Linda Cannefax has been doing Art to Wear for many years. Most of her clothing and accessories are handwoven and she specializes in dying her creations and spending many hours on finishing and embellishing her garments.
Linda, a longtime member of the Artisans' Co-op, has also participated in Sonoma County ArTrails for several years. ArTrails takes place this year on October 9 and 10 as well as the 17th and 18th. Therefore, at this time of year, Linda is in full 'creation mode', making sure she has a large and new array of items for her visitors to see and purchase.
Linda's traditional color palette has been the use of primary colors , lots of red, navy and black with intense saturation. However, this year I've noticed a small change to softer colors.
Linda's garments are all her original designs and each one is unique.
Come by the Co-op to see her work and, if you want to travel the ArTrail, pick up the free ArTrails publication available at many stores, the library and on line.
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
September Artist of the Month
Deborah North is one of our newest members. Deborah grew up on a dairy farm in western Sonoma County and has always had a passion for the outdoors. At the ripe old age of thirteen, Deborah picked up a camera and fell in love with the magic of photography.
Her first love was black and white photography and developing her own images. Soon she added color to her repertoire to capture the incredible variations of tints and hues found in the flora and fauna that surrounded her.
Deborah has a varied selection of landscapes of the county as well of close ups of flowers and wildlife -think butterflies and hummingbirds.
Come see her work!
Her first love was black and white photography and developing her own images. Soon she added color to her repertoire to capture the incredible variations of tints and hues found in the flora and fauna that surrounded her.
Deborah has a varied selection of landscapes of the county as well of close ups of flowers and wildlife -think butterflies and hummingbirds.
Come see her work!
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
August Artist of the Month
Angel Fiorito-Leddy is featured again as artist of the month. Angel is our boot, shoe, sandal and slipper maker extraordinaire, a craft she has been practicing for many decades. The Co-op has many return customers who have purchased her handiwork and who have been very satisfied-- and why not?!? Angel's products are washable, she will resole when necessary, and she will do custom designs if that is your pleasure.
In her display this month, she is featuring newborn baby moccasins, probably the cutest footwear for a baby you will see. The are deerskin and lined with fur and have moccasin styling. How cute can it get?
If you don't own a pair of Windwalkers, or even if you do, come by and see what's new and try some on. You'll love the comfort!
In her display this month, she is featuring newborn baby moccasins, probably the cutest footwear for a baby you will see. The are deerskin and lined with fur and have moccasin styling. How cute can it get?
If you don't own a pair of Windwalkers, or even if you do, come by and see what's new and try some on. You'll love the comfort!
August Artist of the Month
Marcella Castro-Laughlin is a weaver. She makes household linens and wearable accessories, but what she is most noted for and what she offers for sale at the Co-op are her rag rugs. These are NOT the rag rugs that are made in third world countries for export and tend to be very limp and sleazy. Marcella's rugs are thick and solid and have beautiful colors. She does rugs using tapestry techniques with well placed patterns and with overshot patterns which are a joy to look at and admire. She occasionally does rugs using a twining technique which gives the rag rugs a completely different look and feel.
When you examines Marcella's rugs, you will realize what a superb craftswoman she is because the the rugs lay flat and form a perfect rectangle, the selvages are straight and true, and it is obvious that she thought about the colors and their interactions with each other.
Come by and check out these rugs.
When you examines Marcella's rugs, you will realize what a superb craftswoman she is because the the rugs lay flat and form a perfect rectangle, the selvages are straight and true, and it is obvious that she thought about the colors and their interactions with each other.
Come by and check out these rugs.
Monday, July 26, 2010
July Artist of the Month
Carol Covey is a prolific and talented watercolor artist and this month we are displaying a selection of her paintings featuring yellow flowers. No matter what the scale, Carol manages to convey a lifelike quality to her paintings that almost make the viewers think that they can smell the scent of the blossom.
Carol has a good selection of her art for sale at the Co-op. She has pieces that are framed and ready to hang on your wall as well as blank note cards. Her cards are all original watercolors, not prints, that are suitable for framing.
Come check out Carol's work and take home a bouquet today.
Carol has a good selection of her art for sale at the Co-op. She has pieces that are framed and ready to hang on your wall as well as blank note cards. Her cards are all original watercolors, not prints, that are suitable for framing.
Come check out Carol's work and take home a bouquet today.
