My Weaver Friend, Sharon Crary

Recently we had the opportunity to reconnect with our friends from years past.  Their daughter was marrying and we were invited to the wedding.  What joy it was to see them again and celebrate this special occassion!  This is the front door--really welcoming isn't it?

Take a stroll up the walkway to the front door.

This friend, Sharon Crary, is a weaver! That is how we met in 1978 when I joined the local weavers' guild.  Sharon was & is an extra-ordinary weaver! She weaves tapestries on loom and off loom. Her work is outstanding! We had time, amongst all the wedding events, to visit in her studio for awhile. Here is her draft for the rug on her loom.

Can you see the movement of the tree according to her draft?  And her color choice is right on!

Sharon pulled out this rep weave table mat--great color combinations.

This off loom tapestry is proof that Sharon has mastered the craft.

A lovely towel!

And one in plain weave--the tracking adds texture to the overall effect.

This scarf is the beginning of crepe wear.  Once the scarf is tightly bound and washed, the creases should remain in to give an interesting look.  
If you are in Northern California during September, look Sharon up as she will be participating in the 24th Annual Napa Valley Open Studios with 72 artists and 48 locations.  Napa Valley Open Studios will be held September 17-18 and September 24-25  11 AM to 5 PM.  Tour information at Napa Valley Open Studios . Also find info on Facebook.  It was great fun to see an 'old' friend again. 

Memorial to Aurora Victims

It was just another summer day--an evening at the movies. No one expected that their lives would be changed forever this night.   But, the unexpected happen--someone decided to take it upon themselves to violate our sense of just being.  The theater is still roped off--the whole block is surrounded by yellow tape.  Across the street on a small hill that overlooks  Theater 16--on the corner of Centrepoint and Sable--arises a make shift memorial to those who were victims of this senseless crime. 

It is a small way for us to grieve--a tribute.  Signs, banners, candles, stuffed animals, flags, crosses, even lighters to keep the candles glowing.

Before we arrived, we never thought there would be such a sight--the display is spread over a large section of the hill side.

Groups of candles in various locations around the hillside.

Posters signed by many.

Even the trees pay homage with trinkets and wind chimes that ring out a sad song as the breeze blows.

Many still come to pay tribute. 

The crosses bear photos of the deceased.

To some, this might look like a pile of trash--with dying flowers, overturned stuffed animals, but this is straight from the hearts of many.

The city of Aurora will keep the memorial there for awhile--as long as those who are grieving still come.

The sign gives names of those who perished that fateful night along with a small poster from someone else  hand that declares "We will never forget"! 

American Tapestry Alliance--Pacific Portals Exhibit

One of the interesting non-juried exhibits held during Convergence 12 was held at the Long Beach Public Library, just a short walk from the Conference Center.  The Pacific Portals featured many small tapestries from several of their 500 members.  This was a delight to view.

Convergence 2012 Yardage Exhibit

The one exhibit at Convergence 2012, Long Beach, CA where you can actually touch!

The yardages have a handling piece attached to the top of the piece that is hanging over the balcony.  Here I'll let you browse!

Hope you have enjoyed this tour of CO12 yardage exhibit.