Autumn is here

Well, it is still hot (95 F. yesterday) but the leaves are starting to fall from the trees, saying autumn is here!  We will have another month of hot weather and cooler nights before it will be woodburning time.  One thing I like about fall is it is time to start working out in the shop- wood for me and Lonnie in the metal shop.  It's just too hot in the summer.
Here's some of the things that went on last fall in the metal shop:

Working on an old hand crank forge, converting it to use an electrical blower.

Lonnie had an old coal forge that needed a pan and a blower- or someone to turn the blower!  So he converted it to use an electrical blower so he can use it anytime.

When he has to work in the summer with the forge, he uses his shoeing trailer so at least it is outside, and a little cooler.  Not only does he make his own shoes (for horses) when he needs special ones, he makes a lot of other things, too:

Here, he is making a spoon (just for decoration, of course!)

And on the right, you can see a pair of spurs he made from a rasp.  He also made my ring:

My ring, made from stainless steel- will never discolor or rust!

I always enjoy seeing what comes out of someone's creativity- and last Christmas, I received a beautiful surprise:

My horseshoe Christmas tree- no danger of setting the tree on fire!

So that's what I love about fall, seeing what's around the corner and what might show up new in the living room!

Have a great fall!

Getting ready for the fair...

An 'All Around The World' fall patterned table runner

    We are getting ready for our county fair here, it is always exciting.  The boys make paintings and drawings to  take and I make a variety of things that end up in our shop at etsy or as gifts.  I of course enjoy the premiums on the ribbons, as it goes for postage to swap on swap-bot.com and at the yahoo groups I am in.   

   

I have made everything from leather stamped stars for christmas ornaments to fabric topped towels for the kitchen.  One thing that is always enjoyable is the variety of things to make- always a challenge to try new things.

Another place I enjoy is the group Art4Mail in yahoo groups.  They are a super friendly, fun-loving bunch of ladies that come together to chat and swap great fiber art.  So if you get the winter blues, think about trying  your hand at something new.  There are so many great places to see, and if you can't afford a beach vacation or don't have a county fair near you, try a great group to get you inspired.

Beginnings!

Well, Today is the birth of my blog... I would say YAY! but I am a terrible writer. I am one of those people who have the best intentions (to write in a journal, etc.) but never get around to it as I am too occupied doing other things. So, today I decided it was time to bite the bullet!

I think one of the things I enjoy the most is seeing someone who thinks they can't

do something (especially art related), encouraging them to just try, and see the look of pride and awe when they say "look what I made!"

I get to enjoy this daily with my boys, watching them learn and grow. My oldest, Garret, read me a story last night- it was special because he is in kindergarten and just learning to read. It was his first time to read more than a sentence and he did it! He was so proud. I hope, if nothing else, just one person will see something here that inspires them to try something new and get the joy that only creating something yourself can bring- the I did it! moment. So maybe together we can learn something new and enjoy the fruits of our explorations. You can see some of ours here at http://www.flickr.com/photos/lrfarrier .

I think my favorite medium is mixed media, and I had never tried it before until about a year ago. I am by no means great at it, but I sure love to make everything fom ATC's to aprons using mixed media. What is your favorite art or craft? What is something you would just love to do but have never tried before? I would love to hear from you, your ideas and thoughts!