My Newest Painted Rose

Native American Basket

Since I have been visiting so many ancient Indian pueblos in New Mexico and learning about their culture, I wanted to try my hand at one of their crafts........basketmaking.  I found the kit at the Salinas National Monument, which included raffia, pine needles, and a blunt-ended embroidery needle.  Instructions and drawings were included.  Obviously I need a lot more practice! This is just a little basket, but it was quite challenging.  I have plenty of supplies left over and plan to try again.  Hopefully I will be able to work out some sort of pattern with the raffia on the next basket.  This definitely gives me a greater appreciation for native American crafts.

Madrid, New Mexico

I saw this creative fence outside a bed & breakfast in the little town of Madrid. 

Mini tea set

 Beverly's enthusiasm for her doll house work motivated me to see what I could create with this mini tea set.  It's all inside a 6 inch square box!  The jeweled lid it sitting on top of the box.

Gathering of Nations Indian Pow Wow at the UNM "Pit" in Albuquerque.  Hundreds on tribes were together from the U.S., Canada and Mexico to dance, sing, shop, eat and visit with other tribes.  It was an incredibly colorful and happy event.  Loved to see all the costumes and the work that was done on them.  

My Painted Rose

One day I got creative and decided to take down the art that came with the RV and replace it with my own.  It's tricky taking photos of art within a glass frame.  Gotta keep working on these photos.

Altered Book

     Many years ago when I was in college I took a fascinating class called "World Religions" which included visiting churches in the local area (I lived in the San Francisco Bay area at the time).  It was a wonderful opportunity to learn about the beliefs and practices of others without feeling pressure to "join".
     When I started studying how to create an altered book, the first suggestion was to pick a theme.  This subject is interesting to me, so it's the theme I chose.
     I started out with a little old book (not a collector's edition!) and glued about 1/3" of the first pages together with decoupage.  Then I cut out the compartment through the front cover.  I used leftover lace, ribbon, jewelry, ink, and scrapbook papers to start decorating the pages.  I've ripped out pages of the book to make room for the altered pages.  Some pages are ripped or folded or sewn to reveal extra compartments.  Making the collage was fun too!
    So now I study, then add my notes and thoughts to this book.  I've already finished Hinduism, and am now working on the teachings of Confucius.  I'm not looking to join a religion, but instead trying to understand what others believe.