Kate's Pressed Flower Art

Pyramids - 2009 Vacation Part 11

2009-12-13T08:47:00.000-08:00

Saqqara (or Sakkara) is a vast, ancient burial ground in Egypt. This is the massive funerary complex of Djoser dated back 5000 years.

Inside of the funerary complex of Djoser.

Step pyramid - one of the oldest pyramids in the world (5000 years old) is in danger of claps with weather decay. Major restoration work is in progress. The desert wind is strong.

Museum of Memphis: This giant Ramses II statue was discovered in the sand. With all the modern heavy lifting equipment, it was still too heavy to be lifted to upright position. The museum is built around it. I wonder how ancient Egyptians had lifted standing up.

I have found that there were multiple sphinxes in the Memphis Museum. Ancient Egyptian must really found of the power of lion.
We went to a 5 star hotel to have buffet lunch. This is such a beautiful view of the great pyramid of Giza.
The Great Pyramid of Giza.

I went inside! It was a fitness exercise for sure. The tunnel was low and narrow going steep down and then up. Everyone had to bend their knees and bow heads to get through. There was not enough air!!! Fortunately it was not too hot. I cannot imagine going inside in the summer. It was such a mighty human achievement. Stones are all cut and smoothed to the same size. Back then, all this was done by hand! Each stone is so huge. I don't know how they transport and then build to perfection. Thousands of years later, I am standing marveling this last remaining 7 wonders of ancient times.

This is the Great Pyramid of Giza.
The Great Sphinx of Giza.

Visiting the papyrus gallery.

Bethlehem - 2009 Vacation Part 10

2009-11-29T01:02:00.001-08:00

We have visited the Church of Nativity in Bethlehem. Bethlehem is under the Palestinian control so our tour guide from Jerusalem had to leave the bus before the gate. A new tour guide was with us in Bethlehem.
Entrance to the Church of Nativity. Door is built low and small to prevent donkeys from getting in.
Inside of the church. We were all waiting in line to see the birth place of Jesus.

Decoration of the entrance to the lower level where Jesus was born.
This is the place where Jesus was born.
The hall of the church.
Stained glass on window.
A sculpture depicted birth of Jesus.
Out side in the court yard.
In the court yard of the Church of Nativity.
Walking in the street of Bethlehem.

Jerusalem - 2009 Vacation Part 9

2009-11-28T20:26:00.000-08:00

Our cruise ship left Haifa and docked at Ashdod - the largest port for Israel. We got on a tour bus going to Jerusalem and Bethlehem. Standing on the Mount of Olive, we see the old town of Jerusalem with the new town afar.
We have visited the Church of All Nations. It is just next to the Garden of Gethsemane. It enshrines a section of bedrock where Jesus has prayed before his arrest.
Garden of Gethsemane.
The right aisle.
Center section
The bed of rock where Jesus prayed on before his arrest.
The main doom ceiling of the Church of All Nations.
Dung Gate
The Western Wall
The Western Wall
Via Dolorosa - the path that Jesus walked, carrying his cross, on the way to his crucifixion.
Station V.
Walking through Via Dolorasa
Station VI
Station VII
Outside of the Via Dolorosa
Church of the Holy Sepulchre

Under the table is the rock where Jesus was crucified. The altar at the traditional site of Golgotha.
Ceiling of the church.

Rock where Jesus was wiped after his death.
Tomb of Jesus
The Ceiling above.
Door way of the church.
At Jaffa Gate
Tower of David

Sea of Galilee - 2009 Vacation Part 8

2009-11-28T10:59:00.000-08:00

The tour bus came to the Sea of Galilee after leaving Nazareth. We first arrived Mount of Beatitudes. This is where Jesus delivered Sermon on the Mount.The exact original location is not known but the Church of Beatitudes has 1600 years history. Pope John Paul II celebrated a mass here in 2000.

Church is not very big. Decoration is simple but powerful.
Standing in the garden of the church, one can see the Sea of Galilee.

