Happy Halloween!

We Have a Winner and a New Spinner!

We have a winner in the Churro Coyote Warp Contest! Thank you so much to Adriene of Adriene's Couch for the lovely article you wrote about Wind Rose Fiber Studio. I really appreciate the time you spent and all of the nice things you said!

What is even more exciting to this fiber arts lover is that Adriene decided to buy a drop spindle kit and learn how to spin! Isn't that awesome?! From one spinner to another, welcome to the community! Who knows, it might not be too long before Adriene is blogging about her first handspun skeins.

Churro Coyote Warp ~ Now Available!

I now have Churro Coyote Warp listed in both my shops at Wind Rose. I have made 50, 100 and 200 yard skeins, so whether you just want to check it out or jump right into a large project, you're all set!

Churro is an ancient breed of sheep first brought to this country by the Spanish in the 16th century. It is known for its strength and durability and is widely used for rug making, tapestries and outer garments.

The rustic nature and strength of this fiber also would make it a great choice for book binding, enhancing primitives and other crafts.

Churro Coyote Warp is 1/16 inch wide and has 8 WPI. It feels coarse next to the skin, but softens and increases loft with washing. It is slightly fuzzy creating a softening visual effect to finished projects.

If you are someone who enjoys working with rare breeds and uncommon fibers, here's a wonderful one to add to your stash!

Click on the picture to be taken to the Art Yarn section of my ArtFire shop. There you will find all three listings for Churro Coyote Warp. It is also where larger quantites are located. Click on the yardages to head directly to the Etsy listings for this one of a kind fiber.

I'd like to give a special shout out to Wool and Wings Fiber Arts for the link love! Right back at ya! I'm following her blog. Are you?

I'm still looking to give away 25 yards of Churro Coyote Warp to the first person who writes a blog feature on Wind Rose Fiber Studio. Feel free to use photos from the shop and link away. It doesn't have to be a long feature, but try to squeeze in a little juice. Thanks!

Churro Coyote Warp

I've been so busy showing off my treasures from Santa Fe, I haven't blogged about fiber for a while. That just won't do!

Pictured here is a special warp fiber made from Churro wool. When I was up in Taos, New Mexico, I stopped by Weaving Southwest in search of some fiber that was new to me and indicative of the area.

An excerpt by Connie Taylor from the Navajo~Churro Sheep Association informs us that,

"America’s first domestic sheep arrived over 400 years ago by the Spanish explorers and settlers. The history of the churra importation and distribution is fascinating and complex. Archives indicate that Merinos were too valuable to export from Spain, so the common sheep such as: Churra, Manchega, Castellana and Lacha were sent to the New World. The term "Churro" is translated to mean "common" and now refers loosely to all the breeds mentioned. Navajo-Churro, derived from the original Spanish stock, are now widely distributed in the U.S. with numbers approximately 6,000."

At Weaving Southwest, they have their local mill, Mora Mill, process Churro into a two ply grey and natural warp fiber. This distinctive blend is called Coyote Warp and you won't find it just anywhere. Coyote Warp is incredibly strong and the distinctive look makes it useful as a marking warp. When weaving rugs or blankets with intricate patterns, Coyote warp makes it easier to keep track of pattern placement. For example, if Coyote Warp is used instead of the regular warp every 10th fiber, the weaver can easily count out where to change colors.

I brought a couple pounds of Coyote Warp back with me. I wanted to try it out for myself and also have enough to share a few skeins with Wind Rose Customers. I don't have any listed just yet, but if you would like to give this fiber a try, I have a special offer for you.

Win 25 yards of Churro Coyote Warp for Free!
Be the first person to feature my Etsy shop, Wind Rose Fiber Studio, on your blog and then come back here and leave a comment so I can check out your post. I'll give you my email where you can send me your address and I will send you 25 yards of Churro Coyote Warp for free! I'll also blog about the winner with links back to your blog or your shop. May the first blogger win!

Weavolution!

I just received an email today from a member of my guild that there is a new website for weavers. It's called Weavolution and I'd like to spread the word so that all the handweavers can learn more about this new meeting place created just for them. It's full of forums and resources, projects and groups. In short, it's a place to share and commune with fellow artisans.

Flying Fish Beaded Pendant Necklace

This whimsical Flying Fish Beaded Pendant Necklace is my latest offering at Wind Rose Fiber Studio.

You know, I almost don't know what to say. I get an idea in my head and it just doesn't matter if it's kind of silly or if I can even imagine anyone ever buying the finished product. I just tend to go with my impulses. Very often this leads to work that perhaps only its mother can love. I just don't know.

