Oct 25, 2014 | Class Act, Tools-of-the-Trade |
Clarissa uses a trouser rack for her 2nd stage of the drying process of her newly-dyed weft yarns for Chilkat weavings
I generally dye my weft yarns for weaving twice a year: in the Spring when all the snow has melted from the back yard and in the Fall when the leaves are turning the same color as my favorite golden yellow weft yarns shown above!
Gently wash 2oz or 4oz skeins of yarn in lukewarm water with a squirt of Ivory dish soap
I dye a total of 16 ozs (1 pound) of wool per dye bath, so in the big bread bowl above, I gently washed and rinsed 8 2-oz skeins of yarn. After your wash and rinse, let yarn soak in the bowl for another hour before placing in dye bath – this allowance of time gives your yarns better absorbtion of color as well as evenly-distributed color.
Using rubber gloves, separately add each skein to the dye-bath; gently give the skein a stir into the bath
I ALWAYS DYE OUTSIDE. It is safer, especially if there is no wind. I use Lanaset commercial dyes for my weft yarns; they are color-fast, intense colors that will not fade easily. Follow the directions in your Lanaset dye recipe. Make your dye bath accordingly. Always wear rubber gloves when working with commercial dyes; always wear a dust mask too especially if there is wind or in an enclosed space – commercial powder dyes are toxic!
While gently stirring the dye bath every 2 minutes (shown in right pot), I had prepared the next dye batch by soaking the washed and rinsed weft yarns (in left bowl) AND in the meantime, I had washed about 100 yards of warp (in middle pot) — yes, indeed I am a multi-tasker!
When cooking outdoors, use a windscreen made from a piece of foil hooked together at the seam by a large paper clip…I learned this trick from my friend Lis Saya who helped me dye yarns last year…!
Oct 22, 2014 | Adventures of Rear-Mirror Rissy, Health and Wellness, Honoring Others, Relationship Overdrive, To Market To Market, Tools-of-the-Trade |
The “Intenders Handbook” by Tony Burroughs
Quoting author, Tony: “The Mighty Manifesters — The purpose of this handbook is to help you make your life better. The Intenders of the Highest Good will show you how to make your dreams come true easily and with the least amount of effort. We’ve been practicing the ideas that are given in this handbook for several years and have found that the laws of manifestation work very efficiently for us when we do two simple things: 1. We say our intentions out loud everyday; 2. We meet together with like-minded friends in an Intenders Circle once a week.
This is all that needs to be done for us to start getting everything that we desire out of life. We must be willing to take a few moments away from our busy routines for these two important things (or something similar that may be called by another name) so that we can consciously turn our deepest desires into real-life experiences. Otherwise, we will remain unempowered and at the mercy of the every changing world we live in.
To the men and women who can manifest whatever is needed in their lives, it doesn’t matter how scarce things appear to be or what the newspapers and TV are saying. Self-empowered people simply observe the day-to-day challenges that are going on all around them, while manifesting a world of their own choosing – a world of peace and comfort. They live happily because that’s what they’ve intended to do.”
You may wonder why I include a number of other things that do not seem to be directly related to the design and production of art (and music) on my blog. My personal philosophy is that everything in my life affects everything else, no matter the topic, the breadth, the depth, the timing. Creating art and music is my method of maintaining my self-sanity. I don’t know about any other artists, but life is not a bowl of cherries all the time. There are so many ups and downs of which we are not in control, and of course I cannot help but respond. Art and music helps me to process the negative circumstances. I also welcome methods of self-help processes.
This book is one of those items that not only validates what I have been naturally working on in my own personal life, the information expands my horizons of thinking and being. I appreciate this. I welcome the guidance and forthright words.
I came across this book last week while heading out the door at the doctor’s office; hey what’s that little book about? The doc replied “…take a copy!” I enjoyed the read so much, I decided this was something I wanted to share with anyone and everyone, especially my kids and close friends. I called the number at the back of the book to make an order; it turns out that the author lives in this same little town out here in the mountains of Colorado! Like what are the chances for that!?
