July Artist of the Month

Judy Fisher is a weaver who usually deals with yarns and looms and fabrics. However, when the lavender is in bloom, you will find Judy harvesting it and transforming it into lavender wands, lavender sachets and lavender bouquets which she brings to the co-op to sell.

Lavender wands are made by taking a fresh bunch of lavender and tying it tightly right below the flower heads. Then the bouquet is turned upside down and the stems around the flower heads are carefully bent over the flowers and ribbon is woven through the stems to form a tight basket. This allows the lovely aroma of lavender permeate the area, but keeps the flowers contained.

She has found out that these have been woven since at least the Middle Ages. They were used to tuck in between stored linens to keep the bugs away. Judy puts lavender among her weaving yarns for the same purpose, to keep the bugs away.

Judy will be demonstrating lavender wand construction at the co-op on July 23 ( it is a Thursday) and you are invited to join her and make your own. Bring about 2 yards of your favorite ribbon and join the fun.

July Artist of the Month

Carol Covey is one of our newest artists and we are very impressed with her watercolor and pen paintings and note cards. Carol tells us that her daughters got her interested in painting when they asked her to join them in art classes at Santa Rosa Junior College. She found her passion and has been enjoying painting for friends and family, for charity events and for sale for the last fifteen years.

Carol's palette is inspired by the colors, hues and textures found in nature's garden, which is very appropriate when you see that most of her paintings are of flowers and foliage.

Another thing of note, all of her cards are hand painted originals and could be easily framed.