July Artist of the Month
Martha Cant has had a long love affair with fiber, especially those from her own herd of sheep. She has spent years breeding and cross breeding sheep to find those that produce fiber to her standards for handspinning. Some of her lovely handspun yarn is now on display at the Co-op, as well as as pieces she has woven from it.
Martha sells her handspun and also wool roving at the Co-op. She frequently gives spinning demonstrations there and, will gladly help you with your knitting problems.
Come see her works and her work at the Co-op.
Martha sells her handspun and also wool roving at the Co-op. She frequently gives spinning demonstrations there and, will gladly help you with your knitting problems.
Come see her works and her work at the Co-op.
Saturday, June 12, 2010
June Artist of the Month
Annie Murphy Springer is well known in the area for her watercolor paintings as well as her painting classes. Last year was the inaugural for "Watercolors for Guys" which was so successful that she's had to repeat the workshop several times. One of those times is coming soon.
Her latest endeavor is putting together a watercolor painting series for PBS which is now in the development stage.
For more information on Annie's art, classes and a YouTube video of her talking about her art, check out her website at anniemurphyspringer.com or click on her name on the home page of the Artisans' Co-op website.
Her latest endeavor is putting together a watercolor painting series for PBS which is now in the development stage.
For more information on Annie's art, classes and a YouTube video of her talking about her art, check out her website at anniemurphyspringer.com or click on her name on the home page of the Artisans' Co-op website.
June Artist of the Month
Christine Schreier is our doll maker and one of our June Artists of the Month.
She has taken this opportunity to set up a 'Nature Tableau' complete with Mother Nature, ( who is knitting no less,) Flower children, Earth children and Ore gnomes.
Christine suggests that setting up such a scene is a wonderful way to celebrate and connect with the seasons through the year.
Among the charming figures, Christine has scattered seeds and flowers, rocks and stones, driftwood and crystal-anything that reminds her and you of the secrets of Nature.
To view more of Christine's work, return to the web page and click on her name.
She has taken this opportunity to set up a 'Nature Tableau' complete with Mother Nature, ( who is knitting no less,) Flower children, Earth children and Ore gnomes.
Christine suggests that setting up such a scene is a wonderful way to celebrate and connect with the seasons through the year.
Among the charming figures, Christine has scattered seeds and flowers, rocks and stones, driftwood and crystal-anything that reminds her and you of the secrets of Nature.
To view more of Christine's work, return to the web page and click on her name.
Sunday, May 16, 2010
May Artist of the Month
Randy Snyder is an Alchemist! He has mastered the technique of turning mud into money. He does this by designing and constructing RAKU pottery, a Japanese inspired form of low temperature firing of the pots that yield a matte black finish. The finish may be enhanced by glazing and multiple firings to get sophisticated yet subdued coloring. He also seals the inside of his vases so that they are waterproof and are capable of handling flowers in water.
His pieces take many forms. He has vases and bowls as well as table ware. However, his latest works are his fish which hang on the wall and swim through the atmosphere. They are tropical in flavor and they all seem to smile.
His pieces take many forms. He has vases and bowls as well as table ware. However, his latest works are his fish which hang on the wall and swim through the atmosphere. They are tropical in flavor and they all seem to smile.
Saturday, May 15, 2010
May Artist of the Month
Darlene Barr's Art quilts have jumped off the wall and landed on some aprons! These charming aprons are reversible as well as beautiful and will garner many compliments for the wearer, so come in and check them out.
Darlene is an admitted fiberholic, but has worked out a system of organizing her stash so she can find the colors and textures she needs for a given project. She finds her inspiration within the fabrics so it is important that she be able to take in her stash at a glance. after designing and sewing her quilts, she hand embellishes them with stitchery, beads and metallic thread.
Although she usually does wall hangings and small objects such as pillows and lap quilts, she has done bed quilts as well.
Another addition to her line are watercolor note cards - also charming.
To see more of her work , go to her website, bodaciousde.com , and come to the Artisans' Co-op.
Darlene is an admitted fiberholic, but has worked out a system of organizing her stash so she can find the colors and textures she needs for a given project. She finds her inspiration within the fabrics so it is important that she be able to take in her stash at a glance. after designing and sewing her quilts, she hand embellishes them with stitchery, beads and metallic thread.
Although she usually does wall hangings and small objects such as pillows and lap quilts, she has done bed quilts as well.
Another addition to her line are watercolor note cards - also charming.
To see more of her work , go to her website, bodaciousde.com , and come to the Artisans' Co-op.
