Finding Gems

This weekend I was indulged. While Becky took an audition class for Seussical, Matt, Abby, and Bindi let me drag them up to Somerville to check out the Mudflat Studios Sidewalk sale. These are the treasures I brough back! I know, I know, what am I going to do with all these lovelies? Well, the squarish one propped up in the back is my new spoon rest, the white one in the front is holding kosher salt by the stove, some are bowls that will either be used for nuts or dips during parties or will be given as gifts. Some will be used in my studio and some will just be cherished. The prices were unbelievable but I only felt bad for a moment because I made a promise to love each piece. Matt just shook his head but I'd so rather use one of these bowls, or gift a small boquet of flowers in one of these vessels than to buy something made in China. I do that too much as it is. The only sad thing was that by the time I got them home and unwrapped them , I wanted to head right back and get more! But it was all over by then. Check out their website link above for their December sale. Make the world a nicer place, buy more art!

My date with Ruben

Today I had a date with my crochetted ski hat recipient. As you can see, he has amazing taste in art. The piece he is front of is called "our boys". He especially liked that one.

What a charmer. We went out for indian but the poor guy fell asleep as soon as the naan made it to the table. Maybe next time. We did have time here to discuss composition and color, he thinks I should try working smaller because it hurts his wittle neck to look up so high. I'll work on that Ruben!

Also, I wanted to pass on this link to a post by Carla who had not only completed a Parts and Parcel Album (you know, that product I designed for Creative Imaginations that I can't shut up about) but also made it an absolutely beautiful and a shining example of how you can really go "all-out" with embellishments. Which reminds me, I should be making one that uses a minimal amount of embellishments to show the opposite effect. Oh if I only had a staff of 12 Rubens to get me through my to do list.

Until we meet again little one...

Crochet bikini, NOT!

Here is Bec's crochetted bikini, well, sort of. I initially wanted to make her a bikini but as soon as she tried on the top piece, my sweet little girl got modest on me and said she probably wouldn't wear it like it was. And IF she wore it, she might not wear it swimming. So Bec and I worked on this one back and forth. I undid the entire first top and started over.

Then I started on the front. She requested more lenght along the front--I obligied. Then she wanted more coverage around the arms, I did that too.

I added scalloped chains along the bottom that criss cross each other and placed "holey" stitches in modest places. The shoulder straps were triple crochets on a chain--light and airy. the back ties are chains reinforced with slip stitches.

I just love the way it came out and if I can figure out how to write up directions for it, I will! Now that the summer is coming to an end, I'm wanting to pull my knitting supplies back out of storage and re-teach myself some things. I'm feeling braver with yarn now than I ever have. I want to learn enough to get myself into and out of trouble.

Bindi is HERE!

Hello meet the new studio mascot, BINDI!

no, I did not name her. I wanted to change her name but I was out voted. I don't know how that happened because I told everyone I got 6 votes and they each got two. I suppose I forgot to count Bindi's vote.

You'll also see here the pictures of Becky and Abby getting ready to walk to their first day of school. YEAH! You should know that I am really bad at providing structure for this family. I realized this over the summer. Last summer we were busy working on the house so it already felt discombobulated. But this year was a real struggle to balance work and girls and house work.

Even so, I've managed to get a lot done (except maybe for the housework).

Brookline Artist Open Studios is going to get a fresh new look and feel so that the artists can really network and visit with each other. I'm working on book #7 proposal. I've been asked to participate in Brookline's 21st Century fund. I'm proposing new product to new companies (this is my secret favorite project--if I can get this product produced there is so much fun instore for you all!) I'm working on my "greenness". Reading more, cooking more and really looking to launch a whole new branch of Jenn Mason to the public. This is taking some doing to get the right domain name and content but I hope to tell you more about it very soon.

In the meantime I've been watching TIVOed episodes of the Dog Whisperer and walking the dog.

What did you do this summer?

Ruben in Braids

Ha ha! Nothing makes your first re-attempt at mastering crochet look better than actually putting it on the head of an adorable little being. Yes, he needs to grow into a little bit but by the time the cold hits, little Ruben here will be sittin up more than spittin up. This picture makes it look very pink but it really is a hip sort of acidy green, blue, magenta and charcol. I think the kids on the ski slope will all wish they had one this winter. Thanks Veronique for sending the pics and lending us the dog crate.

Still no puppy yet but in the mean time I'm making art and art connections.

I'm going to be working on a piece of art for Brookline's 21 Century Fund which is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year. The 21st Century Fund works to fund new programs at the high school and if they are successful they become part of the curriculum. It has raised over 10 million dollars! I'm so humbled to be included as one of the 6 participating artists. I'm also glad to use my talents to help support this wonderful cause.

Check back soon for more information on my progress--I'll share what I'm doing for you to enjoy.

Still no Studio Mascot

If I had one dollar for every hour that I've searched on line or went traipsing to kennels I'd be able to take a week off of work! I'm now working with the Wynn Dog Rescue in Jaffery NH. I believe we've passed all their stringent application, review and interview process. Now we're just waiting--somewhat patiently.

My girls are in NH for one more week with their grandparents before school starts and I'm alone in the studio wishing I had my new pup here to keep me company.

I did however get the first look at my final papers for my new Paper line called Brushstrokes with Creative Imaginations. Wow, a little tweaking of the colors (from scan to computer screen) and little work on scale and WOW! Did I mention WOW? Its bright and cheerful and whimiscal and looks just like me and, and, and...I can't show it too you. Yet!

I just sent off my fed ex package with two contributions to Barbara Bourassa's new book. I'm working on the new BAOS logo (or anti-logo as the case may be). And I got an email yesterday from an art consultant about one of my favorite pieces from last year. Thankfully this was an actual, and legitimate person, not some out of the country scam. You can see why I'm a little skittish about being contacted by email now.

So, since my plate is full, I best sign off and get to it.

MIA-AKA Vacation gets the best of me

So what have I been up to here at Jenn Mason Studios while I WASN'T posting?

Well, we've officially started our dog search. Yes, I need a mascot for the studio. Someone who is always willing to give their opinion when I need it. Someone still willing to cuddle but not embarrased when I sing along to Radio Disney (ahem! Becky??) We are planning yet another trip to a shelter in Sterling, MA this afternoon. Its SO difficult! I would take all of them if I could but I'm trying to keep the family focused on getting the right dog for us.

I've also been working on my class for CHA Winter 2009. Can you believe it's that time already! We'll be using my Parts and Parcels and Christine Adolph's new Mon Ami line. But more about that a little closer to the date eh?

I've also walked the town of Brookline with Gwen Ossenfort the outgoing Director of Brookline Open Studios to get a sense of the group spaces as I ready myself to head BAOS for the coming year of Art.

I also got a chance to see Sally Matson do Susan B. Anthony at the Holderness Historical Society. The girls came with me and asked some of the best questions which was great considering the presentation is geared for 4th graders to adults. I learned so much!


Oh, I also was almost caught in an art scam! Yep, yours truly almost fell for it. So let me take a minute to point you to this site for detection Internet Art Scams.

A person emailed me asking for a price list for my art so he could purchase a piece for his parents. It was very obvious that he did not speak English as his native language (a BIG RED FLAG). Now this is not unlikely if he had seen my art here in Brookline because we have a large international population.
He needed me to work fast (Another Red Flag), He would have some shipper pick it up from me (Red Flag #3), He wanted to pay me more than I was asking by Cashiers Check (red flag #4) and I was supposed to forward the rest of the money to his business associate. Thank goodness I went with my gut and found that site on the internet to back up my suspicions.

off to look for a furry family member...