Category: Albuquerque

January 17, 2018

Where rug hooking takes me

Rug hooking - pumpkin — A close-up of the first rug that I ever hooked. Note that those are wool strips. Thank you, Franklin, Massachusetts, Adult Education program.

One day you take a community adult education class; rug hooking it’s called. For the life of you, you can’t remember why the hell you did that. In fact, your ex-husband’s mom was a hooker, and you paid absolutely no attention to that. Really. None! All you can remember is that she used a lot of black backgrounds. (Something you despise because all-black is such a pain to work with. 🙂 )

Now and again, maybe fifteen years later, you think about where this rug hooking thing’s taken you, what it’s given you. And it makes you shake your head in wonder.

It’s given me a good bit of self-confidence
As an artist. Especially one who doesn’t really fall into the category of a traditional rug hooker but only because of my use of alternative fibers and other materials. Originally, because I hooked with t-shirts and such, I was afraid to hang with other hookers, join a guild. I got over it. Thanks, Adobe Wool Arts Guild (AWAG) for such a great welcome to Albuquerque’s fiber arts scene two-and-a-half years ago. And especially for your encouragement. It helped when I went out to sell at art and other shows. And it appears that I’ve made a little name for myself. Just yesterday, as I was wandering through Kohl’s, I got a call from some woman up in Santa Fe who found me online and asked if I could repair her punched rugs. Apparently, her dogs regularly do a number on them. Of course, I can!

Relaxing after rug hooking. — AWAG members Mary Schnitzler and Kathy Kelly relax after a day’s hooking at the hook-in hosted by the Old Pueblo Rug Hookers in Tucson. We’ll be there again at the end of January!

Oh, the friendships!
Never mind that most of my friends here in my adopted city of Albuquerque are hookers. Hooking’s introduced me to folks all over the world – thanks, Facebook and now Instagram! Make no mistake, these are friends with benefits. Just take a gander at yesterday’s Loop by Karen Larsen. She’s working on a commission, a rug featuring two dogs and mentions how we learn from one another.

Judy Carter’s book, Hooking Animals [© 2014 Stackpole Books], is bookmarked and often referred to as I go along. Judy mostly hooks with narrow #3 and #4 wool strips, but I am hooking these dogs with wider #7 wool strips. That’s as narrow as I like to go, so I have used Judy’s book as an inspirational jumping-off point.

It has taken me years to realize and accept that I hook the way I hook. Although I have learned and incorporated many helpful hooking tips through the years, I must have confidence in my own abilities. I plan to look to my friend, Nancy Parcels, for inspiration as I do the background.

It does indeed take a village!

I’m doing a little teaching
Because of the feedback I’ve received when I sell my less-than-traditional rugs, I’ve been asked to teach people how to do it themselves. I was even invited to teach a rug hooking class up at New Mexico’s famed Espanola Valley Fiber Arts Center. Woohoo!

Rug hooking exhibit — A view of AWAG’s Fiber Fiesta rug hooking booth this last May.

To be a part of Albuqueque’s larger fiber arts scene
There’s no better way to get to know your new town than to volunteer and join things. And the guild knew a sucker when they saw one. They made me AWAG’s representative to Albuquerque’s Fiber Arts Council. That meant meeting all kinds of fiber artists and working with them to make Fiber Arts Fiesta 2017 happen. I must’ve done a great job, because somehow I also became our rep to the Education Committee which is currently planning our biennial spring show “Earth, Wind, and Fiber”. (Entries are due February 25!)

Susan’s Legacy helps women with co-occurring disorders regain their lives and their families.

Susan’s Legacy
Last week I asked you if you have any purses languishing in your closet, that I need them bad. Clarification: I need brand name-type purses. Frankly, the kind they DON’T sell at Kohl’s. I also mentioned that I’d explain why this week. Turns out that as a guild rep to the Fiber Arts Council, I had to vote on a charity to be promoted at the Fiber Arts Fiesta last May. We chose Susan’s Legacy, a non-profit that serves the needs of women with co-occurring addiction and mental health disorders. Having some family experience with such things, somehow, like Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz, I clicked my heels, and was suddenly on the Board of Directors. Long story short, we need money to make our programs go. One thing that’s worked in the past has been a silent auction at a women’s networking luncheon. Albuquerque’s Women Make a Difference puts that on – a big WOOHOO for them! We at Susan’s Legacy find the purses, clean them up, and run the auction at the luncheon this Friday, March 9. Registration starts February 19, on Women Make a Difference’s website. If you’re local, maybe we’ll see you??? (Or at least your purse. )

Where is rug hooking taking you?

Dog on rug hooking — Tynan”s back! He brings you this week’s “What’s on the frame.” Yes, it’s the mystery rug. And I am hooking it with an alternative “fiber.” Must get a move on; it’s due February 25 as an entry for the Fiber Art Council’s Spring Show.

