January 2019 Phoebe Meeting at Rosie's

It was a grand reunion at Rosie's house after not having a meeting in December. About 22 or 23 members attended, and it was great to catch up on what everyone had been doing over the past several months. 

Calendar Of Events 

February 23, (Saturday), 1:15 to 4:30 P.M. Phoebe Meeting at Kathy's. The "Out of the Box" heart challenge will be due. Pattern parts will be handed out for flat doll challenge that will be due in June. Items for the March Castro Valley Library Exhibit will be due this month. The theme is animals, or nature-inspired dolls. Be sure you have everything labeled, including props.

March 14, Leslie Keeble's Workshop, at Michael's, Union Landing.

March 16, (Saturday), 1:15-4:30 P.M., Phoebe Meeting at Barbara's.

April 13, (Saturday), 1:15-4:30 P.M., Phoebe Meeting at Sally's.

Enrichment

 Sue (center) handed out detailed instructions and materials for all to participate in a needle-weaving tutorial. Note the beautiful necklace she is wearing. Below is another example of possibilities, which we are anxious to explore. Looking forward to seeing some amazing creations in the months to come.

Show and Tell

Above is a photo of the lovely polymer sculptured doll Sue recently completed. It is beautifully embellished with natural items, such as leaves, twigs and dried flowers. Perfect for the upcoming window display at the Castro Valley Library in March.

Anne and her daughter recently got together to seriously delve into encaustic art. Above and below are examples of the various surface techniques they experimented with, and the results were very striking.

Below are five examples of Barbara's exquisite creations, including ones she created on her most recent trip to France.

The beautiful graphic featured above is printed on fabric.

Next, is an altered book embellished with French vintage lace, including the teeny-tiny lace shoes and a graphic of a French chair with seed beads to represent tufting.

This is one of Barbara's "travel dolls" that accompany her on her many trips to France and other parts of Europe. The dolls interact with people she meets along the way and those moments are photographed and saved on Facebook or in memory books.

Above and below are two more "tres French" Barbara creations.The one below has a metal soldered frame—Barbara's first—and well done.

Marcella has been SO busy turning out wonderful doll blankets for the "stitch'n for kids" project for children in long-term hospitalization. Amazing, Marcella—and they will be so appreciated!

Above and following are photos of the tiny, beautiful dolls created by doll artist Colleen Calhoun that Geri brought to share. Barbara has been in contact with Colleen, who may be available for a 2-day Phoebe workshop sometime in the coming year. What a wonderful opportunity for us that would be!

Rosie submitted a photo of this ornament member Judy made for the holidays. Judy now lives in Florida, and the ornament features sea shells and items from the sea. Perfect!

Shawn is an amazing eclectic collector and recently has been finding fun animals at the Depot in Oakland, She shared part of her frog collection with us, including the frog purse she takes with her when traveling. She never has to worry about anyone stealing it, because it is so obviously identifiable and traceable. What a great idea!

Sharon brought one of the many collage items she has made recently. The latest embellishment she has been experimenting with is antique lace painted with metallic Rustoleum and Martha Stewart glitter paint, with beautiful results.

Mary is shown modeling the wonderful jacket she made from a Mary Tilton pattern. So beautifully and perfectly sewn, we all wanted her to make one for us.

Rosie displayed two of the beautiful greeting cards she has been making. Below are some of the many, many purse necklaces she has been sewing and giving to dear friends. With the side beading completed, she will now be embellishing them with more beads, charms, and other beautiful treasures. 

Dear friends and art—the most perfect combination in the world!

November 2018 Phoebe Meeting

Marcella once again offered her beautiful home to us for the November Phoebe meeting. Here she is shown wearing the fabulous necklace Sharon created and gave to her for the potluck and gift-exchange last month. A perfect accessory for Marcella's wonderful, artsy wardrobe! 

Calendar Of Events 

There will not be a Phoebe meeting in December. Wishing a very special Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all!

January 12 (Saturday), 1 to 4:30 P.M., Phoebe Meeting at Rosie's. Items for the March Castro Valley Library Exhibit will be due this month and next. The theme is animals, or nature-inspired dolls. 

February 9, (Saturday), 1 to 4:30 P.M. Phoebe Meeting at Kathy's. The "Out of the Box" heart challenge will be due. Pattern parts will be handed out for flat doll challenge that will be due in June.

March 14, Leslie Keeble's Workshop, location to be determined.

March 16, (Saturday), 1-4:30 P.M., Phoebe Meeting at Sally's. 

Show and Tell

There was no enrichment segment this month, but there were many items on the agenda to discuss—such as the meeting and challenge schedules for the coming year. We are anticipating many exciting opportunities for us to tap into our imaginations and create new things. The February heart challenge and the library display in March are two examples. Anne, Geri, Mary and others brought wonderful treasures for the raffle table. Not many people brought items for show and tell, but the ones who did brought fabulous creations. 

Kathy had completed a huge strip-quilted piece—so big that Geri stepped up to help her display it. Amazing!

Can't even imagine working on a quilt this big!

Harlene modeled her latest vest, which we all absolutely loved. All her vests are beautiful works of art, and this one, made from sweatshirt material and embellished with printed fabric appliques (an Elinor fabric) and decorative top-stitching and embroidery, was no exception. We all wished we had one like it!

Here's to happy holidays for all, and many more wonderful times together in the coming year!

Happy 31st Birthday Phoebes!

The phoebes were delighted to see elinor peace bailey arrive at our birthday celebration. She happened to be in town and brought with her some very special creations she recently completed. (see photos below) 

Calendar Of Events 

November 11, (Sunday), Phoebe Day Meeting, (1 to 4:30 P.M.), at Marcella's Home. We are not meeting at ReCrafter's after all!