AND when I met up with him to buy more copies of this book, we exchanged business cards and eventually he invited me to the local “Intenders Circle” held every Thursday night starting with a potluck meal…! Am I going? Well,…I normally shy away from consistent, organized, on-going “groups.” I don’t know why I initially shy away from “organizations” but like I mentioned earlier, I intend on making changes in my life and this is one of those opportunities to make a change, right? If I don’t like the group for whatever reason(s), I don’t have to go anymore!
Tony continues with “Reference Points”: “From the beginning of the Intenders, we have been guided by three reference points. A reference point for us is something that we know we can count on. The courageous mariners of old knew all about using points of reference. They would pick out certain starts, or a spot on the distant shoreline, and they would refer to these points when they wanted to know where they were and where they were going. Likewise, we Intenders also want to know where we are going in our lives.
Our three main points of reference are: 1). Our desires are in us to be fulfilled; 2. Our thoughts create our world; and 3). Our intentions must serve the highest and best good of the Universe, as well as the highest and best good of ourselves and others.”
Tony told a story of someone who had not stated the third intention of “must serve the highest and best good of the Universe…” That importance of why we must include this 3rd intention in every one of our requests was summarized at the end of the story. Fetch a copy of this book for yourself and you will understand why!
I will have limited copies of this little handbook available for sale at the Alaska-Juneau Public Market at Centennial Hall during Thanksgiving weekend in Juneau, Alaska. Come by Booth #P-15 in the main hall ! They are only $4/book.
I will also have these books available for sale during any of my upcoming classes, and art markets coming up within this next year in 2015.
You may also order these little books directly from Tony by giving him a call at his toll-free number: 1-888-422-2420 or visit the website at: www.intenders.com Let go of your shyness; give him a call and order your book(s) – the guy is a warm, caring person… Tell him that Clarissa sent ya!
Oct 18, 2014 | Adventures of Rear-Mirror Rissy, Health and Wellness, Tools-of-the-Trade |
“Secrets of the Millionaire’s Mind” – Mastering the Inner Game of Wealth – by T. Harv Eker
I can very well relate to T. Harv Ecker’s definitions of the POOR person and Wealthy Person. After reading Ecker’s definitions, I can say that I have not come out of being a POOR person because I have not mastered 2 out of the 17 definitions; they are #12 and #15 on this list. I am sharing this with y’all because it’s my nature to do so. When I come across something that I think would be beneficial for many of us, if not all, I share it…!
The 17 Differences in MINDSET Between a Wealthy Person’s
Outlook and a POOR Person’s Outlook:
(Definition of POOR: Passing Over Opportunities Repeatedly)
1) I Create My LIFE vs. LIFE Happens to me.
2) Rich people PLAY to WIN — POOR people play not to lose.
3) Rich people commit to being Rich — POOR people can’t commit to goals or outcomes.
4) Rich THINK BIG — POOR people think small.
5) Rich people focus on Opportunities – POOR people focus on Obstacles.
6) Rich people admire other Rich people — POOR people resent successful people.
7)Rich people associate with successful people — POOR people associate with negative unsuccessful people.
8) Rich people are willing to promote themselves & their value — POOR people think negatively about selling and promoting.
9) Rich people are bigger than their problems — POOR people are smaller than their problems.
10) Rich people are excellent receivers — POOR people are POOR receivers.
11) Rich people choose to get paid for their results — POOR people choose to get paid based on time.
12) Rich people manage their money well — POOR people mismanage their money well.
13) Wealthy people focus on their Networth — POOR people focus on their bills.
14) Rich people think: “BOTH” — POOR people think: “either or”.
15) Rich people have their money work for them — POOR people work hard for their money.
16) Rich people act inspite of FEAR — POOR people let FEAR stop them.
17) Rich people constantly learn new things — POOR people think they already know.