Church of Beatitudes.
Capernaum (ancient name was Capharnaum). This was the home town for Peter, Andrew, James and John, as well as Matthew.
Statue of Peter.
House church in Jesus time.
Capernaum has a long history. This is the ruin of a Roman town.
The oldest synagogue.

Roman ruins
Leaving Capernaum, we came to Tabgha and visited the Church of Multiplication.
At the courtyard of Church of Multiplication.
Mosaic on the ground of the church. The church and mosaic were done in the 5th century.
The stone under the table is where Jesus performed miracle dividing 5 loaf of bread and 2 fish feeding 5000 people.
Another piece of mosaic on the ground.
There is a lily and koi pond in the yard.
Driving to the Jordan River, we had a good view of the Sea of Galilee.
Outside of the River Jordan where Jesus was baptized, there are versus from Mark 1:9-11 in all languages. I was standing next to the Chinese one. It was contributed by Rev Li from Hong Kong.
Jordan River
Beautiful sunset at the Sea of Galilee.

Jesus Home Town Nazareth - 2009 Vacation Part 7

2009-11-28T02:12:00.000-08:00

Our cruise ship left Rhodes and sailed to Haifa, Israel. Here we took a tour bus to Nazareth - home town of Jesus. We have visited the Church of Annunciation. This is the place where the revelation to Mary, the mother of Jesus by the angel Gabriel that she would conceive a child to be born the Son of God took place.
The walls around the courtyard are lined with pictures from all over the world about Mary and baby Jesus.
Above are some of the pictures from all over the world.
The door of the church with stories of Jesus carved.
Wall decoration after we entered.
The site behind me is where the original church was. This is the place angel Gabriel reveled to Mary.
The main hall of the church.
Window in the main hall is decorated with different designs of Mary and baby Jesus.
Wall of the main hall is also decorated with designs from all over the world.
2000 years ago, people were living underground according to archeologist.
Jesus family was living in a cave similar this this one. Exact location is not known but very close to this one.
Outside of the church.

Rhodes - 2009 Vacation Part 6

2009-11-27T17:08:00.000-08:00

The cruise ship docked at Rhodes after leaving Kusadasi. Rhodes is an island at southern Greece. We finally left the rain clouds!

The medieval Old Town of the City of Rhodes is just steps away from the port. Taxi are black and white. The vehicles in the street are taxi - not police cars.

The Colossus of Rhodes, one of the Seven Wonders of the World is what makes Rhodes famous for. The giant sculpture's two legs were stepping on each side of the mouth of the port. The original bronze sculpture was destroyed in an earthquake. Today there is a bronze deer (symbolize Rhodes) sculpture on the site. On the left side of my picture where the mouth of the port is one of the base of the Colossus of Rhodes.

Local mini market in a quiet street.
Main street in the medieval Old Town.
Town center.
Quiet residential area.
Locals set up shops in front of their homes. They don't seem to be eager if business comes to them. They were relaxing and chatting.
I saw this armor in front of a shop and can't resist to take a picture. It gives protection for sure but it is so awkward and heavy. I would be too tired even just to walk wearing this let alone to fight.
Entrance to the clock tower.
The clock tower - highest point of Rhodes.
The mosque next to the clock tower.
Flowers in Rhodes are similar to what we have in S. CA. However, I really like this color that is not common.
One of the gates of the wall. Outside is the port of Rhodes.
Our cruise ship Vision of the Seas docking in Rhodes.

Ephesus - 2009 Vacation Part 5

2009-11-26T16:42:00.000-08:00

Ephesus, Turkey is an ancient Roman city. Virgin Mary spent her last years here. Today it is one of the best preserved Roman town. I have been here a little over two years ago. Seeing it again reminded me happy times we had here back then too.
Old temple - we can only imagine with the remaining columns.

Roman sculptures are incredible. Take a look of this angle. She is still so beautiful with grace weathered more than two thousand years.This is a typical Greek column design.

A large building.

The library.
A sculpture at the entrance of the library.

We can tell how large this city was in Roman days.

The road in the town center is very wide.

A very large and well preserved theater.

Romans must really know how to live. The buildings are all beautifully decorated. Sculptures are very beautiful. And they have such a large theater for their entertainment.

