Backwoods Creations: Living Life Creatively

Good bye for now

2010-10-17T17:43:00.000-05:00

perhaps i should have let go sooner. this blog has served its purpose for a particular time period in my life. Perhaps I will start a new one in the future. Right now though a blog is not where I need or want to spend my time. I have enjoyed spending time with you all, sharing and giving each other encouragement. Best regards and good luck.

Living Vicariously and Living Simply

2010-08-29T12:53:00.000-05:00

We have been trying to simplify how we live. We are not always successful at saying no to the I wants when it really is something that is a passing fancy. But I do think we are slowly getting to buying less and following the adage of "Use it up, wear it out, make it do or do without" which is one that I was brought up with. I think of it as a New England saying. New England is known for its frugality.

It may seem a bit odd that we make part of our living from buying and reselling. It really isn't all that odd. In some ways it is a way of helping to recycle. Why buy new when you can by decent used if you have to buy at all. Besides the old stuff was made so much better then some of the more modern Wally World items that are out there. We really have become a country of throw aways. Built in consumerism. Pick and choose what is important. I kind of like the idea that I am paring down to what is comfortable to me in a gradual fashion. Some would say it is way to gradual. But in reality I have downsized considerably in the past 2 years.

Part of the fun of buying and reselling is I get to live some neat stuff for a brief period of time. I enjoy it while it is here but overall am glad to see it go. I have some wonderful pieces of vintage jewelry that I recently bought at a lawn sale. The range from the 1930s to the to the the 1960s I would say. I can't wear alot of jewelry because of a metal allergy. But I love pins and these will be lovely on a lapel or felted retro style hat.

Celluloid and Rhinestone Hat or Lapel Brooch

Rhinestone Play Pretty Brooch

And last by not least this lovely vermeil art nouveau styled pin from the 1930s.

Even though I love all of these pieces I will enjoy them and then let them go willingly to new homes. I don't wear this kind of thing anymore. I don't dress up like I used to and that is okay. I don't enjoy it like I did. Now I am enjoying other past times. So when these go I will be happy.

Handmade Life

2010-08-14T15:21:00.001-05:00

Everyday stuff can sometimes be the best. Take these T-Shirt bags from AfrobagLady of which I got three of for a whopping $10 plus $4.00 shipping. I took them to the farmers market with me on Thursday in Waterville. One got filled bread, goat cheese, fresh dill, a 1/2 dozen heads of garlic. The other two have a 1/2 bushel of pickling cukes split between the two of them. Here are two of them filled with the cukes. Rudy is there for size reference. Ignore the big honkin' Steve boots in the back. They are not there for size reference. The T-Shirt bags are strong, stretched a bit but are really easy to carry. Nice upcycling of something that someone no longer wanted. Plus I get to easily wash these when they get dirty. The plastic coated canvas bags are a pain to wipe out and I don't thing running them through the washer is such a hot idea. But these are just great.

My handmade life includes handmade pickles!

On the studio side I also got these bird ornaments and some mobiles done and delivered for an order. I have been working on some fish using my altered fabric paper. The brook trout is the basis for the shape. Those will be up shortly. This canning gets in the way on getting everything done.

Rudy is barking to come in. Sometimes I wish he would learn to do the door himself. But who knows who he would allow in if that happened. Take care and come back to see what is new.

Putting it Up

2010-08-08T17:56:00.000-05:00

The past three days have been jam packed with a lot of different things to do. People may use their weekends for entertainment and down time. But this time of the year and with my goals in mind I don't do much down time. I should do more downtime but isn't that winter is for? That is a later topic. Let's just say I probably run in my sleep.

I started it all on Thursday afternoon at the Waterville Farmer's Market. There I stopped at the vendor, Snakeroot Farm, with whom we have a CSA with. What is a CSA? Perhaps you can find one close to you for next year. In a nutshell it is buying shares in a local farm for produce. It gives the farmer starting cash for the growing season. You in turn get locally produced, hopefully organic (ours is!) veggies and fruits. Yum! My garden is very small this year because I knew I wouldn't have the time to devote to it. The CSA was a great alternative. Anyways I picked up 5lbs of beans, 10 lbs of pickling cukes, fresh dill, a overflowing pint of different cherry tomatoes, summer squash, patty pans, zucchinis, shallots and garlic. Out of all of that bounty I spent a couple hours on friday and saturday canning. This is the fruits of my labor.

