Sunday, July 18, 2010

Pyrography

A few weeks ago I went to a pyrographic class in Johnson City, Texas.  The instructor was Kathleen Marie.  I found her website online.  Contacted her and just went.

http://www.kathleenmariestudio.com/

It was very nice.  She has a cute country house way out of town.  She also has a gallery where she does her work and has a show room.  There was a garden and yard planted with lots of different things.

Part of the class was to walk around and take pictures so that we could try to visualize designing out own designs for pyrographic projects.


I took lots of photos.  This was one of my favorites.



This was a very good class for me.  In just a few minutes she corrected the way I was holding the tip I was using.  The bent spear I think.  Anyway I am very happy.  Had a great day and my work has improved 200% I think.  

I can't even begin to tell you about seeing all of her beautiful work in person.  She using the type of wood and the grain of the wood as a part of the work.  See how the loon is swimming through the ripples in the water.  She drew it for me and set it up but I burned everything.  It also has some caulk pencil and acrylic paint for the white.


Thursday, July 15, 2010

Reclaimed Furniture Now with Roses!

Several weeks ago I started refinishing this small night table.  My daughter purchased it at a garage sale some time ago.  It's been sitting beside the bed my grandsons use when they are here.  I don't think they care what it looked like but it was time.

I sanded, glued, cleaned, painted etc., etc., forever  mostly outside.  I can only work a couple of hours a day so it was one coat a day thing.  I didn't get a before shot of it and should have.  Puttyed in a grove on one of the drawers and glued the bottom piece.


Re claiming old furniture is hard work.  It was a well used piece.  Very dirty inside.  But now is all better.


 Check it out!

Then I couldn't resist a few roses.  Then I couldn't stop.  LOL



Wednesday, July 14, 2010

New Pyrography Gourd

This is another Zen type gourd with different patterns in odd shaped spaces all over the gourd.  The top was cut off so that it could be used as a liquid container.  Grab hold of the neck and pour.

I had purchased some dye to use to add color to gourds and I wanted to try it out.  Interesting.  It looked good on some patterns and not on others.  It is always a trial run with gourds.  You never really know how it is going to turn out.

Wednesday, July 7, 2010

Safety Tips from the American Red Cross for Surviving the Heat

*Listen to a NOAA Weather Radio for critical updates from the National Weather Service (NWS).


*Never leave children or pets alone in enclosed vehicles.

*Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids even if you do not feel thirsty. Avoid drinks with caffeine or alcohol.

*Eat small meals and eat more often.

*Avoid extreme temperature changes.

*Wear loose-fitting, lightweight, light-colored clothing. Avoid dark colors because they absorb the sun’s rays.

*Slow down, stay indoors and avoid strenuous exercise during the hottest part of the day.

*Postpone outdoor games and activities.

*Use a buddy system when working in excessive heat.

*Take frequent breaks if you must work outdoors.

*Check on family, friends and neighbors who do not have air conditioning, who spend much of their time alone or who are more likely to be affected by the heat.

*Check on your animals frequently to ensure that they are not suffering from the heat.

I actually got the tips from another blog that I read.  It has a lot of good information.  Link is below





 
Stay Cool!
 
Beth

Saturday, July 3, 2010

Happy 4th!

Hope everyone has a great 4th of July!  Nearly all the activities...We have a July Jubilee every year...got rained out.  The rain has stopped but it is very muddy.


Friday, July 2, 2010



Found this in some saved emails.  I love Texas!!!