It feels like the Winter season of introductory open-format housewarmings has come to a close. Through these four Sundays of Tea and Crafting in February, I've introduced this place to some folks from nearby in the neighbourhood and others from across town. It's feeling suitably warmed-up and broken-in. People either brought their own hand work - or needle-felted a nametag or painted a mandala. I appreciate the conversations most of all. Feeling grateful for the brave souls who came to check out the fieldhouse in these early days. 

In the past few weeks I've had a variety of visitors to the Fieldhouse and I'm encouraging everyone to bring a project they want to work on. I'm heavily textile-focussed these days - and the projects of folks stopping in have been too. Byron dyed his partner's silk blouse; Karlis made quick alterations to his PJs; and Heather had the great idea of turning a sweater into a pillow. I appreciate working one-on-one and providing a high attention experience. I'm  thrilled to connect with people through these activities. It really is my jam!
Thanks Vancouver Park Board Fieldhouse Program! You Rock!
What project would you like a Maker Buddy for? Please leave me a comment!

Around 2014 I decided to wear and work with natural materials (for environmental and health reasons) as much as possible. I learned felting from Jessica DeHaas at her studio/shop called Funk Shui which was located for many years on Granville Island. From 2014 - 2018 I worked on studio production of Jessica's designs: hats, nuno-felted scarves, wraps, vests and yardage. In the following years until Jessica closed the studio in 2024 I always enjoyed picking up a few studio shifts. What I loved most about her studio was that it was open to the public so we could have conversations with shoppers and the could watch us while we made the felt. This environment was fun and energizing and allowed for connecting while still being focused and productive. Interesting people were always walking through those doors in Railspur Alley! 

Now that I'm working at Adanac Park Fieldhouse, I'm including wet felting and needle felting as a major part of my public programming and creative practice. I've begun by dying wool and making small pieces of fabric. In the days to come I'll make hats, garments accessories and larger textiles. I'm excited to see what these pieces will look like and where this part of the creative journey leads!  You can see some of my past pieces in the shop. For 10 years now I've been making and wearing felt and I've grown to love and appreciate the qualities of this material and textile! It provides such warmth and comfort and I'm looking forward to sharing this with more people in the years to come.

Friendsday is a Tradition! A Potluck! A time to gather, Eat, Chat and Make our Handwork Together! Maybe even Jam & make some Rhythms and Music! You can host a Friendsday! It can be any day of the week! You can do it every week and then you never have to make plans to do it. It just repeats! It's a nice thing to do with neighbours. Remember to help clean up so the hosts feel like doing it again! The End.

These are photos from two recent Friendsdays held at the Adanac Park Fieldhouse. On one of them we celebrated Chinese New Year, aka Lunar New Year, aka the Year of the Snake. Harley and Ali brought some delish fish. (In Chinese, "fish" (鱼 Yú /yoo/) sounds like 'surplus'.) Cass made rosemary snake shortbread cookies. Karen made a scotch broth (homey heaven!) Mendel made spicy green beans  (they look like snakes!) I cooked some dumplings and David made a sheppards pie with chicken that we dubbed a "homestead pie."
What a feast! I Heart Friendsday + ! Heart Friends!