Rowena Art

Rosewater for the Spinner and Weaver

When we spin, weave or just work with a lot of fibers our skin can begin to feel dry and tired. I love to use my Rosewater Mineral Spray. This is actually called a toner but I use it for a refreshing moisture spray while I work with fiber or do my lampworking.

I never travel without my Rosewater. This spray is coming soon on my skin care page.

Many of you already know that I was an Aesthetician for years and I had my own skin care line and a studio in Central Phoenix. I still have my products on line.

This is just a tip for all who enjoy fibers, arts and travel because this is a must have. I can't imagine flying without it.

http://www.skincare.rowenaart.net/

Jensen Saxony Wheel

Spinning is an art and having a work of art to spin with is fun too. Along side my Suzi Pro by Majacraft and my Ashford Elizabeth II I have my Jensen Saxony. I was lucky enough to find this wheel while I was in Martinez, California at the Retzlauf Winery Spin In. Linda Altman had just purchased a Tina II by Jensen and decided to let go of her Saxony and I was the lucky one who ran across it. I was so happy to get the wheel that I gave her one of my Fiber Beaded Necklaces.

This photo is taken from the Bountiful brochure. The only difference is my Saxony doesn't have the half spokes in the wheel. Will Taylor from Treadles and Threads in Martinez also added two bobbin rods to my wheel. I will post a photo as soon as I get a good one. Jensen makes his wheels in Cherry now and my Saxony was made during a time he also used Oak so I do love my wheel. 

Here on the right you see Royal Raggedy Ro Hand Spun. I love to spin the darker Raggedy Ro with the many hues of blue, but so many love the light Raggedy Ro.

Raggedy Ro is spun from Colonial Wool and Merino multi-colored fiber. The Royal Raggedy Ro is 100% Merino wool.

I spin a week of an array of hues and then I ply the stands. Each skein is one of a kind. During the week I spin with the same colors of fiber all the skeins can be knitted or woven together for a bigger project. All skeins can be worked into one project which will give you an array of wonderful colors.

Presently, I spin the slight Ro which is pictured here and the dark Ro which is the darker hues of blue. I also spin a Raggedy Ro with black and gray tones.

At the Tucson show in 2007 I will offer the Raggedy Ro in both dark and light tones as well as my wine bottle lampwork Beads.

Alpaca Christmas Boutique

A friend of mine, Rusty Sigafoos, came across an ad while reading the Daily Courier yesterday. She came by Arts Prescott Gallery where I was arranging new work in my case and she asked if I would be interested in a short trip out to Chino Valley to visit and Alpaca Farm. So here we are at the farm!

Here I am feeding Velvet carrots. I love the color of her coat so I immediately signed up for the sheering in May. Of course, I won't be doing the sheering, but I do want my fiber from this beautiful animal. The deep brown is a sight to see and spinning fiber from an animal you have fed is a treat in deed. These Alpacas are so friendly and they even check out your pocket or purse to see if you have something special for them to nibble on.

Singletree Farm Alpacas is located in Chino Valley at 1178 Single Tree Dr. off of 2 South Road. Today there were 5 local Alpaca breeders! What a dream! An Alpaca farm! Victoria from www.gotchacoveredinalpaca.com was also there to share her work. I didn't get the information about all 5 farms now that I think about it. This was an event to put on my calendar for next year.

As you see Rusty found a teddy bear made from an Alpaca and she couldn't leave it there. She left with an Alpaca scarf and the bear. What a fun day it was!

"Just Loves Beads" Bracelet

"Just Loves Beads" Bracelet was featured in The Idiot's Guild to Beading Illustrated. This was designed during the days of my beaded amulet bag craze. I love seed beads and I had just learned during a NanC Meinhardt class how to do right angle weave.

Right angle weave is one of my favorite stitches which creates light flowing lace made of beads.

During the beginning stages of the weave you create a seed bead ladder. I did this and decided to create seed bead loops along with larger colorful beads hanging from each ladder up bead. I did this and the "Just Loves Beads" Bracelet was created.

This ladder bracelet is a great way to wear your favorite beads. The clear lampwork beads were made from an Absolute Vodka Bottle. The light green, of course, is a recycled Chardonnay bottle. Somewhere in the bunch you will also find dark green Merlot recycled glass.

Stone beads as well as Miracle beads are nested between the seed beads. This is just plain fun!

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Stefania Schollaert's Pretty Princess Pillow

Stefania has been busy making Miss Phoebe Buffay a Pretty Princess Pillow. Miss Phoeby is her daughters dog. Stefania used a silky fluffy fabric and stuffed it with polyester/silk stuffing.

Now the Bead Society knows what Stefania has been up to!

