Wednesday, March 15, 2006

Some New Spindles to Look At...


"Acorn Gnome"
(click on photo to enlarge)


"Jennie's Dragon's"
(click on photo to enlarge)

"Iris"
(click on photo to enlarge)

Hi All,

I just thought I'd take a break an update the site with some spindle whorls I finished recently. I have been busy painting spindles every day and having a lot of fun doing it! I've gotten so many orders for really neat spindles. I really want to thank Janel from "Spindlicity" (www.spindlicity.com) for the article she has up on Crowhill House. Since that article appeared, my website has gotten a lot more hits.

I also want to thank each one of you who visits the site and those of you who order spindles and are willing to wait the 6 weeks or so that it takes me to get to your spindle. I am working away at the queue and your spindles are in the line, waiting to be done.

I'd also like to mention a new group on Yahoo called "Teen Spin". This site is for teens, 'tweens and kids of pretty much any age. It's a project to help kids explore the fiber arts in groups or with a parent. It's a truly terrific idea. You can find the group by doing a search in the Yahoo Groups.

Right now, the teens/kids are dyeing fiber with Kool-Aid which they will then use for a project. It's really great to be able to pass along fiber arts to a whole new generation! If you have teens/kids, grandkids or a classroom, please check out the group. Even if you don't have kids the group is in need of adult spinners and other fiber artists to answer questions and assist.

Peace & Joy,

Jen

Sunday, March 05, 2006

My Daughter's Spindle


"Ciaran's Andalusian"

My daughter came to me yesterday and asked me to make her a spindle. She brought a picture along with her of an Andalusian horse and said that was what she wanted on her spindle. Well, I figured to was about time that she quit spinning with plain spindles and that she have a hand painted spindle of her own. She is going to be helping demostrate spindling at an upcoming Alpaca Festival, so it would be pretty embarassing if she didn't have a nice spindle.

So today was a snowy Sunday and Ciaran had went off to the barn and I decided to take some time and work on her spindle. The picture posted above is the finished whorl. I am really happy with how it turned out and I hope she is too. Since it's a 3" whorl, we are going to experiment with shaft size to see what works for balance. That way, I already know before I start making them for other folks.

I also want to thank Janel for the absolutely wonderful article in Spindlicity (see: www.spindlicity.com) Her webzine is top notch and I absolutely love all of the articles, especially the "Tea Panties". Don't ask.... you have to go look for yourself! They are totally cute though!

Peace & Joy,
Jen