Take That, Coffee Cozy

I went to a women's retreat this last weekend and had a blast.  Good times Laotto Wesleyan ladies, good times.  Not only did I learn how to make a fire with Kleenex, but I was enlightened as to my life's calling.  I, ladies and gentlemen, was introduced to the wonderful world of felting.

Yes, I literally made felt.

You simply take a felting needle (small with barbs on the end), poke it through wool and shape something you want.  You jab the wool until it meshes together.

Voila! Felt.  You can make bracelets, gloves, a coffee cozy or even coasters.

When I left the retreat I was determined to buy roving (wool) and felt to my hearts content.  It is a stress reliever.  I don't have a job....stab that wool.  I really want that brownie....take that, coffee cozy.

After searching high and low for the wool, I found a few small packets at Jo-ann's Fabric and Craft Store and spent last evening felting. 

Below are my two beautiful creations.  Keep in mind that I am a beginner. Be kind. 

Saturday Night Stink Eye

Saturday night my husband, sister and I went to the grand reopening of the Fort Wayne Museum of Art.  I pulled out my iPhone and took pictures of the crowd.  I didn't see any signs that mentioned that picture-taking was prohibited, so I had fun with it.

While making our rounds in the final art gallery, I told my sister to stand in front of this brightly colored painting.  I took the picture and a moment later a tall lady tapped me on the shoulder.  "You are not allowed to take pictures in the gallery," she said and pursed her lips.  "I'm sorry," I murmured and put the phone away.

Ashley said that from that point on the woman never stopped giving me the stink eye.  We noticed that as we left the gallery, she followed us.  I tried not to make eye contact and made sure my hands were in view so she knew I wasn't taking the forbidden pictures.

In these particular situations, I keep the mindset that I will probably never see the woman again, so there is no need to worry about what she thinks.

But to be honest, she was kind of scary. I am sure that I will have nightmares of the woman tapping me on the shoulder, wagging her finger and tisk-tisking with her pursed lips.

Below, however, are a few of the pictures that I took which do not include any up-close photos of artwork (notice I blurred out the paintings in the background of the second picture).  It is too bad really.  Some of the photos with art were pretty awesome.

Life Imitating Art

One of these things just doesn't belong here... Or does it?