Francesca Lucia: What’s The Latest?
Let’s Pound Leaves
As a tribute to Indigenous Day, we pounded leaves. The Native Americans used to pound leaves onto their tipis for decoration. Of course, they used rocks and we use hammers, but they both work! We were a small, but mighty group tonight. We used a hammer to pound away at the chlorophyll, that leaves have, to make an imprint on cloth. We learned a few things: You have to pound hard! It really depends on what kind of leaf that you use. Oak and rhododendron leaves are too hard to get the juices flowing! Daisy leaves give good green! Red and yellow leaves give good color. Small leaves give you a good sense of completion! You have to use fresh leaves, and this was discussed at length. After arriving home I thought, “Put them in the refrigerator in moist paper towels.” That might just solve the freshness issue!
Remembering Regina
Tonight I was showing these rock photos in my class, and they reminded me to stop, and give a special remembrance to Regina. Regina is in these photos, taken at a birthday party in Alabama, in which I taught rock painting. We had a lot of fun that night. She was definitely crafty and witty. Also, I love this photo of Anne holding up a rock. Anne told me tonight that learning to rock paint has kept her sane, and that she will be forever grateful. The birthday girl Jennifer, is a long time friend of mine, but was especially close to Regina.. Since I was in Maine today, I was unable to attend Regina’s celebration of life. I wanted to take a moment to remember that the people that I teach, the moments that we share, and the things we learn from each other are gifts that shouldn’t be taken for granted. Regina was a gift to us. May she rest in peace.
Let’s Make Fresh Pasta!
After an evening and a day class with Ogunquit-Wells Adult Education, 10 of us made fresh pasta! I enjoyed meeting everyone, especially the birthday girl who celebrated her special day with us. We started with flour, salt, eggs and then added oil and water. Most of the work was done using our hands. We mixed the dough until it became a round ball! After a dough rest and time to share, we rolled and rolled and rolled the dough. There was beautiful work cutting the pasta into strands of deliciousness. We closed with a demonstration using a mixer pasta tool. I think most thought the electric version might be something to considered. The holidays are right around the corner to hint for pasta making tools! The classes were lots of fun and we learned something too! Mangia!
Here are some helpful links:
Charlie Gitto’s on the Hill, Italian Restaurant, Saint Louis, MO
Concrete Stepping Stone Class, June 2021
Back in June when it was warm in Maine, a couple of ladies from the Great Works Regional Land Trust, gathered in my cool basement to learn how to make concrete stepping stones. One formed a tree out of her stain glass and the other a heart. It was a wonderful class. It just goes to show you that if you have an idea, you can contact me and learn something new for useful’s sake. Kudos to the Great Works Regional Land Trust for all that they have made new happen for the state of Maine.
Kennebunk Artisans Fair
Well, this Saturday, October 2nd will be my last Artisan Fair. I had an idea, I made it happen and I completed the journey! It was a total of 12 weeks! I met so many wonderful people. I was happy that people saw my art as something that they wanted to purchase. It feels great to know that my work is shared in their home or as a gift. A special thank you to Linda Thompson from Kennebunk Parks and Recreation and Nancy who creates the table maps. On to the next project: Teaching courses with the Wells-Ogunquit Adult Education.