The back row is kosher garlic dill spears. The middle and front rows are a combination of bread and butter pickles and dilly green beans. I love the bread and butter pickles and will be making more.

I am on the search for the perfect relish recipe to can up as well. We do use the bread and butter pickles chopped up fine. It is delish but I really would like a relish recipe.

On top of that we went to a memorial service, cleaned house, worked in my studio, processed pictures and a whole slew of other things. Despite the frantic pace of this time of year I love it. Life is good.

Back from South Carolina

2010-08-04T18:43:00.000-05:00

I am back from a week long training in South Carolina. Now I love to go to this place even if it is all about work. Why? Well it is a change of scene and someone else pays for the change of scene. This time around the weather was extremely hot and humid. At the very least 80% humidity everyday and severe thunderstorms. Food was great, met some really nice people and then I came home.

I am working on getting an order finished up for the Maine Center on Craft. There is a whole new bunch of small mobiles and ornaments coming their way shortly. This piece will be listed shortly for BackwoodsCreations. at some point this weekend.

Making the Most of Time

2010-07-24T15:38:00.000-05:00

I am scheduled to leave tomorrow to go to South Carolina for the week. Is it for fun stuff? mmmm...no but I have fun down there. The day will be totally work related. The evenings belong to me though. In an attempt to get some things done I will be taking my sketchbook/journal and a few other things to keep me occupied. But in the meantime I am setting up the stage to get back into the online swing of things.

I created a fanpage on Facebook for the Secondlife store. The badge is over on the lower left column. We have such fun hunting down cool vintage and retro styled stuff to give another chance to. One man's trash is anothers treasure is definitely true. So please if you have even the smallest love for vintage and antiques give as another fan and help spread the word. Afterall collecting and antiques were the first type of recycling and being green. At least that is what I think so. Who can resist the wonderful charm and usefulness of vintage teacups and saucers from Lu Ray to Jackson Diner Ware.

"Windsor Blue Mint Lu Ray"


Jackson Vitrified Diner Ware

One thing I will be doing while down in SC is to write up some more items for linky love. Soon as possible I will have anything SecondLife related have a little blog all of its own. Somehow I think I want to keep the creative work separated from the vintage side.

While I am down south I will be drawing in my sketchbook for the creative side as well as doing brain drains on what to do for both businesses on the net to kickstart them into gear.

Back in the Saddle

2010-07-23T10:16:00.000-05:00

After an unplanned three month hiatus I am back. I got so busy that the "do blog post" kept being pushed back. Enough with excuses! onward to fun stuff. While I was busy living life I found some interesting places to visit via the web and found some new blogs to read. I thought, pondered, read, drew, sewed, slept, cooked and ate. All wonderful things by themselves or done together.

It also came to thought that I might want to start another blog for my personal work and a separate one for the vintage store. I am not sure about that and time will tell with how busy or forgetful about it all I get.

Just a brief little note of I am back and stay tuned. Looking forward to sharing my finds with you all.

Decorating with Sheet Music

2010-04-19T06:31:00.001-05:00

There are tons of different ways to decorate and I am no style maven by any means. But I do like to get the biggest bang for my buck when I do anything. I also love vintage. For those who also love vintage and live on a tight budget look at vintage sheet music for decorating your walls. Seriously!

Sheet music throughout the ages has depicted where the minds and hearts of the people were. At the turn of the 20th century various illustrators were very popular and it is fun to collect them as well as hang them. The Starmer Brothers, Rolf Armstrong, Frederick Manning, Barbelle and Edward Pheiffer to name a few were all quite prolific. All had different styles that after awhile you can easily pick out. The blushing beauty below is done by Rolf Armstrong. A very popular illustrator to collect. His colors are lush and rich and the women have a rosy cheek girl next door sensuality to them. "My Sunshine Rose" is just a head shot while there is usually more to a Armstrong portrait.

Another popular illustrator with a romantic bent is Frederick Manning. Frederick Manning also does a work that has women in various settings. His work is less colorful but no less striking. A selection of work by the same illustrator grouped on a wall can be a lovely statement.