Monday, April 19, 2010
APRIL ARTIST OF THE MONTH
Dorothy Stone Inouye is Artisans' Co-op only basket maker. She learned basketry under the watchful eye of her Indian grandmother and has built on this knowledge to produce baskets that,
while paying homage to her ancestry, reflect her esthetic and design sense.
On display this month are three of her baskets. Each is different size and shape, however, they each share certain design signatures. They are all double-walled baskets. The inside has a different look and many times a different color from the outside. They are all original designs with embellishments that fit their shape and size, and the color comes from Dorothy dyeing the materials with natural dyes that she forages for and makes herself.
Also on display are smudge sticks made from sage that Dorthy has grown. Traditional smudge sticks were lit and used in purifying ceremonies. However, they can placed in areas and used as air fresheners and they have a reputation as a bug repellent. They also have a delightful scent.
while paying homage to her ancestry, reflect her esthetic and design sense.
On display this month are three of her baskets. Each is different size and shape, however, they each share certain design signatures. They are all double-walled baskets. The inside has a different look and many times a different color from the outside. They are all original designs with embellishments that fit their shape and size, and the color comes from Dorothy dyeing the materials with natural dyes that she forages for and makes herself.
Also on display are smudge sticks made from sage that Dorthy has grown. Traditional smudge sticks were lit and used in purifying ceremonies. However, they can placed in areas and used as air fresheners and they have a reputation as a bug repellent. They also have a delightful scent.
Friday, April 2, 2010
April Artist of the Month
Edie Nelson has some of her newest creations on display this month. One piece is a vest knitted in a bulky yarn and featuring a new stitch pattern which creates alternating blocks and bands of pattern and is embellished with antique buttons which compliment the knit pattern.
Also on display will be a child's sweater using 'Mirage', a multicolored yarn that we carry in the co-op and, also, another sweater featuring a new pattern called 'Descending Squares' which Edie has recently developed and will also feature no seams.
She is in the process of writing the pattern for the 'Descending Squares' sweater which will soon join other patterns which she has written and are offered for sale in the Co-op.
Edie is a prolific knitter who is inspired by the yarn and thinking about how best to highlight that yarn's potential with the interesting stitch combinations and she is always ready to advance the love of creative knitting by helping others do the same.
Also on display will be a child's sweater using 'Mirage', a multicolored yarn that we carry in the co-op and, also, another sweater featuring a new pattern called 'Descending Squares' which Edie has recently developed and will also feature no seams.
She is in the process of writing the pattern for the 'Descending Squares' sweater which will soon join other patterns which she has written and are offered for sale in the Co-op.
Edie is a prolific knitter who is inspired by the yarn and thinking about how best to highlight that yarn's potential with the interesting stitch combinations and she is always ready to advance the love of creative knitting by helping others do the same.
Thursday, March 25, 2010
April Demonstration
Carol Covey will be demonstrating watercolor painting on Saturday, April 3 at the Artisans' Co-op. Carol became intrigued with watercolors in 1994 and has taken many classes and painted many a picture since then. She especially enjoys painting flowers, and roses will be her subject for her demonstration. Come see Carol and observe her at work inside the Co-op building between 11 and 3 on April 3.
Saturday, March 6, 2010
March Artist of the Month
Ina Stess is intrigued by color, texture, and bright, shiny beads. She has collected examples of these elements for years and she has perfected the art of combining them into something more than the sum of their parts.
Take a look at her handbags. She has woven a small rag rug, folded it and added a handle. What sets it apart is her use of color, her sense of scale and her embellishments. All of these bags have a piece of nomadic Asian jewelry sewn on the flap. The resulting bag can be worn with jeans and your little black dress.
Ina also likes to make denim jackets into an art statement. She does this by appliqueing motifs from her fabric stash onto the jackets' cuffs, lapels, pockets and/or back panel. In theory, anyone can do it. In reality, it takes a creative eye and an artistic sense to make it work.
To see more of Ina's magic, go to the Artisans' Co-op website and visit her web page or come to the Artisans' Co-op and enjoy the color, texture and beads first hand.
Take a look at her handbags. She has woven a small rag rug, folded it and added a handle. What sets it apart is her use of color, her sense of scale and her embellishments. All of these bags have a piece of nomadic Asian jewelry sewn on the flap. The resulting bag can be worn with jeans and your little black dress.
Ina also likes to make denim jackets into an art statement. She does this by appliqueing motifs from her fabric stash onto the jackets' cuffs, lapels, pockets and/or back panel. In theory, anyone can do it. In reality, it takes a creative eye and an artistic sense to make it work.