Cruise - 2009 Vacation Part 4

2009-11-26T13:53:00.000-08:00

It was showering the day we get on the cruise ship in Istanbul. We took our time enjoying breakfast in the hotel. Waiting for the bus we have asked the hotel to arranged at the lobby, we have met yet another couple from the US going to the same cruise.

Bus arrived shortly. Staff from the hotel helped us to move the luggage on the bus. There were people going to two cruise ships so we had a large bus.

Bus went through the Golden Horn bridge. Our cruise ship was docked on the other side.
There were many fishing on the bridge.
I had planned to get out on the side where ship docked to look around. Well, the weather wasn't cooperating. It was showering most of the time after we got on the cruise ship. We have already seen all the must see sites. No one wanted to go out. Then we just enjoy the cruise facilities. Ship sailed the next day. It was a little rough. Captain was not able to come to the welcoming party. We appreciate him being on the bridge more. Other senior officers hosted the party well. I understood my limitations on motion sickness so I have already gotten a couple packages of medicines from the ship's medical facility. I took just 1/4 of the adult dosage since I am very sensitive to this kind of medicine. That was just the right amount. I had great time dancing and enjoyed dinner.

We were on this ship last year going to the Mexican Riviera. Everything was familiar coming back. The ship's maintenance has been super. Everything still look spotless and shinny after more than 1 year. All the staff were just as hospitable as before.

Ship took more than a day sailing from Rhodes to Israel. We had another formal night. I think I better wear these pretty dresses before getting too old. I enjoyed dancing again. Music was pretty good on this cruise - a lot better than the Mexican cruise last year.

Lots of walking and all the dancing helped me not gaining any weight although eating a lot on the cruise.

Topkapi Palace and Museum of Archeology - 2009 Vacation Part 3

2009-11-26T12:04:00.000-08:00

Topkapi Palace in Turkey is one of the world culture heritage sites. It is a representation of architecture of Ottoman period.

Weather was pretty good the 3rd day we arrived in Istanbul. We took a short walk after breakfast to the Palace.
The gate is not as grand as some of the other palaces we have been in the world before but it holds its own. Everyone had to dismount before the gate except the Sultan back in the imperial days.
This long corridor used to be the place for carriages.

The courtyard is very large. There were many very old trees like this one.
Doors are fine decorated with gold and color marbles.
Buildings are heavily influenced by Greek and Roman designs.There are colorful tiles for decoration everywhere. Patterns show very fine details in design. After so many hundreds of years exposed outside, the tiles are still so colorful.
There are several of finely decorated marble wash with gold by the entrance of buildings.
View is unbeatable. This side looks out to the bridge connecting Europe and Asia. Istanbul is the only city in the world that situates on both continents.Classical decorated building.Beautiful stained glass windows.
Lovely tiles on a wall. I wonder if they have used real gold burning into the tile. Otherwise it would not be so shinny with rich gold color after hundreds of years.
The colorful marbles (under the tiles) reminded me of marbles in Hagia Sophia.

This is where the parliament met.

We went to a restaurant just outside of the park where the Palace and the archeology museum are located. We wanted to rush back to visit the museum.

We have ordered a mixed meat and a beef sausage pita sandwiches to share. There are lots of food. It came with salad too. We were not able to finish all the food among 4 of us. It was good that we have asked before ordering.
Pita sandwiches were not what we had imagined. The pita sandwiches we have had in the US. The pita sandwiches we have had in the US are almost the same as regular sandwich but using pita bread instead. The pita bread puff up with an air pocket. Cutting the break in half, one can stuff lettuce and meat inside. In better places, they use homemade yogurt source with special spices for the sandwich. Other places just use Ranch dressing. Turkish pita sandwich is more like a pizza. They use different spices so the pita sandwich tasted different from a pizza. The just made pita has very thin crest. It is crispy and soft at the same time. The smell of the pita sandwich just make you want another piece. It is delicious!

The Museum of Archeology is big with 4 major buildings. The treasures inside really surprised us.
Alexandra the Great sculpture was done 300-400 BC.

