Love Those Wild Horses - A Beautiful Video of Real Wild Horses in Arizona

Ruth Sandra Sperling
RSS Designs In Fiber - My Handmade Designs on ARTFIRE


Sometimes something just shows how you feel .... Love this Video!!  Love to see these Horses running WILD and FREE!!!!!





This Video is posted by Karen McLain - a Painter of Wild Horses in the Wild.

New Color Theme for the Bruges Lace Oval

Ruth Sandra Sperling
RSS Designs In Fiber - My Handmade Designs on ARTFIRE

Crocheted Bruges Lace Oval with Pansy-Colored Violas

This is another color variation on the pattern of a Small Oval - done in Bruges Lace - with 3 Flowers down the Center.

 -- Flowers and Edging in "Light Pansy" - a Violet Purple, Yellow and White Ombre
 -- Bruges Oval in Light Green

I really like this pattern -- I have done it in multiple sizes - from "Trinket" or Coaster-size to the size of a Centerpiece or Small Table Runner -- of course with a few adjustments.

I like the "Trinket" one as an alternative to the more common Square or Round Coaster patterns.

This is part of what I call my "FLOWER DECOR SERIES" - I do a lot of Crocheted Flowers in Thread Crochet.  Some of the different pieces match.  Some people really like Flower Crochet.  I have Sold any number of them - as shown in my Picasa Web Albums !

But these also Match another piece in my Artfire Studio that I also intentionally did in the Light Pansy and Light Green Crochet Threads.  I like to make pieces that Match -- it is part of doing actual Decor for Homes or Offices -- it can really be part of Interior Design!!

Here is a small Collage of the 2 different patterns that Match:

Matching Thread Crochet pieces:
Purple and Yellow Viola Bouquet
Crocheted Bruges Lace Oval with Pansy-Colored Violas

On My Mind Now -- Peace and Nature

Ruth Sandra Sperling
RSS Designs In Fiber - My Handmade Designs on ARTFIRE


It seems like so-o-o many things are going on -- this past week a whole bunch of Issues important to me in Life -- and some very significant to my Life -- either became apparent or were brought to my attention again -- generating thought, study, writing, social action.

I thought it would be nice to find some Handmade items which I felt celebrated and communicated what I feel is important and we should all keep in mind:  PEACE and NATURE.

So I did a bit of searching (it wasn't that hard to find some) ~~~ and I put together this Artfire Collection ~~~~~

Of Peace - And Nature

  Curated By: RSSDesignsInFiber

ArtFire.com

Handmade Gifts

Beautiful Artfire Collections - What Are They? How Can They Help Anyone?

Ruth Sandra Sperling
RSS Designs In Fiber - My Handmade Designs on ARTFIRE


You can VOTE for this Collection in this Contest today!

Handmade for SPRING!

  Curated By: RSSDesignsInFiber

ArtFire.com

Handmade Gifts

ARTFIRE COLLECTIONS are a Great way for Members of Artfire to show the items they've found on ARTFIRE that they like - or that they like on a certain theme!!!

Above is one I made during the Month of March -- and is in this Contest for Collections on ArtfireLink.com .

I included a number of different Artfire Sellers whose items I saw on Facebook in Guild Groups for the Artfire Guilds:  Artfire Link, Check In Today Guild, Artfire California Crafters Guild -- they all have Facebook Groups and Facebook Group Pages where we all interact -- and on Saturdays we all show off our Handmade at the Facebook Group, Handmade Saturday !!!

I do my Handmade for several different reasons -- I believe in doing and having Handmade things, it is fun doing it -- and some people like mine enough to purchase it!!

ARTFIRE COLLECTIONS are actually a great way to Shop on Artfire - in addition to regular search and categories - because they are full of things that others think are worthy of being in a Public Collection!!

Also, some Shops have a link to the Collections they have made on their Studio - like I do for RSS Designs In Fiber:  "Collections" ~~~ so if you like what a specific Studio puts in ARTFIRE COLLECTIONS, check their Studio and look for the link to the ones they have Curated in the Bar right under the Studio Banner!!

Have a good time checking out any ARTFIRE COLLECTIONS!!

And TODAY - VOTE FOR YOUR FAV AT ARTFIRE LINK COLLECTION CONTEST! ~~~ THIS IS A WEEKLY VOTE ON THURSDAYS!

With All White - It's the Design - and the Texture - including Beading

Ruth Sandra Sperling
RSS Designs In Fiber - My Handmade Designs on ARTFIRE






As many who have read here on my blog, I like to use Color in my Designs In Fiber - much of it over the year in Thread Crochet.

But ~~~ I have also done quite a bit of Thread Crochet in one Color - and most of that has been WHITE!

Certain patterns lend themselves to be done in one Color -- and a stark White against a dark background is very Dramatic!  So, in these cases, it is the design(s) or pattern(s) of a piece that is the deciding factor -- and the subject may determine whether it is done in stark CLASSIC WHITE - or the more "primitive" or "rustic" or "country" beiges.

The above video is of only ALL WHITE Thread Crochet pieces I have done myself.

