Category: New Mexico

July 18, 2016

Santa Fe’s International Folk Art Market

A close-up of a rug made by the Yangma-Olangchung Women's Cooperative in Nepal. — A close-up of a rug made by the Yangma-Olangchung Women’s Cooperative in Nepal.

As promised, more on Santa Fe’s International Folk Art Market…

While the Guatemalan rug hookers catalyzed our visit to the International Market, the reality is they weren’t the only game in town. There were artisans from all over the world and LOTS of textiles which made Laura a very happy girl.

There was a decent amount of jewelry at the International Folk Art Market, but these bracelets made in Columbia really caught my eye. I know, it's all that color. (Artesanias de Columbia) — There was a decent amount of jewelry at the International Folk Art Market, but these bracelets made in Columbia really caught my eye. I know, it’s all that color. (Artesanias de Columbia)

Funny story and an important tidbit for anyone planning to visit the market next year:

I didn’t read too much about the International Folk Art Market before we headed off to Santa Fe that morning. Having been to the city’s big Indian Market and other events, we assumed it was on the Plaza. Driving into town, though, we saw signs for overflow market parking and the shuttle. “I’m guessing the lots near the Plaza are full and they’re shuttling people in,” I said to Tom. “Let’s park here.” We leave the car and board the bus. Sitting sideways and reading a program that someone had handed me, I

"Tree of Life" by Mariano Valadez. It's a huichol yarn painting, incredibly vibrant. — “Tree of Life” by Mariano Valadez. It’s a huichol yarn painting, incredibly vibrant.

paid absolutely no attention to where the bus was going. Looking up after a few minutes, imagine my surprise when I realized we were NOWHERE NEAR THE PLAZA. We were, however, close to Museum Hill. Oh! I looked back at the program and for the first time noted as well that there was an entrance fee involved. A $20 entrance fee. Tom took it better than I thought he would. Thank God that the kid hadn’t come with us after all. And that it was too hot to bring the dog.

These gorgeous, diaphanous fabrics are from India. Mamta Varma represents a group of women artists who make traditional Chikan embroidery. — These gorgeous, diaphanous fabrics are from India. Mamta Varma represents a group of women artists who do traditional Chikan embroidery.

We had to give credit to the organization that put on the market, the International Folk Art Alliance. There were several large tents spread on different levels between the various museums housing the artists’ booths. Colorful decorations blew in the breeze contributing to a nice, festive atmosphere. It was a pleasant way to spend a few hours. And entrance to the museums was included in the 20 bucks. Tom and I made use of the restrooms in the Museum of International Folk Art, then stayed a bit to enjoy its AC and some of the exhibits. I see another field trip in our future…

Uzbekistan was really well represented at the International Folk Art Market. These pieces of Rishatn pottery were created by Rustam and Damir Usmanov. — Uzbekistan was really well represented at the International Folk Art Market. These pieces of Rishtan pottery were created by Rustam and Damir Usmanov. How intricate is that design?

How could I have not photographed this??? It was in Ruraq Maki's booth. The organization represents women incarcerated in Peru. They make mantas, a handwoven shawl or carrying-cloth featuring a large embroidered stripe down the center and including floral, animal, and bird motifs. Ruraq Maki provides the women a sustainable income for this exquisite work. — How could I have not photographed this??? It was in Ruraq Maki‘s booth. The organization represents women incarcerated in Peru. They make mantas, a handwoven shawl or carrying-cloth featuring a large embroidered stripe down the center and including floral, animal, and bird motifs. Ruraq Maki provides the women a sustainable income for this exquisite work.

More on Ruraq Maki and the good they do for women at ruraqmaki.com. ruraqmaki.com — More on Ruraq Maki and the good they do for women at ruraqmaki.org.

My only complaints about the International Folk Art Market have to do with why I bought nothing, not even a small trinket or two. And there were some affordable items there, really. To allow artisans time to speak to market-goers and to deal with language and tech barriers, no money was exchanged at the booths. Instead there were a couple of central locations where one paid after giving info to a volunteer stationed at a table next to each booth. Unfortunately, all these extra tables and volunteers made for more congestion in the already heavily trafficked aisles. Worse, there were some pretty long lines at the payment stations. They weren’t shaded, and it was over 90 degrees that day, full sun. I,m fair-skinned with red hair and freckles. Add it up; mpulse purchasing wasn’t happening for me. And that was a serious shame.

