Spirits Sheltered: The Characters Within the Flora & Fauna

A fundraising exhibition for the Anna Templeton Centre for Craft Art and Design and the Friends of the Salmonier Nature Park 

Without Fences, silk with natural dye, metal thread and birch bark. 8" x 18"
Kailey Bryan Photo

My latest embroidery, created for an exhibition of instructors from the Anna Templeton Centre. 

I struggled with the concept of creating portraits of the animals in the Park. 

I understand and agree with the Parks mandate but find it difficult to observe majestic creatures such as lynx and horned owls constrained by fences, even if it in their best interest. I started to think about other creatures that are offered protection inside the sanctuary; chickadees, jays and a plethora of other wildlife and plants are protected without barriers. 

I an intrigued by the tiny or mundane; flora or fauna often over looked in favour of the larger, often romanticized species. I choose to honour the 'Spirits' not usually considered; a portrait of a few creatures who enjoy the shelter of the Park without the boundary of fences.

Suint Cleaning Newfoundland Fleece

Last fall, at Fibre NL, I listened intently to UK artist, Liz Clay, talk about her experience in Suint cleaning of fleece. This is a traditional technique that cleans by soaking the fleece in soft water. There is some science involved as the potassium salts naturally present in sheep's sweat combine with the grease in the wool to create a basic soap.

Natural soap bubbles created with
 potassium salts and wool grease.

I was fascinated by this information as, for me, cleaning fleece is the most arduous part of yarn processing. Washing takes lots of water and soap, then rinsing, more rinsing and then rinsing again. It is dirty work. If it could be as easy as a week long soak in a plastic storage tub, things would be much simpler. The fact that the soaking water is saved and gets more powerful with use and the exhausted vat can be used as a fertilizing water on the garden were added benefits.

With spring comes fleece, so I did a little research, contacted Liz Clay and did more research. I found a few sites who touted various degrees of success and failure with the method. I thought I would give it a go: really what did I have to lose. It was just sticking wool in a plastic bin and letting it soak.

Knowing what I know about fermentation and fleece, I could see why some people had struggled; tap water, unless from a surface well, would not work as it would inhibit fermentation. Also the vat was going to smell bad...really bad. As long as I know the source, I don't mind bad smells at all, so that wasn't a worry. Although, if you are squeamish this may not be an activity you should undertake.

Cleaned Cheviot just out of the vat
without final rinse. 

I filled my bin with 5 gallons of rain water and topped up with well water. I used the rain water to contribute some natural yeast to the vat as there was some discussion online about their role in the process and I knew from experience that naturally occurring yeasts are crucial for food fermentation. I submerged a full fleece (Cheviot) and loosely put on the cover and topped with a rock so it wouldn't blow off in the spring wind and my geese wouldn't play in it. I chose a white fleece as the first one, so could easily see progress and how clean it actually got. I had a little look at day 3 and could see the telltale scum on the top and smell the sewer-smell that said everything was working as it should. Other than that, I completely forgot about it; other than occasionally getting a whiff of it when walking by. I wouldn't recommend this process to anyone with close neighbours.

Today I decided to was a good day to open and pull out the fleece. It was there a little longer than a week but I figured with the cooler than room temperature weather it could stand the extra fermentation. I placed it on a screen, allowing the liquid to go back into the bin for the next batch. I soaked it in a second vat for a few hours, drained and put in a final vat of rinse water. It is now drying in the sun.

So the verdict?? I thnk this method to clean wool is WONDERFUL! The fleece hasn't felted at all and just falls away from itself. I am marveling at the beauty of the fleece; usually at this point in processing I am sick of looking at it and need to step back for a bit. There is no dealing with sheep 'dirt' it has completely dissolved...it is amazing. Suint cleaning will save me water, soap and time. There is some grease left in the fleece but as I am dyeing the fleece, that will be cleaned out at that rinse. Now I just want it to finish drying so I can sort and get to the next step!

I am headed back into the garden to get the second fleece into the Suint vat; a beautiful charcoal grey Shetland!

New!! Hand Forged Knives by Michael Harlick

Putting his goldsmithing skills to use in a larger format, Mike has spent the winter working with his new forge. There are a few new products in the works but this is my favourite. This knife is constructed with a Newfoundland Railway spike and moose antler. Stay tuned for more products coming out of the forge. With the coming of the warmer weather, Mike will also be working on creating a new stock of Spruce Root baskets.

Summer Embroidery Classes at Dozen Odd, Carbonear!

Join Susan for a day of stitching in the beautiful Town of Carbonear. This summer, Susan will be hosting two hand embroidery classes at Dozen Odd Gallery in Carbonear. These classes are for all skill levels; beginner to advanced. Space is Limited. To register for workshops or for more information, please email blackhenstudio@gmail.com. 