In addition to the pattern - textured stitches and beads add emphasis to certain parts of the design.

In this first example of a Filet Crochet of a Cottontail Rabbit, I used Raised Single Crochet stitches around the shape of the Rabbit -- and Puff Stitches for the Cottontail:

White Cottontail Rabbit Coaster in Filet Crochet

In this Closeup of one point of a Large Snowflake, you can see the Design -- with small Glass Seed Beads on the point and the edge, which adds Texture and a light Sparkle to the piece:

Beaded White Snowflake

In this example, "Popcorn" Stitches are used to crochet the "Pineapple" - called "Popcorn Pineapples" - so here you have both Texture and a Distinctive Design:

Pure White Popcorn Pineapple Crocheted Lace Star Coaster

In this last specific example of a Thread Crochet White Irish Crochet Heart Trinket - White Glass Round Pearls are crocheted inside the center of a Crocheted Rose with 4 layers of 8 petals each - adding Sparkle and more Texture:

Pearly White Heart with 3D White Roses

SEE more by watching the whole video!

Sharing Good Memories - Hebrew Israeli Songs - and the Dancing!

Ruth Sandra Sperling
RSS Designs In Fiber - My Handmade Designs on ARTFIRE






A beautiful version of a beautiful song:
"JERUSALEM OF GOLD" - sung in Hebrew by Shuly Natan, Lyrics by Naomi Shemer

~~ See the video on You Tube for the lyrics in Hebrew transliteration - and English translation.

A-H-H - the days of singing and dancing - from my toddler years when I first did the Hora - to the many hours of singing and dancing in High School - and some International and American Folk Dancing in College!!! ~~~~ Thank You to all my friends from all those days!!

If I was still doing Israeli Folk Dancing, I would be doing the "Dance for Peace" in the video below!!  Lyrics by Aura Levin Lipski and Vera Levin as from this website (Chorus):

We'll dance for peace and we'll sing for peace

We'll add in some hope and a prayer. 

We'll dance for peace and we'll sing for peace

Because all the dancers in the world are one family. 

Our Conscience - We ALL Must ACT to Achieve a Safe Level of CO2 on our Earth

Ruth Sandra Sperling
RSS Designs In Fiber

GLOBAL WARMING, CLIMATE CHANGE, HUMAN-CAUSED, NATURAL -- these are all words in this major discussion about this Condition we have on our Planet.

The Truth must be based on verifiable Scientific Data -- and I have read some of these facts.  It comes down to the measurable level of CO2 on the Planet -- and the level that we need of that CO2 for the environment that our Human Civilization developed in - and is adapted to -- and that has been determined as stated over 2 decades ago by a USA NASA Scientist, Jim Hansen, as quoted below from:  http://350.org/about/science .

"If humanity wishes to preserve a planet similar to that on which civilization developed and to which life on Earth is adapted, paleoclimate evidence and ongoing climate change suggest that CO₂ will need to be reduced from its current 385 ppm to at most 350 ppm."
That will be a hard task, but not impossible. We need to stop taking carbon out of the ground and putting it into the air. Above all, that means we need to stop burning so much coal—and start using solar and wind energy and other such sources of renewable energy –while ensuring the Global South a fair chance to develop. If we do, then the earth’s soils and forests will slowly cycle some of that extra carbon out of the atmosphere, and eventually CO₂ concentrations will return to a safe level. By decreasing use of other fossil fuels, and improving agricultural and forestry practices around the world, scientists believe we could get back below 350 by mid-century. But the longer we remain in the danger zone—above 350—the more likely that we will see disastrous and irreversible climate impacts."

Folks -- that is reality, and he said that over 2 decades ago -- now the current level is stated to be 392 ppm, as is stated on the 350.org website.

Today - Many, many people are marching in Washington, D.C. -- and gathering in other cities across the country -- to show the President (and hopefully Congress) the widespread support from the PEOPLE for actually changing how Life is lived from the Individual level to the highest levels of Government and Manufacturing, so that we can take responsibility for getting back to a level of CO2 on the Planet that is LIVABLE for our Civilization.

But it is a Matter of Ethics - A Matter of our Conscience - in how each one of us Lives our Lives and Works.

Now, it has gotten to the point that we must stand up to the business people who do not seem to realize that business projects they want to do are not healthy for us, the planet -- our "web of life" as we know it on Earth.  (Keystone XL Pipeline - as mentioned in the video above - and the Pebble Mine)

It will take Action - by our President and our Congressional Representatives to set and enforce standards so our life on Earth continues - and by Individuals.  It has become POLITICAL - but it is really HUMANITARIAN!

As stated on 350.org, it means "...transforming our world" (from http://350.org/en/understanding-350#2) :

"How do we actually reduce carbon emissions to get to 350?

     

"Make no mistake—getting back to 350 means transforming our world. It means building solar arrays instead of coal plants, it means planting trees instead of clear-cutting rainforests, it means increasing efficiency and decreasing our waste. Getting to 350 means developing a thousand different solutions—all of which will become much easier if we have a global treaty grounded in the latest science and built around the principles of equity and justice. To get this kind of treaty, we need a movement of people who care enough about our shared global future to get involved and make their voices heard."