December 12, 2017

My rug’s going to be a TV star!

Rug is going to bea TV star. — “The First Boucherouite” hooked from old bed sheets and a little t-shirt added in. It’s going to be a TV star!

My rug’s going to be a TV star! I just know it. Of course, it’s leaving me…in the New Mexican dust.

I can explain.

If you remember, I told you that I did well selling at the Santa Fe Fall Fiber Fiesta last month. In fact, someone really liked one of my personal favorites, the “First Boucherouite,” so she purchased it. While I knew I’d miss it, I’d named it “First” for a reason; I’m going to make another Boucherouite, bigger even, and maybe actually keep it for myself. I’ve already started buying the bedsheets at Savers.

Anyway, after the buyer had settled up with the cashier and left, show organizers paid my booth a visit. Turns out that the woman works for Better Call Saul – you know, the TV show created as a prequel to Breaking Bad. Both shows not only take place here in Albuquerque, they’re filmed locally as well. It appears the chick’s a set designer and always on the lookout for new materials to dress the set. All I knew is that she not only bought my rug, but a couple of lovely Navajo rugs and some other items too. (That I know because she and a friend – who bought one of my signature rugs! – were keeping their treasures behind my table as they perused the fair.) I was informed that if the television show intended to actually use any of the artists’ pieces, we’d receive a release to sign.

So life goes on. The episode makes a good story to tell, and that’s about it. Until yesterday afternoon when I opened my email. Loe and behold, there’s a message with the subject line: BETTER CALL SAUL TV REQUEST. I’m in the car. Tom’s driving. The kid’s with us. I tell her the story; she’s properly incredulous. Then she says, “You better be prepared when they cut the scene. They do that a lot.” Duh, but thanks so much, Debbie Downer. And I carried her in my own body for nine whole months…

Regardless of Miss Pessimism, we’ll see what happens. And I better start watching Better Call Saul. That’s not a hardship; I just have to find the time. Having been a big fan of Breaking Bad, I was planning on firing up Netflix at some point to catch the new show. New – ha! The email said that they’re currently filming the fourth season. Guess I better get a move on.

And on that note, I bid you all wonderful and light-filled Hanukkahs, Christmases, and New Years. I’ve decided to take the rest of the year off from regular blog posts. No fears, you can always find me on Facebook and Instagram. (I’m pretty new to Instagram, but I love it. It’s so much quicker than other social media, yet you still get to see lots of cool pictures of peoples’ work.) ‘Tis the time for parties and such (and concomitant cleaning of one’s house to make ready for those parties). Make the most of the holiday season. Find some time to relax. Gift yourselves with TIME to read and rest and to enjoy your family and friends. Oh, and to hook. Make sure you hook. See you in 2018!

Dog and Christmas tree. — Tynan and I wish you the brightest of holiday seasons! We have no “rug on the frame” this week; I’ve been crocheting lately, and the one rug I am currently working on is a surprise for **Brigitte Webb** to view when it’s finished. See you in the New Year!

December 6, 2017

December, it’s about the waiting…

December's a time of waiting... — December, it’s a time of waiting…

It’s December, Christmas-time here at my house, and the waiting’s begun…

— For Christmas, but that’s a given.It is Advent. In the meantime, I’m trying to get decorations up and cards written. Then there are the cookies to bake and a party to prepare for. But again, this is usual stuff at this time of year. And I’m behind just as I am most years…

— A phone call to go through. I just got back from Albuquerque’s Biopark where I was doing rug hooking demos with the guild and walked into the husband and the kid both manning phones that were on hold. If I have to listen to the disembodied voice repeating “all our agents are busy” for much longer… The kid needs new healthcare, and it’s not been an easy process. How many of you can relate?

No waiting in line. — No waiting in traffic during the day! Bossy is one of the new exhibits at the BioPark’s **River of Lights**. See it through the New Year. Sure, it’ll look better at night, but you get the general drift. It’s a beautiful show and a great fundraiser for the park.

— A brandy, new rheumatoid arthritis med to work. I started it about a month ago. I hear I’ll know within six to eight weeks if this one will do the trick. At least my own insurance finally agreed to cover it. 🙂

— A rug design idea. The Albuquerque Fiber Arts Council is sponsoring a show in April. The theme is “Earth, Wind, and Fiber.” The call for entries opens January 1 and closes February 25. Despite mulling on it for longer than I’d like after I get into bed, I’ve not yet come up with a design idea for a rug to enter. Think, think, think…

Waiting for a design idea. — The lovely lady behind those Foster Grants purchased “The First Boucherouite” last month at the **Santa Fe Fall Fiber Fiesta**. It’s still one of my favorite rugs, and I called it the “First” for a reason. Hm, do I really need a **brand new** idea this week to start working on a rug?

