July 2006 Archives

A good needlecrafter will start with the right needle.

Well maintained tools of the trade make for hassle-free, effective functioning, and superior finish and results.

Clean your sewing machine regularly.

Visit this wonderful exhibition at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston.

Make yourself a pretty beaded flower for your hair.

Origami is the Japanese art of paper folding. A sheet of paper, generally square, is folded and creased in a specified manner to achieve a given result.

Traditional Japanese origami originated several hundred years ago, and was a less stringent art where papers of different shapes were used, and even cut if desired. During the last century, the practice of origami was given new shape and direction, mainly by Japanese artist Akira Yoshizawa. Various forms of the art emerged, including the modular, kirikomi, purist and pureland forms. Wet-folding techniques were further developed to allow shaping of curves.

Today a variety of papers and other materials are used in origami, depending upon the techniques to be used and the desired effects. Normal copy paper is used for simple folds, and heavier weight paper for wet-folding. Special origami paper called "kami”, which is usually colored on one side and white on the other, is also used. Two colored and patterned versions are used for certain models. Origami paper weighs slightly less than copy paper, making it suitable for a wider range of models. Foil-backed paper and tissue foil are suitable for complex models. Artisan papers such as unryu, lokta, hanji, gampi, kozo, saa have long fibres and are often extremely strong and allow intricate modelling.

Techniques of origami find also place in mathematical and scientific models, as in the deployment of large solar panel arrays for space satellites. 

Learn to decoupage and make these beautiful birdhouses.

Follow these steps to make a beautiful summer wreath!

Some of mankind's most exquisite creations are found among the shelves of the glass blowers of Murano.

The centuries-old tradition has given us both kitsch and sublime art,  made using the most refined glass-working technologies and a myriad colors.

The Nile Valley of Egypt is a cradle of civilization more than 5000 years old. And as with other river valley peoples, the salubrious climes and seasons of plenty led to a flourishing of the arts and culture.

The Art of Ancient Egypt found expression in painting and sculptures which were characterized by strict adherence to realism, detail and presentation. Artistic license to achieve visual and compositional ideals was frowned upon. It reflected the highly religious nature of Ancient Egyptian civilization, and many of the great works depicted gods, goddesses, and Pharaohs.

The idea of order was developed with clear and simple lines combined with simple shapes and flat areas of color. Correct proportions were specified, in which political and religious, as well as artistic order, was maintained. Social hierarchy was clearly defined, with figures were drawn to sizes based not on their distance from the painter's point of view but on relative importance. For instance, the Pharaoh would be drawn as the largest figure in a painting no matter where he was situated, and a greater God would be drawn larger than a lesser god.

Symbolism also played an important role in establishing a sense of order. Symbols, ranging from the Pharaoh's accoutrements of power, to the individual symbols of Egyptian gods and goddesses, were extensively used. Animals were usually also highly symbolic figures. The ancient Egyptian hieroglyphic script consisting of a variety of pictures and symbols also constituted a remarkable part of the works.

Color had special significance. Blue and green represented the Nile and life; yellow stood for the sun god; and red represented power and vitality. These original colors have endured the passage of time because of Egypt's dry climate.

The extended time-span and prolific output of this influence has resulted in its division into several distinct periods, starting with the Predynastic, through the Old Kingdom (2680 BC–2258 BC), the Middle Kingdom (2134 BC–1786 BC), the New Kingdom (1570 BC–1085 BC), the Amarna Period (1350 BC–1320 BC), and the Late Period.

Imitation is the best form of flattery, or so goes the saying. But not when it comes to precious works of Art.

Art crimes have been around ever since the first Art was created. But what motivates and initiates it? How long has it been going on? And how is it handled?

Find out.

Take a look at these decorative handmade tiles. With some apoxy clay and no-bake ceramic paints, you could re-create some of these yourself.

Most yarn and thread workers spend a goodly portion of their lives UN-ravelling knots... well, here's how we can see what kind they are!

The Victorians dressed their lamps in style. You may be tempted to try it too.

Learn to crochet this weekend. It is simple, does not need a whole lot of tools or accessories, and you can carry your projects wherever you go in a little pouch - no more boring waits at the dentist!

