Birdbrain

green mountain rug school

June 17, 2012 by Birdbrain 3 Comments

I am home after a week in the Green Mountains in Vermont–the most perfect week of weather we have ever had there. I hope this photo conveys the beauty of this lovely campus tucked inside the mountains, the shades of blue and green set off by the reds and whites of the historic buildings. We have been coming each June to this school for six years and what a great pleasure it is to reconnect with the same rug hooking friends, to sit on the porch with hooking and a glass of wine, to rise early for walk in the mist, and of course to see the wonderful pieces of hooking which each participant has completed over the winter AND the new ones just begun in class.

And there are other essentials too. The Dorr Mill store is just 1.5 hours away–and we make our annual trek there mid-week. Montpelier has the New England Culinary Institute (where we enjoyed a fabulous lunch on Sunday) and Bear Pond Books, one of my very favourite books stores–I always buy my book for the week there, from their table of staff picks. This year I bought The Tiger’s Wife — will write more of it later.

Here are a few of the rugs from the rug show:

Pat Levin’s church and Doris Manker’s street scene:

Mary Lee O’Connor’s view from her cottage:

You may have seen Mariah Krauss’ Aires Woman in Rug Hooking Magazine–but, even though I had seen its photo, I was not prepared for its incendiary power. The woman standing next to me had tears in her eyes looking at it. Mariah is the daughter of Stephanie Krauss, the director of the rug school, and she clearly has inherited the family hooking passion and talent. She dyed 12 values to get the depth and detail and it is hooked in various widths, including a #3.
Here is a closer view:

last look at northern italy, red shoes and more

June 9, 2012 by Birdbrain 4 Comments

Tomorrow I am leaving for one of my favourite places in the world, the Green Mountains of Vermont. For the last 6 years I have been attending a rug hooking school there. For me it is like a combination of a favourite summer camp and an art school. Once again I will be in Jule Marie Smith’s class–where encouragement, inspiration, gentle nudging and lots of laughter are the hallmarks. I will be posting from there, so you can share that world.

In the meantime, I wanted to post some final images from my trip. I hope you will find something that speaks to you in these final shots from Northern Italy.

These birds on the outside wall of the Basilica in Venice:

Grana Padano cheese. This company offered space to their rivals, Parmigianno Reggiano, whose facilities were damaged in the earthquake. So the warehouse we visited was chock full. What a delicious break from cycling–fresh parmesan and chunky bread.

A favourite bookshop where books were stacked in gondolas:

One of many gelato breaks…all they cycling we did, went only a small way to counteract the tantalizing Italian wines and desserts, let alone the pasta courses. Let’s just say, that I am on small rations now.

And finally–simply the best pair of shoes I have seen in ages.

venetian inspiration, ironwork to klimt

June 8, 2012 by Birdbrain Leave a Comment

Everywhere you look in Venice the ancient craftsmanship astounds. The ironwork is especially beautiful and inspirational for rug hooking. Hearts, lamb’s tongues, elongated diamonds are all here in stunning array at every turn.

And sometimes the glimpse of life through the ironwork reveals even more beauty. Can you imagine living beyond this gate?

We also went to the Klimt Exhibit at the Correr Museum on St. Mark’s Square. Klimt uses these same images in his work, perhaps why rug hookers find his paintings so inspirational. Below are the posters which deck the museum entry and the boards along the canals. The exhibit explored Klimt’s work along with that of his contemporaries and it was amazing to see those familiar images up close, especially Judith and Judith II (Salomé). The gold work on these painings is simply breathtaking. If you are interested, the New York Times review of this show has lots more information.

giudecca and venice

June 4, 2012 by Birdbrain 1 Comment

Finished the cycling, 232 kms, and then came our first glimpse of Venice….

The barge moored on Giudecca the island across from Venice. I loved this island with few tourists.

But, Venice too has its beautiful quiet corners. This photo was taken from the small bridge into our hotel.