Gaywool Dye Fun

An adventure in the dye world has been something I never expected to be so much fun. My thoughts were..oh a lot of work, but it was not and it gave me the feeling like of painting a masterpiece. In the next few months I will share some of my dye fun with you. I use Gaywool Dye because they are easy to use and the colors are intense. Mixing the colors will be my next step so I can create custom colors.

The mistakes I made was not to document my work. I just wanted to play so that is what I did. Next dye day will begin with my dye ledger.

Gaywool Dyes are formulated specifically for raw or spun woo. The formulation includes the mordant and dye bath acidifier together so anyone can dye without adding subtracting or worrying about what to mix together. You just open the safe cap and add to the water. The directions say for every 4 oz of wool you add 1 level cap full of dyestuff. Now that is easy!

The first attempt to dye a hand pun skein I had the skeins tied together to tightly and that created a line on each side of the skein which did not dye. The hand spun skein I dyed turned out great because it looked like it was part of the design. That skein sold right away so I do not have it to scan this morning. This ball of blues is a skein I purchase of Optimum 100% wool. The original color was a very light blue and I never really was excited about it. I love it now.

The real reason I wanted to learn to dye was for my mohair loks. I love the encasement technique I learned at Kate and Will Taylors home. They hosted a Judith MacKenzie spinning class and we not only spun but we dyed as well. Kate also got out a bag of silk worm lava and we saw the process of boiling them and extruding the silk. When I began the spinning process I never thought that it would lead me into so many fun projects! I love Spinning! http://rowenaart.net/store/login.php

Guild Show-Demo

Mountain Spinners and Weavers Guild members during the 2006 Show. Spinners enjoying their wheels at the show while Prescott visits the Adult Center for the last show at that location. I have both my Suzi Pro made by Majacraft, purchased at Loom N Essence in Sedona and also my Elizabeth II purchased online at CooperMoose. Both wheels are a lot of fun to spin on. Bobbie Rickerd is trying out my Suzi. What a fun day!

Tucson 07 Gem and Mineral Show

"TO BEAD TRUE BLUE" Tucson 2007

January 30, 2007 to February 4, 2007 will be the place to be! Tuesday through Sunday you will find me showing my wine drops, Hand Spin Fiber, and Treasure tails will be introduced to other shops throughout the United States.

The photo is showing "Wine Drops". Chardonnay and Merlot hanging on a sterling silver snake chain is always fun to wear.

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Map Muse for Spinners and Weavers

  Traveling is always a lot of fun and if you have a lot of time to check out what all the guilds are doing across the United States that is even more fun. This site will give you not only Guild information but how to locate shops as well. Here I am at the Guild Holiday Show with my Elizabeth II spinning wheel.

http://find.mapmuse.com/re1/mmFAQ.htm#A4   to add your shop or Guild.http://find.mapmuse.com/re1/interest.php?randID=SPIN_WEAVE_SHOPsS

http://find.mapmuse.com/re1/interest.php?brandID=SPIN_GUILDS

This is a brainchild of Cindy Jett, MapMuse.com

Soy Silk® - Spinning with Beads

Hand Spun Soy® Silk Fiber is always great to wear around your neck. The soft yarn creates a luxurious place for beads and buttons.

This necklace also is made similar to the fringes in the Hand Woven Fiber Amulet Bag Fringe directions in my kit.

Spinning with beads! Hand spun with the beads spun into the yarn. It is actually the third ply of the yarn! The seed beads are strung and then plied directly between the 2 ply yarn. The back of the necklace is wrapped and extra beads attached.

The yarn hangs from both sides of the Fiber Necklace. It is then adorned with my lampwork beads and one Vintage German Button.

Soft as it is anyone would love to wear this creation Hand Spun with South West Trading Company Soy Silk Fiber. http://rowenaart.net/store/login.php

Raggedy Ro Necklace

Raggedy Ro Hand Spun and a Fiber Necklace created from the fiber and the beads. This design is nearly the same as you would find in my Fiber Amulet Bag directions with the fringe.

Spinning your own yarn to create a fiber art to wear piece is always special. Working with your own hand spun is something you just have to experience.

Today I was on KAZ Morning Show with Kathy Kelly from the guild and it was fun to see the reaction to the spinning wheel. Also Kathy did a bang up job explaining the history of spinning. This was not a planned question session and I was happy to see Kathy answer all of Tanya and Leu's questions without a blink of her eye. She made a great impression and she did the Guild Proud! Go Kathy!

Also, Tanya Mock came over to where I was spinning on my Ashford Elizabeth II. She asked several questions and I asked her if she would like to try a hand at spinning herself. Well, all hats off to Tanya Mock, she sat down and spun like she had done it for years. New spinners usually spin very thick but Tanya continued the thin woolen spinning which I was demonstrating at the time. She is a natural for sure. http://rowenaart.net/store

KAZ TV-Kathy Kelly and Rowena

Kathy Kelly and I will be on AZ Morning today 11/18/06 to talk about the show at the Prescott Adult Center here in town. You can meet us all from 9 AM to 4 PM and see how you also can learn to spin or weave.