If you are left-handed, don't hold back, you can do it too!

Try it. You may make yourself a delicate surprise by the end of the week.

A few bristles at the end of a stick – what a difference they can make to life! Brushes play a major role in art all over the world, bringing a song to the dullest canvas. And none does it better than the Chinese brush.

Elegant and versatile, the Chinese brush started as a writing tool. From rudimentary letters grew the highly stylized and intricate Chinese Calligraphy. The bamboo and orchid of the calligraphy further evolved to form the basis of Chinese brush painting.

The Chinese brush is usually made of animal hair and bamboo, with several different models depending on the subject as well as the strokes desired.  Black inks made from pine soot and animal glue, and colored inks with vegetable or mineral bases are used to paint on silk or rice paper. Paintings in the past were usually not framed but scrolled and hung or stored.

Subjects chosen are usually based on nature, with the approach being representational rather than realistic. A particular emotion or mood is sought to catch the "rhythm" of nature. The artist is allowed complete license in matters of composition and expression. The use of blank space as an element of composition is a well-developed technique of Chinese brush painters; this whimsy helps emphasize other elements of composition and expression with great finesse.

Paintings usually include an inscription and a seal, which in themselves could be finely crafted works of art.

Early Chinese calligraphers and artists were held in great esteem and reverence. The Chinese aristocracy saw Brush Art as a mystical pursuit of mind and spirit, enriching mundane life and enhancing the noblest principles and ideals of Chinese culture.

Today we can rediscover this Art.

Make some lovely cards with the essence of summer - press your own flowers or buy ready-pressed blooms.

You can also use these lovelies to decorate pictures, photo frames,  candles, and lamps.

Handcrafted puzzles for your tiny ones to put together. Or if you wish to, grab a jigsaw and some paint and put one together yourself.

Plan a visit to a gallery with your kids. Find one near you that organises special family activities, and your kids will want to go back for more.

If you like to work with your own designs, you should try this for making your own customised stamps.

Dollmakers love to play. And when there is a challenge going, they outdo themselves.

The members of  the group Clothdollmaking have been celebrating summer with their latest challenge, Butternut.

The pattern for the Butternut Challenge is one that has been generously shared by
Shashi Nayagam from the UK. Shashi is this year’s big winner at Houston, where her exotic and ethereal Apsara captivated all!

Butternut is a simple but eye-catching doll inspired by the common garden squash! But then Shashi has always been one to look to her garden for inspiration. Check out her Fuchsia and Citronella.

A great many ladies from the group have surpassed themselves in this challenge, a few of them inspired enough to come up with several entries and advanced modifications.

Harvest hour for the Butternuts. Take a look at the pretty squashes and pick your favorite. I will bring you an update as soon as the group moderator, Phyllis Robinson, announces the winners.

Ever wondered about Da Vinci's two versions of this painting? Decide for yourself.

Metal working is a breeze with this handy tool!

Looking for the perfect embellishment for your little tot's outfit or bag? Check out these solid eyelets...

A simply embroidered piece, which I plan to tailor into a skirt or capris for the summer.

Colors used are four shades of green two of yellow orange, two of peach, two of brown, one grey and a red.

Stitches used are stem, satin, lazy daisy, herringbone and stamen.

The Arts and Crafts Movement was a restructuring of art and design which originated in England in the late 1800s.
The belief that the Renaissance and Industrialization had isolated Art from nature and spontaneity formed the fundamental basis of this wave, spearheaded by eminent Victorian writer John Ruskin and William Morris. They sought to re-establish the eternal relationship between Art and nature, with the underlying principle of morality.

Morris translated Ruskin’s philosophy into practice, steadily fighting the excessiveness of Victorian design and its mass-produced manifestations. He laid the foundations of a unified theory of design, seeking to re-unite “head and hand”.

The movement gained ground steadily and spread to America at the turn of the century, where it permeated a wide variety of arts and design, including architecture, interior and furniture design, and book design.

It found expression in the works of premier artists of the day, the most famous among these being architect Frank Lloyd Wright.

  Lovely gel pens for that 3d effect!