— A secondary rug design idea so I have a rug to work on while I wait for the above idea to come through.

— High on Hooking’s Christmas party. Okay, that’s just what Tom and I call it, but every year we plan an evening nice out at a good restaurant. No ordering at a counter!

— What Tom and I will do for our 25th anniversary next month. We’re thinking a BIG trip, but not in January. We haven’t decided where or when yet, but more on that to come…

— The Old Pueblo Rug Hookers Hook-In on January 27. I’m even more excited for the trip this year because last January I won a great door prize: free admission in 2018! Woohoo! And it’s always warmer in Tucson than it is here in ABQ.

Waiting for the Patriots. — We’re just waiting for the Patriots to continue their magic.

— For the Patriots to clinch their division next week in Miami.

— Tynan to finally get a little brother! It probably won’t happen till the spring or so, but Tom finally agreed that we’ll get a puppy this coming year. Woohoo! I love having two dogs, and Tynan benefitted from the “wisdom” of his predecessor Murphy. Albuquerque is a great city for rescues, so we’ll probably go that way. There’s gonna be a baby in the house again! (Beth Miller of Parris Hill Wool Works knows just what I’m talking about. Check out Wyeth these days!)

What are you waiting for this holiday season? Whatever it is, remember these wise words from Grumpy Cat:

Patience:

What you have when there are

too many witnesses.

Tynan’s back with “What’s on the frame this week.” He’s not showing you a lot of the rug as it’s one of nine “friendship rugs” that some of us in the guild are working on. More about them on 2018. And, yes, that is my completely undecorated Christmas tree in the background.

November 28, 2017

Cool new art!

How often do you find cool new art? In the case of Albuquerque’s Rio Grande Arts and Crafts Festivals, three times each year if you choose. I usually hit up two of them, but the show held annually on Thanksgiving weekend is by far the best. Last week was no exception. Not only did I “re-connect” with some of the art I discovered in 2015 and ’16, but I found new stuff! (Okay, new for me; just go with it.) I simply must share it with you. Of course.

One of the first “very cool new art” booths I came across, Copper Phoenix Studio, belonged to artist Scott Palmer. Make sure you check out his website which says:

“…a unique combination of solid copper, impressionistic painting style, natural patinas and flame painting to form hand – crafted one of a kind works of art… With Copper as his canvas; Palmer reignites his passion for impressionistic works of art. “Copper can simply be the background that provides luminescence to a painting or it can play a major role in the actual work.”

Cool new art at the Rio Grande Arts and Crafts Festival. — And like many artists who are looking to offer lower priced, introductory pieces to would-be customers — most of us rug hookers who sell have made rug mugs, right? — Palmer came up with these babies. I believe that he told me they are actually prints of his pieces under Plexi-glass. Very nice!

As I mosied away from Palmer’s booth, I came across…wire animals! Gary Chaffin of ArtWire Graphics sculpts his creatures with wire!

“The experimental use of negative space has been the focus of my sculptures. Each of my three-dimensional designs are spontaneous impressions. I begin with a loose image in my mind. Then as I develop the idea in wire, the finished design takes on its own personality. There are no patterns or drawings beforehand. Each complex design is created totally freehand, sometimes from a continuous wire. My only tools are a pair of pliers and cutters.”

I love how he begins with a “loose image” in his mind and that the designs take on their own personalities. Raise your hand, hookers, if you understand that perfectly. (I’m not sure if, in my case, that’s always for the good. 🙂 )

Cool new arts at the Rio Grande Arts and Crafts Festival — This being New Mexico, Chaffin’s roadrunner drew me into the booth first. So cool!

I don’t have too much info on the next artist, but I was overwhelmed with his work, especially on this chest. The graphics got me – love that kind of work. I mean, you could make a matching rug from his design easy-peasy. And then store any leftover wool or t-shirts or whatever in it.

So, I didn’t actually get to meet the next artist; her husband was manning the booth. And I warn you ahead of time, I an a tile-maniac. Love tiles! Have several in my house. Some in drawers because I don’t have enough room for all of them, and I do like to display other media. The artist is Debora Duran-Geiger of Tucan Tiles. If I eavesdropped correctly, she lives and works in both Santa Fe and Boquete, Panama. That latter bit really showed in her hummingbird art, not that I got a good pic of it. 🙁 But I got the ones you see here!

According to a card her husband gave me:

“…All designs are created by Debora Duran-Geiger using Cuerda Seca technique (wax resist linework). Each tile is individually hand painted using opaque and translucent glazes. Other techniques utilized…are: Slip trailing, Sgraffiato, and Majolica. Tiles are fired in an electric kiln to…1840 degrees. …They make fabulous trivets or may be inset directly into walls.”

Cool new art at Rio Grande Arts and Crafts Festival. — I am NOT putting a hot pot on these tiles!