I spent several hours stitching each bead into place and backing the pendant for a nice finished look. Since the pendant has a playful nature, I felt like the chain should have one too. I took green waxed cotton and wove it through the silver plated chain adding additional green glass accent beads as I went along. When I got the idea to suspend the flying fish on a small length of waxed cotton, I just had to do it. It added that extra touch of whimsy which I felt brought the whole thing together.

You know, ever since I was a kid doodling on notebook paper, even my greatest efforts always had a comic quality. This used to make me crazy, but I think as I've gotten older, I've given in to it more. I let my work be just what it wants to be. When you're young, you think of yourself in more isolated terms, but later, you come to know that you are never alone. As artists and crafts people, I think we count on this. I know I'm counting on the notion that someone out there will see my flying fish and giggle and say, "That's fun!"

Oaxacan Wood Carvings by Ivan Fuentes

I purchased two wood carvings while in Sante Fe, NM. I have to admit that I really knew nothing of the history behind this folk art until researching the artist after I was home in front of my computer. All I knew at the time, was that the hand painted figures were enchanting. They have a quality and spirit that bring ancient tales to mind. I can just imagine this coyote sweet talking another creature into some tricky mischief.

This beautifully painted coyote and the fantastic lizard further down in this post, were both carved by Ivan Fuentes of San Martin Tilcajete a city 23 Kilometers south of Oaxaca (pronounced wah - HAW - kah). Ivan and his family have become widely known for their artistry with it's rich history. Ivan Fuentes was taught the art by his father Epifanio Fuentes who is the most famous carver in San Martin Tilcajete. Two other brothers, Zeny and Efrain are also fine carvers. The women in the family tend to do most of the painting, although Zeny prefers to paint his own work. Imagine my surprise when I discovered that Zeny even has an Etsy store!


"In the 1930's families carved toys for their children and masks for religious festivals and carnivals. Copal wood is primarily used for these carvings. This tree is indigenous only to Oaxaca. Cedar and zompantle are also used for carvings. Acrylic paints are used to finish the incredible pieces. It wasn't until the 1980's that the demand for Oaxacan carvings became popular. In 1992 the Smithsonian featured well known Oaxacan carvers. American Folk Art dealers flocked to Oaxaca to begin their collections of these unique works of art. Painted woodcarving is a major art form and source of income in three pueblos near Oaxaca City. The Fuentes family resides in the carving pueblo of San Martin Tilcajete."(1)

"In the early morning hours the copal usually arrives by way of a heavily burdened burro. The woodcarvers prize this particular type of wood for it's pliability and gnarled form. Similar to jade tree in appearance, copal wood sands to a smooth porcelain finish. Fresh pieces have an aromatic smell...

Different parts of the branches make for different animals in the eyes of the artist. A fat knob may be used to make a turtle while a wispy branch transforms into a lizard. The endless tangled maze of branches are a constant form of invention and inspiration, nothing is ever wasted.


The artist spends a great deal of their time chiseling the form when the wood is wet. Working from large machetes on down to small kitchen knives the animalito methodically takes it's delicate shape. Equally important is the sanding. It is here the master artist can bring out the personality and the character of their creation.

As the wood continues to dry, cracks are sanded out and sealed. Arms and appendages are carefully nailed on unless it is a single piece carving. Single piece carvings are usually smaller and more "organic" in appearance. Some of the choicest master works actually fit in the palm of your hand and are carved from a single piece of wood."(2)

This is one of those cases where I really had no idea what treasures I had found. I do tend to buy art simply based on what speaks to me. These pieces have become even more precious now that I have educated myself as to their history. One of the things I love about collecting art is how much I learn in the process. I have always believed in the healing power of art. I have sticker on my Portable Wind Rose that says Art Heals. I should have another one that says Art Teaches!

Sources:
(1) http://zenyfuentesoaxacanwoodcarving.com/index.html
(2) http://www.oaxacanwoodcarving.com/copal.html

One Sheep Two Sheep

How's that for a smiling face to greet you to this post? LOL! This little guy and his fabulous smile come to you by way of Sun Country Traders in Santa FE, NM.

I was actually looking at something else in the store when my husband came to get me. "Hey Honey, you've got to see these sheep!" I wandered over to find a collection of Navajo folk art animals grinning up at me. You just can't help but smile back! Can you? :D

I'm not a collector the way some people are. I don't have a curio cabinet filled with anything, but it is hard for me to resist a great looking sheep. I knew right away that this one was coming home with me!

