UNIQUE WORKS DESIGN STUDIO

UNIQUE WORKS DESIGN STUDIO...

I have been on the verge of spreading the news of my design studio since our move to The Kootenay's in 2012. There have been postings here and there on a page I created on Facebook several years ago simply called UNIQUE WORKS with a small following of folks from several corners of the globe.

I have kept this studio pretty much to myself during our period of adjustment to a new place. That time has arrived to spread my wings a wee bit and share some of what I love to do.

Rustic Bench

Twig Light Tree

Rustic Maplewood Basket

Rag Rug

Rag Rug

Antique Window Caulk Board

Rustic Bench.

Willow Egg Basket

Antique Window Flower Planter

Large Gathering Basket.

These creations represent both past and present works.

After many years of working upon my own self discovery as an artisan I have often wondered, why do I move from one medium to another. Finally I have discovered that I sometimes lose interest when doing the same thing for too long. So I have learned to go with how my mood hits me and create what moves me at any given time. Just going with the flow.

Parting words of wisdom that I often refer to are shown in my last image. Often a personal mantra I repeat whenever I feel discouraged.

PEACE OUT Patty J.

Off Grid Reality

This morning I have decided to write about some of the realities we have faced here at Mini Camp Pavo. 

The image below was taken at the start of winter  2015. The view has changed somewhat as has our off grid experiences. I have personally learned that this current way of life is truly not for the faint of heart or spirit. It has been, and I am sure will continue to be, a test of endurance and learning.

Mini Camp Pavo

It is Jan.12th. 2017 four years since our new journey began and I am happy to report that we are continuing upon an endless learning curb even though we have faced and endured some interesting off grid realities.

Our first year here in the West Kootenays found us renting a mobile home which was only the beginning of the many changes. After living most of my life in suburbia I see now that I took for granted the many conveniences that were a part of my everyday life. Running water a real flush toilet as well as a warm and cozy environment within my home provided by the furnace.

We continue to live without running water a real flush toilet as well as a speedy way to tap into heating our space. The slow but steady source of heat is provided to us by the wood stove with of course the trailer furnace as backup. I have to say I now prefer the heat from the stove.

During these past seasons we have been also focusing upon  the completion of our new home Earthship Pavo Natura. After two years of construction Pavo has gone from the filling and pounding of the first tire to the start of the in home skeleton known as Timber Framed posts and beams. When the very first tire was completed we were still submerged within the romance of this new adventure especially when we were surrounded by the many wonderful volunteer guests some of which had traveled many miles in search of an earthship hands on experience.

View of one tire wall 

Before the winter of 2016 arrived we slowly but surely worked upon our to do chore list before the cold set in. Wood was gathered mostly with the wonderful help of family, friends and neighbours. The wrapping up of our earthship structure was covered up with tarps to secure the integrity of the tires which gave us peace of mind. We also added on an extension to our outer deck to keep the cold of winter and snow away from our storage area. The only chore we did not complete was the completion of new greenhouse plastic which has presented a new reality by way of a collapsed roof. Definitely a live and learn situation here folks tromping through knee high snow while covering PVC pipes with a new 40ft. by 40ft. tarp.

Sad sight

Winter has a way of presenting us with never taking anything for granted. It is truly a humbling experience. I just recently shared my feelings surrounding waking up during the night not seeing anything but complete and utter darkness within our current home, once again humbled.

"We must accept finite disappointment,"said Martin Luther King,Jr.,"but never lose infinite hope."

We have a along way to go until we start moving into our new home but it obvious that we have come too far to give up now. Stay tuned to the announcement of the long anticipated Earthship Pavo Natura House Warming Party!

PEACE OUT Patty J.

We are all creative!

After many months of silence due to writers block and another busy construction season on our Earthship (off grid home) I finally have a topic to go on about.

It's all about being creative within your own home. I'm not just talking about how to organize and decorate your nest. I'm referring to my own very personal journey towards being self sufficient enough to continue on with what and who I am. This, for me, encompasses earning a living teaching and creating practical indoor as well outdoor items using a combination of nostalgic memorabilia, some refer to as junk, natural gifts from Mother Nature and last but not least some additions of replicated items of the past newly created in order to move ones heart strings linked with fond memories of growing up.

Wow I know quite a serendipitous gathering of words to describe my passion, simply put ... the joy of being creative ...

Mother Natures Shadow Box.

Homemade rag rug.

Dream market venue.

The first image Mother Natures Shadow Box was discovered while on line for inspiration. I have seen this type of shadow box before. But this example really inspires me to make my own. For a special spot in our home or for a unique gift for a friend.

The second image I shared above is an example of rag rug weaving. I created this rag rug from weaving yards of bed sheets. One can also replicate this beauty with old clothing, table cloths any fabric really. Bed sheets are my favourite as i have not used flat sheets for years so for practicality sake it was time to recycle my collection of flat sheets into these rugs.

Third image as described is an example of a crowd pleasing way to transport and display all my creations at local framers markets. Dream market venue. I totally see this within my future.

During our off season away from our house project I dive into scanning the web for inspirational ideas. I then store them away for those many grey winter days, that are the norm here in the Kootenays. My goal for this coming winter is to work diligently towards building my inventory for 2017 and the many markets that are offered within my area. 

In the meantime I visualize meeting more and more like minded creative folks. The best blessings arrive within our lives during those times when we least expect meeting new people and their ideas. 

So attention all artisans out there pursue your dreams within the huge world of creativity and when you are inspired by an idea take some time to do some homework, surround yourself with positive people, believe in yourself and your dreams, and the blessings will certainly visit you.

