Ottawa

It’s a new Season!

Published by Karen

It seems that Spring has finally sprung! The birds are chirping, the sun is shining and buds are starting to appear on the trees. I’m getting excited for all of the inspiration that nature is going to provide once again. Don’t get me wrong, there is lots of inspiration to be found in winter too. But eventually I do get a little tired of the whites and greys of the winter months.

This past week, on a rainy day, I was particularly attracted to the lichen on the bark of the trees near me. When the bark is wet, the lichen really shines, and the yellows of this specimen almost seemed unreal. I’m still exploring and experimenting with lichen as a subject, and my photo led to this interpretation that I just finished up yesterday.

I’m still really enjoying the process of weaving my own backings. It is a very slow and relaxing process, and I have a number of ideas for how I can continue to build on this combination of techniques. I hope to do a little experimentation with that later this week, if I can squeeze it in.

Not only have we entered a new season in nature, but I feel like I have also entered a new season on the work front. Every year seems to be a little different with regards to when I am the busiest. This is definitely now my busy period for this year. Things are a flurry over here with preparing for a number of upcoming big events. The OHCG Annual is just two weeks away, so all the last minute framing and mounting is being done for my featured artist exhibit. My “A Mother’s Worry” piece is finally getting its frame, so my husband has been busy getting that ready, along with working on the presentation of a number of my hooking and weaving pieces. There is only one weekend left to get everything ready, with not much time during the week, so there will be a big push to get everything done. I’m really looking forward to seeing how it all comes together at the Annual!

Speaking of the Annual, I am also teaching two workshops there. So I have also been really busy with sending out class emails, preparing backings, sorting yarns, printing out handouts etc. etc. In fact, between now and the end of June I will have taught five classes for a total of 55 students! I’m sending out the last information email for one of my classes today and am really excited to meet new people and teach them how to hook with yarn. I’m also getting the opportunity to teach some kids throughout the month of May, something I haven’t done in awhile, which is going to be super fun!

My studio is a disaster with class materials strewn everywhere for the various classes. I am also knee deep in applications for various fibre related exhibits and opportunities. But I have been making some time to work on my latest piece.

This piece will be the continuation of my ongoing series of pieces inspired by the concept and experience of motherhood. The wheels have been churning with a number of new ideas for this series, so once this crazy busy season is over I hope to get to work on all of that a lot more.

And I’m closing in on having a first draft completed of the book! I’ve been putting in some full days recently on different parts of the book writing process, including tracking down and organizing photos and other details.

Watch this space for a few other little surprises here and there, as well as lots of photos from the OHCG Annual. When I re-emerge from this crazy busy time at the end of June, I hope to hunker down even more on the creativity and experimentation side. I’m so lucky to have a job that I love so much!

Karen

A Mother’s Worry

Published by Karen

Last week I finished up the large piece I have been working on. It is called “A Mother’s Worry” and it measures 30″ x 20.5″ and was hooked and designed by me using a variety of yarns on linen. It sure took a long time to finish! I think I redid the water section three times just to try to get it right. As you can see, there is a lot going on in this piece and getting it all to work together was a challenge. In the end I am pretty happy with it and I have had a lot of really great feedback. The piece seems to resonate with a lot of people and that is exactly what you want art to do.

I may change up her eyebrow before it is framed- sometimes I feel like it is a bit dark. The faces were definitely frustrating for me because of their size. They are far too small to get in a lot of detail and so I found myself disappointed in the end that they didn’t look more accurately like my kids. I think I’m over that now as I have reminded myself that it isn’t a rug about my kids per se, but rather they are representative of all youth and the struggles that they face in today’s crazy, messed up world. As someone said to me after seeing the piece, grown ups suck. What a poor job we are doing of creating a better world to our children.

As for the framing, that might take a little while because I don’t have a clear idea yet what would be the best frame option to complement this piece. I’m in discussions with my framer (ie. my husband) and once we have figured it out, framing will begin.

Karen

Celebrating My Two Loves

Published by Karen

Have you seen the latest issue of Rug Hooking Magazine? I’m pretty excited that my article, “Celebrating my Two Loves,” is in it! This one is about that series of seven pieces I did that were inspired by my kids. I’ve had a number of people email me to tell me that they really enjoyed hearing the stories behind each of these pieces. I hope you enjoy the article too. 🙂

Last week I also taught a Beginner Rug Hooking with Yarn class for adults. It was a great group, and the first time that someone has actually completed a piece by the end of class! I really love seeing how everyone interprets a subject differently, and sometimes people want to create their own design in the class and that is great too! That will likely be the last Beginner Adult class for a little while, but I will hold another one probably in the Fall. A lot of people have been requesting a weekend or evening class so I will try to make that happen!

In other news, my Tulips class that I will be teaching at the OHCG Annual here in Ottawa in May filled up really quickly! Thanks so much to everyone who was interested in this class. I can’t wait to meet you all!

I spent some time compiling my mailing list for those who have expressed an interest in a Hooking Portraits with Yarn class. Now that I have seen just how many people are waiting to take such a class, I’ve decided I really need to make planning one a priority. I’m officially adding it to my roster of things to get on and hope to have an announcement on this by the end of the year for sure.