Once the ladies helping me discovered my love of the little animals, I was taken to another section of the store. Behind the counter on a shelf stood the sweetest hand beaded sheep I've ever seen. As a new beader, I have much respect for the time and care that must go into making a beaded figure. The resulting little sheep were so sweet. There were different colors to choose from, but there was something kind of demure about this sheep done in shades of ecru.



No two sheep could be more different, yet I love them both. Right now I have the folk art sheep displayed in a ceramic pumpkin patch on a table. Not far away is a large Mexican Folk Art Coyote. The poor sheep is too silly to know he's in any kind of danger. You know what he reminds me of? I think he looks a little like Donkey from the Shrek movies.

Hand Beaded Navajo Hair Clips

I had to take a picture of these sweet little hair clips before sending them to my niece for her birthday. They are another treasure from my time in Santa Fe. I wanted to get my niece something Navajo made, and I thought these were adorable.

Part of what makes them so captivating is the size. It's hard to tell in the photograph, but they are just over an inch long. The purple beads in the background lend a younger look. It may be a little while before she will be able to wear these clips. She is just about to have her first birthday and her hair is still very fine, but someday.

I found my Navajo Clips in Sun Country Traders. I have two other pieces from this store, one folk art and one beaded. I'll take pictures and come back for show and tell.

Brand New Drop Spindle Kit!

I love it when I sell a Drop Spindle Kit at Wind Rose. It makes me smile to think that there is another spinner being born and it means I get to design the roving for my next kit!

All of my Drop Spindle Kits come with a spindle (of course), leader cord, ecru fiber and most importantly directions. To make them extra special, I include two ounces of fiber that I make myself. I head on into my studio and select a pretty combination. Then I drum card them together always adding plenty of Firestar for sparkle. Then I even hand pull the carded batt into ready to spin roving. I want things to be nice and easy for my beginning spinner.

This latest kit is a combination of two Merino rovings, one turquoise and the other a soft purple. The sparkling Firestar is a night blue that seems to bring them all together. I believe that the first spinning experience can only be made better with really lovely fiber. I'm so happy with the way this roving turned out and I hope the next person who decides to join the world of spinning will feel the same!

Little Feather ~ Hand Beaded Pendant Necklace

Little Feather is a hand beaded pendant done in a free form style with a beautiful carved turquoise leaf as a focal point. It also features a Hill Tribes Fine Silver button used as a cabochon along with silver accent beads. Metal findings and glass beads add even more interest to this abstract mix.

The pendant measures 1" x 1.5". The necklace is 22" long and closes with a large, easy to handle lobster clasp. The double cord is a waxed cotton. No leather products were used making this southwest inspired piece animal friendly.

To see more pictures, visit Little Feather at Wind Rose Fiber Studio's ArtFire location.

More Art and Artists ~ From The Taos Pueblo

Here are three more pieces from the Taos Pueblo in New Mexico. The first is a glazed horse hair bear which also has a turtle carved onto its back. This was actually my first purchase at the pueblo. I had been wanting a bear and I also like the symbol of the turtle. The bear and the turtle are often simplified as meaning strength and long life. If you do a little more reading, the bear is seen as a protector and leader. The bear can also be found as a helper in emergence stories. The turtle not only stands for long life, but strength and perseverance. As an added fun note, the power of the turtle is often an annoyance for poor coyote.

The simple round clay bowl is made from mica clay. This is clay that naturally has a lot of the mineral mica in it. The mica sparkles in the sun making even less ornate pottery look showy. I spent a lot of hot summer days collecting mica as a little girl in Virginia. Back then our roads were paved with a layer of gravel and then a layer of tar. These roads didn't hold up very well through the winter and had to be regularly redone. Whenever a fresh load of rocks were laid out, it was time to hunt for mica. I don't know where our rocks came from, but nothing made me happier than combing the side of the street watching for the sun to play off the sparkling rocks. Sometimes you found just pieces of mica. Other times you could actually peel a layer of mica off of a rock. Those were the best!

The last is a necklace purchased from a silversmith named Arthur Lujan. I kind of liked it because it was less elaborate than the jewelry with large pieces of turquoise and other stones. I'm not very flashy. Once again it had my happy symbols of the bear and the turtle. There are many different bird symbols but the eagle is widely used for it meaning of courage and wisdom. The rabbit often means luck, but more specifically it can denote cunning and awareness. This was our last purchase from the Taos Pueblo. Arthur was very nice to talk to as we surveyed his work. He sat at a well worn work bench and chatted with us. His Indian name is Little Aspen and we thought of him as we drove back to Santa Fe passing beautiful Aspen trees turning yellow in the autumn air.