Finally Fireweed

A couple paintings I'm finishing up today. These poor canvases (canvii?) spent too much time on the bench, thanks to the all-consuming event that was Hillside.

First - Fireweed.

Second - Aurora.

Yukon Ho!

Last week Basia Bulat (who I love) was on Q talking about how her new record was inspired by time she recently spent in the Yukon.

Anyone who knows me knows how my heart breaks for that territory. Sean and I spent the summer of 2006 cycling through the mountains of BC, Yukon and Alaska en route to DCMF, where we volunteered with the festival for two weeks. The whole experience was the perfect mix of people and place and I've been aching to go back ever since. I'm always on the lookout for jobs in the north. I regularly check in with Dawson. I'm desperate for a residency up there. I think about it all the time. And I have a subsequent soft spot for anyone who understands/shares my love for all things north of 60. Bulat's interview inspired me to hammer out the necklace below.

A hand-carved rendering of my favourite corner of the country, hung on a vintage brass chain and weighted with a nice slice of turquoise. The hole in the heart of it is Dawson. The colours are off because I had to take these shots indoors last night, but you get the idea.

I was half going to keep this little lovely for myself, but Bulat played in Hamilton last night and I ended up giving it to her at the end of the night. I feel like I should curb the impulse to do this kind of thing because

A) It makes me feel like a 15-year old fangirl and

B) I always stress that no one ever actually likes the stuff I spring on them and I convince myself that in their heads they're like greeaaaaaaaat...thanks for...whatever this is supposed to be. You nut. PS - Your teeth are black. You wino.

However, I felt like she should have it. I know I go to pieces whenever anyone gives me anything that has anything to do with the Yukon (be it bauble or photo or information) and I wanted to do the same for someone who understands. She was gracious and friendly in her acceptance, so hopefully she did.

Working for the Weekend...Where There is More Work

So today is the last day I've got to get my Hillside shit together. I have a few pairs of earrings to paint, a couple necklaces to put finishing touches on and a guitar strap or four to polish off.

Also have to hit the downtown Hammer in search of price tags and various label-y things.

Once everything is finished (please let it be before sunset) I'm going to take pictures of all the new stuff, so look for that in the coming days.

Everything that does not sell at Hillside will make its way to my Etsy shop over the course of the next week or two, so keep an eye.

All right. I have one lazy hound to walk before I dive into the day.

Wish me luck!

With Hillside, not the hound...

Redux

A few noobs and a few old designs with new, thicker feathers...

Cruise Control

I feel like I'm equal parts enslaved and in charge. All I want to do is sleep, but I keep cracking the whip on myself to do nothing but tool. I can't even count the number of little leather pendants I popped off today.

They are, as yet, unfinished, but check the following out in the meantime...

First up, sparrow on an 18k gold-plated chain. Swinging and singing his way into your heart. Don't deny it. His song will go on. Just like my delerium.

Next on the list - the Cleopatra Collar. I am in love with this. I bought the chain a few weeks ago because I loved the look of it. When it arrived I thought what in hell am I going to be able to do with it? because it is very chunky and wide and really quite POW! on its own without any leather bling.

Turns out a simple peacock feather is perfect. A little loose around the neck - a nice copper collar. Regal. Princess-y, but tough too. I'm all about the beautiful warrior motif lately.

Last in the batting order is a pair of guitar straps. The light brown one has a rearing stallion stitched into it (please keep it to yourself if you can't tell what it is. I was denied a grant today and am feeling very fragile). The dark brown one has a lightning cutaway that reveals a shock of electric blue suede. The side stitching isn't finished on this one, but I plan to do that in the car on the way to Toronto tomorrow. Hillside Inside has a flame-retardant (sorry, sorry flame-challenged) display policy and since my entire display is made of wood, I have to go hit up a couple stores to try and find metal display materials.

Enjoy! I'm off to eat pitas and rock climb the stress away.

Guitar Hero

Can't type, gotta stitch. Here's a sneak peek at one of the straps I'm working on this afternoon.

Hopefully I'll have a three-piece band's worth (a drum machine-reliant three piece band's worth) of straps to post tomorrow.

Saturday Snooooooooze

I'm spent. It's freezing cold and I spent two hours of my morning running in preparation for the Race Around the Bay.

Since then I've been immersed in computer work with little time for leather. By Monday however, I will (fingers crossed) have version 2.0 of my Navy Blues Belt and a new guitar strap or two to talk about.

Also hope to have some paintings up shortly - I'm working on a couple newbies that I've had in the ideas vault for ages and was only recently spurred to put to canvas.

I'll update all about it in the coming weeks...