Expanding my resume

This past weekend was both typical and inspiring.  I have been able to enjoy some family time and some much-needed alone time.  Well sort of alone, Prince Titus kept a watchful eye on me while I vegged around the house.  I have also been able to get some fresh ideas for how I can be a benefit to my hubby’s business.

We are very blessed that both our families live close by, which allows us to see them more often and have a good relationship.  We had lunch with my mom and one of my brothers on Thursday, dinner with my parent-in-laws Friday and earlier in the week we ate with my brother-in-law’s family.  Then on Saturday we ate lunch with my honey’s best friend.  Can you tell we like to eat?  Oh yeah and we like to visit with folks. Lol  That just translates into we talk a lot.

After lunch the hubby, his friend and I went to a local Wood Carving Show.  It was so amazing to see the talent and imagination of the carvers.  The winners of the contests were so close in many ways yet so very different. I’m glad I wasn’t a judge.  The art pieces consisted of human figures, birds, mythical creatures, houses and little tiny figures.  We spent some time walking around looking at the many exhibits and then at each of the vendors booths.  Where we found some great books and some cool tools.  As a Treenware vendor for many Scottish festivals, I thought I’d like to add some decorative Celtic knots to the handles.  In addition to wood carving I can also use this to further my leather designs.  I love it when something has more than one use.

Speaking of the Treenware; we also met with a family that needed a tree removed from their yard.  It was maple and that is one of our favorite woods to carve.  After we cut up the tree into manageable lengths and loaded the pieces we could use into the truck; Hazen carved a spoon for the lady of the house.  Her kids, especially her boy scout son, enjoyed watching him carve it from start to finish.

Now that I have this great idea to decorate the handles, I guess I should get busy learning how to draw these great knots.  You’d think I would have spent Sunday doing that, but no.  Sunday was truly a day of rest.  We attended church, came home ate some lunch and then the hubby left to go to a gun show, while the prince and I cuddled on the couch.  Nothing like a lazy afternoon dog snuggle.

So today after work I decided to give it a go and here is what my first attempts look like…

Not to bad for a girl who has never drawn or had any art classes.  The book has been very helpful and was definitely a good investment.  So I’ll keep practicing and add one more thing to my resume of things I can do.  I have always wanted to be able to free hand draw Celtic knots and now I’m on my way!

It surrounds me

I’m sure I’m not the only one guilty of looking at other people’s lives and thinking “wow, they have a unique opportunity “.  Then I started looking at my own life,  I have a pretty unique life myself.  On a daily basis I’m surrounded by talented people and intriguing opportunities.

Last year alone I met people with amazing talents and was given the privilege to be part of several special events.  One such event is the NC State Fair.  Many people don’t realize the work that goes into the heritage craft exhibit.  All the craftcraftsmen there are carefully chosen and must be able to demonstrate their craft.  For many of them it’s a family tradition.

Another of my favorite events is the Scottish festival.  I love to watch the athletes compete and this year my hubby is trying out for a spot!

Then there are a few shows that we work along side my talented brother in law,  the blacksmith.  It’s always fun to have our booths close to each other; nothing like siblings you know.

 

In addition to the wonderful hand carved wooden treenware, my hubby also works with his very knowledgeable father as a brick Mason; fifth generation Mason.

 

I also start my day with a cup of coffee in a beautiful pottery mug created by one of my potter friends; which I am blessed to have several potters in my life.  Not to mention my mom and aunt who sew, the leather work I am currently learning, my  sister in law that gives “creative” new meaning and our other wood carving friends.

So, as you can see, I’m surrounded by talented people and entertaining, I  mean educational events.