So cool! These are examples of bark cloth painting from Malasia. Matthew Ngau Jau decorates the bark cloth (yes, from trees!) with paint, shells, beads, and embroidery. — So cool! These are examples of bark cloth painting from Malaysia. Matthew Ngau Jau decorates the bark cloth (yes, from trees!) with paint, shells, beads, and embroidery.

Enjoy some of the pics I took with my NEW phone. While its camera lens isn’t all scratched up like the old one, and it takes lovely shots, I hate the thing. It overheats on a regular basis. It’s quirky, doesn’t always do what it says it will and is difficult to answer calls on. Worse, the chick at the Cricket store told me how great the camera is – that was my most critical parameter in buying a new phone. Silly me to assume that a “great” camera would

Another instance when colors jumped up and dragged me into a booth. This appliqued wall hanging was hand-stitched by Tarek Abouelenin and Hosam Mamoud of the Tent Makers of Cairo. The designs they create are inspired by those found on mosque tiles and tents from the Ottoman Empire. They were the only Egyptians represented at the market.

necessarily include a “great” zoom feature (like the prior phone had). My bad! It has virtually no zoom. When I need close shots, I have to hope that Tom’s there with his phone (identical to my old phone with its very, very “zoom-y” lens). Now I’m stuck with the damn phone for who knows how long.

Isn't this beautiful? It's a Caucasian silk embroidery wall hanging done by one of the artists of the Mehmet Cetinkaya Gallery of Turkey. This traditional art dates back 300 years. I would've liked on. Silk items are believed to bring good fortune to families, not to mention status. I just need the good luck,. — Isn’t this beautiful? It’s a Caucasian silk embroidery wall hanging done by one of the artists of the Mehmet Cetinkaya Gallery of Turkey. This traditional art dates back 300 years. I would’ve liked to bring a piece home. Silk items are believed to bring good fortune to families, not to mention status. I.m not greedy; just give me the luck.

I hope everyone’s having a great summer. I’m enjoying all the rugs being posted on Facebook these days, especially as so many are attending rug camps and/or sitting outside on the porch with friends hooking. Me, I’m busy making rugs to sell at the Railyards Market. Mug rugs, it seems, are in. This week, Tom, the child, the dog, and I are off to Taos for a day trip. Looking forward to it. Hopefully, they won’t mind a few fiber stops on the way.

I may take a week or two off from posting here. Will still post to Facebook, though, so see us there. And feel free to post photos of your rugs or paintings or quilts or whatever you’re making these days. I love this time of year!

"Resting at the Spring," a bronze sculpture by Allen Houser in front of the Museum Cafe. By chance I'd seen a television piece on Houser a few weeks before I saw this piece. — “Resting at the Spring,” a bronze sculpture by Allen Houser in front of the Museum Cafe. Guess I did have some luck; I’d seen a television piece on Houser a few weeks before I saw this piece.

Rather Humpty-Dumpty like, no? He's from France. Francois Fresnais makes the ceramics and his wife Sylvie decorates them. — Rather Humpty-Dumpty like, no? He’s from France. Francois Fresnais makes the ceramics and his wife Sylvie decorates them.

The artists of LANDYFIA in Laos weave raw silk and cotton scarves and home accessories. I must admit that I'm always drawn to the silk... — The artists of LANDYFIA in Madagascar weave raw silk and cotton scarves and home accessories. I’m always drawn to the silk…

What woman wouldn't want a pair of these shoes? They're made by Gulnora Odilova of Uzbekistan. She embroiders clothing, bags, and home accessories in the Shakhrisabz tradition and has established a school to ensure that the techniques live on. — What woman wouldn’t want a pair of these flats? They’re made by Gulnora Odilova of Uzbekistan. She embroiders clothing, bags, and home accessories in the Shakhrisabz tradition and has established a school to ensure that the techniques live on. …And that’s it from the Santa Fe International Folk Art Market, folks. Happy summer!

June 15, 2016

New England chicks conquer their first East Mountain Fiber Tour

This wooly one welcomed us to Maple Winds Farm. Baa! — This wooly one welcomed us to Maple Winds Farm and the East Mountain Fiber Tour. Baa!