To see more of Ina's magic, go to the Artisans' Co-op website and visit her web page or come to the Artisans' Co-op and enjoy the color, texture and beads first hand.
March Artist of the Month
Nancy Roberts has always used here artistic interests and talent to balance her business oriented professional life. She tried many media and seemed to be most interested in ceramics--until she took a course in fusing glass at Santa Rosa Junior College in 2000. The course was her defining moment. She knew that she wanted to work with glass and explore the techniques that could change shards of glass into objet d'art as well as beautiful and functional pieces.
Now her art is her profession and she is currently exploring ways to add dimension and depth to her pieces. To get to her goal she is using multiple layers and firings and different temperatures in her kilns. Her latest pieces highlight her success . She is currently offering a selection of plates and serving pieces with flower motifs that are raised but still integrated into the glass. She also has textured pieces that show off her mastery of her craft.
Nancy's color palette changes with the seasons and she is a prolific artist. Therefore, it is almost always possible to find the perfect piece that will work well in your home.
Now her art is her profession and she is currently exploring ways to add dimension and depth to her pieces. To get to her goal she is using multiple layers and firings and different temperatures in her kilns. Her latest pieces highlight her success . She is currently offering a selection of plates and serving pieces with flower motifs that are raised but still integrated into the glass. She also has textured pieces that show off her mastery of her craft.
Nancy's color palette changes with the seasons and she is a prolific artist. Therefore, it is almost always possible to find the perfect piece that will work well in your home.
Thursday, February 4, 2010
February Artist of the Month
Judy Fisher is a fiber artist whose primary medium is handwoven material. She is intrigued by fibers, yarns and fabrics and how they can be manipulated. She enjoys the process of weaving, but feels that the cloth produced isn't, nor should it be the end product.
The question she asks herself is,"how can I make this fabric look even better?" Searching for answers is the fun and creative part for Judy. To this end, she cuts up her hand woven fabrics and combines it with other textiles. She uses commercial fabrics as well as coordinating hand wovens. She may layer , embellish and/or distort her fabric to add a new dimension.
Since many of her pieces are wearable and functional, Judy works hard to make sure they are solidly constructed to withstand the stress of being used.
The question she asks herself is,"how can I make this fabric look even better?" Searching for answers is the fun and creative part for Judy. To this end, she cuts up her hand woven fabrics and combines it with other textiles. She uses commercial fabrics as well as coordinating hand wovens. She may layer , embellish and/or distort her fabric to add a new dimension.
Since many of her pieces are wearable and functional, Judy works hard to make sure they are solidly constructed to withstand the stress of being used.
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
February Artist of the Month
Carol Sklar has been tying tiny knots that transform nylon cord into incredibly beautiful necklaces and earrings for seventeen years. Prior to that, Carol was an artist who painted. However, a move to Sonoma County, a need to find employment and a chance meeting with an artist already doing knotted jewelery changed her focus.
The artist Carol met was looking for an apprentice/assistant to help make her pieces and Carol was eager to take on the position and learn how to manipulate cord into the intricate designs of high end jewelry .
After a few years, Carol decided to move on, developing her own line of necklaces, earrings, bracelets and pins using the intricate knotting technique she had perfected as an assistant. Her pieces are beautifully done and incorporate semi-precious stones for accent. She even dyes the cord if she can't find the exact color she needs for a piece.
The Artisans' Co-op always has a selection of her work for sale. To see more, go to Carol's web site: Indivijewelry.etsy.com
The artist Carol met was looking for an apprentice/assistant to help make her pieces and Carol was eager to take on the position and learn how to manipulate cord into the intricate designs of high end jewelry .
After a few years, Carol decided to move on, developing her own line of necklaces, earrings, bracelets and pins using the intricate knotting technique she had perfected as an assistant. Her pieces are beautifully done and incorporate semi-precious stones for accent. She even dyes the cord if she can't find the exact color she needs for a piece.
The Artisans' Co-op always has a selection of her work for sale. To see more, go to Carol's web site: Indivijewelry.etsy.com
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
January Artist of the Month
Vera Van Schaick is a potter who has been working with clay since 1976. She was living in Santa Barbara then when she happened to see a neighbor using a potters' wheel. She was intrigued so she signed up for classes and soon became hooked.
She has worked steadily in all phases of potting from mixing the clay to throwing, coloring and firing her pieces, and even giving classes. This experience shows in the quality and design of her finished pieces.
