, that is very sad.
[ For my LJ friends, please visit me at: http://adfcatprints.blogspot.com/ ]
I also bought fabric for a cloak I'm going to make for Wellspring. I hope it turns out well! The fabric store in Watertown is just not as good as the one in Utica. It's very disappointing and I hope it improves... They didn't have enough of most fabric, so I decided on a moss green velour and a gold faux satin for the lining.
Speaking of stores in Utica, I heard a rumor that Accents of Ireland closed. Is that true? If so, that is very sad.
[ For my LJ friends, please visit me at: http://adfcatprints.blogspot.com/ ]
Friday, May 14, 2010
A Productive Evening!
I'm proud of myself. I've been so lazy all week. After work I just wanted to play Civilization IV and watch movies/shows.
Not today! I cleaned, sewed, cooked, exercised, and did a little in my garden.
Everything in the garden is coming along well. Some of my beans are blossoming. My squash and corn are shooting up (I'm experimenting with the three sisters in a giant tub). The lettuce and herbs are showing. I have some seedlings in the art room. I need more pots for them!
To my gardening friends, what are you doing at the moment? What are you growing and how?
[ For my LJ friends, please visit me at: http://adfcatprints.blogspot.com/ ]
Not today! I cleaned, sewed, cooked, exercised, and did a little in my garden.
Everything in the garden is coming along well. Some of my beans are blossoming. My squash and corn are shooting up (I'm experimenting with the three sisters in a giant tub). The lettuce and herbs are showing. I have some seedlings in the art room. I need more pots for them!
To my gardening friends, what are you doing at the moment? What are you growing and how?
[ For my LJ friends, please visit me at: http://adfcatprints.blogspot.com/ ]
Friday, May 7, 2010
Website Envy and Other Things
I felt really ill yesterday due to hormonal issues. I accomplished nothing after work.
I don't feel fully restored tonight, but I've already been more productive than yesterday! I did some work on a doll and did a quick ritual to promote healing in the areas surrounding the oil spill. CedarLight Grove is encouraging everyone to take part, even if it's just through meditation.
Speaking of CedarLight Grove, do they not have an amazing website? I hate to say this, because I'm very proud of my grove otherwise, but I totally have website envy. Ours looks really out of date... Heck, even some of the information is old. I don't even want to link to it right now because it's kind of embarrassing... I really want to offer Skip a hand but, at the same time, I don't want to step on any toes... Maybe he's just been really, really busy with ArchDruid business and, now that he's "retired," he'll have more time for that? I guess we'll just have to wait and see...
In other news, I'm trying to clean the house. My family is visiting this weekend and hubby and I have been so lazy! Despite the existence of a designated "art room," we tend to bring most of our projects into the living room. I think the problem is a lack of surface area in the art room. I'm going to be keeping my eyes open for a table to put in there. Maybe that will help?
[ For my LJ friends, please visit me at: http://adfcatprints.blogspot.com/ ]
I don't feel fully restored tonight, but I've already been more productive than yesterday! I did some work on a doll and did a quick ritual to promote healing in the areas surrounding the oil spill. CedarLight Grove is encouraging everyone to take part, even if it's just through meditation.
Speaking of CedarLight Grove, do they not have an amazing website? I hate to say this, because I'm very proud of my grove otherwise, but I totally have website envy. Ours looks really out of date... Heck, even some of the information is old. I don't even want to link to it right now because it's kind of embarrassing... I really want to offer Skip a hand but, at the same time, I don't want to step on any toes... Maybe he's just been really, really busy with ArchDruid business and, now that he's "retired," he'll have more time for that? I guess we'll just have to wait and see...
In other news, I'm trying to clean the house. My family is visiting this weekend and hubby and I have been so lazy! Despite the existence of a designated "art room," we tend to bring most of our projects into the living room. I think the problem is a lack of surface area in the art room. I'm going to be keeping my eyes open for a table to put in there. Maybe that will help?