Illustrations were not limited to just the romantic. There are many different styles and themes to choose from. While a love song is always popular there is also the comic, political and songs associated with specific events such as WWI or movies. Music was often used to help popularize specific vaudeville acts such as Fanny Brice or movie stars like Norma Talmadge.

For those who like a bit of an art deco or nouveau twist there is plenty of sheet music with those style features. Several illustrators such as the Starmer Brothers would not only do illustrations but also created borders to go around the photo portraits of various stars like Nora Bayes. The graphic quality of these pieces are outstanding and make a stylistic addition to a room's decor.

Even sheet music without illustrator names attached are still just as visually exciting as those with prominent artists. Picking a genre or even a color theme can be just as interesting to look at in a wall grouping.

"She was just a Sailor's Sweetheart" is just one example of the lighthearted approach to the front cover of a piece of music. The simple graphics is a very different feel then those above. A selection of this kind of cartoon approach would be great as a visual history.

Vintage sheet music was usually printed on high-acid paper. To prolong its life and your investment protect from direct light, high humidity, and handling. Pieces when framed should be matted and backed with acid-free material. When the paper starts to darken and become darkened that is a sign of decay. So whether you collect a specific illustrator, style or era remember that these are pieces of history.

Cake and Jane Eyre

2010-04-11T18:24:00.001-05:00

I have been reading Jane Eyre for the Bronte Along fun. I am not a fast reader and I am afraid that my co readers are sprinting light years ahead of me. I only read before going to bed because I have other things that take priority. That being said I read and then find that within a few pages my eyes are closing and I fight it for a few minutes before giving in and turning off the light. But I am enjoying it and that is what counts.

On that note when I found this piece, a cake or tidbit stand, I was reminded of teatime. What a perfect piece to put a pretty doily on and load up with tea sandwiches (sans crust!) or tea cakes. Ahhh the soothing sweet taste of a well done cup of tea and a little mid afternoon tidbit is so, dare I say civilized? I first got acquainted with an afternoon tea break when I was a child living in England. At that time tea was at 3PM right after school and was sometimes a simple affair of a bit of bread and jam to the more extravagent of eating breakfast all over again.

So what does this have to do with Jane Eyre? Tea time! crumbs of food and the soothing steam of a good strong cup of tea after a walk across the heath? What doesn't it have to do with Jane?

Vintage I love Vintage

2010-04-08T21:20:00.000-05:00

I do love vintage very much. I love the history of it as much as the aesthetics of certain pieces. I have certain things I would love to collect and keep but I think I get almost (I said almost!) as much joy out of finding and moving them along to a new home. Afterall I can't keep everything.

This purse is a little find I got this weekend along with a few other things. It is a pencil thin black patent vinyl purse that one would wear with the spring coat with the 3/4 length sleeves.

This measures 16.5 inches long and 4.5 inches high and 2 inches deep. It also can be found in my vintage shop, SecondLife, waiting for a new home.

Making Changes

2010-04-03T06:28:00.001-05:00

I decided I needed three columns on my blog. Being less then adept at making these changes I will have a funny looking blog for awhile. Wish me luck!

Yeahh! It didn't take long as I thought it would. Phew! Now back to creating and making art that pleases me.

Bronte Along

2010-03-28T15:04:00.001-05:00

Bronte Along was an invitation I received a week or so ago. I thought to myself - "don't do it. I suck at following on these things!" But I decided why not? It may give me some new images and new ways to work. Something that I always get a thrill from. All the details can be found here. It was all brought about by Yummy Goods.

So I have added one more thing to my list of things MaryAnn needs to do. But somehow this feels a bit different. I am starting to feel the bubbling of possibilities. Besides what better way to procrastinate then to read a good book. Right now I want the books to give me images and not the films. Silly perhaps but that is what feels right.

Looking at it Differently

2010-03-22T19:43:00.000-05:00

I am at a point that I can start working on some things that are not mobile related. This is a good thing. But it also feels a bit weird. After all I have other ideas...right??? Well I do and I had what was tons of them but some how they have magically disappeared. I was never good at the journal/dairy/sketchbook thing. I really do need to get better with writing and sketching stuff down. But to get back on point I am looking at things that may give me a jumpstart and maybe in a way I hadn't thought of.

I started taking pictures and it all comes down to looking at things differently. Here are some pictures that I may or may not use as a jumping off point.

Differences are interesting and then where to go from here?