Vera does many functional pieces: cups, bowls, place settings and platters. However, she also likes to sculpt and she has many playful decorative pieces in the Gallery, also. My favorite is the oval platter with the sculpted asparagus looking very edible on it.
She has worked steadily in all phases of potting from mixing the clay to throwing, coloring and firing her pieces, and even giving classes. This experience shows in the quality and design of her finished pieces.
Vera does many functional pieces: cups, bowls, place settings and platters. However, she also likes to sculpt and she has many playful decorative pieces in the Gallery, also. My favorite is the oval platter with the sculpted asparagus looking very edible on it.
January Artist of the Month
This month Linda Cannefax, one of the doyennes of the Sonoma County weaving community, is a featured artist at the Artisans' Co-op. She has been weaving for over thirty years. During that time she has produced a body of work she can be proud of. She has had her garments featured in magazines and books and she wears her own jackets and vests frequently. She has developed patterns that are flattering to most of us and she loves using colors.
As well as weaving and sewing her creations, Linda continues to adorn them with hand beading and screening on surface motifs. This adds to the "Illusion of Fantasy" that she is striving for in her work.
Linda also likes to paint her warps before weaving them. This, again is another layer of care and interest and color play that make her weavings collectors items.
As well as weaving and sewing her creations, Linda continues to adorn them with hand beading and screening on surface motifs. This adds to the "Illusion of Fantasy" that she is striving for in her work.
Linda also likes to paint her warps before weaving them. This, again is another layer of care and interest and color play that make her weavings collectors items.
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Resuming By Hand--November and December 2009
Your faithful blog mistress has been on an unplanned sabbatical for a few months, but now I'm back! I've missed telling you about our featured artists for November, Linda Jacobs and Angel Fiorito-Leddy.
Both of these women use leather as their main medium. Linda designs baby moccasins and baby tams of the softest of leather, sometimes burning designs on their surfaces. She also creates women's hats and accessories in luxurious fur. However, the items that spark the greatest interest among our shoppers are her line of hats made from locally harvested and spun fur from many pet dogs! Each hat is labelled with the name and breed of the pampered pup who donated his coat.
Linda's creations are always on display and for sale in the Co-op.
Angel is our bootmaker. She crafts beautiful, comfortable and durable leather boots and slippers with outdoor soles and fur inside. They make you feel like you're walking on a cloud! And- if your feet are hard to fit or you need corrective insoles, or if you want a special design, she will custom fit and make just what you want and need!
When spring rolls around, she also makes sandals.
Angel has been designing and crafting footwear since 1977 and has perfected her craft.
When December rolls around our Co-op becomes a wonderland for Holiday Shoppers. Not only do we have our regular stock of of unique items in yarn, clay, basketry, wall hangings, cards as well as fine art paintings and photography, we also sell handcrafted ornaments.
We have everything from wooly sheep to hang on the tree, tiny knit Christmas stockings, quilted angels and ceramic balls and anything else our artist can dream of and construct to celebrate the holiday season.
Artisans' Co-op is the perfect place to find gifts for everyone you know as well as to treat yourself to something special.
Both of these women use leather as their main medium. Linda designs baby moccasins and baby tams of the softest of leather, sometimes burning designs on their surfaces. She also creates women's hats and accessories in luxurious fur. However, the items that spark the greatest interest among our shoppers are her line of hats made from locally harvested and spun fur from many pet dogs! Each hat is labelled with the name and breed of the pampered pup who donated his coat.
Linda's creations are always on display and for sale in the Co-op.
Angel is our bootmaker. She crafts beautiful, comfortable and durable leather boots and slippers with outdoor soles and fur inside. They make you feel like you're walking on a cloud! And- if your feet are hard to fit or you need corrective insoles, or if you want a special design, she will custom fit and make just what you want and need!
When spring rolls around, she also makes sandals.
Angel has been designing and crafting footwear since 1977 and has perfected her craft.
When December rolls around our Co-op becomes a wonderland for Holiday Shoppers. Not only do we have our regular stock of of unique items in yarn, clay, basketry, wall hangings, cards as well as fine art paintings and photography, we also sell handcrafted ornaments.
We have everything from wooly sheep to hang on the tree, tiny knit Christmas stockings, quilted angels and ceramic balls and anything else our artist can dream of and construct to celebrate the holiday season.
Artisans' Co-op is the perfect place to find gifts for everyone you know as well as to treat yourself to something special.
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