[ For my LJ friends, please visit me at: http://adfcatprints.blogspot.com/ ]
Sunday, May 2, 2010
Looking forward to Wellspring! *
Now that it's May, Wellspring is right around the corner! I'm so excited to meet more of my fellow ADFers. Yesterday at Muin Mound, I learned some very exciting things about Wellspring! For one, Skip told me that the ceremonial installation of Kirk as the new Arch Druid will take place on Saturday. This means I won't miss it! YAY! Second, apparently they're having a professional videographer coming to film the entire thing in the hopes of distributing it to something like the Discovery Channel for a documentary about us! Holy dandelions! That's so exciting if a bit nerve-inducing as well. I would really love to take part in it but struggle with displaying my Pagan life in such a public way. Someone at Muin Mound suggested making myself and my husband masks. I think I'll do this. We were highly encouraged to have ritual garb anyway (or just dress nice), so this gives me a good excuse to put together a new cloak at the very least**.
In other news, since Skip is now the head of the ADF store, I talked to him at length about the possibility of vending at Wellspring. I explained that I didn't have a tax license and that I knew it was illegal to sell without one. I'm just not willing to risk the huge fines, even if it's unlikely that I'll get caught at Wellspring. After talking to Skip, I found out an even more important reason why one shouldn't sell "under the table," as it were. Apparently there are vendors at the Brushwood Center all festival season, and they have to pay a hefty insurance fee to be there - slightly over $600 a year. In my opinion, it just wouldn't be honest or ethical to sell under the table when there are other artisans legitimately selling and paying so much for insurance.
Luckily, Skip explained that ADF has figured out the consignment issue! Thanks to some of Kirk's connections, ADF has a lawyer and a CPA. ADF is now able to legally contract its artisans to sell through the online store and at festivals. Skip gave me a contract to fill out (he said I was the first person to get one!). ADF takes a cut and I have to fill out a W-9, but I don't have to worry about having a tax license*** (ADF takes care of that as well as the Brushwood insurance), and anyone (not just ADF members) can visit and purchase from the ADF store****. I'm really excited and am definitely planning to sell some dolls at festivals and on the internet store. I spent much of today going through my old inventory and making new dolls! I started two large dolls and am nearly finished with over a dozen little Goddess dolls. Whoo! I'm a one-woman sweat-shop!
* I know I've been posting a lot today... I guess I just have a lot to say!
** My husband wonders whether or not people in masks and cloaks will make everyone look like loonies, but they're such an integral part of modern Paganism and general "shamanic" practices that, in the right context, I don't think it's a bad thing. It's our liturgical wear, our neo-ethnic wear, and our mental key into ritual. If people like to dress up and really express their inner selves during such a spiritual time, I don't see it as a bad thing. I completely understand my husband's ponderings, and I often have them myself, but in the end I love dressing up.
*** We don't charge taxes anyway because of our church status.
**** I highly encourage any artsy ADF members to look into it, especially if you were thinking about selling anything at Wellspring.
[ For my LJ friends, please visit me at: http://adfcatprints.blogspot.com/ ]
In other news, since Skip is now the head of the ADF store, I talked to him at length about the possibility of vending at Wellspring. I explained that I didn't have a tax license and that I knew it was illegal to sell without one. I'm just not willing to risk the huge fines, even if it's unlikely that I'll get caught at Wellspring. After talking to Skip, I found out an even more important reason why one shouldn't sell "under the table," as it were. Apparently there are vendors at the Brushwood Center all festival season, and they have to pay a hefty insurance fee to be there - slightly over $600 a year. In my opinion, it just wouldn't be honest or ethical to sell under the table when there are other artisans legitimately selling and paying so much for insurance.
Luckily, Skip explained that ADF has figured out the consignment issue! Thanks to some of Kirk's connections, ADF has a lawyer and a CPA. ADF is now able to legally contract its artisans to sell through the online store and at festivals. Skip gave me a contract to fill out (he said I was the first person to get one!). ADF takes a cut and I have to fill out a W-9, but I don't have to worry about having a tax license*** (ADF takes care of that as well as the Brushwood insurance), and anyone (not just ADF members) can visit and purchase from the ADF store****. I'm really excited and am definitely planning to sell some dolls at festivals and on the internet store. I spent much of today going through my old inventory and making new dolls! I started two large dolls and am nearly finished with over a dozen little Goddess dolls. Whoo! I'm a one-woman sweat-shop!