After attending the show you can also come by Arts Prescott Cooperative gallery for our Annual Holiday Party. I will be there starting at 6 PM and we will be open until 8:30.

www.kaz.tv for more information about the station and the show!

This photo shows Mountain Spinners and Weavers spinning inside the Bashford House at the Sharlot Hall Museum. The group now is located in the Carriage House there at the Museum.

Crayon Box Jacket

Check out Stefania Schollaert who actually was one of the first founding members of our High Desert Bead Society here in Prescott. Since then Stefania had to say good-bye and move to Taylors,
South Carolina. We miss you Stefania.

Stefania and several other great knitters I know are busy making the Crayon Box Jacket. This jacket pattern was created by Christine Bylsma and she describes it as being a short, boxy, chanel-style jacket knit one square at a time--but without seams-- in a one-of-a-kind blend of colors and fibers. Thank you Christine for a great idea and wonderful jacket!

Several of my Raggedy RO Hand spun yarn clients are using the yarn for some of the wonderful squares. I plan on adding more photos to this section as I get them. All of my Crayon Box Jacket friends. I am going to make this one of my 2007 projects! I am new at knitting, but love my spinning!

Kay Wiggins & Lunch in Wichita with the Foss Family

During a trip to Wichita, Kansas this year I visited with the Foss family. Here you see Norma Foss and me having lunch. Don Foss is taking the photo. We were just finished visiting the Kay Wiggins Jewelry, Beads & Gifts Shop. You can visit Kay Wiggins at: www.kaywigginsjewelry.com and see the loose beads in a bead room part of the shop where everyone can design their own jewelry. Wow...Beads in Kansas!

We stayed at the Hyatt Hotel and it was an experience to remember because at that time The Rolling Stones were in town doing a concert in Wichita.They took up the top 4 floors of the hotel.

Norma, Don, Kelly, Benjamin, Ashley and Brittany came to the Hyatt to take in some of the excitement surrounding the Stones stay. Benjamin Foss, was swimming and racing a swimmer in the pool who turned out to be the drummer of the Stones! Go Bennie!

Also, several Valley Ball games at the Goddard School gymnasium where Ashley and Brittany Foss played a great game with their teams was a high light of the visit. The enthusiasm of Goddard and the great coaches there was impressive.

What a great trip which also included beads and fiber!

"A Fossil in Time"

"A Fossil in Time" was created in 2002 after a show at Hillside Galleries. I purchased the fossil at the fossil and rock shop there and enjoyed finding a way to adorn it. This piece was donated to The Bead Bugle Cancer Fund raiser the following year and someone special is now wearing it.

The fossil itself is encased using Model Magic to create a soft surface to bead on and then one of my Arizona Sunflakes (lampwork bead created with German Glass Rods) was added to the design along with a lampwork Kahlua bead and some fresh water pearls. The neck piece is an encased tubing designed with peyote stitch. 

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Sedona Red Fiber Necklace

This is one of my favorite fiber necklaces I created in the last year. "Sedona Red". I actually did a pigtail just like I do when I begin to create a warp to weave with. I pulled the knots tighter and then adorned it with beads, red pearls, vintage buttons from my button collection and my lampwork beads. You will also notice several stone pieces added.

Most of my fiber necklace are hand spun with the seed beads spun into the yarn and then adorned. This piece was beaded after being braided. I used the technique used for the fringe in my Fiber Amulet Bag directions.

Sedona Red is now being worn by a special client in Phoenix and I am sure she is enjoying the cheerfulness it brings because of the warm color! http://rowenaart.net/store

Idiot's Guide to Beading

Check out the centerfold page illustrating my bead work in "The Complete Idiot's Guide to Beading Illustrated" written by Prescott's own Georgene Lockwood. Several Prescott artists are included in the book and since Prescott was the original location of The Bead Museum it isn't a surprise that Prescott is Bead Rich!

Currently, I am working on a project to submit to Georgene for her new projects book she is writing at this time. The project I began last week was a brain child of Georgene's and I am doing the design. It will be an easy project for everyone to enjoy and make for themselves.

"The Complete Idiot's Guide to Beading Illustrated" can be found in book stores and on line. Several book signing were done throughout the Prescott area. Call me and I will get it signed for you! 928-899-3574

Look forward to The Idiot's Guide to Projects to be out in 2007. I have a special project for you in this book!

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KAZT TV-AM Morning Show

KAZT TV Prescott-AM Morning Show will present a segment Friday, November 10th on Horses with H.E.A.R.T.

Trudy Chapman-Radley from Horses with H.E.A.R.T. and Rowena from Arts Prescott Cooperative Gallery will talk about the gallery fund raiser and what Horses with H.E.A.R.T. is all about. Don't miss this segment! AM Arizona KAZT - TV

You can go to www.kaz.tv for more information about the station and the show!