Handwork - Knitting

2010-03-14T08:25:00.001-05:00

I rediscovered knitting last year. I had not knit in probably 15 years when I picked it up again. I decided that I needed to learn how to make socks. Socks from the toe up on circular needles two at a time so no sock orphans happen kind of knitting...phew! So I have been knitting and looking at all of the new and wonderful things that have happened in the knitting world. Fifteen years ago the internet was not really happening for me so now that it is WOW!

There are knitting communities such as Ravelry or the Knitting Daily. Or just plug in free knitting pattern of whatever you are looking for and voila! instant fix. I am still on my sock addiction kick. However etsy has not only a plethora of handspun yarn but handknitted goods like these pillows from Strikk . I think they are just fabulous with the ruffled effect that they have.

The term ruching is what I think is the correct verbiage. Doesn't really matter because they are just simply wonderful.

Then I found this sock yarn from BlackSheep Dyeworks. I have more then enough yarn for the next few projects but this will have to go on my list of what I need (yes need!) to buy for a future pair of socks.

Of course the vest yarn from Rowan has to be made up first. Yes it does! or I will just buy and drool and never produce.

During my quickie tour of the category knitting on etsy I came across this really cool idea. It is for a ball bowl. It keeps the yarn ball from running away across the table and floor. This nifty item (handmade) can be found through Julie Knowles Pottery Shop.

Of course I have a tin one with a cover that is from the 1930s. I love it. I don't use it for yarn though. It has my pocket change in it. When it gets full I empty the coins, roll them and then go buy new supplies for creating. This time it just may be for knitting goodies.

I also have come back and edited this post because I wrote it on the fly and when I first woke up. Two things that do not make a coherent sentence.

A Piece of Heaven Called Pie

2010-03-01T19:18:00.000-05:00

I have had a fun filled weekend full of all sorts of activity. I worked in my studio making mobile components and fabric paper. I took pictures of items to post in the Second Life shop But the big event was that I rendered leaf lard for pies. Then today I made a half dozen blueberry turnovers and a pie. But lets back up here.

RENDERED LARD! Egads! are my arteries slamming close as I type. No they aren't. Is lard something I would eat on a daily basis...mmmm..no. But this stuff tastes so good I wouldn't mind! It was an easy peasy process to do. I did it because I love to cook and I had always heard that a lard based crust was the flakiest and most tender. I gotta say its true. I got a crust recipe from the pie authority (love the web), Kate McDermott, who has a truly wonderful blog and a fabulous life making pie. I had beforehand had always thought the shortening crust from Rose Levy Berenbaum was the ultimate. In a pinch, meaning no lard, I would make that. It is still good. But this well...I have found a piece of heaven called pie. But of course I forgot to take a picture of the pie. It is to late now cause its gone. BUT here are the turnovers. They were yummy too.

After making turnovers and pie we took a drive down the highway to Boothbay. We went and visited the Maine Botanical Gardens. It looks like it will be a really hopping place once spring gets underway. They had some wonderful sculpture placed throughout the winding drive to the center. I think I would like to get back there before the tourist season really heats up.

Working Night and Day

2010-02-22T20:43:00.000-05:00

I have been working like a fiend day and night to get things done and keep moving forward with the game plan. I have been busy putting together various components for mobiles. I still need to do more. But each day I get into studio and produce more. Then on every couple of nights I put mobiles together. They are all so different from one another despite the production line going on. Everything is hand cut so no two leaves are a like. Much like mother nature! I am working on smoothing out the curves of my fruit as well.

This is a little 3 birdie mobile that I will making some more similar to it.

On the less creative note the SecondLife shop is perculating right along. It is fun to get the pictures together and do a bit of research. I am still relatively new and so I am sure there are some things I let go to cheaply. Such was the case with a pair of parrots wall pockets. One of which is shown here.

When an item is posted less then 24 hours before selling it makes me think oopsie someone got a deal!

On the Ride of Life

2010-02-16T12:55:00.000-05:00

The past two weeks have been especially chaotic all the way around. Here is a list:

Lots to do studio wise, (making mobiles, sketching ideas for new series of 2D work etc...)
hubby on the mend from surgery, (his mobility is gaining momentum thank god!)
posting new items in the new shop, Second Life (vintage and destashed items with more coming)
work...well that is 5 days a week 9.5 hours with commute...takes a big bite out of the time for other stuff.

