Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Happy Halloween 2012



Urban Kootenay Deer. Scary!!

In the old days, Samhain was often associated with a blood sacrifice, perhaps arising from the fact that animals were slaughtered for winter foodkeeping at this time. You could make a "blood" sacrifice by signing up to be an organ donor. You could save more than one life. Check out this link:
http://atlantic.ctvnews.ca/lifelong-friends-receive-kidney-transplants-from-same-donor-1.1017458

 And a great pinterest board of costume ideas:

Sunday, October 28, 2012

Skull scarf

I bought this wonderful at the gift shop of a cave I visited in Arizona.

Simple enough to tie it around the waist to make a skirt (a bit bulky though)

I like to tie two corner together on either end to make a shrug.

A quick cover up.


A sugar skull painting from last years Halloween.

Go  check out the other scarf wearers at Not Dead Yet Style:

Friday, October 26, 2012

Monster Mash-up


And oh yeah, If I move into a house and weird crap starts happening and some disembodied voice tells me to get out....watch for a big old Paula size hole though the wall.

Wednesday, October 24, 2012

Halloween collages

I made a few Halloween collages. I had intended to make one for each day of October. Ah well, nice idea.

Watched "the Woman in Black" last night. I had to watch about a third of it through my fingers. I made a point of never watching scary movies when I lived alone!

Tuesday, October 23, 2012

Wet, early snow!

Woke up to a fresh, early, wet snow.
fiona was much more excited than she appears here.

fire pit

I decorated the garage this weekend. Hillbilly chic.


Outdoor gear. Not fashionable but serviceable. Have to go shovel the steps now.

Monday, October 22, 2012

I'm an onion

Still exploring the lagenlook style. I made this jumper as a trial. It has fun big, baggy pockets and a slightly asymmetrical hem (which we will say is part of the look....in reality, it didn't cover my backside to my liking and I added on with leftover scraps). I think I would prefer this look with a t-shirt under.

Big loose  asymmetrical shirt over. Very comfy, kinda artsy. Makes me think of the Aesthetic Dress Movement of the 19th century. Hey, I'm an onion....I have layers.
Go check out the fashion exploration at :


Wednesday, October 17, 2012

Need some Liking





Still missing my beautiful boy, Jinx. He disappeared last fall. He was luxuriating in the warmth of gaunch fresh out of the dryer.

If I can get 30 people to like me on facebook, they will start giving me statistics feedback. You can help. Go to the link and click like.

http://www.facebook.com/pages/CrazyRavensStudio/119370388073501

P.S. The link appears to not work for some people. I don't know why. If you are in facebook, You could just try searching Crazy Ravens Studio.

Monday, October 15, 2012

Skull and Crossbones

I decided to try McCalls pattern 6503. I though it looked super easy. Eh, not as much. There was a fair amount of cursing involved. If anyone can explain the sewing of the neck facing, I would appreciate it. However, when I saw this fabric on sale at Fabricland, I nearly skipped. I love the idea of the skull and crossbones and the demure little dress. I think I will make a belt covered in the fabric rather than this black one. I will enjoy wearing it through out October though.

 Drop by and wish me Happy Birthday! Today's the day.
Secret birthday wish: a pair of Fluevogs! If anyone knows where I can find a pair for a reasonable (read cheap!) price, let me know. I am still trolling Ebay.

 And go check out Visible Monday at Not Dead Yet Style:  http://notdeadyetstyle.blogspot.ca/2012/10/visible-monday-68-minor-color-blocking.html

Friday, October 12, 2012

Midnight at the Oasis


This is going to be a great event. We attended the murder mystery dinner a few years ago. It was terrific fun and the food was wonderful. I am feverishly working on our costumes. Hope to see you there. Call Pynelogs to get tickets.

Last Paddle?

We have had six glorious weeks of warm, dry, autumn weather. I went out for a paddle the other evening. I wanted to take advantage of the warm, still day as it might be my last chance to take the kayak out. The lake just north of the boat launch was smooth as a mirror. I was able to paddle very close to a herd of 40 Rocky Mountain Bighorn sheep who were enjoying the pasture by the waters edge. Half a dozen fierce rams kept a wary eye on me as I admired the many nannies and silly kids. It was blissful.

Wednesday, October 10, 2012

Hunter's Cabin


 Not far out of town is a man's hunting cabin.

 It is quite rustic but so appealing.




 A little bridge over the creek. 

 A wood supply.

Golden autumn trees.

 A hard working string of trail horses enjoy their well-deserved rest.

Wish I could stay there with them.

Sunday, October 7, 2012

Take a Scarf


 I have a beautiful sheer scarf that I seldom wear because it was so large that I couldn't figure out a way to wear it.


I could wrap it around a black skirt to make a skirt.
 Or a terrific vest. HOW TO? watch this:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=32J57uoUfBM







Friday, October 5, 2012

Sea shells


I recently was able to have some bisque pottery that I have been packing around for 15 years fired. I am rather happy with the results.


Wednesday, October 3, 2012

A Noble spirit rests


  Kirra has passed on. I had her for 13 years.  She was one of the most beautiful dogs I have owned.
Willful, stubborn, fast as lightening. Strong enough to break your wrist. A fierce looking and excellent watch dog but gentle tempered. She was extremely wary of some men but loved hanging out with the girls.
She would become terribly upset and defensive around screaming children, even if they were just playing. I guess she felt protective. She used to cuddle with her buddy Jinx.
She did not like to be photographed and she hated me for this one. But it still cracks me up.
May you be hunting lots of squirrels somewhere.