Magic in the making

The Halifax Stand

The Magical Stump

grows special things

I'm not always sure where the time goes. It seems to go into warp speed during the summer.  I am busy farming, but well underway planning and making things for the Acadia Craft Fair this November. this being my art blog, it is a little more about pretty things. Maybe I should take my photography more seriously. I once thought I would become one, but painting took over. But, as artist, we do not need to do only one thing. It seems that sometimes that should be the case. There is magic all over the place. Where it is, is where my camera travels.
Hope you find some magic in your day
Amanda

pretty little things

 

There are many days when gardening and farming are not very romantic. Fortunately, this is not one of those days. Winding around the garden in my picturesque best, with a heart shaped basket to cut my lavender.

A bumblebee wanders across the flowers

How can it not cheer you up, and send nightmares of weeds, insect invasions and stifling heat far far away.

Mourning Cloak Butterfly on an Allium

Gardening is not for the weak hearted, nor is art if you think about it.

One needs strength, courage and a sharp pair of pruners to keep things in shape and spec. 

A little bit of love and encouragement goes a long way.

........ Amanda

market sketches

A dress from The Clothes Press- Halifax Brewery Market

 Something I have little time for but enjoy is sketching. The act of observing and expressing that thorough line. I realize now that It is through photography that I express color.

Nothing is more enjoyable then hearing musicians at the Market

 There is so much to see and do at the Market- and eat!

Gudula's Bakery- at Greenwood Mall and Halifax Seaport

 My sketches are showing up in our Greenwood Mall Farmer's Market- and being mailed throughout the area.

If not at my stand, then someone Else's.....

I hope you find yourself at a farmer's market soon to enjoy the fruits of our labours, through produce, crafts and so much more.

a mini vacation

View to Petite Riviere

 

 I was over in New Germany visiting friends and even though I have been busy on the farm, I took a mini vacation over to Green Bay. Stopping at my favorite local craft shop on the way by- and taking the dirt road to Green Bay.

Green Bay and the dreary fog

 It was a dreary foggy day, and the wind whipped at my face as I walked along the rocky shores- rain threatened- and the black cormorant's huddled on the rocks. I love the ocean, I feel as I am greeting an old friend when I have time to see her face to face. I spent a few years sailing, so she was always by my side. But as happy as those times may have been, the ocean is very temperamental and doesn't always give, but takes away.

Waves leave impression

Seaweed that I always want to pop

 It is something I have to come to terms with, this slowing down and contemplating mind frame. It doesn't always happen during harvest season. But I enjoyed my little wee vacation. What do you do or go to try and find a different mindset?

hope this finds you well,
Amanda

Crafty time with Marilyn Rand

Silk Fusion Vessel

 I haven't had a lot of time for making art as I would like as of late. I am sure I am not the only one who feels like this from time to time. I was lucky enough to have an art-break with Marilyn Rand. Marilyn is known for her hand dyed silk fusion art, but also explores with encaustic, felting and hooking.

detail of vessel- love the swimming colors

I went to her studio to discuss details of the upcoming Art show of the Artist Group she is a part of called Seven- a group of one poet and six visual artists that are based in Annapolis Valley, Nova Scotia.

book cover detail

 With some practice and skill, I learned to fuse silk, which is similar in many ways to felting wool.
Patience and soft hands are a necessity- mine were rough from farm work and I had a heck of a time working with the fine soft fibers.

Book Cover

 This is made to be a book cover or wall hanging. I planned to stitch upon it, but haven't had that inspiring moment hit.

Silk Paper

 I also made some silk paper, which I am hoping to print on, as I have been working on some photo altering and transparencies work.

The White Silk paper.

The silk can be ordered online, or if your local, bought from Gaspereau Valley Fibres.
Seven will be having an art exhibit at The Charles Macdonald Concrete House in Centerville, from June 20ish to Julyish- Still have some kinks to work out- for more info about the group- try seven artisans and for location check out Charles Macdonald Concrete House.

Lovely Lovely Sunshine

Cool stuff at the Tractor Pull

Yellow Trollis

Luna Moth

Luna Moth

I have much to share with you today.  I had found a luna moth nearby at a local store and brought it home to photograph before letting it free. It was an amazing experience, as they are very rare here in Nova Scotia.  Now that we are getting sunshine in large bouts, the garden seems lush and full of blooms. I am a lover of trollis, a buttercup like flower. I had also went to the Tractor Pull during our Apple Blossom Weekend, but I had a mishap with my camera, and my pictures didn't turn out, (minus the one at the top). The little tricycle says 'vagabond'. How cool is that? I am sorry not to be posting as much as I would like, but my plant business is taking over until the next frost. I do have an upcoming post about 'crafty time' with one of my dear friends who does silk fusion. Hope there is happiness in your heart.
Yours truly,
Amanda

Craft show and stuff

Craft Show display May 7th

Craft show display May 7th

Ghost daffodils

Pasque Flower

Life has been treating me well, minus all the rain- which I will complain about in my nature blog.
I am getting back into the art with sketching at my craft shows- which I will post soon. I also sew, which keeps me out of trouble! Mother's Day weekend I attended a Craft fair held in Greenwood. Things went very well, and I always enjoy time to meet new people. I am still attending the Greenwood Mall Farmer's Market on Thursdays, from 12-4. My big news is that I start selling Plants, Fresh Cut flowers and Crafts at the Halifax Brewery Market starting this Saturday from 7am to 1pm.
http://www.historicfarmersmarket.ca/ We will see how it goes.
Much more to tell you, but it seems I have forgotten it all.

Yours Truly,

Amanda Muis