Art and design play a fundamental role in almost every aspect of our lives today. Even articles we use in our day-to-day routines, from the mundane milk carton to the marvellous, mean machines of Formula One racing, are specially designed to achieve aesthetic and functional efficiency.

Faberge eggs are symbolic of the elegance, pomp and opulence of Imperial Russia. The beauty and unique design of each of these exquisitely crafted pieces have made them coveted works of art.

Looking for that special decorating accent?

Try your hand at designing your own tile.

Simple craft projects from around the world will let kids have fun as they brush up on their earthly neighbours.

Grafitti Art.

And some of us like to leave our stamp on this earth!

Light is color. And, as I have said before, Color begat Art.

It is color that adds depth to our perception of anything; without the nuances of color, the world would be a flat, blank space. Just look at a black and white image, rich with depth. Now try and see it in a single shade of grey, with maybe a slightly lighter or darker outline differentiating objects.

All one needs to understand color is the eye. A more structured analysis helps characterize and classify color consistently and better manipulate it.

The color wheel is a valuable tool used by artists and crafters to better study color. While most usage of color is intuitive, knowledge of color theory and harmony can reduce the element of uncertainty that accompanies intrepid experimentation with hues.

When a few basic principles of the way color tends to behave have been established, make your own color wheel, using a medium of your choice. Study existing models and schemes, test your own.

Go on to create  Art.

Want to display your precious posters and artwork? Try wood mounting and lamination.

Pfaff , the sewing machine makers, now have an online chat every month for enthusiasts. The sessions cover special topics on optimising your sewing machine. Worth checking out no matter what make your current old faithful is.

Registration is required to participate in chats. Past chats will be available in the archives for three months.

Walk through the streets of Barcelona, and you will see the most amazing play dough buildings.

Well, not really play dough, but that’s what they look like.

Soaring, twisting parabolic arches, intricately tooled metalwork grilles, flowing surfaces decorated with bits of flamboyantly colored tiles…

Has someone let a pre-schooler run wild here?

No, not at all. These are the works of Antoni Gaudi, one of the premier architects of Spain, and, indeed, the world.

Avant Garde Art Nouvelliste, his works display a distinct sculptural style, integrating nature’s organic shapes rather than straight lines. Original to the point of ridiculousness, some of Gaudi’s works have an almost hallucinatory effect on the eye.

The Casa Milà, La Colonia Güell, and the unfinished La Sagrada Família, are singular and inspiring examples of the man popularly in Spain as “God’s Architect”.

For the little girl in all of us - beautifully crafted and costumed one of a kind dolls.

Gather the wonderful fragrances of summer to enjoy in the depths of winter.

Make a sweet sachet with your favourite pot pourri mixes - and a make a few more for you friends!

Now that the World Cup Season has wound down, get a colourful poster to reminisce with!

For those late summer evenings between weekends at the beach, to practice your sandcastling skills, try playdough.

Mix up a batch at home, and dig in. There's a dough man in there a-waiting, whether you're a kid or a kid-at-heart.

Quilts have been part of the American way since the days of the pioneers. What started off as an exercise in necessity and enforced frugality has grown to a complex and extensive art.

Early Quilts were merely scraps of material from discarded clothing or blankets, sewn together to offer protection against the biting cold of the uncharted Midwest. With settlement and prosperity, this grew to a community activity, where women shared their loves, lives, and hopes in Quilting Bees.

The availability of cotton and cheap power loom fabrics after Industrialization gave a fillip to the Art, inspiring creativity.

Today Quilting is a popular hobby and Art enjoyed by many. It retains the early charm of utilizing scraps and now offers more, including historically and culturally significant patterns and specialized tools.

Today I would like you all to meet Phyllis.

The day I saw my first fabric needle-sculpted dolls, I walked out in a dreamy haze, delighted, thrilled and in raptures over what I had just seen.

And, as all crafters can tell you, I had to make one IMMEDIATELY!

Alas, I could not find a single book to help me in our local bookstores or libraries. So I turned to the Internet. And discovered Phyllis Robinson’s wonderful group ClothDollMaking.

Apart from all the information one needs to make the most the most exquisite cloth dolls, I also met several gifted, innovative doll makers who shared their experiences and advice with all of us in the group.