— T. Harv Ecker “Secrets of the Millionaire Mind”
I have always thought myself to be one of the wealthiest people I know. I have been in pretty good health especially for my age, I have a variety talents that I have used to make a living and continue to do so, I lack a substance-abuse addictive personality, I am mentally sane, I have two handfuls of very close friends around this country, my siblings are half-way decent with me, I have three fine children, and 7 wonderful grandchildren. However, I don’t have money (not at this point in my life anyway). I work hard for my money; it comes and it goes. Though I am not thousands of dollars in debt like I have been. Now that I am single (and not plural), I haven’t changed much since I was married. I still behave as if I have money because like I said, money comes and money goes…it’s a cycle. Yet, I want to experience being filthy rich with lots of money. I desire to know what that feels like. I wonder if the experience will be any different than my childhood, or my entire adulthood where I lived hand to mouth. I am going to find out!!!—Let’s see if I can be a millionaire within 5 years!
Oct 11, 2014 | Adventures of Rear-Mirror Rissy, Honoring Others, Tools-of-the-Trade |
“Sharing the Skies: Navajo Astronomy” by Nancy C. Maryboy, PhD and David Begay, PhD
I find these kinds of books fascinating because they provide us another indigenous perspective outside of the western mindset. I see similarities amongst the Navajo and our own people, the Tlingit. The Navajo stories like our own are inspirational; more often than not they lead me to envision a robe or painting or some form of art piece.
This book provides a cross-cultural view of Navajo and Western astronomy. “Sharing the Skies” provides a look at traditional Navajo astronomy, including the constellations and the unique way in which Navajo people view the cosmos and their place within it. In addition, this book offers a comparison of the Navajo astronomy with the Greek (Western) perceptions. Beautifully illustrated with original paintings from a Navajo artist and scientifically enhanced with NASA photography.
The authors are Nancy C. Maryboy and David Begay. Marboy is a Cherokee/Navajo scholar working in the area of Indigenous Science, with a focus on astronomy. she is the President and Executive Director of the Indigenous Education Institute located in Bluff, Utah and Santa Fe, New Mexico. She teaches Indigenous Astronomy at Northern Arizona University. She works with NASA educational outreach projects and with University of California, Berkeley, Space Science Labs on National Science Foundation projects. She lives in Santa Fe, New Mexico and San Juan Island, Washington.
David Begay is a scholar and member of the Navajo Nation, and one of the founders of the Indigenous Education Institute. He works with University of California Berkeley, Space Science Labs in areas of Western and Indigenous science with support from NASA and the National Science Foundation. He lives on the Navajo Nation and works as an independent contractor with federal, state, tribal and corporate entities.
You may purchase a copy of this book for $14.95 from Rio Nuevo Publishers in Tucson, Arizona (www.rionuevo.com) or when you visit the Mesa Verde National Park visitor’s center gift shop, like I did !
Oct 9, 2014 | Adventures of Rear-Mirror Rissy, Honoring Others, Tools-of-the-Trade |
Book cover of Stanton Englehart’s “A Life on Canvas” published by the Spiralbound Studio Publishing in Durango, Colorado — Detail of Stanton’s painting entitled “Season on the Plateau”
Last week, when Dan, his parents and I were in the Toh-Atin Gallery of Native American Art in Durango, I came across this book and said to Dan that I totally admire this guy’s paintings; over the past few years every time I’ve seen this man’s work, just makes my heart pitter-patter…and I know that when I feel that feeling, it’s called love.
And then without even opening the book, I said to Dan “…can you show me what is your favorite piece of art in this gallery…?” (I asked him that because every time Dan and I go to an art show, an art fair, an art market, or to any gallery, anywhere, we always like the same exact piece(s) of art…!” So Dan led me directly to a large painting towards the back of the Toh-Atin gallery above a stairwell. Low and behold, it was a Stanton Englehart—! What did I tell ya!? After checking out the rest of the gallery art works in Navajo rugs, jewelry, pottery, sculpture and other paintings, again, Dan and I like the same exact piece of art picked out of thousands in a gallery! So of course, I had to buy the book because I will study every painting in this book and Stanton’s painting style will influence my next set of paintings!