The legendary Alexandra stone coffin. This was also done 300-400 BC. You can still see the colors. The sculptures around all 4 sides depicts the major battles he was in.

Resting in the open coffee shop in the museum.

Another pleasant surprise was seeing these from the Babylon period.

We had very good impression about Istanbul.

Istanbul - 2009 Vacation Part 2

2009-11-25T21:28:00.000-08:00

We had buffet breakfast in the morning. There were a lot of food. I have tried everything but only liked a few things. Some of the stuff are too sweet or too oily. Everyone complained about the watery coffee. Fortunately I drink tea.

It was raining lightly. We had 3 umbrellas among 4 of us. We brought a $5 one. Then we head to the ATM. I have read that we could get away with using US dollar shopping but need Turkish lira to buy tickets.The pier is very close to the ATM. It is one of the locations from the old James Bond Moving "From Russia With Love". It is also called the Golden Horn. It is too bad that weather is not nicer to see the other side. There is a bridge next to the pier connecting the Golden Horn.
The train station is across the street from the pier. It is more than 100 years old. In this historical district, 100 years seem very young.

After Roman emperor Constantine I (Constantine the Great) made the city the new eastern capital of the Roman Empire on May 11, 330, the city became widely known as Constantinople. He has ordered to build the Hagia Sophia. Hagia Sophia means "Holy Wisdom". Hagia Sophia has been the largest cathedral in the world for almost 1000 years. It has been through earthquakes and fire, Hagia Sophia has been re-built. The building we saw is the 3rd building with about 1500 years of history. It is the best example of Byzantine architecture and has changed the history of architecture. In 1453, Constantinople was conquered by the Ottoman Turks and Sultan Mehmed II ordered the building to be converted into a mosque. Hagia Sophia today is a museum. Hagia Sophia was at once the culminating architectural achievement of late antiquity and the first masterpiece of Byzantine architecture. Its influence, both architecturally and liturgically, was widespread and enduring in the Eastern Orthodox, Roman Catholic, and Muslim worlds alike.
I have seen many pictures before. I have also seen it in the James Bond movie (From Russia With Love). However, nothing compares the impression I get once walking in. It is hard to describe with words.
Hagia Sophia is decorated with beautiful marbles in all colors. Its massive columns are made of whole marble too. The natural colors of marbles form soft contrast. The detailed carving made the decoration even more attractive. There are two very tall stories. It volume ceiling is full of colorful patterns. The upper right of the picture above is the nave of the building. There is a ring of windows at the base of the doom. Light from these window form splendid pattern inside of the building. Bad weather outside did not affect us to appreciate its beauty inside. There are several half dooms on the sides of the main doom. The middle left of the picture above is one of the half dooms. There are large religious signs in Turkish. It is too bad we can't read them. However, we still could appreciate the calligraphy.
There are many mosaic in Hagia Sophia. They are still in vivid bright color After more than a thousand years. The above is Virgin Mary, Jesus, and John the Baptist. Mosaics has been damaged during the crusaid. Pieces were ripped from the walls.
This is the 2nd story. The floor is also made of whole pieces of fine marble just like the ground floor. It is hard to imagine how people were building without the heavy lift equipment we have today. There were not cutting machines back in those days either. How did they cut all the marbles so evenly and polished them so smoothly?
It is so grand looking down from the 2nd floor. Maintenance work were in the progress.
These columns down stairs were in the James Bond movie. It is hard to believe these massive and long columns are carved from a whole marble. I often wonder how people in ancient times with primitive tools could make rounded columns and make them all the same.
The Blue Mosque is across from Hagia Sophia. I can see the infuence in architecture from the Hagia Sophia. The Blue Mosque looks very attractive. There is a garden outside also.
There are beautiful stained glass windows and colorful decorations on the ceiling in the Blue Mosque too. However, I did not have the same deep impression as in the Hagia Sophia.

