I had a great year teaching basket workshops from Rockaway Beach on the northern Oregon coast, to Morro Bay in the central California coast, and from Eugene to  Ashland Oregon.
The people in my classes were as varied as the pieces they created. Charlie, a horse veterinarian  was probably the most inspiring of them all. He has very large hands, but his first basket was quite small and his stitches were perfect, as I am sure the stitches he used to care for the horses were. He referred to the waxed linen we were using as sutures. The next basket he made  the following week is the one pictured above , I think for his wife. He chose a beautiful stone for the center.
 In Eugene I taught a pair of twin girls who were 10 years old. They caught on very quickly and were going to take their new talent to New Zealand where they were going to attend school.
This upcoming year I plan to teach once again in these wonderful places and hopefully reconnect with Charlie and all the other wonderful people I have met on my quest to get people hooked on making pine needle baskets. Maybe I will meet some of you along the way. I hope so.......
 Until then, good night and sweet dreams.    

Basket workshops in Solvang and Morro Bay, California

Welcome to my workshops in California

 This week and next week I have had the pleasure of visiting my sister in Morro Bay, California.
Along with having a great vacation I have had the pleasure of teaching workshops in two new locations.www.kandrasbeads.com and http://www.morrobaybeads.com/the-garden-at-beads-by-the-bay.html
Both of these bead shop owners Kandra and Susan, invited me with open arms to teach in their lovely businesses.
The students in each class were a variety of nurses, designers, craftsman and a soon to be retired horse veterinarian. Their baskets came out as different as their personalities, all beautiful and unique.
Well the sun is out on the shimmering ocean and we are off to see the sights.............

"Swirl"

This piece is called "Swirl" and I recently sold it from The New Zone Gallery in Eugene, OR. I emailed the gal who purchased the piece to thank her for choosing it. Two days later I got this email.

Dear Sheri,

My beloved Dulcy bought the piece for me as a semi-surprise gift (I didn't know, but I sorta suspected she'd done that) because I was so deeply moved by and attracted to it when I saw it during the Eugene Celebration. 

I have spent several hours in the last week since she gave it to me absorbed in it, studying it carefully, "seeing" significance and symbolism in its many parts and their relationships and textures and colors and "movement". These meanings -- which arise from my odd resonance with your "Luminous Pinwheel" -- have to do with the multifarious, fractal, "intertwingling" spiral flow of the world, with the relation between real-world patterns and my/our mental models of them, and with complex co-evolving wholeness in all its dimensions. Whether or not you had any intention of putting any of those meanings into it when you made it, I have no idea. But the whole thing really speaks to me and is one of my all-time favorite art pieces.

Thanks so much for creating it (or letting it be created through you, if that fits your experience better). It is truly a blessing.

Blessings on the Journey we're all on together.

Coheartedly,

Tom

 

Bay City Arts Center to host community education classes - North Coast Citizen: News

Bay City Arts Center to host community education classes - North Coast Citizen: News: The Bay City Arts Center will host two community education classes: Pine Needle Basket Weaving and Pine Needle Ornaments led by artisan, Sheri…

Columbia Basin Basketry Guild at Camp Magruder

I spent this past weekend in Rockaway, Oregon at Camp Magruder for the Columbia Basin Basketry Guild Retreat.
There were so many amazing weavers there, some learning and others teaching their talents to others. So much great energy in one place.
Friday night was an open gallery, the theme was "It's Our Nature".
I had the pleasure of teaching these women how to make pine needle baskets on Saturday. A couple of them had made them before but wanted so new techniques and the rest were first timers, although you would never know it by their results.

On Sunday morning I traveled north to Cannon Beach before heading home. I stopped   in the Dragon Fire Gallery, where I had some of my work on display about 5 years ago. I was wearing one of the pine needle necklaces I made,  the gal behind the desk remembered my name and the art  I had for sale all that long ago. Amazing!

I hope to teach again next year and take some of the great classes they have to offer.

Pine Needle Creation by Sheri Smith: Mayors Art Show, Jacobs Gallery, Eugene, Oregon

Pine Needle Creation by Sheri Smith: Mayors Art Show, Jacobs Gallery, Eugene, Oregon:      It has been an exciting couple of weeks here at Pine Needle Creations. Last week I was informed that the poster for the First ...

Pine Needle Creation by Sheri Smith: Another "Eye Like It" pine needle basket worksho...

Pine Needle Creation by Sheri Smith:
Another "Eye Like It" pine needle basket worksho...: Another "Eye Like It" pine needle basket workshop day. Everyone had a good time learning a new skill, and of course gettin...

Another "Eye Like It" pine needle basket workshop day.

Everyone had a good time learning a new skill, and of course getting to know each other while we worked on a basket.

I had the chance to spend time with Donna, who has been friends with me through facebook for a while now.  Bardee, a friend I have known for years was also there and we got to catch up on old friends. The two 14 year old twins, were amazing and came up with new stitches as the day went on.