I learnt that the Internet is a marvelous resource for Artists and Crafters from all over the world, across all barriers.

An interview with our first Guest Artist, Phyllis Robinson:

Name: Phyllis M. Robinson

Nickname:  Princess P (don't ask!)  Actually, my best friend
gave me this name because I like to stay up late (working) and
sleep late in the mornings.  She thinks I live the life of a princess.
We laugh because I am the type who really could feel a pea
under 10 mattresses.

Location/Business:  My little home office.  I am fortunate
to have a sewing room and a separate office.  There are no kids
living at home any more.

Website:  http://www.designsbyphyllis.homestead.com/

Patterns Type/Style Available:  I try to create realistic looking
ladies with French or Victorian clothing.  It wasn't a plan to
do this, it just evolved this way.  I don't think I have fairies or
character dolls in me.

Books Published:  1984 a small booklet about making
porcelain dolls.  It wasn't anything really to call a book.

Please tell a little about yourself.
I am just a normal middle aged woman who loves to make
dolls!  It is an urge that can not be denied.  Several times
I have quit making dolls only to return to them.  Sometimes
I wish the urge to create wasn't so strong.

How long have you loved dolls and have been making dolls?
I wasn't really interested in dolls as a child.  I started making
porcelain dolls in 1977, that started my doll making career.

What started you making dolls?
At about 30 years old, I saw a porcelain doll that stole my heart
and I just had to have her.  It was an inexpensive Bye-Lo baby
and I decided I wanted to learn how to make my own porcelain
dolls.

What is your favorite doll?
After going through many mediums, I now like realistic cloth dolls.
I like them in many different types such as ladies, fairies, mermaids
and historical dolls.

What is your favorite type/style of doll to design/make?
Fashion, historical or other ladies.

What is your favorite media to work with? Why?
Cloth is my favorite type followed by clay.  Cloth is a flat one
dimensional medium and it is a real challenge to turn it into
three dimensional body parts.  I used to get a thrill out of turning
a gallon of porcelain slip and a plaster mold into a beautiful
little person.  Now, that thrill is from turning flat cloth into a
beautiful lady.  I also love to sculpt in water based clays for the
same reason.  I start with a blob of clay and end up with a
little person.

Do you have a background in art?
No, not at all.  I was a hairdresser and used to love to
decorate homes, so there was always an interest in artsy
things.

Do you teach classes/workshops or do Trunk Shows? Where?
I teach online classes because I can teach them in my jammies!
I used to teach porcelain dollmaking twice a week for two years
and got burn out.  My husband also does not like for me to be gone
from home, so I never considered teaching in person classes or
shows.  Now that he is retiring, I may consider it.

Who is your favorite doll designer? Wow, there are too many to
narrow it to one, so will list them all!  Antonette Cely, Patti Culea,
Robert McKinley, Shelley Thornton, Sue Sizemore and I could
go on and on!

Do you have a favorite doll pattern?
No, not really.  I usually don't make the patterns of others.
I buy them for bed time reading to learn techniques, but don't
usually make the patterns up.

What artists/people/places inspire you or where do you get your
inspiration?
Sometimes I will design a doll that I know there is lot of interest
in for my groups doll challenges, but normally I design what I
find interesting.  I never have a lack of inspiration, it is just the
opposite, too many ideas in my head!  I feel all of my talent and
ideas come from the Lord, so I just go where he leads me.

Where is your favorite place to work/design/draw/make dolls?
Sitting in bed watching TV late at night.  That is the drawing
part, not the sewing!  Haven't figured out how to do that in bed!

What was the first doll you ever sold?
A porcelain Googlie doll.

Do you name your dolls?  If yes, how do you come up with
your dolls' names?  Yes, they sort of tell me their names.

Do you have a favorite doll-making tool and/or product?
My sewing machines.  I have a Sears top of the line that was
made by Janome and it is like heaven to sew on it.  I also
have a Brother 8500.  I think a good sewing machine is the
one thing that makes a difference in the out come of our dolls.

What is your most favorite part of the doll to make?
The torso, I love to try to create curvy lady bodies out of
flat pieces of cloth.

