Composition Check

We went from working our improv studies to off-grid works, touching on composition, to make decisions. What a packed three days!

Taking on the Blob

Criss has sewn a large assemblage of fabric which I call 'the blob' with which we will work our design chops. I've been with the North Suburban Needlearts Group this week for a lecture and 2 1/2 day class. Meeting up with new folks and some 'repeat offenders' as well, we've had a great time with improv design. 

Visit the Windy City

From Red Rock Country to the skyline of Chicago, my travels brought me urban delights and some good sites. It's been a long time since I saw downtown, and was happy to tour on a quieter Sunday afternoon. Why I'm not here more often is a mystery, it's filled with such treasures. 
 

Light Tap Won't Work

I won a door prize of a geode at the Alegre retreat. Suggesting a light tap will work, I tried that twice. So I wacked it, and that did the job. It was fun, goofy, and drew a crowd. And I love my little bits of geode to treasure.
 

Tour Time

 The last hour of class on Friday was a tour of classrooms by all of those who attended. Monica was prolific and became an expert printer.  The rest of Alegre's classes agreed.

Full Colorado Moon

 My simple camera captured the nightscape at Gateway Canyon Resort last night for May's first full moon. The retreat was spectacular, the final evening a swell event. If you get the chance to go, do.

The Tour

The last day of Alegre Retreat is a tour where the entire community of the retreat goes from room to room to see what each person made. What a riot! Yes, it made us clean up a bit, but everyone was able to show there work and answer questions. It was marvelous, and I was so pleased to spend a week there. Brava!
 

Printing with Care

You'd think we were in a surgical room, all decked in plastic to protect from the whatever. But the room is so lovely, the finishes so clean, that we were encased in plastic to protect the room. No matter, we are careful, and aware that we are working with dye that would stain natural materials. 
 

Wonders Exist

Jamie took to printing light lighting. She's standing next to her piece where she's scraped color blocks throughout. Don't know if she'll add, or leave it as a color set. Either way, it's lovely. And, check out these wonderful sinks! We are spoiled at Alegre!
 

Show and Tell

Part of every retreat includes some form of 'show and tell' and Luana Rubin took the spotlight quite literally with her work and story of a close encounter with a bear. Ending: she lived to tell the tale. Alegre is proving fun, entertaining, enlightening, and all in a fantastic serene oasis in the red rocks of Colorado.
 

Get Ready Set Go

Alegre has started today for my printing class. We've built a tower of 4 x 4 Styrofoam boards with plastic cup spacers. Works great. And since it's midafternoon, there is a table set with cucumber sandwiches and petit fours. Also a tray of great cookies. You have to be happy here, if for nothing else than the food.