So, tho I ask President Obama to take Action - to do what he needs to do as the Leader of the USA - to get the standards set to levels that will result in that transformation - I also ask every single individual to Act on Their Conscience.

We Can - I am sure - and live decent lives.  We need to Understand - Study, Ask Questions, get Educated - see what each of us can do each and every day!!

Note:  I have written about the Issue of "Global Warming" and "Climate Change" here on my blog - click on those links to see the list of my blog posts including about Managing Forests for Climate Change.

Also here are three more links to articles I found written on possibilities from "Climate Change" - including the discussion of what "Climate Change" - not Climate Variability - is.

NASA's HANSEN:  "If We Stay on With Business as Usual, the Southern U.S. Will Become Almost Uninhabitable."

Climate Variability and Climate Change: The New Climate Dice

What Climate Change Will Mean For the California Desert

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How Seeing Actual Works Of Art Helps - In Life and In Doing Your Own Arts and Crafts

Ruth Sandra Sperling
RSS Designs In Fiber - My Handmade Designs on ARTFIRE





I have chosen the ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO to focus on -- as that is where I saw the most ACTUAL WORKS OF ART - especially world-renowned ones.

I guess some would say that I was lucky, but then I was lucky to have the family that I had, because they were the ones who introduced me to the WORLD OF ART - including the ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO.

Growing up in Chicago, where the Museum is, helped.  When I went for a day to Downtown Chicago, it was not surprising for me to end up spending some time over there - this included every time I went home to visit for more than a couple of days!!

Having the opportunity to stand directly in front of a great painting and just look - see the Colors, the brush strokes, how the painter formed each object - you can learn an awful lot.  Especially the paintings I loved - it was sort of wonderous and some of my happiest moments - to observe the creations up close.

How it affected me, as a person - and my actions in life, I am not sure -- but the experiences added something important to me.  And I will never forget them.

I am sure that observing these WORKS OF ART added to how I feel about COLOR in life and in Art - and how it affects a person.

My Mother Judy had studied Art - and encouraged me as a very young child in drawing and imagining.  My parents wrote about it in my "Baby Book" and I have some childhood workbooks from when My Mother Judy spent time with me on it - it is not just some vague memory.

I was a relatively young child when I knew that the Impressionists and Neo-Impressionists (though I thought of them all as Impressionists at that young age) - with their use of such vibrant Colors - were my favorites.  I am not sure when I decided than VAN GOGH - with his slashing brushstrokes in such bold, expressive (communicating such strong feeling) Colors - was my favorite.  To be honest - to this day, he remains my favorite, though I do like many other painters and artists and their works.

But this time, I want to share my experiences (and resulting Studies) with another WORK OF ART:

Special Issue of Art Institute of Chicago Museum Studies:  The Grande Jatte at 100

This Book is about the painting, "Sunday Afternoon on the Island of Grand Jatte" by Georges Seurat - known for his painting in the Technique known as "Pointillism".

If you go to the link for the Book, the Articles in it are listed.  I have the Book - the year it was published (1989) I had a non-local Membership with the Art Institute of Chicago and received it as part of my Membership.

Awed - Fascinated - a little overwhelmed at the detailed accomplishment by the painter of creating such a large painting with such small brushstrokes - in so many colors!!!

In the early years when I looked at it, I really was just overwhelmed and amazed - would look and look and look - and loved it!  It was only in later years, when I had a better understanding of artistic techniques that I had any real understanding of the accomplishment by the painter.

It actually took understanding that "Pointillism" existed as a type of painting, seeing the actual "dots" on the painting -- and other paintings by him -- and later reading the Articles in "The Grande Jatte at 100" plus reading up about Georges Seurat and some of the Color Theorists (almost "scientists" on the theory of Color) that he studied:  Eugene Chevreul, Charles Blanc, Ogden Rood.  (These days it is easy to find papers and information on them online.)

I find fascinating the work Seurat did in creating such a composition with "dots" of colors, "optical mixtures" - I humbly think he must have been both a "scientist" and an "artist"!

I am not sure how experiencing seeing such a creation directly in person affected me, but I am sure that it did - especially as relates to COLOR in ART!

From the Article, "Seeing Seurat Politically" in this book, "The Grande Jatte at 100", I would like to give this quote (pgs. 217-218) where the artist himself (Seurat) "....described his aesthetic:

"Art is Harmony.

"Harmony is the analogy between opposites and the analogy between elements similar in tonal value, color and line, considered in terms of the dominant, and under the influence of lighting, in gay, calm or sad combinations ...

"Given the phenomena of the duration of a light impression on the retina, synthesis is the unavoidable result.  The means of expression is the optical mixture of tonal values and colors (both local color and the color of the light source, be it sun, oil lamp, gas, etc.), that is to say, the optical mixture of lights and of their reactions (shadows) in accordance with the laws of contrast, gradation and irradiation.

"The harmony of the frame contrasts with that of the tonal values, colors and line of the picture."

I feel A Huge feeling of THANKS to GEORGES SEURAT - for Doing it!!