(Mountain) Lions, Rattlesnakes and Poison Oak, Oh My!

The sign greeting us at the entrance to the Tucker Wildlife Sanctuary was a little disconcerting:

But the setting was absolutely stunning, and there wasn't a threatening creature to be found. I spent the weekend surrounded by mountains, cactus and birds, and got to admire the skills of many local artisans. And I couldn't have asked for a better backdrop for my work:

I even met a fascinating Native American man who invited me to his llama farm, to teach me how to spin the llama wool. Looking forward to that!

If ever you get a chance to visit Modjeska Canyon, don't pass it up. Even with the wildlife warnings : )

Art Festival

Going to be in Southern California at the beginning of April? Join me at Tucker Wildlife Sanctuary's Spring Fair and Art Festival!

Artist Feature: Aya Zucker Pottery

Some people exude peace and serenity, creativity and artistry. In the very best situations, these attributes are channeled into a medium that can be shared with others.

Aya Zucker is one such person, a potter whose gentle nature and creative spirit translate into beautiful pieces of functional art.

Aya has been working with clay since she was in the third grade, in Israel. She immediately fell in love with the feel of the clay in her hands, and spent many years working with sculpture before she was introduced to the pottery wheel in her early twenties.

I was first introduced to her work when I heard she was donating dozens of handmade ceramic bowls to our school fundraiser. I fell in love with a particular design she had made, and bought half a dozen bowls.

When I asked her to make me some other pieces in the same style, she exceeded my expectations.

I also couldn't resist a stunning porcelain tea set she made with a beautiful celadon glaze.

I was fortunate to watch her work and learn about the basics of pottery-making recently as she gave my husband a refresher course. It was fascinating to watch a dull grey lump of clay be transformed into an elegant shape under her skilled hands.

Aside from creating pieces for artisan festivals and custom orders, Aya also volunteers weekly at the Irvine Fine Art Center.

To see more examples of Aya's beautiful work, visit www.ayazucker.com

Who Says Boys Can't Sit Still?

William's buddy came over the other day, and William showed him the scarf he made for Snow Angel. Jacob thought it was really cool.

I casually said, "Jacob, do you want to do some knitting like William did?" And he said sure. So I set them both up with some more yarn and the knitting looms, and they sat there quietly on the couch, working on their projects.

They worked really earnestly, asking for help when they needed it, until they were done. They didn't even try to stab each other with their pointy hooking tools.

For two 8 and 9 year old boys who never stop moving when they are hanging out together, it really wasn't what I expected. But Jacob made a wrist-warmer/sweatband, and William did a headband à la Rambo.

Knitting projects, man-style.

The Apple Doesn't Fall Far from the Tree

William's first knitting project:

A scarf for Snow Angel.

Wind and Waves Sweater

I finally got around to weaving in all the loose ends on this one, so I can display it proudly.

And proud I am. With this sweater, I designed it start to finish, and tried some techniques I'd never done before. It's definitely a one-of-a-kind. Too bad it's only about a size 2 -- I don't know anyone who can wear it!

Winter never really comes to Southern California, but I still go on knitting hats, scarves, gloves...

It's as crummy as it gets here right now -- about 50 degrees and raining -- so the girls pulled on their handmade cozy stuff.