Other than all of that, I’m still enjoying doing small experimental pieces each week. Some work, some don’t, but all are learning experiences. And I have started work on my next major project which actually doesn’t involve any hooking at all!

Karen

Fall Classes!

Published by Karen

I’m excited to announce two classes that I will be holding in Fall, 2017.  Details are below.  For more information or to register, you can email me at marzipanroad@bell.net.  All classes will be held in Ottawa, Ontario.

 

Beginner Rug-Hooking With Yarn for Adults

This is a class for anyone who has never rug-hooked before, or who has hooked before and would like to try hooking with yarn.   The class will be held on Tuesday, October 17th, 2017 from 9:30am-12:30.  The cost of the class is $50.00 which includes all materials and the use of a hook and hoop for the duration of the class.  The emphasis of this class is to cover the basics of this art form, while letting you explore your own creativity.

There are only 3 spots left for this class so register early as they fill fast!

 

Nature & Landscapes Advance Rug-Hooking Class (with yarn)

This class is for those who have hooked before and are wanting to take their hooking to the next level.   The class will be held on Wednesday, October 25th, 2017 from 9am-3pm.  This class will begin with a short nature walk in order to collect photos of subject matter for your project while learning to look at nature in different ways.   Back in the studio, topics will include:  composition, colour planning, basic rules of art, choosing yarns, and finishing your piece.  The cost of this class is $100.00 ($75 for the class and $25 for materials).

There are only 4 spots left in this class and previous sessions have filled up quickly, so book early!

 

Karen

 

Adult Hooking with Yarn Class for Beginners

Published by Karen

I will be teaching an Adult Hooking with Yarn class for beginners at my home studio in Ottawa, Ontario on Saturday, December 3rd, 2016 from 6-9 pm.  The cost of the class is $50.00 which includes all materials, as well as the use of a hook and hoop for the duration of the class.

I am not going to be offering as many adult beginner classes in 2017, so if this is something that interests you, this may be your last chance for awhile!  For more information or to register, email me at:  marzipanroad@bell.net.

 

Karen

Fall Classes for Kids!

Published by Karen

I’m pleased to announce my new list of classes for kids in Fall 2016!

All classes will be held at my home studio in the east end of Ottawa.   The first two classes on the list are great for both kids who have done hooking before, and those who haven’t.

For those who have taken a class with me before, the third class, “Mastering Realism” is a great way to take their hooking to a new level.  This two session class will introduce elements of design and colour, as well as realistic shading.

To register or for more information, you can email me at:  marzipanroad@bell.net.

My classes tend to fill fast so let me know if you want to reserve a spot!  We are going to have fun this Fall!  🙂

Karen

Upcoming Hooking with Yarn Class!

Published by Karen

Just wanted to let you know that I am holding another beginner class in hooking with yarn for adults on Saturday, August 27th from 6-9pm.  It will be held at my home studio in Ottawa, Ontario.  The cost is $50.00 which covers all required materials, including the use of a hook and hoop for the duration of the class.  There are more details on my website under Classes & Workshops.

If you are interested in this class you can email me at marzipanroad@bell.net. Just a heads up that I keep the class size small and they fill quickly!

I am hoping to announce some more classes for kids shortly so stay tuned!  🙂

 

Karen

 

 

Upcoming Classes for Adults!

Published by Karen

Following on how well received my hooking classes for kids have been, I am now offering beginner classes for adults!

You can see my Classes & Workshops page on my website for more details about each class.  I am offering my ‘Hooking with Yarn:  Beginner Classes for Adults” in July.  You can choose from either Saturday, July 9th from 6-9 pm or Saturday, July 23rd from 6-9 pm.

The July 9th class is filling fast, so if you are interested in either time slot send me an email at marzipanroad@bell.net.   All classes will be held at my home studio in Ottawa, Ontario.

 

Karen

A little Staycation

Published by Karen

A couple of weeks ago I decided to celebrate my Birthday by booking a weekend at a hotel in downtown Ottawa.  Yes, I live in Ottawa.  In fact I have lived here for about 36 years.  And yes I live very close to downtown and can go down anytime I want.  But frankly, I don’t get downtown nearly as much as I used to.  Back in the day I used to work downtown and was there every day but now I don’t have much reason to be down there.  And it is such a nice area of the city to be in!

I have to say it was a really fun idea.  We got the hotel room early on the Friday and the kids and I headed down, settled in and wandered the Byward Market.  My husband joined us after work and then the four of us hung out together the rest of the weekend.  Something I would definitely do again- nice change of scene.  We wandered familiar places, ate at nice restaurants and took lots of photos.  I had mentioned on my Facebook page that I am mulling doing a series of small Ottawa-inspired pieces, and now I have plenty of ideas and photos to work with.

Here are some of my favourites from our weekend “away.”

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Karen

Exhibit Video

Published by Karen

For those who didn’t get a chance to come and see my recent exhibit at the Shenkman Arts Centre in Ottawa here’s your opportunity!   A local film-maker, Liana Voia, kindly did a surprise interview with me at the opening reception.

I’m not much of a fan of watching myself on video, but I think it turned out really well and it is a great memento of the exhibit now that it is no longer hanging.

In this video I talk about each of the sixteen pieces in the exhibit as well as a bit about my own process when it comes to hooked fibre art.

 

Enjoy!

 

Karen