Right now I have a corgi crawling up my nose because of work going on that has noises she doesn't like. She is wedged so tight between me and the arm of the lazy bastard I don't think either one of us will move without making the sound of suction breaking. It makes typing a bit difficult.

Here is a shot of the new mobile. I call it Granny Smith Apples with Bird. There are about 4 sheets of new fabric paper drying upstairs in my studio become new leaves and other

stuff. I have an idea for some bird houses and actually some pincushions. Oh did I also mention the new 2D work it envolves handprinting from hand carved linoleum blocks. There is not enough time in the day! But I love it all.

The Winner Is...

2010-02-15T08:27:00.000-05:00

The One World One Heart Magic Carpet Tour is over. It ended at midnight while I was sleeping. Any comments that came in before that time were added this morning. It has been a wonderful time visiting peoples blogs and seeing what others lives and interests are. The diversity in creative outlets is just amazing.

The winner of the four pieces of fabric paper is Astrid Mclain. Yeah!! Astrid is in Scotland and does some really fantastic looking art journels.

Thanks so much everyone for visiting! I actually think the winner is all of us who joined in to this fabulous experience.

Ending the Month with Baking

2010-01-31T16:07:00.000-05:00

The month has one day left in it when I started this post. Oh my how the time has flown. Lots has happened in the past 30 days. Birthdays, surgeries, work, creative time, bringing in the wood so we don't freeze our butts off and a whole lot of other things. I have to ready a box to ship overseas to a friend stationed in Afghanistan. This means I have baking to do. It is Valentine's Day coming up so lots of chocolate baked items are in order. This whole month has been a juggling act to get accomplished what needs or I want to get done.

In my effort to keep myself "focused" I have decided to focus on fast meals to make. This means I look a lot at Rachael Ray's website. I subscribe to several food blogs in an RSS feed so they come right to my google reader. However I think these are possibly some of my favorites:

The Smitten Kitchen, is full of wonderful tips, techniques and a no nonsense approach to culinary nirvana.
Baking Bites works to have one properly getting all nutritional needs met from sugar, butter, occassional chocolate and all things delish! This link does go to the blog but to a particular recipe for Nutella Bread Pudding. Oh god I think I just passed out from the joyful thought of the combination.
Cookie Madness is a recent find that I think will come in handy all year around and not just for the holidays. I see a trend here already of the food blogs I follow. Yes I am a baked goodoholic.
King Arthur Flour Blog one cannot go wrong. There is always something there to make me salivate and eyes glaze over.

It is amazing to me that my honey and I don't weight 600 pounds a piece since we are both really, really in love with our goodies. Seriously. What I did end up making this morning was an Irish soda bread.

I am on the search for a creamy mac and cheese recipe. Somehow it all ends up being not so saucy. I get good but I want more sauce. Perhaps doubling the sauce and cheese...now there is a thought.

A Magic Carpet Ride

2010-01-25T20:28:00.002-05:00

I am thrilled with taking the Magic Carpet Ride along with other bloggers for the ONE WORLD ONE HEART party. This event was thought of by Whimsical Bohemian. I can't wait to meet some new people and see some new ideas. All very exciting.

My giveaway will be a selection of the "fabric paper" I make to do my mobiles and mixed media work with. There will be 4 sheets no smaller then 8"x10" that are along the lines of this one shown below. I will be making each sheet so no two will be alike and no to packs will be alike. They are so much fun to work with. I have gotten tons of compliments on them. I may throw in a couple of other surprises as well.

In Order for you to be eligible to win you must leave a comment on this post and you must be a blogger. A winner is randomly drawn from the list of those who leave a comment. Leaving a comment also means I get to come visit you and your blog. The Magic Carpet Ride ends on February 15th so get on now and let the good times roll!

Creating Space

2010-01-24T11:34:00.000-05:00

Over the past couple of years I have come to realize that sometimes having less is really a good thing. I tend to hoard certain things because I love them, or I think I will never see them again or they are just to precious for me to use at the time. Eventually they become less precious but I still associate them with being precious. I will pick them up and fondle them before boxing them away. I decided that has to stop. There is something freeing about getting rid of items or throwing out stuff. Being from Maine the it is really hard for me to throw out something unless it is really beyond the point of being useful. To get rid of something I need to be able to sell it or trade it. Right now the sell it is the more favored option.