* I know I've been posting a lot today... I guess I just have a lot to say!
** My husband wonders whether or not people in masks and cloaks will make everyone look like loonies, but they're such an integral part of modern Paganism and general "shamanic" practices that, in the right context, I don't think it's a bad thing. It's our liturgical wear, our neo-ethnic wear, and our mental key into ritual. If people like to dress up and really express their inner selves during such a spiritual time, I don't see it as a bad thing. I completely understand my husband's ponderings, and I often have them myself, but in the end I love dressing up.
*** We don't charge taxes anyway because of our church status.
**** I highly encourage any artsy ADF members to look into it, especially if you were thinking about selling anything at Wellspring.
[ For my LJ friends, please visit me at: http://adfcatprints.blogspot.com/ ]
Let me introduce you to Sif!
Sif is a Norse Goddess. She's Thor's wife and is known for her beautiful, golden hair.
Here is my interpretation of her. She's sitting in the forest with her horn of mead.
Here is a closeup of her sitting in a tree.
Sif is a one of a kind art doll and is not a toy due to some slight armatures, beading, and chains. She was so much fun to make and and I learned a lot as I went along.
[ For my LJ friends, please visit me at: http://adfcatprints.blogspot.com/ ]
Here is my interpretation of her. She's sitting in the forest with her horn of mead.
Here is a closeup of her sitting in a tree.
Sif is a one of a kind art doll and is not a toy due to some slight armatures, beading, and chains. She was so much fun to make and and I learned a lot as I went along.
[ For my LJ friends, please visit me at: http://adfcatprints.blogspot.com/ ]
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Oh the things people leave behind in forests... It was nice to be outside, for however short, and begin cleaning up. I got to see several tiny snails which was fun. I also made a little cairn under a pine tree in tribute to the land Goddess.
Otherwise my day was spent inside. Sif is nearly finished. I made a drinking horn for her and only need to paint it and attach it to her somehow. I also made her shoes and added some simple embroidery to them and her dress. I'm extremely proud of her. The other doll is coming along wonderfully as well. I made him a cloak and I'm trying to decide whether or not I want to decorate it in any way. He also needs shoes.
Otherwise my day was spent inside. Sif is nearly finished. I made a drinking horn for her and only need to paint it and attach it to her somehow. I also made her shoes and added some simple embroidery to them and her dress. I'm extremely proud of her. The other doll is coming along wonderfully as well. I made him a cloak and I'm trying to decide whether or not I want to decorate it in any way. He also needs shoes.
Monday, April 19, 2010
Sunday, April 4, 2010
Exploring Watertown and Sewing a Skirt
I had a lovely day with my husband and parents yesterday. I showed my parents the Paddock Arcade, where I broought my mother Moontide Arts, the New Age shop, while the men waited outside. She really loved all the clothing there. We also went to some boutiques on Court St. like the fair trade/thrift shop and the new "Spinning Wheel." It was nice to walk around the city on such a gorgeous day. I bought myself a sun dress, a locally made soy candle, some incense, and a dragon soap dish for the bathroom*. We had lunch at The Mustard Seed where my mum bought me some yummy vegan cookies. Later I served my family a homemade meal of shepherds pie, bread, and deviled eggs from the local farmers. My mum provided the wine and my dad brought us some dill mushrooms. Mmm!
Hubby and I are having a fun day today. We went outside to throw a football around, then walked our ferrets which was fun.
I finished assembling my sleeve skirt**. It was super easy. My husband had some button-down shirts that didn't fit him. Most of them are going to charity but I selected a couple to construct this fun and simple piece***.
I have to iron it again but I'm happy with it. I was thinking of adding some sort of trim but hubby thinks it looks fine as is. I may add some jingle bells but we'll see...
* Some of you may think that's awfully kitsch. Just remember that taste is relative!
** I got the idea from this Thread Banger tutorial.
***For my lj friends: http://adfcatprints.blogspot.com/
Hubby and I are having a fun day today. We went outside to throw a football around, then walked our ferrets which was fun.