Forget-Me-Nots
Saturday, June 25, 10 - 4 pm

Forget-Me-Nots have a long tradition in Newfoundland and Labrador as a flower of remembrance. This year as we commemorate the 100th Anniversary of the battles of the Somme and Beaumont-Hamel, Newfoundland and Labradorians will once again wear the Forget-Me-Not as a symbol of remembrance.

With silk thread and metal threads on dupioni silk ground fabric, we will stitch up a sprig of Forget-Me-Nots suitable for framing. Finished size: 5" x 7". We will cover basic stitches, beading, working with metal and how to mount your finished embroidery. Cost of workshop is $50 which includes all materials.

Caribou Hair Tufting and Goldwork

Saturday, July 30, 10 - 4

Join Susan for a relaxing day that will cover the basic stitches of historic goldwork and traditional caribou hair tufting and mounting your work for framing. Each participant will create a small (approx 4" x 6") embroidery suitable for framing. You will be able to choose natural or dyed hair as well as choice of ground fabric. Cost of workshop: $50 which includes materials.

A Broader Pallette: Molly Fodge

Last fall, I was fortunate to be a part of the NL Tourism campaign. The theme for this year is Colour. I am very pleased how it turned out. I first viewed it in the summer months and it reminded how beautiful everything can be in the summer. I can't wait to get back to the dye pots!

Woody Point Poppies

Natural dyes on silk.

11" x 14" 

Chaucer In The Yard

Being a backyard chicken keeper means I am always watching for predators. This year the Chanticleer and the Fox played out in my backyard. I have always loved Chaucer and was inspired to create this piece. It was created with natural dyes on silk with metal threads and the skull of my Chanticleer, who eventually lost the battle with the fox.

Summer at Nan's

Vintage and Antique Fabric and Threads,
Found Objects and Photo Transfer. Artist Photo

Now on display at Five Island Art Gallery in Tor's Cove, Newfoundland. The piece is for the resettlement themed exhibition Between the Wind and the Water. If you haven't been to this Gallery, it is well worth the drive. It is a gem on the Southern Shore, representing artists from all across the province.  When you are there be sure to visit Running the Goat Press and BallyCatter Crafts; both a stone's throw from the gallery. Also close by is the Irish Loop Coffee. You will definitely need to drop in on the way home for some great coffee and discussion about everything you saw on your trip to the Southern Shore...now don't I sound like a tourist commercial!!

I wish I had a Caribou.

Natural Dye on Silk, Caribou Hair, Photos and Antique Recipe. Ned Pratt Photo

It's been awhile since I posted and thought I should show you some work that I created in the fall for the Spirit of the Caribou exhibition.  It was the first time I created a really large animal with needle painting. It was challenging as the single strands still felt visually large. I am pleased with the format of the piece, which is reminiscent of the pages of scrap book my grandmother created. Below is a closeup of the caribou as well as my artist statement for the exhibition.

Artist Photo

"My piece for Spirit of the Caribou speaks of my deep connection to the barrens of Newfoundland, which parallels the experience of many who grew up on the Avalon Peninsula. Caribou are ethereal creatures; a glimpse is always magical. Since childhood, I have harboured the dream of owning one; fascinated by stories and pictures of Laplanders and the Grenfell project. Working with the caribou hair, both intimately connects me to and honours the creature’s spirit. "

Work With Your Courage High

Ned Pratt Photo

This dress was created for Wild, Pure Aesthetic Wonder, an exhibition to be held in conjunction with Fibrearts NL. It is on display, til the end of the week at the Craft Council Gallery I created this child sized entirely from found objects (mostly beach combed) including: floursacks, rope, beach glass and pottery, shot gun shells, moose antler, bone, caribou hair and willow. It was challenging to stitch small lace eyelets with the strands of the rough polyester rope. As created the tiny holes, I kept hearing the voice of my mentor, Bunty Severs in my head as I stitched. 'Builds character' she would always retort when I grumbled about a stitch or technique. I now use that line on my students, to varying degrees of eye rolling.
The lace edging is also knit from the stranded rope, but the knitting was not near as challenging. I thoroughly enjoyed the process or this creation and was sad when it was completed.
Below is my artist statement about the piece. Even though the statement pertains to those who live inside the park, I feel the work is an tribute to all Newfoundland and Labrador women past and present who, like myself and Bunty Severs, chose to make a living following their passion with fibre.

‘Work With Your Courage High’  As a child and adult I have spent time in the park; camping hiking and exploring. All wonderful experiences, but my most valued trips are ones I have made to teach, work and meet with the women who work in the craft industry and live inside the park. These women are carrying out a long held tradition in Newfoundland and Labrador. Although this is not unique, I think that these women embody the spirit of the contemporary rural craftsperson: retaining the traditional resourcefulness and passion for creating, while embracing business savvy, intuition and opportunity to face an international market that seasonally appears on their doorstep.