Last Sunday Melinda and I successfully conquered our first East Mountain Fiber Farm and Studio Tour! Not bad for two New England rug hooking broads interested in discovering more of New Mexico’s fiber art scene. About the same time that I moved out here from Massachusetts, Melinda and husband Gary, a photographer, were trekking from New Hampshire. Though they already had a place to live, having purchased a condo decades ago, so they got to skip the whole house-hunting exercise.

Anyway, last fall Melinda stumbled upon the Adobe Wool Arts guild doing our monthly thing at the Albuquerque Biopark. Oh, she tried to cut and run, but she was busted. Now, of course, she’s a guild member doing demos at the botanical garden with the rest of us. And looking for more fiber art. Which we found on the East Mountain Fiber Tour.

Yarns and Cathy Kelly's rugs available on our first stop on the tour. — Yarns and Cathy Kelly’s rugs available on our first stop on the tour.

The farms, shops, and studios on the tour are located in the area east of Albuquerque and her Sandia Mountains. It’s horse country – and sheep and goat and alpapca country. I’m sure there are more animals, but we weren’t there for them this time. Six stops made up the loop. Thank goodness Melinda was driving her SUV thingie; my little Honda Fit might’ve gotten stuck in a couple of rutted roads or driveways.

FIrst up: SandraSilk by Sandra Holzman. It was her studio, but with her were Robin Pascal of Perfect Buttons and Cathy Kelly with her hand-hooked rugs. Before you ask, yes, Kathy is a guild-mate of ours. Check out the pics.

Some of Sandra Holzman's beautiful handpainted garments. — Some of Sandra Holzman’s beautiful handpainted garments.

Melinda caught me perusing some of Robin Pascal's woven items. — Melinda caught me perusing some of Robin Pascal’s woven items.

At Edgewood Yarns and Fibers, I couldn’t help myself despite my plans (and Tom’s back home) not to buy anything. A gorgeous blue skein of yarn jumped into my bag and begged to come home with me. “Hook me, hook me,” it called.

After that it was farm time – sheep! We headed to Garcia’s Shaggy Wagon and Baa-Baa shop and then the Wool Shed at Maple Winds Farm. (Walking around the windswept farms, Melinda and I kept a good eye out for snakes. Didn’t see one, but then, we never saw a maple tree either.)

Someone might've been a little warm in the 90-plus degree temperatures. — Someone might’ve been a little warm in the 90-plus degree temperatures.

Last, but first in many hearts, were the alpacas of Hollywick and Whispering Spirit Alpacas farms. Whispering Spirit even had a newborn for us to ooh and ah at.

For those in the area, Melinda and I have vowed to do it all over again next year. (Maybe we’ll win the grand prize goodie basket we didn’t win this year.) I think I heard someone mention that the East Mountain Fiber Tour 2017 is planned for June 10 and 11. Be there!

Is there anything cuter than this baby from Whispering Spirit Alpacas. (Angela, we could've easily put her in the Fit.) — Is there anything cuter than this baby from Whispering Spirit Alpacas. (Angela, we could’ve easily put her in the Fit.)

What are your fiber plans this summer?

June 8, 2016

Happy birthday to me!

Spot #55 was mine this week. And for most of the summer, I believe. We did pretty well filling up the 8'x10' space, I think. — Spot #55 was mine this week. And for most of the summer, I believe. We did pretty well filling up the 8’x10′ space, don’t you think?

Sunday was my birthday; it was also my first time vending at Albuquerque’s Rail Yards Market. Since I managed to sell a piece, it was a very happy birthday for me. Sure, it wasn’t a huge mat – it was a mug rug and matching mug – but it paid my table fees and gave me a nice boost of confidence in a new place.

Tortillas, tamales, fritters, rooibos teas, mustards, breads and pastries, jams and mustards. It was all there. — Tortillas, tamales, fritters, rooibos teas, mustards, breads and pastries, jams and mustards, and more! It was all there.

For those who have never been before, the Rail Yards Market runs from 10:00 in the morning till 2:00 p.m. Thank goodness, because during the summer, it’s getting pretty darn warm here in Albuquerque. I think we hit 94 or 95 that day. The market’s incredibly well run. It fills with locals and visitors both. I managed to meet a guy who came from Newtown, Connecticut. That’s one town over from where I grew up!

