Sapping me MOON

yes this full moon is what's commonly known as the Worm Moon but also Sap Moon in regions when the first tapping of the maple sap begins...in my case however the sapping is of my energy!

Phew, what a week so far....teaching my first workshop this year on Painting with Wool. A truly great Pesach (Passover) celebration last eve complete with singing, drinking and a very late night for the kids thanks to dear Topangites......yes still recovering, and Easter is just around the corner right before the boys and I head out to Old Blighty for a spot of puddle splashing in my home town. The word 'busy' doesn't quite encapsulate or begin to describe what's really going on here!

A mother and baby by Aurora in slight bas relief

I love that gefilte fish (yummy first course) often is shaped into an egg and the elliptical egg often symbolizes spring, rebirth, and the season’s renewal of life. Perfect.

and off they go.....

A lovely table set for revelry!

Using eggs as a holiday tradition is found across cultures. During the Jewish Passover (starting March 30), a roasted egg sits on the Seder plate. Eggs associated with Easter (April 4) are fertility symbols and reflect ancient spring renewal rites. For Christians, eggs were traditionally forbidden during Lent and always eaten on Easter Sunday.

Lovely Summer sunset by Safi inspired by our hot snap of sunshine

Peaceful breezes by the beach, caught by Brooke

and now....Equality!

or the Vernal Equinox at least! This Spring marks many moons of marriage for me and the Hairy One, 13 years this weekend and 3.20.2010 must be all sorts of fun for a numerologist! To celebrate , we are off to the Renoir show at LACMA as we appear to find ourselves drawn to fine art on this special day every year ( and some indian food), doesn't take a lot to please me!!

My shining heart boy's and I are having an ongoing discussion about time, cultures, and new year, as we seem to celebrate at least 3 New Year's each 12 months ( Chinese, English and Jewish) and they think this is great! So I thought this was really interesting...The astronomical Persian calendar begins its New Year on the day when the March equinox occurs before apparent noon (the midpoint of the day, sundial time, not clock time) in Tehran. The start of the New Year is postponed to the next day if the equinox is after noon. Well I'll be!

This recent doll is called Heavenly after a friend I once knew - she embodies the soul sister of the 70's with spring in abundance!
This gorgeous felted fruit is part of our 1st grade class offering of a fully stocked store at Ocean Charter Schools silent auction - which is also tomorrow, so bid high my friends, I'll see you after a while for a wet one!

Something Green

15 3 2278 10.2006

THE LEPRECHAUN

The leprechaun is a cobbler but he more than a cobbler be

as he guards the gold and treasures of the many fairies wee.

More precious than the treasures is what he hides so well...

it's privacy he pleasures and hopes his shoes will sell.

To keep his magic strong and this, you never knew...

he seeks to kiss a wee colleen fair maiden, one so true.

With his ungainly image one thinks he is a shrew

and no decent fair maiden would kiss one if she knew.

And so he has to steal it and in the night he creeps

the eve of auld St. Patrick's Day one magic night he seeks.

Asleep lies the fair maiden a fairy sprinkles dust...

to keep her from awakening and kiss her, yes he must!

For in the maiden's purity there lies a heart so true

for a leprechaun to steal a kiss makes all his dreams come true.

The purity of her fair heart is truly made of gold

and all the kingdoms of the world knows this is hard to hold.

And if the Leprechaun succeeds to kiss this maiden true

his magic and his wealth increase still, he'll not share with you!

Now should he ever get him caught while kissing one so pure

his wealth and magic will dissolve and that he knows is sure!

Stealthily the cobbler creeps to steal this kiss so rare

holds his breath and kiss the cheek of this young maiden fair

This success has left a mark...has filled his heart with glee

has made him do a little jig which has awakened thee.

So in his fearful haste to flee he ran out oh so fast...

his little hat blew off his head...that hat will hold your catch!

A clover did fall from his shoe and turned into a pin

Wear this now on your lapel for good luck to come in.

Some of his gold fell from his pot and in this mortal world...

turned into chocolate on the spot for little boys and girls.

And when his cobblers feet did tread upon the land outside

the gold he'd spilt upon the ground he can't pick up or hide.

And as he watched in disbelief as gold did turn to cents

he disappeared with great relief another year past hence.

So watch now, on St. Patrick's Day the eve of which may find

a leprechaun in cobbler-wear who'll leave a trail behind.

And as you gather up the treats on this Saint Patrick's Day

give thanks for all the blessings that have now come your way.

It's that time again!!

Felting Art Workshops
Something out of Nothing
~Click on headings for more information~


Wool Painting Tapestry
using unique wet and dry felting methods
March 28th - Playa del Rey
$50 plus $10 materials fee

Spring Maiden Sculpted Wool Art Doll
armature and needle felting techniques
April 22nd in Santa Monica or April 25th in Playa del Rey
$48 plus $12 materials fee
student doll by Connie.

Funky Faceted Flumpies coming soon....
intuitive forms with faces and loads of personality!
MAY dates to be confirmed.

Tall Tale Tree Sculpture
sturdy wire armature frame and base mat techniques
July 17th - Los Angeles location tbc
$50 plus $10 materials fee

Storyteller Fantasy Playscape
using unique wet and dry felting methods

June 13th, 15th or 19th $70 plus $15 materials fee
example playscape only

More information and to reserve space (recommended)
register at www.Phoenix420.etsy.com for all workshop classes

Your chosen workshop will be confirmed via email with directions to the locations.

Space for all classes is limited and they can fill up fast. There will be a waiting list and possibly an extra class added if necessary. Materials fees for each class are listed and are due upon the start of the class. You may choose to bring and use your own materials. Private classes are available.

Please contact Phaedra (at) thephoenixgift.com directly for any questions, difficulties during registration or anything I may have forgotten to cover!