Author Archives: ruthlane

June’s Tree Page from Chris

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Here is my tree page made by Chris. She used silk paper, carrier rods, silk string and French knots. The color is off in the photos. The page is off white.

Here is a close up of the roots.

Here’s a close up of the top.

And then she included this lovely flower brooch. Thanks so much Chris – the tree is beautiful. I have been working on the July page with the theme of castles. I’ve had a bit of a trauma with it but more on that story later. I can tell it is summer because I’m very busy at work, I have company, we’re going to be on Big Mountain for two days and then we’re driving to Casper, Wyoming on Friday and driving back on Monday (at least 12 hours each way). So, if I blog again soon, it will be a miracle. Hope every one’s summer is going well and I wish you more time to do the things you want to do!

New Book

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I have been considering buying this book since it came out. I finally got the book and it has lots of good information. I am currently doing a machine embroidered page with the theme of castles for Carmen. So it is about half completed but I can’t show it yet. I have used the techniques from this book and since the pages are not too big, it is a good way to practice. More later when I complete the page.

Mushroom Dyeing

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The daisies are certainly liking the weather. We’ve finally gotten some sunshine and warmer weather. All the metal piled up there was pieces that we’ve found in the field. I have made a sort of sculpture but since I have no welder, it looks kind of silly. I keep thinking I will add something felted to it but haven’t gotten that far yet.

The daisies are taking over!!
This is a jar of mushrooms in vinegar and water. I decided to do a little dye experiment as someone on the felting forum was asking about dyeing with mushrooms. As it has been so wet, we have a bunch of mushrooms so I thought I’d give it a try.
These are the types of mushrooms that I used. They seem to have a lot of color so I’m hopeful I will get some change in color of my wool.
I added the wool this morning. The jar is sitting outside in the sunshine. I think I’ll leave it for at least a week maybe two. I’ll show you the results then. We’re off on a mini vacation to Quinn’s Hot Springs. It’s only 90 miles from here but it will be a good break.

Jack and the Dyed Wool

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Here’s Jack… I finally finished him and made him a walking staff. He wasn’t very well balanced without it. He originally was made to sit down but then he kept wanting to stand up so I had to make some adjustments on his finished appearance.
Here’s a better view of his face. Kay does such a wonderful job teaching how to make faces. Skip the next photo if you don’t want to see any wool genitalia.

I always seem to have to make my figures anatomically correct. And then they never want to wear any clothing. Strange.
Here’s the mixed breed wool I dyed for making more cat toys. I am running low and summer season is upon us. I’ll have to be diligent and get these made!
Here’s a closer look. The colors turned out well except the purple isn’t the best. I did really like the limey green one though. I’m sure the kitties will be very happy with their new toys!
This is Falkland wool that I am planning on using to make myself a vest. I hope I dyed enough but I guess I’ll just have to make do.

Rainy Spring

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It has been really rainy here throughout May and June. It finally stopped raining today so I took some photos. Everything is so green. I love watching the hummingbirds at the feeder.
I don’t get the best photos but it’s fun trying.
There were at least 6 hummers that kept coming in to feed. I have to fill up the feeder nearly every day.
The iris are loving the rain.
I cut a bunch to bring in the house because they got so wet and heavy they bent over and nearly broke their stems. But I still have plenty to view out the kitchen window. I dyed more wool today but don’t have any photos yet as it isn’t finished. It’s cooling now. Needed more wool for cat toys to sell this summer and I dyed some Falkland wool to hopefully make myself a vest.