Archives for December 2011

update

December 11, 2011 by Birdbrain 4 Comments

It feels like I have been away a long time. Back home now in the studio and ready for an update. But first, here is a beautiful shot of my older son, Colin, doing what he loves the most. This was taken on the St. Lawrence River at dawn last week.

I was in Toronto to see the Chagall exhibit (amazing), hear the Tallis Scholars (also amazing) and connect with old friends. I also managed to get some new leather–but that is for a surprise which will have to wait until post Christmas. Today I have been back at the machines filling orders for Bird in a Hurry totes. Here are a couple that are complete.

The apple green paint is actually a good match for the leather–not sure why the photo makes it look yellowish. At left is the interior zipper pocket.

Below is a second tote–this one ordered as a diaper bag! Tucked in the pocket is a matching pouch which clips inside, so the new mom will have everything she needs in one place.

new ‘bird in a hurry’ totes

December 5, 2011 by Birdbrain 2 Comments

I’ve been screen printing and painting special order totes. I do like the colour combinations! These totes will have zipper closure, a double pocket on the front and a zipper pocket inside.

positives

December 3, 2011 by Birdbrain Leave a Comment

Molly Peacock has a poem, The Happy Diary, which she “started one day, when I was undone”. In the poem, she lists the simple things that make her happy. I have long practised this as well. It is so easy to get bogged down and miss the beauty. So here is today’s list.

1. I biked to the local market today and was delighted to see it was bustling. Why would you buy imported produce when you can get super fresh vegetables in December from local growers? And forget the Chinese garlic–this was grown in Hastings County!

I also buy my coffee on the market; it comes from an all female co-op in Mexico. Today, however, I bought Kenyan in honour of what I’ll tell next. Btw, this coffee is roasted in Stirling ON.

2. I am going to Kenya at the end of January to do aid work. The local branch of the CFUW has been selling Christmas cards to raise money for the renovation of the school in Metangwe, the small town I will be working in. I am delighted to say that we are very close to our target amount. This Canadian donation will help build 6 new classrooms so that more children will be able to attend school, and, as importantly have a hot meal each day. Thank you to all who contributed.

3 & 4. Last week at the sale, one of my rug-hooking friends brought this amazing bird for my studio. We all loved it so much it has stayed in the kitchen! Thank you Liz. Beside the new bird is a banana cake, baked to take to friends tonight.

5. Notice a theme here? My friend, Linda, gave me an early birthday present–one of her amazing photographs on a card, a hand-made broach from a St. Lawrence Market vendor, depicting two friends, and–BIRD ON A WIRE socks!!

beautiful new ramallah bag

December 2, 2011 by Birdbrain 2 Comments

In November, my sister visited a journalist friend who is working in the Middle East. She had the opportunity to travel with him and see the area.

She brought this wonderful bag home for me, purchased in Ramallah from the journalist’s fixer/translator. The colours, the shape and the design are inspiring!