Swedish Doll

This is one of about 150 dolls made by Charlotte Weibull, a Swedish artist, that is at Gammelgarden Museum. Each doll shows a different folk drakt (folk dress/folk costume) from a region of Sweden. 

Unique Children's Book

Our World - A First Book of Geography is such a clever board book. The cover is magnetized so that it can attach to the back cover and stand upright as a globe. Written for 2-5 year olds, there is a story on the base and beautiful illustrations on the globe portion of the book.

Wood Carvings

I saw these cute little wood carvings of a gnome and tree. They are hand-carved and colored. I like that they are both in shades of blue...not a typical color you see with gnomes or trees.

SAORI Woven Scarf

I tried some new techniques with SAORI weaving which I enjoyed including partial-row patterning. This is a departure from my more "textural" pieces that have bits or rows of wool roving from sheep in them. 

Halloween Window Stars

The Halloween origami stars that I made are up on the windows now. These are in the family room. As the sun rises and there is more light, the window stars will become brighter. I like how nature and art coincide.

Floral Kaleidoscope

One of my favorite parts of the Minnesota State Fair in the Ag-Hort Building is the floral kaleidoscopes. Each year, the flowers and arrangements change. As you spin the flower pot and look through the kaleidoscope, the images change. 

Window Star

This is a new window star that I made using kite paper. It is made up of 8 stars of varying sizes: 3 stars in the smallest size, 3 stars in the medium size, and 3 stars in the largest size. Each point of the stars uses the same pattern that has 8 folds.

With 8 points (per star) multiplied by 8 folds per point multiplied by the number of stars in each grouping (see table below), it took a total of 512 folds to make this star. 

Edinburgh - Day 7

On the seventh day of our England-Scotland trip, we spent time in Edinburgh. Enjoyed hearing the bagpipers and seeing the beauty of St. Giles Cathedral.

London - Day 4

Olivia and I visited the Globe Theatre today. The fence had a variety of animal sculptures. Afterwards, we went to Tate Modern and then to St. Paul Cathedral where we climbed up to the top - all 528 steps!

Snow Sculptures

 The snow sculptures in Stillwater were quite impressive. 

Vintage Mural

This vintage mural has been on a brick wall on the Grand Garage in Stillwater for decades. It was painted by Randall Raduenz who now is 70 years old. He has completed over 20 murals in Stillwater. 

Upcycled Art

There was an exhibit of upcycled art at the White Bear Center for the Arts. The first photograph is of flowers made from pop or water bottles. The second photograph is of mushrooms created from plastic bags. 

Chalk Fest

Stopped by the Chalk Fest in Maple Grove. Some of the artists were still working on their pieces which was interesting to watch.

Love Mural

 Saw this beautiful mural with a positive message in Faribault.

Fiber Art

This fiber artist created a beautiful scene using fabric and thread. It was one of many stunning pieces at the Owatonna Arts Center.

Proud Artist

This is one of Olivia's favorite barn quilts that she has designed and painted so far.

Cardinal Barn Quilt

The cardinal barn quilt that my daughter designed and painted was installed today. It is directly across from Lilleskogan Park - one of many parks in Scandia - so many people will be able to see and enjoy it.

Painting a Barn Quilt

 My daughter put the finishing touches on one the barn quilts she painted. This was installed in Scandia and represents the husband and his late-wife who both enjoyed gardening and operated a garden center. He has many sunflowers growing in his garden.

Norma Barlow Columbine

 This is one of my favorite columbines - the Norma Barlow. There are so many flowers on each stem.

Sculptures

 Two sculptures at Franconia Sculpture Park.