This Valdres-style rosemaling project shows careful craftsmanship and a clear understanding of the traditional elements of the style. The plate and two Christmas ornaments—a small sled and a bell—feature dark-blue backgrounds that set off the floral patterns. The flowers, leaves, and scrolling are painted with steady brushwork, clean lines, and controlled shading, staying true to the recognizable forms used in Valdres rosemaling. Each piece is carefully executed, demonstrating attention to detail and a respectful approach to this Norwegian decorative art tradition.

Resources:

• NorthHouse Folk School
• Vesterheim Museum and Folk Art School

Wool Felting in Two and Three Dimensions explores the art of creating small sculptures and shapes from wool using the needle-felting process.

Projects range from simple forms, like the orange pumpkin with a green stem (peduncle), to more intricate creations, such as the red Swedish Dala horse featuring reins, an ornate saddle, belt, and flowing mane. While fine-diameter wool is often preferred for delicate work, these pieces were crafted using medium-diameter wool, demonstrating versatility and control.

Needle-felting allows for limitless creativity: small animals, flowers, fruit, leaves, stars, and abstract shapes are all possible.

Wool’s natural, sustainable, and abundant qualities, combined with the artist’s skill and patience, result in charming, tactile objects that highlight both craftsmanship and imagination.

This project explores the art of hand-carved Linoleum printing, a process that blends precision and creativity.

The work begins with a carefully drawn image, which is then transferred onto the Linoleum using a tracing sheet.

The design is meticulously carved in reverse, leaving raised areas to hold ink and recessed areas to remain blank, creating the interplay of positive and negative space.

Once the carving is complete, the linoleum is evenly inked and pressed onto paper, producing a crisp, detailed print that captures the texture and depth of the original design.

This method highlights craftsmanship, attention to detail, and the tactile nature of traditional printmaking.

Drawing and sketching are fundamental skills that bridge observation, creativity, and communication.

From capturing the intricate twists of a Celtic knot to mapping out the flow of a website interface, drawing allows ideas to take tangible form.

Mastery of line, shading, and perspective brings depth and dimension, while attention to light, shadow, and texture enhances realism and emotional impact.

Each sketch is both a study and a statement—an exploration of form, space, and detail that informs and elevates any creative project.