Molly, who has come to a few of the workshops came by to weave with us with her usual wonderful energy.

All in all another positive fun, creative day! Yah :}

Mayors Art Show, Jacobs Gallery, Eugene, Oregon

It has been an exciting couple of weeks here at Pine Needle Creations. Last week I was informed that the poster for the First Friday Artwalk in Eugene had a great  photo of my baskets on it!  I was a featured  artists at Harlequin Beads & Jewelry on that Friday August 2nd.  The turnout and response to my art was a delight.  As you can imagine, one of the posters  is framed and hanging on my kitchen wall.    Just a couple of days ago, I was  told that one of my  pieces was selected to be in the Mayors Art Show in the Jacobs Gallery in Eugene, Oregon. Opening night is August 22nd and it goes through October 5. Come on by and see which one was chosen. The basket pictured here is not what will be at the Mayors Art Show.    A few of my baskets made it on the shelves on Lori Salisbury Gallery located at 391 West Cascade,  Sisters Oregon. The gallery features art that tells a story.    I am working hard, (if you can call it work) at getting a good supply of my art to show at the McKenzie River Art Festival  August 17 & 18th in Leaburg Oregon.  Along with making samples for classes, there is  publicity for  the workshops, emails, facebook updates, web page edits.  Life is busy. That makes me happy!

California Basket making workshops

I will be teaching 4 workshops in November in California. Two at Kandras Beads in Solvang and two in Morro Bay.
Here is the link to  Kandras Beads in Solvang
http://kandrasbeads.com/contents/en-us/d873.html
http://kandrasbeads.com/contents/en-us/d881.html
If you have friends in the area, please share this with them.

First Friday Artwalk in Eugene

Last Night was the First Friday ArtWalk in
Eugene, where I was a featured artist along with three others at Harlequin Beads & Jewelry.
Family, friends and new faces were there to cheer me on and admire my work.
I had a sign up sheet for people who were interested in taking a workshop and had many
people sign it!
I was asked what inspires me.
Well sometimes it is a combination of colors, like last night this women had on a beautiful Purple pair of pants with a lime green shade of blouse.
It can be something as simple as that. Color, Shape, texture, technique. So many options, so little time.
I guess I better get off the computer and start a new project..............................................!!!

Pine Needle Basketry | Beading Classes:-:

Pine Needle Basketry | Beading Classes:-:
There is still room in my class this Saturday at Harlequin Beads. Hope to see you there!

New effort aims to promote local arts workshops | Arts | The Register-Guard | Eugene, Oregon

New effort aims to promote local arts workshops | Arts | The Register-Guard | Eugene, Oregon

"4th of July Special"

"4th of July"

I started this piece about 8 months ago and finally completed it last night around midnight! It will be shown in  The New Zone Gallery for the miniature show. 

The center of this basket took me about 25 hours to weave. It is very intricate which is why I chose to finish the piece with negative spaces and stones as a frame.

This is my kick off to summer!

Enjoy....

4th of July Special

 

 

Pine Needle Basketry 2 | Beading Classes:-:

Pine Needle Basketry 2 | Beading Classes:-: Today I will be teaching  at Harlequin Beads in Eugene, Oregon and am getting my beads, feathers, buttons, wire and all the fun things that help to add beauty to a pine needle basket.
When I started making  baskets in the 80's I only wove with raffia and learned many stitches and techniques with this natural fiber. Through the years I have added other fibers and treasures to my creations. Those are the things I will be teaching today. Today the class will be about adding Bling  to your basket or maybe you want to make a necklace!

Elk, out my back door.

We live in a  scenic area with very few neighbors  and have the awesome joy of having a herd of elk visit us on a regular basis.
Yesterday was the first time this season they brought out their calves in our back field. They do this every May,  so this year I was wondering when I would see them.
 For about a week there have been only a few coming from the woods out back,  not the usual 20-40 we usually see.
There are nights they sleep in the field and we wake up to them, sometimes having breakfast on my flowers.

 Although I am an avid gardener of mainly flowers, the vegies are fenced in, and every year  I loose many plants, I still relish cohabitating with them.
Just another day in paradise!
www.pineneedlecreation.com

CBBG Tidal Twinings 2013 Fall workshops "It's Our Nature"

I will be teaching a basket making workshop (Pine Needles) of course in September in Rockaway Oregon.
It feels like a great honor to be a part of these very talented artists whose work  has inspired me. The theme name of this years event is "It's Our Nature".
Check out the web page and register for one of these workshops at this site. Hope to see you there.http://www.basketryguild.org/yahoo_site_admin/assets/docs/2013FallRetreat.11602802.pdf

A little bit about myself

If you read the interview on me by Create! Eugene http://createeugene.com/2013/06/meet-the-artist-sheri-smith-pine-needle-creations/ , you know a little bit about me.
I am an artist, but as most artists, I don't make a living at it. That is the dream of course, although I think teaching my basket making skills will allow me to create and share my passion at the same time.
Since the  Holiday Farm Restaurant burned down last April 2, 2012 my life has changed considerably. Although I relish me evenings at home  and my free weekends, my income has diminished considerably.
Prior to the fire I had been a landscaper by day and I continue to do this.  I get my creative juices out my designing and planting gardens. I love perennial gardens with loads of flowers and texture.
I am currently working on an amazing landscape on the river with a canal running through it as well. It has been a life saver in many ways.
Gardening and basket making seem to go hand in hand!