And this famous bridge is just around the corner–you can even find its silent moments which allow you to imagine all the feet which crossed for the last time.

Chioggia

June 3, 2012 by Birdbrain 2 Comments

We cycled through wonderful nature reserves and along the Adriatic to arrive in the Citta di Chioggia, a city of canals, known as the little Venice.

A breakfast of oysters and wine after a night of fishing…

the end of the day on arabella Island

May 31, 2012 by Birdbrain Leave a Comment

Bikes lined up after another 55k, washing done as the sun sets.

good luck and more

May 29, 2012 by Birdbrain 4 Comments

Verona’s good luck bird, polished by many hands as they pass.

One last shot from Verona–someone else loves the graphic quality of Hundertwasser as much as I do

and now on our way…

We have cycled 55 kilometers each of the last two days along canals and wooded trails stopping in small villages for latte macchiato. The damage from the recent earthquake was evident. These bells were removed from a crumpling church tower.

along the route…

Ferrara…

and finally back to the barge to enjoy the edge of a glorious day

Verona!

May 26, 2012 by Birdbrain 4 Comments

This is a city of love. Outside both Romeo’s and Juliet’s homes thousands of lovers have inscribed their names in hearts. You can also buy a lock and fasten it to the gate along with the many others who have made promises and thown away the key. Or you cam touch Juliet’s right breast (the shiny one) for good luck.

The architecture tells the story of this ancient city, from Roman roads to new bridges which replaced those blown up in 1945. Here are some of my favourites.

There are rug inspirations everywhere–in the beautiful iron work and the frescoes. But the highlight of yesterday which we found by good luck was the Conte Graphic Arts Museum where the granddaughter of the original owner, Rossana Conte, gave us a wonderful tour. Just look at those stunning geometrics on the old wooden printing blocks!!

Couldn’t resist that last shot which I took with my iphone last night outside the restaurant–iconic!!

Italy tomorrow

May 22, 2012 by Birdbrain 4 Comments

I am almost ready to head off for Italy. Suitcase packed, helmet adjusted, and enough hours on the bike that I feel ready for the challenge ahead. I definitely have my sunscreen–got just a little too much sun on Sunday’s ride–and my reading material. My third Maggie O’Farrell–I think I have said here before how great her novels are. This one is After You’d Gone–I can’t wait to start it. Her works have engaging characters and subtle challenging plots. If you are at all intrigued, watch the video –and give one of her books a try. My second book is Kayak Morning—I have begun this one and I will let you read the review to see the wonders I have ahead.

I’ll be in Verona for a couple of days before we start cycling and then will finish up in Venice for a few more days. In the interval, if all goes as planned, I will be cycling through the northern Italian countryside, soaking in the beauties around me. If bad weather or other obstacles intervene, I will be on the barge enjoying the cuisine, the wine and the company. Either way, I plan to blog and take you along with me. So stay tuned.

Christine

bird and house images

May 18, 2012 by Birdbrain 2 Comments

My favourite images are of birds and houses. I love to draw them and also to see how others interpret the concepts. The new wedding rug will have both birds and houses and as I look at things in my design collection, it is birds and houses that dominate. Here is my new laptop case from Built. Their slogan is Love Your Stuff. My slogan modifies that a little–reduce the stuff you have to just what you love.

And speaking of what I love…I love working with my good friend and designer extraordinaire, Melanie. Below is the proposed label for the sewing work of the women in Matangwe. Melanie took one of the drawings done by the grade 6 children in Matangwe and turned it into this marvelous label. We are hoping to increase the scope of the work the women produce and develop a recognizable brand. This is a start.

And now on to birds. Here is a glimpse of one of the new prints we are working on. I will be using this for the lining of my leather bags and for new canvas and leather totes. All to come for the fall.

ps Yesterday’s long bike ride in Prince Edward County went really well and the new Strava app worked like a charm. More cycling to come this weekend as the clock ticks down to next Wednesday when I leave for two week’s cycling in Italy.