Hence Second Life has come back into being. Second Life is my destash and vintage shop on etsy. I have started to add items back into the shop. Right now I have lots of vintage buttons to get in the shop. Like these will be in there some point today.

They are all mother of pearl shank buttons One is degraded quite a bit. But I love the texture and color.

I will also be putting things in like this old pork and beans glass jar. The label is still good even if the top is no longer legible.

It would look so cute on some shelf holding ....holding something. But there you have it. The start of the great purge. Keep checking back to see what else is being added.

More with my Heart

2010-01-18T21:48:00.001-05:00

I have been working more in my studio. I have managed to successfully do the minimum of ten hours a week as planned. The past 4 days have really helped out in getting some more streamline focus. I have gotten several pieces going. Here are the current ACEO valentine Cards that are in my etsy shop.

This first one is done on fabric that I altered for a challenge in the Fiber Arts/Mixed Media Group that I am a part of. It is run by the artchick a.k.a. Susan Sorrell. Great group! I had photos of the fabric accidently deleted from the new camera. I will have to take them over again. Not sure if it will happen.

This one was made with a hand cut stamp. I finally found the linoleum cutters and went to work on a couple of erasers. The fabric is a vintage linen handkerchief that was my great grandfathers. I have alot of them that have been hanging around doing nothing. I would like them to do something. I have some ideas from this as well.

Still looking for some main theme to work with. Right now it is the hearts because of valentines day. I would like to have something else that is weighty in concept.

Blue Bird of Happiness

2010-01-15T13:51:00.001-05:00

blue-bird-orner-d
Originally uploaded by backwoods creations

I made many, many of these little bird ornaments/mobiles for the holidays. I gave them away for gifts and sold a decent amount through various brick and morter venues. So far I am not tired of making them and actually have a couple of ideas to embellish them a bit more. Fun is the key!

Valentine Be Mine or I love you no matter what

2010-01-12T19:55:00.000-05:00

I have been working on the monthly challenge and my first experiment FAILED. So I am working on a second try of the shibori technique over a fabric I don't like. In the meantime I also have been putting together some valentines cards. Here are some close ups of what I just put up in my etsy shop. There was a little bit of a delay because my scanner/printer died. But I am back up and running.

The cards are mixed media made from the fabric paper I make up embellished with different odds and ends. Fun stuff that can be given as a valentine card then framed for the memories.

I should have something to show for the monthly challenge and maybe some more cards by the end of the week. Short work week today because of a state shut down day on friday. Use that time off to my advantage!

January Challenge for Fiber Focus Group

2010-01-05T20:54:00.000-05:00

The January Challenge for the Fiber Arts Mixed Media Group is to take a piece of cloth I don't like and alter it. I new instantly the piece of fabric I was going to change. This is a stand alone challenge but I decided to combine it with the Monthly Experiment. Both things to get me going in my studio. Just jump in and create. Don't think. Don't judge. Just do.

The new technique choice might have turned into a weeks long search for the "perfect" thing to try. I had to jump in and get the flow going, good, bad or indifferent so I couldn't spend hours pouring over my collection of books and magazines to determine the "best" technique. I also know myself well enough that whatever I chose I would vary from the rules in some fashion.

The fabric I want to alter was to purple and to cute. I chose the from the latest Quilting Arts magazine the shibori technique. Which also means that I immediately deviated from the directions. I am using colored fabric not a piece of white or cream colored muslin. I will not be using dye but a mixture of acrylic paint, water and fabric medium.

The sample piece measures about 12 inches square. The piece pictured below has the running stitch lines already sewn through it. One end knotted and the other long enough to pull and pleat the fabric.

This gives a better view of the stitching. I did not have any real plan of where to put the stitching. I just sort of winged it as I went. Afterall this is an experiment to see what if.

Then I pulled on the tails first one way to pleat and scrunch the fabric.

Then I pulled the stitch lines along the bottom. My twelve inch square become about 2-3 inches wide in some areas and less in others.

It has been smooshed against a mixture of acrylic paint, water and fabric medium. I will let it dry to tacky before unscrunching. Pictures on that product will follow. Then what will I do with my altered fabric?