Preparations . . .

Getting ready for an event means much more than

just sitting down to make a bear or rabbit.

(Especially when you are one of the show promoters!)

In addition to all the duties Rebekah L. Smith and I share in creating the 

From Our Hands & Hearts show,

we are both participating artisans.

With show plans well underway it's time to focus on our own works!

Creating begins with dreaming, visualizing, sketching & perusing my favorite antiques, 

holiday and textile books then letting the juices flow.

For a winter show of course thoughts are centered around winter friends, wooly sweaters, holly berries and all things warm and fuzzy. 

Since I work mainly in mohair and wool this also means dyeing.

To me this time of year means rich deep colors and I try to capture them in the dye pot.

I spent yesterday, making a total mess of the kitchen . . .  working so furiously that I 

forgot to take a photo of the big mess!

(Let's just say, husband walked in and walked out again!)

Multiple racks of drying mohair, wool and ribbons.

I kinda want to roll in it all!

Ready for cutting . . .  or just staring at!

Step one complete . . . .  Next to see who emerges from these luscious colors.

Into the studio I go . . .  these days till long past night fall.

The fur will be flying and I'll be in heaven!

Hope to see you in Peninsula, Ohio!

Lori Ann