 Time to believe, create and teach!!!

PEACE OUT !!! Patty J.

Pavo Garden!

We have been blessed by rain off and on since May. There are now two 45 gallon drums collecting the rain for household and garden use.
With these water catchers set up we were able to plant a small garden within our Pavo Camp yard.

Here is one small part of the garden.

Our tomato cages.

Beginning of bark placement.

So far so good with the garden growth of some new perennials and veggies. Veggies include tomatoes,peppers and scarlet runners. New perennials include Chinese Silver Grass,a Rudbeckia and a Butterfly plant. Water ranks within the top 10 for sure of necessary ingredients for any gardens growth. Two simple water tanks in our yard has made such a difference this year in our Pavo Garden.

PEACE OUT Patty J.

My Happy Place.

Inspiration has finally arrived during this grey day in January.

Today I have become inspired to write about "My Happy Place".  This place I speak of is pretty much summed up in two words Unique Works.

Unique Works design studio originated while I was in Red Deer Alberta during some of my most test filled times. It was during these times when I chose mostly be in the company of my dearest friend, nature.
Ma nature has and will always be my most steadfast of friends.
Twas when I was a child that I first met her. She and I spent a lot of time together along with my twin sister and other childhood friends.

As I write today so many childhood memories come flooding back within the realms of my brain. My twin and I spent times together catching tadpoles, chasing garter snakes in the grass, swimming, skipping, climbing trees, and last but not least of all picking flowers. All the best of the best natural fun found growing up in the fifties and the sixties.

Being surrounded by flowers became a passionate affair. Little did I know that this love affair I speak of would become, my chosen career of becoming a professional floral designer.

Becoming a floral designer was only the beginning of my personal career journey. Floral designing  then branched out towards teaching within the private and public sectors which then lead to a natural transition of creating Unique Works design studio. It was during this time that I found another passion, my attraction to mostly the old and sometimes forgotten  items mixed in with natural products.  Old windows, rusty bits, old doors, barn wood just to name a few.

Present day Unique Works are found mostly on my Facebook page and in our yard but will soon to be re-surfacing as an operating design studio and workshop facilitator.

In the meantime I will continue my days working on re-inventing myself. Applying what I have learned so far along with all of my recored and saved researched files. Unique Works is a huge part of my self-proclaimed love affair with nature which will aways be woven and entwined within my soul.

So until we meet again I will keep you posted.

Rustic bench...


PEACE OUT!!!
Patty J.

Christmas Eve

Hello once again...

Christmas excitement is in the air.

Want to share some winter wonderland pictures to all first before carrying on with my holiday wishes and thoughts. LOL you will find pictures below.

These recent pictures very much depict the seasonal feel here on our hill top. Even though much of our winter season is grey and sadly lacks the wonderful sunshine but we find ways of keeping busy with daily chores and crafting.

Today is the day before a special holiday known around our world as Christmas day. Different traditions mark today as the beginning of the holiday season (or not).  Over the years my family had our own traditions. We were often found, as kids, being given an opportunity to pick one gift under the Christmas tree to open. Picture myself and my twin sisters excitement as we reached in for that special something, which was always labeled Christmas Eve Gift from Santa. Interesting as children how we were amazed by these presents every year being jammies, how did santa know how much we loved new PJ's. It is now years later and this special family tradition is still very much apart of who we are today, with one change, I am now part of a brand new family that I share with my best friend and partner. There are new daughters and grandkids, son-in-laws, friends, dogs, cats and oh so much more. I do feel very blessed.

What we share here in this our brand new home province of British Columbia are serendipity surprises that are full of non material treasures. Of course my childhood traditions changed somewhat during my time when I moved away from home and began my own family. But even though my location has changed as well as my partner we share a common thread of each of our own holiday joys and traditions and I look forward to all the new and different ways they all have in celebration of December 24th. and 25th.

As I write about these memories  filled with fondness I am also feeling a surge of sadness due to the loss of some family members. Mom and Dad you are missed  durIng this time of year, love you forever. Thank you for the many years of special holiday memories. Also feel the distance between my daughter and her husband during this time. Cam and Jill know that you are loved by us always, have a super special Christmas. One more shout out to all family and friends both long time and brand new we wish you happiness and joy throughout this season.

May all your hopes,dreams and wishes come true! We so look forward to sharing of more new and old from the inside of our brand new Earthship home Pavo Natura next year.

PEACE OUT!!! Patty J. and Kurtsie

Surreal winter sunrise.

Almost a white out but oh so magical!

This is one of my happy places.

Gorgeous!

Never Say Never November!

Now that our recent guests have come and gone I wanted to take the time today to once again say a huge shout out to Simon, Taylor, Josh and Jessica.

Three of you had the amazing opportunity of spending a month in Taos Mexico learning many earthship biotecture construction concepts.

After this exciting month away Simon and Taylor arrived here first sharing their time and energy towards our continued tire pounding. Josh and Jessica showed up the day that Simon and Taylor carried on towards their homes. Once again we found a blessing shared with us from yet again the younger generation of today.

The priceless gift of your time has helped us to be many steps closer to the completion of the tire work. You have all brought us closer to the fulfillment of our dream, making the world a better place one tire at a time

You have all given Kurt and I the inspiration to carry on. Who knows you may see some snowy images of us carrying on "one tire at a time" this winter.

We are oh so very much in awe of the independent hard working nature of each and everyone that have been on board with us from the beginning of our earthship dream.

Josh and Jessica

Simon and Taylor

Thanks

So never say never...

PEACE OUT Patty J.