What is your least favorite part of the doll to make?
The heads, I don't know why.  I just love to make the bodies
and design clothing.  As a child, I wanted to be a fashion designer.

What's your secret for overcoming a creative block?
I have never had a creative block.  I have just the opposite problem.
I have far too many ideas in my head!  I sketch (poorly) ideas as
they pop into my head.  I would have to live about 100 years to
actually make all them all.

What is your best doll-making tip?
STRETCH yourself!  Do not keep trying to make easy dolls,
move on to dolls that you think are too hard for your present
level.  Only by moving on do I learn new techniques in design
and keep my level of interest up.

What advice would you give a beginning doll maker?  As I
said, constantly keep moving on ward and up ward.

Anything else you would like to add?
Yes, I have an online cloth dollmaking group where we work
on projects together.  It is open to anyone who is interested.
This is the URL:

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ClothDollMaking/

Early civilizations saw the use of more sophisticated materials and tools. Stone, metal, and wood were crafted into everyday functional articles, decorated and embellished. The Indus Valley Civilization and the Sumerians of Mesopotamia were two of these.

Dating back to the fourth and third millennium B.C., both the Indus Valley and the Sumerian cultures caused great astonishment and wonder when they were first uncovered in Modern times.

A variety of media were used, including those that required specific tools and skilled craftsmanship. Intricate objects of bronze, terracotta, stone, and gold characterised the art of Mohenjo-daro and Harappa. Examples of early Sumerian painted pottery showed the gradual transition from hand-made to the potter’s wheel.

The art reflected the traditions of the river valley civilizations, indicating agricultural lifestyles with extensive trading practices, architecturally planned cities, developed language structures and skilled tools and weaponry. Cultural activities such as dance and music, and religious mores were also depicted.

The technical mastery, anatomical proficiency, and artistic diversity of these early peoples are astounding and awe-inspiring.

Want to add some colour and panache to your sewing basket? Have a look at these!

Summertime is party time. Garden parties, beach parties, pool parties….

Try out a new look this summer. Pair a dark swimsuit or halter with a bright Indian print sarong. And make yourself a matching string pouch to go with it.

Materials needed:
1. Indian print fabric  - 2 squares 10” x 10”
    - 2 rectangles 10” x 4”
2. ¼” quilt batting  - 2 squares 10” x 10”
3. backing fabric  - 2 squares 10” x 10”
4. matching threads
5. ribbon, cotton yarn, or braid to match
6. large glass, metal beads of your choice

Transfer a simple quilting design onto the print fabric. If the fabric has a well defined print or embroidery, you can quilt along those lines.

Place a square of the backing fabric flat on the table, wrong side up. Lay a square of batting on top, and next a square of print fabric right side up. Pin all layers together carefully, starting from center and working out, making sure there are no wrinkles. Use enough pins to hold the layers together firmly. Repeat with second side.

Quilt both sides with thread of your choice. After completing the quilting, place both sides right sides together, and stitch three sides ½” from edge. Turn bag.

Turn under the short sides of both rectangles and finish the edges. Fold rectangles in half lengthwise, with finished edges facing in. Sew a casing for the strings by stitching a straight seam ½” from the folded edge, and a second seam 1” from the first seam. Repeat with second rectangle.

Pin rectangles around top edge of bag right sides facing, lining up unfinished edges. Sew down ½” from edge. Finish seams neatly.

String your bag with ribbon, braid, or yarn. You will have to use two lengths, inserting them on opposite sides. Each string should pass through both casings, and return to the same side it was inserted from. Embellish the ends of the strings with glass and metal beads. Add a yarn tassel if desired.

Throw in your shades, suntan lotion, mobile and keys, and Ta Da! You are ready for some poolside fun.

[if you have an old straw boater, you can trim it with some of the print fabric to complete your ensemble]

Who amongst us has never held a Crayola crayon in their stubby little three-year-old fingers?

Here's how it started.

For those of you who don't read the comments, here is a good "code" from crazybard.

Send me your attempts and I will be happy to post them here.

Some of us never grow up! We finish school, go out into the world, build a career, meet people, get married, have kids, and later on grandkids – but we still play with dolls.