All Kinds of Love - A Valentine Challenge

I've made Valentines all my life. As a child, I loved making paper valentines with paper doilies, red paper and sparkles. Heart shaped cakes, with shiny red sprinkles on pink icing, make me happy at a time of year when the darkness becomes unbearable. 

I was excited when the Craft Council Gallery presented the All Kinds of Love, Valentine Challenge. Playing with vintage fabrics and antique lace and hunting through my collection of buttons and beads was just what
I needed on a January snow day.

My mobile is inspired by the tradition of Indian prosperity hens; given to bring abundance and prosperity to the home. I actually enjoyed myself so much, I made 3, one for the gallery, one for myself and one for my daughter.
All Kinds of Love opens at the Craft Council Gallery, February 7 and runs until February 28th. It is a the perfect place to pick up a Valentine treat for yourself or a loved one. 

Hand Embroidery Certificate Program

Have you thought about bringing your embroidery skills to the next level? On Wednesday, February 4th, Part 1 of the new Hand Embroidery Certificate Program will start at the Anna Templeton Centre. Check out Anna Templeton Centre for Craft art and Design for more information and to register for the course.

Visit us at the Anna Templeton Centre, Christmas Tea and Sale

We are working on embroideries, baskets, silk ornaments and other finery to deck your halls this holiday season. Come visit us and see our new one of a kind product line at the Anna Templeton Centre, Christmas Tea and Sale, December 12-14.

For the past few months we have been working on a new logo for our business. We liked the old one, but it was a stock logo, and we wanted something original that was designed especially for us. We hope you like our new logo as much as we do!

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A Cupids Landscape

Experience the textile techniques of Natural Dye and Needle Felting

July 5th and 6th, 1-4 pm

Cupids Community Centre

On Saturday, join Susan Furneaux, of Black Hen Studio, to unlock the mystery of creating stunning colour with local natural dyes on wool and silk. On Sunday, Anne Lucas, of Foggy Rock Fibres, will guide you in creating a one-of-a-kind needle felted landscape, inspired by the historic Town of Cupids. You may take one or both workshops. Cost per workshop/day: $30 which includes materials. Pre-registration is required. To register for workshops or for more information please email blackhenstudio@gmail.com 

or call 709-690-8732.

My Chickadee

Loved working on the piece as it was a commission for a friend. She found the chickadee skull in her garden and wanted a piece to honour the small bird. I really like the caribou hair and the natural dyes; they compliment each other quite well. What to work on next? Foxes maybe???

Embroidery for the Spring Craft Council of Newfoundland and Labrador Nesting Exhibition

April 8 

Eric Walsh Photo

Here's Mystique; all complete. I am quite happy with her and especially fond of her expression. You can visit her at the Craft Council Gallery until April 26th. I am going to get more detail shots done when she comes home. As with everything, there are a few choices I would have made differently if I had the time, but that is the creative process!

March 10

Well Mystique is off to the framers. I tried to get a photo of the finished piece but it was late and the light wasn't cooperating. I will post a picture when the photographer shoots it. I did change a few things, including the colour of the flowers, I made them closer to the heritage honeysuckle colour; pale and soft. I am happy with the finished piece, now it is up to Nesting jury whether they feel she is worthy.

March 8

Thread painting is one of my favourite techniques. I just lose myself in an image and stitch until it looks finished. Lots of coffee and good television. I use DMC floss for all my thread paintings with a #10 crewel needle. DMC offers a large selection of colours, it is locally available and cheap. Mystique (the hen) is approximately 4 inches high and the 'slip' is stitched on cotton organza, it will be cut out and applied to the background doily.  It was a lot fun to immortalize my girl in stitches. 

March 5

I was right about the weather, I didn't really feel the need to be out and about it -20 weather. Other than feeding and watering chickens and collecting eggs, it was a lazy few days of stitching. The honeysuckles are complete. I used vintage linen and silk thread. The stems were completed with just an inch of thread to spare! I am happy with them, I decided not to use any gold but I may change my mind. I feel it is a little naked without it. Although my embroidery is very traditional, in both technique and design, I use the computer quite frequently in my design process. My tools are quite simple: a variety of scissors, embroidery hoops and needles, my blue washout pen and my computer and printer.

March 1

After some thought about what to do, I am finally getting started with my piece for Nesting for the Craft Council's Gallery. My Grandmother's barbecue chicken recipe transferred to a vintage napkin dyed with Labrador Tea. Pleased with the results so far! Hope to use the Reading Break to get it complete. One good thing about the cold weather is that I won't be so tempted to spend the days outside.  One of my favourite parts of the whole process is preparing the base material on to the frame. Sometimes I spend months with the design in my head. Once I have the material stretched in the frame, I know I will be soon stitching. That's the fun part!