The Old New Mexico Bird House Company offered all kinds of funky stuff for the yard.

While most folks weren’t all that familiar with rug hooking, the response was definitely favorable. That I was hooking while I sat there was, as usual, a great conversation starter. (Even for the once-upon-a-time latch hookers. 🙂 )

How many of you have had the problem of the neighboring booth being a jewelry maker? Pam Schroder and her husband Tom were selling her chainmaille jewelry. Nice! She's the Bling Weaver. — How many of you have had the problem of the neighboring booth being a jewelry maker? Pam Schroder and her husband Tom were selling her chainmaille jewelry. Nice! She’s the Bling Weaver.

The place has a great vibe what with the entertainment venue being about 30 feet from where I sat.This past Sunday brought us belly dancers and singer-songwriters. Aromas from Jamaican, New Mexican, and other foods waft through the place from nearby food trucks and stands. Besides different arts and crafts, you can pick up whatever produce and flowers are in season.

UNforunately, I didn't get this lady's card, but she also proved that fiber is alive and well out here in New Mexico. — Unforunately, I didn’t get this woman’s card, but she also proved that fiber is alive and well out here in New Mexico.

I have a week off and then, come Fathers’ Day, I’m back. I”m looking forward to it. (Even Tom didn’t complain about sitting there people-watching.) I’ve got a few things to tweak and some signs to make based on would-be customer comments and such. Folks asked when I’d be returning, something I’m taking as an excellent omen. Till then there’s more hooking to be done!

Don't these make you smile??? They're made by WInnie and Wades Upcycled Hippie/Redneck Art. Love that name! — Don’t these make you smile??? They’re from Winnie and Wades Upcycled Hippie/Redneck Art. Love that name! They certainly helped make my birthday a happy one.

May 25, 2016

Tent Rocks rock!

"Kasha-Katuwe" means "White Cliff" in the native language of the Cochiti pueblo people. The tapered rock formations are called hoodoos (or tents). Some still retain their "boulder caps." — “Kasha-Katuwe” means “White Cliff” in the native language of the Cochiti pueblo people. The tapered rock formations are called hoodoos (or tents). Some still retain their “boulder caps.”

“Make sure you visit Tent Rocks,” both friends and acquaintances told us. “Go now, before the it gets too hot.” Actually, they said that back in March. We finally made it Sunday even though we couldn’t take Tynan (the dog) which was what made us hesitate earlier. He loves going to new, outdoorsy places. But even without him there, it was easily the BEST, MOST INTERESTING FIELD TRIP since we moved to New Mexico back in August.

Tent Rocks are the products of volcanic eruptions that happened 6 or 7 million years ago.

Technically, the national monument is Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks. It’s located about an hour north and west of Albuquerque. There are very cool geologic formations as well as a couple trails with wicked vistas that include views of the Sandia, Sangre de Cristo, and Jemez mountains and the Rio Grande River valley.

Entrance to the slot canyon portion of the Slot Canyon Trail.

According to the U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management (because why should I re-write the wheel?):

The cone-shaped tent rock formations are the products of volcanic eruptions that occurred 6 to 7 million years ago and left pumice, ash, and tuff deposits over 1,000 feet thick. Tremendous explosions from the Jemez volcanic field spewed pyroclasts (rock fragments), while searing hot gases blasted down slopes in an incandescent avalanche called a “pyroclastic flow.”

Precariously perched on many of the tapering hoodoos are boulder caps that protect the softer pumice and tuff below. Some tents have lost their hard, resistant caprocks, and are disintegrating. While fairly uniform in shape, the tent rock formations vary in height from a few feet up to 90 feet.

The view from the top of the mesa. Very satisfying. I'm not sure if those are the Sangre de Cristos or the Jemez mountains. — The view from the top of the mesa. The climb there was quite satisfying. I’m not sure if those are the Sangre de Cristos or the Jemez mountains. Either way, we were jiving on the undulating cliffs.

What are the cool, touristy places you can visit in your area? How do they provide inspiration for your art?

It's as if the trees grow right out of the rocks! Check out those gorgeous stone curves. — It’s as if the trees grow right out of the rocks! Check out those gorgeous stone curves. They encourage you to wend your way to the right, to keep following the path. And maybe even to create an abstract rug based on them.