Stanton’s paintings are not acrylics on canvas; they are oil on canvas. My daughter Ursala, who has been working in oil paintings for the past couple of years since her classes at Ft. Lewis College in Durango, has been encouraging me to drop acrylics and go into oils. I will do so after I use up my $500 worth of acrylic paints; I refuse to let them go to waste!
Who is Stanton Englehart? Stanton is a dedicated prolific artist for over 50 years. He is a celebrated painter of the landscapes of the Colorado Plateau. Englehart’s vision has been carried worldwide. His vividly hued paintings are held in collections in Germany, Canada and across the U.S.
He is known for his passion as an educator. Throughout his thirty-year teaching career at Ft. Lewis College in Durango, Colorado, Engleheart inspired students and faculty alike. Upon his retirement, he was granted the title of Professor Emeritus of Art.
This book project was initiated by the Durango Arts Center and brought into print by Durango-based Spiralbound Studio Publishing in association with the Ft. Lewis College Foundation. Proceeds from book sales will benefit the Stanton Englehart Scholarship Fund for art students at Ft. Lewis College.
Oct 6, 2014 | Tools-of-the-Trade |
One of my weaving apprentices recently turned me on to the best lamp for weaving…the V-Light!
I appreciate the fact that the best light in the world for weaving Chilkat and Ravenstail weaving is this lamp: the V-Light ! I was turned on to this lamp via one of my students this past Summer; holy moly, this light makes ALL THE DIFFERENCE IN THE WORLD!!! I purchased this lamp at Office Max. Every time I go into any store that sells lamps, I am always check to see if they carry this particular brand and model, nothing else comes close! If there were two or three of these lamps at Office Max, i would have bought all of them!
Oct 5, 2014 | Class Act, Latest Art Projects, Relationship Overdrive, Showing Off, Tlingit Culture Accentuated, Tools-of-the-Trade |
4-year-old Amelie Soleil Haas spins Chilkat warp on her thigh for the first time
For the past two days, Amelie has come into Grandma Rissy’s studio and has seen me splitting cedar bark, getting it all ready to begin spinning yards of warp for my next projects. Amelie tried her hand at splitting bark last week, and to my surprise she was darn good adept at it. Today, she surprised me even more when she asked if she could spin the warp, to which of course I said “sure, why not?” and I only had to show her one time and gave her all the pointers like I do my weaving students, and voile’ she was a natural ! She spun like she had been doing it all her life (only 4 years!). I don’t know if I felt so much pride in my life…! Then again, she IS my grand-daughter and I suppose that’s what Grandmas are supposed to feel like!
Clarissa is touching the large coil of cedar bark BEFORE it is split into the thin strips as shown
After I cook all the sap out of the cedar bark, I split the coils of cedar into very fine strips. Each fine strip is then spun with the wool on our thighs to create the warp (the verticle-hanging yarns on the weaving loom). It took me 26 hours to split about a pound of cedar bark; I did it in 2.5 days…(while watching a Netflix television series, of course!). Watching a movie or television series, helps me to “getterdun!”
Mar 18, 2014 | Adventures of Rear-Mirror Rissy, Tools-of-the-Trade |
The basic sketch using oil pastels – Clarissa Rizal
I first heard about the beautiful Blanco River Basin from my friend, Nancy Vidal who has lived in Juneau, Alaska for nearly 40 years. When I moved to Pagosa Springs, Colorado 21 years ago, she said her family had a home in the Upper Blanco Basin. In fact, we met a a few folks who still live in the basin who grew up with Nancy and her family. A couple of days ago, I spent an afternoon with Dan in the Basin during a sunny, early Springtime day. Dan enjoyed his time photographing this awesome landscape while I did my very first landscape drawing. Such a fine day!
According to one of the few resident’s perspective of Square Top Mountain in the Blanco Basin, “…this is the front side of the mountain…”
I felt right at home here in the Basin with big mountains, some scarred with barren slopes of glacial markings and others covered with evergreens; the Blanco River ran clear and steady sparkling in the sun like Alaska on a rare sunny day.
The Upper Blanco River; Pagosa Springs, Colorado – when we compare the size of our rivers in Alaska to the size of the rivers here in the Southwest, we are reminded about how big everything is in Alaska.