This is an article that I did with Create! Eugene/ Eugene A Go Go

http://createeugene.com/2013/06/meet-the-artist-sheri-smith-pine-needle-creations/

Pine Needle Christmas Ornament Workshop coming soon!

 

Pine Needle Christmas Ornament Workshop 

In this class we will explore two styles of Christmas Ornaments made with pine needles.

 

The first ornament will have a lacey center woven with waxed linen on a wire ring. Coiled pine needles are added to this with a swirl stitch.

The second style we will be making is pine needles coiled on a beautiful dried quince.

Both of these ornaments can be embellished with mixed fibers, beads and other treasures. The techniques learned here can be used later in other pine needle baskets.

These make great gifts!

 

 

Details coming soon, check back or on my web page at www.pineneedlecreation.comwww.pineneedlecreation.com

 

 

 

Pine Needle Creations artist Sheri Smith has a new Luminous Box

This new Luminous Box is called "Luminous Swirl". It's custom frame is made of white oak and is a free standing piece. The sculpture is made of natural sage green pine needles, and dyed black needles. It is woven with mixed fibers. The hand blown glass stone  compliments the colors of the piece. It can be purchased on my web page at www.pineneedlecreation.com.

Two new Luminous Boxes by Pine Needle Creations artist Sheri Smith

This one is called "Eyes". I made it from pine needles, waxed linen, glass beads and stones, and wire. It is framed between 2 pieces of class and can be hung or free standing.

Pine Needle Basketry | Beading Classes:-:

Pine Needle Basketry | Beading Classes:-:  Harlequin Beads and Jewelry in Eugene OR

I will be teaching a pine needle basket workshop at Harlequin Beads in Eugene on June 15th. The May class is full.

The Art of Pine Needle Basketry

With Sheri Smith of Pine Needle Creations

Cost: $65.00

In this introductory class, students will learn how to create colorful coiled baskets, using pine needles, waxed linen, seed beads and a donut stone.

Students will learn to coil and shape the pine needles with a variety of stitches: swirl, mariposa and wrapped stitch. You will complete your unique basket by the end of the class.

The skills you learn in this workshop can later be used to create necklaces, Christmas ornaments and sculptural pieces.

Class instruction is individualized, so the class size will be limited to 6 students.

Pine needles, wire ring, crewel sewing needle, bees wax and written instructions are included in the class. You will need to bring the following supplies, which can be purchased at Harlequin:

• One 25mm donut stone
• One color of seed bead
• 24 yards of 4 ply waxed linen (2 - 3 colors) 8 - 12 yards each

Please have your supplies purchased before the day of class, and bring a snack or sack lunch to this all-day class.www.harlequinbeads.com

New Pine Needle Basket Workshops in February and March 2013

February 10th Belknap Lodge & Hot Springs  9-5 $65 includes all materials for this workshop.
Students will learn how to create a beautiful coiled basket, starting with a jade donut stone, waxed linen and pine needles.
Learn how to coil the pine needles with a swirling stitch and shape the basket to create a beautiful expressive vessel like the one pictured below.
With the techniques you learn in this class you can go on to make necklaces, vessels, Christmas ornaments and so much more!
My instruction is individualized to each students needs so the class size is limited. You will leave with a finished basket and written instructions to take home.mckenziechamber.com/eventswww.mckenziechamber.com/events email me at
sheri@pineneedlecreation.com

MARCH 9th, 2013         Ashland,OR  10 a.m.- 5:30 p.m. 

Join me in Ashland Oregon while I teach you how to create this
colorful coiled basket.
Start with a jade donut stone, choose from beautiful colors of
waxed linen and beads as we coil the pine needles to create the
basket pictured above.
With the techniques you learn you can go on to make
necklaces, vessels, Christmas ornaments and so much more!
My instructions are individualized so the class size is limited.
Reserve your spot in advance. $30 deposit required.
Total Cost: $70.00 includes all materials to complete this basket.

To register go to my web page at www.pineneedlecreation.com on my shop page

pine needle basket book in the works

Every time I teach a pine needle basket workshop I had out a pamphlet of instructions so my students can make a basket without me...
My classes are hands on so the instructions are not directly referred to in class.
I learned from y favorite pine needle basket books, which I always share with the class.
Through the years my instructions have been revised at least a dozen times as I develop my own
techniques.
A few day ago with the help of my husband, I decided to begin a book, passing on my techniques.
Now that I have put this out to the world, I am bound to do it!

Watch for my progresshttp://pineneedlecreation.com