Unfortunately, I'm not up on my high desert botany yet, so I can't give you a name, but aren't these gorgeous? Who says the desert is boring and...brown? — Unfortunately, I’m not up on my high desert botany yet, so I can’t give you a name, but aren’t these gorgeous? Who says the desert is boring and…brown? I see bright orange flowers in a near-future mat…

March 16, 2016

Hook with wool strips – me?!!?

Hooking with wool strips. (Yes, the outline is rug yarn.)

To continue on from the “discomforts” of two weeks ago, “Working a little beyond my comfort level,” I’ve decided to hook with wool strips. Admit it; your first thought is: “How in God’s name can that be at all difficult?” Well, here’s the thing, I can’t remember the last time I made a rug or mat out of wool strips. At least primarily out of wool strips; I often mix them in with the yarn and t-shirt strips, and ribbons and other fibers I tend to favor.

It doesn’t sound like a problem, but it does require that I change my technique some. First of all, punching made me a “packer.” I like a heavy, dense mat. It’s particularly helpful when I use t-shirt. No one wants a flabby rug for the floor or the table or the wall. Now, too, I have to pay attention to my loops. Do they stand up for themselves? Are they too crowded? Worse, tomorrow I have my monthly guild meeting. Everyone uses wool strips. I can’t help but compare mine to theirs. Mary and Linda are so meticulous with their loops; their rugs look… professional. Mine? Not so much.

This brings up another “discomfort.” Strip width. Linda generously offered to lend me her extra Bliss cutter a few months ago. Currently, I don’t own one, never have. I’ve cut by hand all these years. Because I initially used mostly yarn and then other fibers, this was no big deal. You can’t cut t-shirt with a cutter. But, hey, I like to branch out as much as the next gal. So, I’ve been cutting wool strips; they’re all (mostly) of equal width for this little rug – 6s.

My "poppies" made back in, maybe, 2011. Other than some black rug yarn and some silk and cotton (the pink and orange running through the petals), it's hooked in all wool strips. — My “poppies,” made back in, maybe, 2011. Other than some black rug yarn and some silk and cotton (the pink and orange running through the petals), it’s hooked in all wool strips.

Sounds good, but now I’m feeling more pressure when I look at Mary’s and Linda’s rugs. Such uniformity with all those same-size strips. And they have technique to match them. (And design and color sense.) Yeah, I don’t. In fact, you could say my uniformity is wholly in my non-uniformity. I could hide that some in the past when I cut my strips with scissors. Besides a sore hand, I’d have variable strips that lent an air of…eccentricity. Like your crazy, old great aunt, the one you love to death but can’t exactly say why beyond how she always wears bright colors like scarlet and teal and magenta.

There’s no hiding with the Bliss-cut wool strips. But it’s a challenge, and, like I said, I need to stretch a little. Besides, it’s only a little mat, about 8″x8″. I can handle that. And if I’m having problems, I have Linda and Mary and Mary and Nancy and all the others to help me out. That’s one of the benefits of belonging to a guild, a class, or even a couple sitting together on the porch hooking, chatting, and eating. (Someone commented on Facebook recently how much we hookers love to eat.) We’re there for one another.

There are many more tiny mats in my immediate future. Last week I received word that I’d been juried into Albuquerque’s Rail Yard Market. Not sure if we’ll sell much and how many Sundays I’m scheduled for, but there’s a lot of traffic, and it’s just a fun place to be. More about this later.

What hangs you up in rug hooking? Hooking perfect lines of perfect wool strips like me? Packing too tightly (note that I do not consider this a hang-up). Loop height? (By the way, I favor TALL loops.) Burlap versus linen versus monks’ cloth? Or do you subscribe to the thought that it’s all about personal style, to hell with the other artists?

Spring is blooming all over. Enjoy it. Get outside! This is an ornamental rosemary growing just over tour wall. Yes, we have used it to cook. It's pretty pungent, though. — Spring is blooming all over. Enjoy it and get thee outside! Here in New Mexico the high desert is crazy-flowery. This is an ornamental rosemary growing just over our wall. Yes, we have used it to cook. It’s pretty pungent, though. A little goes a long way.