Cool new art from the Rio Grande Arts and Crafts Festival. — You know I had to include this chick. Happy Day of the Dead!

In the spirit of reuse and recycling, I have to share this artist’s work. Came across her just before I left the show. Meg Harper‘s COLOR-FILLED animal portraits grabbed me. That she paints them on old signs, discarded cabinet doors, and tin roofs took me over the top. (Me who prefers to hook with old t-shirts and bed-sheets and such.)

Uh huh, another road runner. He’s just a little more filled-in than Gary Chaffin’s above!

Lastly, I present to you a gorgeous rug by Nancy Pierce of Artisan on the cul-de-sac. Like me, Nancy is a newish member of the Adobe Wool Arts Guild who moved to New Mexico within the last couple of years. I spied this rug in a promotional email from the Rio Grande Festival and asked her if I photograph and share it.

I suppose that you’ve indulged me enough. One of the big reasons I actually get dressed and leave my house the day after Thanksgiving for this show is that it leaves me with a desire to go home and to make my own art. INSPIRATION is the word. I hope that you’re feeling some after seeing the pics here.

Tynan will be back next week with “What’s on the frame.” Frankly, there’s absolutely nothing on it. I haven’t hooked a loop since the Santa Fe Fiber Festival the weekend before Thanksgiving. It’s unusual for me, but everyone needs to take a break even from the things they love to do. Besides it let me pick up my crochet hook again. For the first time since last winter. It takes so much more concentration to make sure that those rows are straight! You have no idea how many I pulled out last night as I tried to multitask to “Stranger Things.” (Tom hates it when I ask him to rewind because I missed something important doing needlework.) But Tomorrow the guild starts a three-day retreat. It’s back to the frame for me, to the piece I started in May when Cheryl Bollenbach was here teaching again. Bet it’ll look familiar when I finally show it off.

Have a great week. Get those Christmas trees up!

November 7, 2017

Visit Dagmar and me Saturday on the High Desert Studio Tour! Hand-dyed yarns and hand-hooked rugs!

On our way up the trail near Taos Ski Area. It was another beautiful day in New Mexico. Can you make out Tynan searching for yet another gecko…

I’m back! It’s only been a couple of weeks, but I feel kind of better even if I didn’t make it back to friends and family in New England. (For that story, see this post.) Anyway, Tom and I and the dog did manage to take a couple of day trips. The first was up to north of Taos near the ski area. We hiked for a couple of hours then picked up lunch in the very cool, little village of Arroyo Seco. Tom counted every one of the 19 stream crossings that we did in that two hours. But both of us had dry feet – quite the balancing act! – at the end. Tynan, he just forded through them all. Why should he care if he gets wet? Or muddy? Or what happens to the car when he gets back in?

Last week the three of us headed to Los Alamos via the Jemez Mountains. We’d never taken that drive in the fall. Gorgeous! Thus far one of my favorite parts of New Mexico. We didn’t hike this time; we wanted to get home before Albuquerque’s rush hour traffic. But we managed lunch in Los Alamos. It was a good day.

On Route 4 in New Mexico’s **Jemez Pueblo**. How often do you see something like that?

This is **Battleship Rock**. You can see why.

This and the rock pic are for Canadian rug hooker **Karen Miller** who always has the best close-ups of nature..

Even boulders are wicked cool in New Mexico!

This is **Valle Caldera**, a super volcano that erupted over a million years ago. It’s 12-13 miles in diameter! We looked for elk, but didn’t see any critters at all. Bummer.

On the road out of Los Alamos to take us to Route 84 to take us to Santa Fe to take us to Route 25 to take us back south to Albuquerque. Look at that BIG SKY, people!

Meanwhile I’m busily trying to finish up small and mug-type rugs to sell at the High Desert Studio Tour (scroll down through the page to the part about the tour) this coming Saturday. If you recall, my friend Dagmar of ZiaWoolz invited me again this year to sell at her house/studio. She’s #3 on the map. If you’re in the area, come hang out with us for a bit. I’ll have chocolate!

Check out the Zia rug in the far left center. Guess who made that?

What I don’t sell at Dag’s I hope to ~~unload~~ sell at Santa Fe’s Fall Fiber Fiesta at the Scottish Rite Temple come November 17-19. The 17th is an artists’ reception in the evening, 5:00-8:00, costs $10. Saturday and Sunday hours are 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM, no charge. Unless you buy something, of course. 🙂 Hope you stop by there too to pick up some gifts for the quickly approaching holidays. Can you believe that Thanksgiving is just over two weeks away!

Lastly, Tynan did not forget to bring you this week’s “What’s on the frame” feature. Of course, he received his commission. God forbid I forget that. Talk to you next week!

“What’s on the frame” this week and Tynan. These mug rugs will be done by Saturday. Come visit Dagmar and me and see them at the High Desert Studio Tour in Albuquerque!

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