There are those who spend hours (and dollars) on their train sets in the basement, their Barbie doll collections with extensive wardrobes, and the stuffed critters on their beds.

And there are those of us who just keep making them. Of course, for this last group, this is just a way of getting the doll you want without being mercilessly teased by others.

Cloth Dolls have been made for centuries as toys for children to play with. Working with cloth is easy yet fascinating. As a talented dollmaker said - Cloth is a flat one dimensional medium and it is a real challenge to turn it into three dimensional body parts.
There are innumerable possibilities to choose from – Raggedy Annes, Primitives, Fantasy dolls, Critters, Realistic dolls…

Cloth doll making today is a very finely developed and detailed art which brings out a multitude of the artists skills. A doll maker must be a pattern maker, a seamstress, a portrait painter, a hair stylist, a fashion designer, and a carpenter, to name a few.

Dolls vary in size from miniature to life-size or even larger. The bodies are usually made up with fabric, with or without a wire armature to help pose the doll. Joints are built in to facilitate movement. Faces are sometimes covered with clay masks, or needle-sculpted, and then painted. They may also be embroidered. Hair, clothes and accessories complete the process, resulting in a one of a kind creation.

There are several talented, delightful dollmakers all over the world today who share their work, teach their skills and sell their dolls.

The rest of us just keep our dollies and play with them!

Take in some Asian Art. No passport required.

What can you do with a man's handkerchief?

Would you believe you can make a doll?

Try it.

These would bring a smile to the face of any faithful mailman, in snow or rain or heat or gloom of night.

Mask is a polyseme. A polyseme is a word or phrase with multiple, related meanings.

A mask is a piece of material or kit worn on the face. To mask also means to conceal.

And masks can be as fascinating or even more so than what they hide.

Masks have been in use in several societies around the world for many hundreds of years. They have been used for religious rituals, social functions and cultural purposes.

In modern times, masks are also representational and protective.

The word mask comes from the Old Italic masca, which defines an evil, hideous character. However, most masks are creations of extreme and esoteric beauty.

The Japanese Noh mask is one of the oldest and most developed traditions in mask making. Profoundly artistic and stylized, these masks cover more than they reveal, leaving it up to the actor behind to bring life to them.

Try your hand at making a Noh mask today.

What happens when Salvador Dali meets Walt Disney?

These mice have been playing, so I guess the cat's away!

There was a time, in the not so distant past, when it was almost mandatory for young ladies to have some sewing and embroidery skills. Alas, this requirement was sacrificed at the altar of gender equality.

I say alas because, in my humble opinion, the young today have lost touch with a most creative and satisfactory experience. Ask any avid embroiderer what there is in this craft, and you will be flooded with rhapsodic replies.

The fulfillment of creation, the relaxation of meditation, the joy of Life. Indeed, anybody who wields a needle holds a magical wand. The possibilities are innumerable, the results, gratifying.

As a hobby, embroidery is easily practiced. All one needs is a needle, some thread, and some material upon which to ply one’s skills. The endeavor may be small and modest, or large and ambitious. One may spend a few minutes a day on it, or several hours.

An anyone, anytime hobby.

Today I will start by looking at basic decorative embroidery.

Start with a crewel needle ( the larger eyes make for easier threading ), some embroidery cotton ( easier to undo errors ) and a piece of fabric. You may even wish to embroider an already tailored garment.

Make sure you wash and dry your hands thoroughly every time you sit down to sew. Every speck of dust or dirt will seem mortifyingly magnified on your work.

Have ready a sharp pair of embroidery scissors to help cut threads neatly without fraying or pulling.

Draw or transfer a pattern onto your fabric. Mount your fabric onto an embroidery frame. Although it may seem cumbersome initially, this will make your work easier and will give you better results. If embroidering on a stitched garment, try a smaller-sized frame.

Thread your needle, choose your stitches, sit on a cushion and sew a fine seam!

Crafts Cool or is Craft Scool?

Beautifully illustrated Fourth of July Postcards!

Print them out and frame them, or save them as wallpaper or screensavers.

Cheat Codes
For those who believe that they ABSOLUTELY “cannot draw”, here is a simple way to get started – Stencils.

