summer break...

I am working on a small group of creatures that I hope to put in the shop in the next couple of weeks, and I'll try to let you know before that happens.

But other than that I don't have much to say, and the camera's been collecting a lot of dust. Maybe after seven years this blog has taken its course. Whatever it is, I'm going to take a break for the next little bit, maybe for a long bit. I'm still posting iphone photos, and every once in a while the big camera still gets used. New pieces for the shop will appear over here. If you want to keep in touch. Or not. Hope you're enjoying your June, all the same.

wordless wednesday...

flotsam and jetsam...

A few random bits and pieces here and there...

>>> Above are some shots from our low tide wander last Saturday. Lots of eagles, lots of sand, lots of sunshine. And beach exploring with my two boys; what could be better? (Including when AK entertains Ty so I can stalk some wildlife - bless him.)

>>> With AK away all this week, stitching happened not at all. Hmmm. Perhaps it's because every time I sit on the couch (which is where I generally work) I end up in this position. There are a lot of things taking shape in my mind - does that count?

>>> It's a grey, threatening-rain kind of day, chilly for June 1. Seems a good night to try out this one pot pasta recipe.

>>> I'm eagerly awaiting the arrival of my new running tights Yeah, I hate running. Except apparently the natural follow of all this dog walking is dog running (okay, we're mostly walk/runners right now). I'm not setting any expectations yet, just seeing how it goes. But cute new running pants are always helpful for encouragement.

>>> I love sewing projects using selvage. This pillow is a prime example of the cool things that can be made with what are in theory "scraps."

>>> I love how Stasia of the Stray Arrow combines poetry and beautiful metalwork.

>>> If the sun comes back, this banana & peanut butter 'ice cream' might be the perfect treat to make at home.

Hope you're having a great weekend!

razor-sharp smile...

Two little salmon sharks swimming into the shop today. One is already reserved, but the one above is right here. I used a cotton for the undersides this time, naturally dyed by me with a slight mottled appearance. And I got my hands on some white leather so they have "real" teeth this time. Ragged, ferocious fellows, used to the hard life in the North Pacific Ocean.

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We have had some low low tides in the middle of the day this weekend, perfect for beach combing and tide pool exploring. Yesterday AK and I took Ty for a long meander to check out ochre stars, wee crabs and more, all under the watchful eyes of a large crew of eagles also taking advantage of the low tide pickings. The sun has stuck around today, so in a couple hours I think the pup and I will go out again to a slightly different spot and see what we can find. My hopes are on some moon snails...

Hope you're having a great weekend!

canoe dog...

This morning dawned full of sunshine, and it seemed the perfect time to get Ty out for his first canoe experience. We'd like to take a weekend canoe trip soon, camp along a lake chain near here. And maybe someday he'll even stand politely on a standup paddleboard with us. But first, a short little excursion to test the waters, quite literally.

We don't own a canoe (someday), but thankfully are easily able to borrow one from the canoe/kayak shop from where AK sometimes guides. Despite a persistent northwest breeze at home, the waters of the river and estuary were calm, the current also tempered by an incoming tide. Ty sat in the canoe on the grass, but once it was in the water he needed an encouraging lift to get in. He stood, but stayed, and we were off. Wooden paddles dipped quietly into the clear water, the river bottom not far below us. I felt the boat shift, and shift again, as our boy struggled to find a spot he felt comfortable with. He touched his nose to the water repeatedly, trying for a drink despite the surely brackish taste, and the bowl of clean water beside him. But he kept calm, and we paddled on.

We followed the river's flow, out into the estuary where eagles watched us from old posts and a pair of geese preened themselves in the shallows along a small island. It was a beautiful day in the valley, there was no denying that. The mountain peaks still have patches of snow, but down here at sea level it feels like summer. Out, out we went, finally turning back as we neared one of the last navigation markers that guide boaters through the river's entrance. The river's current slowed us a bit on the return journey, made us work our paddles just a little harder, but soon enough we were crossing the gentle eddy line back into the marina and to the boat ramp. I clambered out first, and Ty waited until called before jumping out. All in all, a successful first excursion since none of us ended up swimming. :)

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It is a long weekend here in Canada, and so I have one more day to putter about the house. AK headed off this evening to spend a week kayak guiding on the west coast, so Ty and I will be spending some quality time. Too bad I have to work the rest of the week, but he'll be well taken care of all the same.

There are two salmon sharks in progress, but I'm not sure when they'll be ready for the shop. I have also recently acquired some gorgeous brown leather and lush wool, which makes me think a sea lion is next on the docket. My hands are slow, but things come along.

Hope you have had a wonderful weekend - what did you get up to?

[not so] wordless wednesday...

A pair of American robins have tucked in and made themselves a home on the roof of our deck, where it is overlapped with the roof overhang from the house, and thus quite well protected. The deck roof is really just corrugated plastic sheeting, which is why I easily spotted the nest from below. I feel a bit guilty each time I venture out onto the deck now, as it seems no matter how quiet I step I am sure to flush one of them from the nest. If I am quiet enough though, and wait patiently, they will come back. I can't wait till there are little chirplings, and maybe if I am lucky they will drop a few shell pieces down to me below.

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>>> for Michele who asked, Ty is a pitbull mix. For those who don't know, "pitbull" is not actually a breed, but gets used as a lump term for several breeds (Staffordshire Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, American Pitbull Terrier) and other dogs with that "bully" look. I'm only clarifying because I think the mass description is often unfair, and poorly informed (many people will identify a dog as a pitbull when it is not - test yourself with this quiz), which leads to breed stereotyping. In Ty's case, he is a mutt of undetermined breeds, although we did rescue him from an organization that specifically works to find home for "pitbulls" who generally have the lowest rates of adoption in regular shelters.

summer whale...

The summer weather continues around here, day after day of beautiful sun and warmth. It feels like July. While rain clouds are threatening to creep in just time for the weekend (hey, I love rain, no complaints) this delightful weather has inspired a summery grey whale in pale oceany blues.  He's in the shop now.

Here's a little behind the scenes from the photoshoot; it's good to have helpers. :)