November 15, (Thursday), Leslie Keeble's "Diminutive Frida" Doll Workshop, (9 to 4 P.M.), at Michael's at Union Landing.

There will not be a Phoebe meeting in December. Wishing a very special Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all!

A Special Visit with Elinor

The four photos in this section are of the objects elinor made for Barbara Kobe's recently published book. The one above is "the guardian." It is a figure richly embellished with items representing meaningful events and persons instrumental in shaping elinor's life journey. The photo in the box is of her beloved late husband.

Daisy is holding a quilted piece. which like the pieces below, represent emotions, values and beliefs that are most important to Elinor, such as love and kindness. In elinor's own words, "her cup runneth over."

Yearly Gift Exchange

In celebration of 31 glorious years of Phoebe creation, inspiration, and fellowship, we had a potluck dinner at Christ Episcopal Church in Alameda. Thank you everyone for your delicious dishes. Members exchanged names and brought gaily wrapped packages containing hand-made creations designed with the recipients preferences in mind.

Bonnie received this lovely velvet chain link necklace from Caroline.

And, Caroline received this signature quilted fabric heart necklace from Bonnie.

Elizabeth received one of Anne's wonderful Altoid tin figures. This one features a very rare tin—which contained cherry flavored Altoids. In turn, Elizabeth gave Anne a wonderfully sculpted black polymer clay raven's head (not shown). Unfortunately, often when it's time to photograph items at the meetings, people have packed things away and started to head home. It's completely understandable, since so many travel long distances to the meetings, and it is quite late at night when we leave.

Jennifer gave this colorful fabric sculpted bird on a nest to Harlene, and in exchange she received a beautiful "stuffed envelope" overflowing with lovely embellishments and ephemeral tags and cards (not shown).

Suzanne and Marjorie exchanged names. Here is the adorable fabric cat nametag that Marjorie made for Suzanne.

And, in perfect coordination, Suzanne created this cute fabric origami nametag for Marjorie. 

Donna had also stated a preference for "small, wearable art" and Linda designed this sweet pin representing a hula dancer.

As Linda's request was also for small wearable art, Donna gave her a Victorian fabric heart pin.

Show and Tell

For show and tell, Colleen impressed us with her latest ceramic designs—colorful hand-painted "quilted boxes" celebrating her other passion in art—quilting, of course.

Harlene brought this flat doll as an example and inspiration for a challenge which will take place in the coming year.

Marcella continues to produce amazing creations during her days at Shirley's mosaic studio. This ball is an eyeball—in perfect time for Halloween?

And, this one has two eyes, which from a distance, some thought looked like an owl. 

Marcella also brought her just completed polymer figure from the Kate Church workshop. Great job, Marcella! 

This tiny cutie is Sally's "traveling doll" similar to the one Barbara takes with her on her trips to Europe. I'm guessing this one traveled with Sally to France recently.

Sue often expresses her love for Hawaii in her art. Using her great skill, she sculpted this lovely lady from polymer clay.

And, she crafted this very beautiful fabric book inspired by Barbara's workshop.  

September Meeting

Thank you, Rosie, for opening up your home to us for the September Phoebe Meeting. She is shown here modeling a very cleverly constructed scarf made by Harlene. We are hoping Harlene will share the instructions with us at a future enrichment session. The highlight of this month's meeting was enrichment by Jennifer and Caroline, who demonstrated how to make a necklace from cording and metal pieces from the hardware store. Our thanks go out to both of them!

Calendar Of Events 

October 5 through 7, Beads and Design Show, Walnut Creek Marriott, 2355 N. Main St, W.C.  Exhibits, workshops, demos and sales. Go to www.beadanddesign.com

October 18, (Thursday), Yearly Potluck Party and Gift Exchange, (6:30 to 9 P.M.), Christ Episcopal Church, Alameda. Bring a sweet or savory dish to share, and a gift if you are participating in the exchange.

November 11, (Sunday), Phoebe Day Meeting, (1 to 4:30 P.M.), at Marcella's Home. We are not meeting at ReCrafter's after all!

November 15, (Thursday), Leslie Keeble's "Diminutive Frida" Doll Workshop, (9 to 4 P.M.), at Michael's at Union Landing.

Show and Tell

Caroline brought her cute "Petunia Pig" doll for show and tell.

Colleen created this sculptural piece using polymer clay and a vintage pastry blender.

Sue, who also makes amazing sculptures, exhibited her "Once Upon a Time" figure posed on a book of fairytales. Exquisite!

And, Sue created this wonderful Fimo polymer turtle, inspired by the "Curious Mondo Club" on YouTube.

Caroline shared with us her "Belly Buttons" doll, made from a Elinor Peace Bailey pattern. So striking in black, white and red!

Tiny Chair Challenge

Many members participated in the tiny chair challenge. Here are photos of a few of the results.

Bonnie's chair was fashioned from felt and is decorated with her trademark embellishments.

Daisy chose to make an over-stuffed chair and added one of her colorful batik birds.

A variety of materials were used by participants. On the left is a tiny chair made by Marjorie using a faucet part and tiny buttons. Jennifer and Caroline made miniature over-stuffed chairs from fabric; two were made using twisted copper wire; and on the right is Harlene's boudoir chair made from an oat meal box. 

Elizabeth fashioned this delicate chair from graceful twigs.

A three-legged chair of copper wire, and a library table made from books and wooden pegs, made by Mary, are more examples of the diversity of materials used. 

And last, but certainly not least, here is the tiny fairy chair Suzanne created using twigs, moss and wood, complete with two lovely batik cushions. Everyone did a really great job!