It is Solstice, our darkest day and yet my soul still lingers in November light. It was a month of renewed creative energy for me. The darkening monochromatic landscape was highlighted by hints of deep mustard gold that enthralled me. Thin slivers of saffron flashed in dark woods. Remnants of golden reeds prickled at the edges of marshes and in the last leaves of oaks.

I made natural dyes of mustard gold from the very last green alder leaves salvaged from sheltered streams. I simmered and soaked a damask tablecloth in onionskins for almost 3 weeks till the linen yielded a yellow the colour of beeswax. This deep gold seems to be a hallmark colour for me.

I spent a special 3 days on solo retreat at Becca’s cottage on Mush-a-Mush Lake. Oh, the bliss of solitude to write, stitch and read. My bundle of natural dyed linen and wool spread out by the woodstove for inspiration.I was deeply affected by Clarissa Pinkola Estés writings on the ebb and flow of creativity which she describes as being analogous to a living river. It is the most accurate description I’ve read on how we can struggle with creativity, loose it. and reclaim it. It’s Women Who Run With the Wolves, chapter 13, if you’re interested. Good, good medicine for this soul.

Now the snow and Christmas season has displaced my November time. I’m so looking forward to the quiet days of January for time in the studio. All good wishes to you this holiday season and thanks so much for following me in 2018. I’ll have lots more to share in 2019, including another tour to South Africa in April. I’m also on Instagram for regular photos of studio makings, it would be lovely if you followed me there.