Make your own stencils, or buy some that you like, and start creating. Add a stroke here, a line there, and voila! Soon you will discover that you CAN draw!

More than a few people believe that they “cannot draw”. Now that is the greatest fallacy flying around.

Anyone can draw. As I said before, it is your mind that you express with your Art. The result may not be as traditional and conforming as it ought to be, but nevertheless, it is a precious piece of a mind, and Art.

So pick up a pencil, a brush, or even a mouse, and draw your mind today!

Set aside a few days over the summer to indulge in your favourite hobbies. Check out Art and Craft Shows and Festivals near you!

Betsy Ross was asked by the Continental Congress to make the first American Flag.

A crafter who helped make History!

The bright, blue skies of summer have inspired me to start off on a new project – a crocheted lace top. I chose a peach cotton yarn to work with, and found the most charming pattern online.

This is a very easy pattern to follow, even for beginners, and quick, experienced crocheters can finish it up over a weekend. I have made two adaptations to the basic pattern – the bobble stitch does not seem to work, so I have substituted a two-dc cluster.  Also, instead of working front and back separately, I have decided to work it as a circle, and thus avoid the side seams. Just remember to reverse direction of work every line, or you will have a difference after separating sections at the armhole, and also in the sleeves.

Beginners, before you start, a few tips –

1. choose a yarn close to the one recommended in terms of weight and thickness.
2. check your gauge first – it is worth every minute of the time it takes.
3. if your test swatch differs from the size specified, accordingly adjust your tension and needle size to get the required gauge.
4. you might want to substitute the bobble with a two-dc cluster as I have.
5. if you are not confident with working in a circle, make separate front and back and finish at seams.

Good luck, and shine in your new creation at your next summer party!

The other day, my sister came up to me, all excited. Her boss, newly returned from an overseas vacation, had just given her something special. A vivid, glossy little magnetic card with Klimt’s “The Kiss” on it!

Very many years ago, when she was just out of college and trying to find her wings, Klimt had got her a job.

A friend’s daughter who was in advertising needed a model for a mock shoot. I was approached for the job and took it up readily [ at 5’2” in my stockinged feet, and already the well “rounded” mother of three, I figured this was the closest I would get to be a Glamorous Model!]. The chosen evening saw one of the worst thundershowers our arid city had seen in a while, but the team showed up nevertheless, soggy but determined.

And the photographer froze in my foyer. Eyes rounded at the seven Klimt prints lining the wall, not a single one at the same level as the others. Not a normal foyer offering, especially in our part of the world. He had studied Design in Vienna.

From that moment on, I was the lady who did Klimt. Because that’s Klimt. You either love him or hate him. You either understand him, or you don’t. You can love him but not understand him, comprehend him perfectly yet hate him.

Precious at any size, even on a magnet!

Look for yourself and decide.

Now my sister works at the same ad agency, and is one of their hottest copy writers. And the photographer is a dear family friend.

Full Circle, Klimt!

Art is merely an expression of one’s innermost self.

One does not need any special knowledge or training to appreciate Art or practice it. Or elaborate laboratories or equipment.

Just one’s spirit.

In Art, there is no such thing as right or wrong. Every thought, every idea, every idiom is a celebration of a mind. And every mind is unique.

As we look at Art down the ages we revel in the discovery of wondrous minds from the past.

In Prehistoric times, Neanderthal Man used stone and plant colors to paint on cave walls. Today we see his world through them. The paintings mostly depict the wild animals of the era, with some line depictions of the human form and some abstract drawings as well.

The paintings are representational rather than natural and life-like, and are believed to have been hunting magic, which would increase herds, or the work of religious shamans in a visionary trance.

Cave Paintings were first uncovered in Europe during the late 1800s, and have since been authenticated by radio-carbon dating and other methods. Among the colors used were red and yellow ochre, hematite, manganese oxide and charcoal. Some of the paintings were also line-etched onto the rock before coloring.

Rock and Cave paintings have since been found in different parts of the world, and reveal the culture and way of life of period and people they were accredited to.

Cave painting has been revived in recent times and today there are active practitioners of this modified form of the art. You can also try your hand at it!