In 99% of my photographs in my blog entries I do not use Photoshop to enhance colors or change my photographs. I am making note of this herein because the intensity of the blue skies in these photos indeed capture the nature intensity in these photos.
The Hare Ranch, Upper Blanco Basin, Pagosa Springs, Colorado – and yes, folks (especially those of us in the North Country), the sky is really that blue here in the Southwest…!
Supplies for on-site drawing: Nice folding wooden chair, drawing pad, oil pastels, water bottle and chips with a hand-woven basket to stash it all.
I totally forgot I have a portable easel that I could have used; oh well, there will be a next time because I have every intention of doing more “plen-air” landscapes this year! I love being outdoors in beautiful country in great weather, either gathering foods for winter, gathering supplies for weaving and now the bug of creating art images outdoors has gotten under my skin!
Mar 8, 2014 | Adventures of Rear-Mirror Rissy, Class Act, Tools-of-the-Trade |
Easy carrying of two 36″ Chilkat weaving looms – the 36-inch loom is generally used for weaving dance aprons, a pair of leggings, a child-size robe, or anything smaller
Each of our Chikat and Ravenstail weaving looms are hand crafted by a local woodworker; it’s not like we can just order these on eBay, Amazon or any fabric or yarn store. Not yet, anyway! Most of our weaving looms are collapsible for easy transport to and from classes, to and from our auntie’s or friend’s house, and to and from the art shows or demonstrations. We need a variety of size of bags to transport our various-sized weaving looms.
Top “wrap-about” zipper of the fabulous Manfrotte (Model # MBAG120PM) for Microphone and music stands – which in this case, thanks to Preston for gifting me this bag, is converted into a Chilkat weaving loom carrying case!
I have hand-made the smaller weaving 24″ looms bags like the black leather one below; however, I need very sturdy, resilient bags for the much larger weaving looms. I have used ski bags with wheels for my 7″ weaving looms, snowboard bags for my 6′ and 5′ weaving looms and most recently this padded microphone/music stand bag with the wrap-around zippered entry at one end!
Two types of weaving loom bags for a 24″ hardwood loom: the black leather bag with button and beadwork trim was made by Clarissa Rizal nearly 25 years ago, and the green cotton bag with front pouch is a yoga mat bag. Both of shoulder straps
When traveling across country by boat, car or plane with a large weaving loom, I recommend owning a padded, sturdy bag, preferrably with wheels! I have traveled annually with my weaving looms of all size for nearly 30 years. I know the ropes, folks — it’s all in the bag!
Feb 18, 2014 | Health and Wellness, Tools-of-the-Trade |
The modest front of the “UnCalendar” Lifestyle by People Systems
As you all must know by now, I like to have some sense of organization. And if you have forgotten this or you don’t know, this UnCalendar is the BEST way for me to “keep it all together!” If I fall apart at the seams it’s not because I’m emotionally distraught; it’s because I don’t have my Uncalendar! Hello!?
Left page of the week…this is where I write down new plans, or extended old plans, bank deposit notes, projected income and/or IOU’s; it’s also where I write down a person, organization or business’ contact info (up in those left hand corner colored boxes)
I’ve been using these daily planners for the past 5 years. As Christmas gifts, one of my daughters bought one for every woman in the family. I think I am the only one that’s continued to remain anal. They come in two colors: red or blue. And they come in two sizes (if I am not mistaken). I used the 5 x 7 size for the first five years; this year I decided that I needed the 8 x 10…I decided that my plans this year were bigger than 5 x 7!
One of the best things about these planners is that there are no set dates, so you can start a daily planner at any time of the year…you fill in the blanks! I like this kind of freedom.
There are other sections to the daily planner (i.e. month-at-a-glance, etc.) that I did not photograph for here because they have been written in and I don’t particularly want to share my plans, notes, ideas, etc.
Right page of the week…This is where I write down my week’s goals and tasks; easy to visually navigate
If you’d like to purchase these fantastic daily planners, click here to the Uncalendar website, and begin your freedom to express your organizational abilities!
