Blog Archives

Hayward MacDonald, Woodturner

9/28/2018

Hayward turns wood into Christmas ornaments, wine stoppers, bowls, lidded boxes, vases, spin tops, and platters. He says, "I enjoyed wood turning in school (a few years ago) and when I retired I joined the Kawartha Woodturners Guild. Seeing the beauty of the many creations that other turners had done, I decided to try my hand at it. I was hooked and the rest is history."

Hayward has the most fun creating Christmas tree ornaments made from discarded Christmas trees. When asked what themes he pursues in his creations, he says, "Whatever the piece of wood gives me."

Working in his workshop, Hayward says he doesn't listen to music or do anything else. "My mind is on the piece that I am creating. It requires full concentration."

Hayward gets his inspiration from the wood.

The most memorable response Hayward has had to his work has been "Two ladies purchasing ornaments to be displayed on a government tree in Ottawa."
When not creating, Hayward does household chores, walks the dog and collects wood. More of his exquisite work can be seen on Facebook at M & H Designs.

Come meet Hayward on December 9th at the Evinrude Centre (911 Monaghan Rd in Peterborough) between 10 am and 2 pm!

0 Comments

Eclectic Expressions

9/21/2018

0 Comments

Evaughn Heath says, "I create unique items using my talents as a seamstress, an artist and a embroideress. I might use all three of my abilities together to create something or a combination of two. Sometimes I might just use one.
I have a sign that I have hung in my workroom ...

PAINT

SEW

STITCH

CREATE

I was introduced to the world of creativity at a very young age. I was taught how to crochet and knit first and when I saw my mother embroidering pillowcases for a friend, I knew I had to learn how to do that as well. I was taught sewing by my godmother when I was a young girl and immediately fell in love with all the colours and textures of fabric. I entered the "art community" when I lived in the USA and learned how to paint using most mediums. My oldest sister was a well known and respected artist in the Peterborough/Buckhorn area and it was her passing that motivated me to see if I had the ability to paint."

"Every thing I create is fun! I bounce back and forth from one technique to the other so everything I do is unique and pleasurable. I pursue many different themes depending on the medium I am working with. I have a workroom which never seems to be big enough! lol"

While working, Evaughn always listens to music. As far as inspiration goes, she says, "My inspiration for creating comes from many different sources from nature to books and anything in between. I f ind that if I listen to my "inner voice" and look at things with my "creative eye" then inspirations come much more easily. My sister is one of my biggest inspirations because I bounce a lot of ideas off of her. She will show me a different way of looking at things which usually results in a creation or helps with a continuing project."

When asked what the most difficult part of the process is, Evaughn says, "Choosing what to do! I usually have several different projects on the go at one time. Also, I sometimes will second guess myself when I have decided on a project. If I do that, then it usually gets shoved aside until I have the confidence to just do it!"

"I did this seahorse for my friend and it has to be by far my most favorite creation so far. Back when I painted with oils, I painted this picture of a photo I took of this old man when I was in Europe. Since I don't use oils any longer, it is my favorite painted piece."

When asked for the most memorable response to her work, Evaughn says, "When I was painting with oils, I entered a juried show and won first place for my entry. The painting hung in an art gallery for a month. It was very exciting to have my peers present me with this prestigious award. This will be the first time I have entered an artisan show so I guess I am about to find out! lol"

"I trust in my spirituality and my inner voice to guide me. When I find that I am struggling with creating, then I turn inwards and look for guidance. For me personally, being creative is what feeds my soul." When not creating, Evaughn says she is "Thinking of different things I could create! lol I like to read, cook and hang out with my friends."

Meet Evaughn at The Artisan Fair at the Evinrude Centre in Peterborough on December 9th, 10-2!

0 Comments

Madoc Mitts!

9/14/2018

0 Comments

Kate Andrew of Madoc Mitts creates a variety of unique Mitts using recycled sweaters and other clothing. "We have recently started making Bottom Warmers to utilize more of the recycled material."

"Living on a farm I needed something durable and warm for doing chores. There just weren't any reasonably priced mitts available that did what I was looking for. I had heard about recycled sweater mitts, so made a pair for myself but added fleece lining and embellishments. Then, people started asking where I got them ..."

"I love the uniqueness of each pair of mitts. I never know what they will look like until I take those final stitches on the cuffs and slip my hand in to ensure they are comfy and cozy. I want my mitts to be durable, so I look for colours and material that stand up well. I like doing tribal themed mitts using embellishments and pet themed mitts, but also do Hockey Mom Mitts from recycled hockey socks, and, if I have a plethora of recycled jeans, I work on cabin mitts."

"Creation takes place on the kitchen table. I start making mitts in August. When sales start to decline between Christmas and New Years, I relax. However, this Spring I had a contract for 40 pairs of mitts for the Moms of a team going to a Halifax hockey tournament in March so I sewed right up until March 1st."

"Availability of fabric fuels my inspiration. When I see a shrunken sweater at the thrift store, my mind goes into high gear looking for things to complement the colours and texture." When asked what's the most difficult part of her process, Kate says, "Procurement of suitable recycled clothing that will successfully morph into mitts is difficult and I sometimes find myself looking for a specific colour to no avail."

"Many customers have told me that Madoc Mitts are the best mitts they ever bought. My proudest moments come when a stranger contacts me to say they got a pair of Madoc Mitts as a gift and would like a pair to gift someone else."

"I do all the sewing myself and I love custom orders. I also make Memory Mitts, using your loved one's sweater, fur coat, etc., or even your own favourite sweater that got thrown into the dryer and shrunk!"

"Besides by private appointments at my home, Madoc Mitts are available at Lynn's Flowers and Gifts in Norwood and The Ravens Cache in Madoc. Madoc Mitts will be at various Craft Fairs and Shows between now and the end of the year. All dates and locations are listed on Facebook at Madoc Mitts."

Meet Kate at the Evinrude Centre in Peterborough on December 9, 10-2 and try one of her mitts!

0 Comments

My Passion Artist

9/7/2018

0 Comments

Judy Filion creates mixed media art on canvas, birch panels and a variety of papers. "After 30 years of not following my passion to create I was introduced to Intuitive Painting. I have been hooked ever since! Painting encourages me to let go, to feel, to allow things to just happen. Not only is it something to help keep me busy but it is therapy as well, in a good mood it will even make me more happy, in a bad mood and it will always help me feel better"

When asked which item she has the most fun creating, Judy says, "I don't have one item but the part of the process I love is starting. I can really get lost in the process of developing the first layers, using my fingers and mark making. It is always fun being hands on (literally) and seeing how things progress. I do find that at different times certain images will appear. I'm inspired by Nature so butterflies, flowers, birds and dragonflies show up quite often. I've been pleased when images, faces and spirits appear!"

Judy lives ina one-bedroom apartment, so her dining room has become her studio. While creating, she sometimes listens to music. She finds the quiet to be nice as well. Judy is inspired by "the great outdoors" as well as other artists on social media.

When asked what's the most difficult part of the process, Judy says, "Finishing ... knowing when it's done. Also believing that you ARE good enough and someone will love your work." Memorable responses she's had to her work have been when others have referred to her as an artist and have given her constructive feedback.

When not creating, Judy walks her dog, Delilah, gardens, cooks, knits and works.You can buy her work at 110 Douro Street or from My Passion on Facebook. You can also meet her and buy her pieces at The Artisan Fair on Dec 9th, 2018 at the Evinrude Centre in Peterborough between 10 am and 2 pm.

0 Comments

Hayward MacDonald, Woodturner

Eclectic Expressions

Madoc Mitts!

My Passion Artist

Archives

Categories