More Information on Studio Tour in Prescott

Go to www.prescottarts.com for more information about The Culture Fest and the Open Studio Tour. Print out an extra Tour Guild! See you at the tour!

Culture Fest 2006 Wall!

I just received this today and I wanted to share it with you all. Prescott has so much to offer for this event and to think that my Studio is part of the Open Studio tour!

Come to Prescott and enjoy the excitement of the town!

"The Amazing Mural Mice of the Prescott Downtown Mural Project will be a featured attraction in the Smithsonian Culturefest Studio Tour. On November 11^th and 12^th, Mural Mice will be entertaining in front of the "Art For All!" history mural, on the north side of the Granite Street parking Garage. The Mayor of the mural will offer a very special overview of the unfinished project and the mural will leap to life in a simple play performed by the simplest of creatures. Take a walk up the alley and let local art celebrities Gail Gardner, Sharlot Hall, and Kate Cory, tell the tail of Prescott's unique art history. Admission is free so bring the whole family! Showtime's are every hour on the hour from 10am-5pm.  The Prescott Downtown Mural Project is a public arts initiative developing educational programs and murals around downtown Prescott. For more information or to donate, contact R.E. Wall at (928) 713-2296."

Open Studio Tour 2006

November 11 & 12, 2006 the Smithsonian Culturefest Prescott will be the place to be. This year the Prescott Areas Arts & Humanities Council offers a free self-guided tour of Prescott local studios in action. My studio is participating in the tour. Call 899-3574 to check out how to get to my studio to begin the tour throughout the area or drop in at Arts Prescott Cooperative Gallery on Whiskey Row to see my work and get a map at the same time.

Artists at my studio: Rowena Tank-Lampwork Bead Artist, Patricia Brockert-Felted and Adorned Hats and Sharon Poplauski-Spinning and Weaving Buffalo Fiber. Oh yes, the American Bison. Come and meet the artists and see them work and share their ideas with the public during this 2006 Open Studio Tour. I hope that this will be the first of many annual tours.

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H.E.A.R.T. Fund-raiser 2006

It looks like another trip to TV Land. November 10th I will appear once again on KAZ TV AM Morning. The segment will be about The Arts Prescott fund-raiser 2006 for Horses with H.E.A.R.T.

The gallery will have the information show wall to visit on November 16. Our Annual Holiday Party will be November 18th. Hope to see you all there to support this organization. The Raffle organized by Janet Childress will be for a two night Bed and Breakfast get-away for two at the Saguaro Lake Ranch which was established in 1930. The ranch is a historic oasis in the Tonto National Forest and it lies on the banks of the Salt River. The activities available in the area include, horseback riding, hiking, tubing, kayaking or rafting on the Salt River. If you would just like to sunbath and rest, the swimming pool at the Ranch grounds is perfect to get in that great book you have been wanting to read.

H.E.A.R.T. is located in Dewey, Arizona but it is used by the tri-city area. It provides a safe and enjoyable equine experience for at-risk youths, encouraging each rider to develop independent skills at the level of ability. Riding develops self awareness, builds confidence and improves self-discipline. You can contact H.E.A.R.T. at 928-533-9178 or go on their web site: www.horseswithheart.org. Volunteers are always needed to help people with special needs and to give them the opportunity to be set free from their disabilities.

Rowena's Prescott Fishing Expedition Pendant

During yesterday's interview on  Prescott's

AM Arizona Show on KAZT – TV  --- 

AZ-TV – AZ-TV AriZona Television, I wore my "Prescott Fishing Expedition pendant on a silver wire necklace. This is a lampwork bead fish done some time ago after taking a bead making class with Don McKinney in Glendale, Arizona. I then created a bead riparian environment for the fish using the off loom bead weaving technique. I incorporated Seed Beads, Hershey Shell, Fresh Water Pearls along with lampwork accent beads. Fish Beads are always fun to design with! http://rowenaart.net/store

Soy Silk® Handspun Necklace Hand Dye by Conjoined Creations - Cave Creek, AZ

In the last year I have enjoyed spinning for my Fiber Amulet Bags. Fiber Jewelry has been a new direction for my Jewelry line in several galleries and on my web site. This necklace is also found on the Conjoined Creations web site. Conjoined hand dyed the Soy Silk®.

After spinning this wonderful fiber I created "Arizona Nights". I use Arizona a lot in naming my work because my state has such vibrant colors in nature. This piece is adorned with beads and vintage buttons. It is now worn and enjoyed by Prescott bead and fiber artist Rusty Sigafoos. http://rowenaart.net/store

You can see "Arizona Nights" on Conjoined Creations site:

http://www.conjoinedcreations.com/page_50.html