Lucy, She Always Inspires Me To Stitch

Lucy       Photo by Eric Walsh

My passion for embroidery, runs right to my soul. When I haven't embroidered for a little while, I get a little 'ancey'. I stitched on paper napkins as a child, stitched at parties as a teenager, left the poolside while on a Florida family vacation in search for a fabric shop. Four hours later, back at poolside, I was contented again, quietly stitching together pieces of olive coloured silk.
I created Lucy, a couple of years ago for the Annual Members Exhibition of the Craft Council of Newfoundland and Labrador. She now sits in my living room. I have considered selling her a few times, but I just can't bring myself to do it. This is odd for me. My work is very process driven, usually when I am finished working on a piece, my love affair with it is over. Lucy is different. She makes me happy and always reminds me how fortunate I am to have a life where I can spend every day doing something that I am very passionate about. She is the boost I need if I am having trouble getting inspired. Something I find hard to do in the dark evenings of winter. Just to let you know, Lucy is the departed. :)

Meet The Hens Who Inspire The 'Happy Chicken' Dolls

Handmade dolls and chickens are pretty high on my list of favourite things. Black Hen's Happy Chicken series of rag dolls are inspired by a my flock. I love working outside amongst my girls; watching their antics as they putter around the garden scratching for tidbits. Each hen has a distinctive personality: some demure, some brash, while others are aloof.  Happy Chicken dolls are as distinctive as the hens that inspired them. Each rag doll is created with upcycled wool and vintage fabrics, buttons and embellishments. They are all one of a kind. Come visit Blondie, Misty, and Mother Hen when they make their public debut at the Anna Templeton Centre's Tea and Sale, this weekend December 13, 14, and 15th.

 Grey Mystique, aka Misty is an Aracuna who lays bright green eggs. She also has a muff and tuffs on the side of her head which gives her face lots of character.  Although she looks very angry about getting her picture taken, she is actually a very friendly and inquisitive chicken. She loves treats and comes when she is called. She is quite the girl.

Mother Hen is a mille fleur bantam. She is quite tiny and many people mistake her for a grouse or a partridge. Although she only lays a egg every couple of days she is an excellent mother and faithfully sit on any egg big or small. She loves to make nests in the woods under fallen trees.We stick eggs of all sizes under Mother and know that she will do a great job raising the chicks.

Blondie is a comet. She lays a large brown egg almost every day! She is quiet and calm. Blondie will run over when you come outside to see if you have a treat. Her feathers are a beautiful shade of strawberry blonde. She is beautiful and she knows it. 

No Idle Hands: Newfoundlands History of Functional Craft

Escape, 2010, Eric Walsh Photo

The 2nd Annual No Idle Hands will showcase a larger number of craftspeople who will demonstrate many of the functional crafts essential to the Newfoundlanders' survival in a bygone era but kept alive by a select few.
Come join us November 30 - December 1 at the Quidi Vidi Plantation in St. John's. Open from 10am till 4pm.
From 12 noon until 1pm on both days we invite you to bring your treasured family craft heirlooms and share their stories.
Admission is free! 

I will be there demonstrating hand embroidery. It is going to be a wonderful time. Drop by and say hi!

NORTH at the Craft Council Gallery

Chuckley Pears

Over the years, I have been blessed to teach numerous workshops in northern Newfoundland and Labrador. I love everything about the area: the people, the landscape and the weather. The northern province is down to earth, raw and beautiful. When there, I feel as if I can truly breath. As I mentioned in an early post, I learned to tuft when I was teaching in the Labrador Straits. It is a very happy memory of howling winds, cups of tea with large bowls of bakeapples and cream. The exhibition NORTH, will include work inspired by Northern experiences. Limited by time, I designed a smaller hand embroidered piece based on one of my favourite local shrubs. This pieces is a reflection of a fusion of my own goldwork style with the traditional art of caribou hair tufting. Chuckley Pears is worked on a background of recycled and felted wool suiting, with metallic threads, vintage shell buttons and caribou hair. I am pleased with the results and as my skill in tufting increases I feel I need to explore 'tufting' in a totally contemporary context. Very exciting prospects indeed!
Chuckley Pears will be on display in the NORTH exhibition at the Craft Council Gallery from Saturday November 30th to December 18th, 2013. The opening on Saturday the 30th will coincide with the Craft Council of Newfoundland and Labrador's Open House.

Lots on the go that day, if your out and about be sure to visit the Craft Council as well as stop by and visit me at the Quidi Vidi Village plantation for No Idle Hands; a showcase of craftspeople creating contemporary work which has its roots in traditional Newfoundland and Labrador craft....more on that event later :)