I finished assembling my sleeve skirt**. It was super easy. My husband had some button-down shirts that didn't fit him. Most of them are going to charity but I selected a couple to construct this fun and simple piece***.
I have to iron it again but I'm happy with it. I was thinking of adding some sort of trim but hubby thinks it looks fine as is. I may add some jingle bells but we'll see...
* Some of you may think that's awfully kitsch. Just remember that taste is relative!
** I got the idea from this Thread Banger tutorial.
***For my lj friends: http://adfcatprints.blogspot.com/
Friday, April 2, 2010
New Book!
One of the other books I ordered for Magic 1 came! It's called The Magic Arts in Celtic Britain by Lewis Spence. I'm excited to have another book on Celtic magic to read because the first book, Irish Celtic Magical Tradition, while very good, also has meditative practices in it that the author encourages the reader to do several times before moving on. I've been doing the first one but have only had a significant amount of success once. The other times I've either fallen asleep or made it to the outside of a city but couldn't get in. The one time I made it into the city, I spoke with one of the teachers of the Tuatha de Danann and this really helped solidify my current understanding of the Gods.
I've yet to start The Magic Arts in Celtic Britain but it's supposed to more broad, whereas the other book focuses on the first and second battles of Moytura.
On the creative front I did a bit of sewing today. I started to take in a button down shirt that my husband received as a gift. It's a couple sizes too large for him and I've been meaning to experiment with it. I also took a couple of his old button downs that are now too small and started a skirt inspired by a Thread Banger tutorial. I just have to hem it and I'll have a fun skirt to wear in the warm weather we've been experiencing!
I haven't been drawing much recently. It's not that I don't want to, it's just that I keep forgetting! I'm suddenly pulled back into my sewing so other creative pursuits are on the back burner. I've been thinking about what I could do for my still life and I think I may draw my traveling altar with all the items spread around it. That could be neat.
Thursday, April 1, 2010
What a gorgeous day outside! I spent a lot of time in the sun, walking around the village and helping to clean a park. I'm not sure what I did to myself, but my ankle hurts. Perhaps a full reiki treatment is in order?
Last night I heard tree frogs for the first time. That's always a big deal to me. It's one of my favorite sounds, probably because I grew up falling asleep to them outside my bedroom window. It's so comforting. Living in Whitesboro, NY (the more developed areas) most of last year, I didn't often hear them so I'm glad to find them around my new home. Added to their chorus are the sounds of bigger frogs from the ponds surrounding the southern edge of the development.
I did some sewing last night. The Sif doll I've been working on is nearly done*. Her hangerock is done. It's fancier fabric than any Norsewoman probably ever used but she is a Goddess. I need to find some oval brooches** for it. I was going to try making some with polymer clay but I want to see if I can find any suitable buttons first. I also made her a belt and have to find some appropriate things to hang from it. Finally I'll attach the hair. I have long, saffron colored wool for that. I'm not sure if I want to leave it as is or braid it.
* Her outfit is not modeled after the illustration on the Wikipedia page.
** A friend told me they're called turtles. This was really confusing to me at first. I thought "Wait... is there a story about Sif and some turtles? That's one I've not heard..."
Last night I heard tree frogs for the first time. That's always a big deal to me. It's one of my favorite sounds, probably because I grew up falling asleep to them outside my bedroom window. It's so comforting. Living in Whitesboro, NY (the more developed areas) most of last year, I didn't often hear them so I'm glad to find them around my new home. Added to their chorus are the sounds of bigger frogs from the ponds surrounding the southern edge of the development.
I did some sewing last night. The Sif doll I've been working on is nearly done*. Her hangerock is done. It's fancier fabric than any Norsewoman probably ever used but she is a Goddess. I need to find some oval brooches** for it. I was going to try making some with polymer clay but I want to see if I can find any suitable buttons first. I also made her a belt and have to find some appropriate things to hang from it. Finally I'll attach the hair. I have long, saffron colored wool for that. I'm not sure if I want to leave it as is or braid it.
* Her outfit is not modeled after the illustration on the Wikipedia page.
** A friend told me they're called turtles. This was really confusing to me at first. I thought "Wait... is there a story about Sif and some turtles? That's one I've not heard..."
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