We went back to the hotel after visiting the Blue Mosque. It was 2 o'clock by the time we went to the restaurant across the street from the hotel to have lunch. There were not too many people there. Food was good. The waiter took lots of desserts to our table. We were pretty full already and we have not ordered any desserts. We were told that the desserts were on the house. Oh, that was nice. We all tried a little. The Turkish desserts were similar to Greek. The one I have tried used phyllo wrapped apple and nuts. It tasted good but again it is too sweet for me with the sugar coating outside. Well, we were surprised when the bill came. They have added desserts in the bill. I think it is a gamic they use. Most of people would feel bad and just go ahead to pay. However, we hate to be cheated. We talked to the manager that we have not ordered any dessert and were told that they were on the house. We would pay for things we have eaten but just don't want to be forced. He had changed the bill and appologized for the mistake. OK, it is not too bad.

The streets in Turkey are very clean. We were in the old historic district. Many streets were the old cabble stone streets. Everyone were washing and cleaning the areas in front of their own stores. Our shoes were not even wet although it was raining because everyone were constantly cleaning up. We had great impression.

The Grand Bazaar is not far from our hotel. However, streets leading there look pretty complicated on the map. No one wanted to walk again after walking 1/2 day already. We took a taxi. The Grand Bazaar is the largest market in the world. There are more than 4000 stores. I thought I wan't going to buy but who could resist things at a bargain? One needs to master the skill of haggling. Every store greeted customers warming in front of their doors. We were able to use US dollars. All 4 of us bought something. We did not feel tired when we found good buys. We shopped until closing.

There were many taxi in front of the Bazaar. However, everyone wanted a lot more money than we have paid coming to the bazaar. Finally we have found one that would accept 2 times of the price we paid coming. He told us that roads were closing due to their national day the next day so price is more. Well, when we get to the hotel, he was asking for Euro instead. How bad could it get? We gave him a few more lira and told him a deal is a deal. Plus, we don't have Euro. He left without an incident. I think we paid more than what we supposed to pay but were glad that we got off without have to pay Euro. I have read about situations like this online before. It was too bad we have encountered it too. We were lucky to get off the situation.

No one was hungry after that big lunch. We just had some soup, salad, and bread in the hotel restaurant.

Turkish Blue Eye - 2009 vacation part 1

2009-11-21T09:32:00.000-08:00

After almost 20 hours of travel, we finally landed in Istanbul from LAX. Hotel has free shuttle. We met a few others from Missouri that going to the same cruise and stay in the same hotel at the airport. The large van is just right size for all of us. It was very crowded going out from the airport. I don't think I would dare to drive in Turkey. The road is wide enough for 3 cars but there were 5. I did not see divider line on the road. How could I? There were just a few inches between cars. And there were so many changing lanes too. I was very nervous sitting in front of the van but the driver was very cool. It took forever to get out of the airport. Roads were not as bad after that. Then I saw a big mosque. The driver told us it was the Blue Mosque. We saw the famous Hagia Sophia on the other side of the van. I knew we were very close to the hotel. Driver told us that the hotel is on a pedestrian only street. We all carried our luggage walking with him. The wheels of our luggage made loud novices on the cobble stone street.

The street was very busy. There were restaurants along sides. There were also water pipe smoking stores, and coffee shops. Tables lined up. There were all kinds of chairs with colorful large thick cushions. It was time for dinner. There were many tourists browsing the menus each restaurants put out. Every restaurant manager were trying hard to convince people to go in. They did not even ignore us with luggage walking by. We all got all sorts of business cards. They also say "Ni hao" (How are you in Chinese) to us.

Passing a few restaurants, we have reached our hotel. Manager had each family/group resting in several lobby sofa. Fruit juice and Turkish candy were served while the manager went through the check-in details with each group. He had given us detailed information on hotel facilities and breakfast buffet. Our rooms included the breakfast buffet. He also gave each of us a blue eye pin. This was the first time I have seen "blue eye". We all asked what is it. He explained that it brings good luck to us. We asked more about it but with language limitation, he was notable to explain more. I have search online after we came back. This is what I have found:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Evil_eye_in_Turkish_Culture

We went out looking for food after settled in our rooms. The restaurant manager across were very warm asking us in. Well, we liked to explore a little bit first. I knew seafood is good in Istanbul. We went to a restaurant with colorful image of their dishes on the menu. It is easier to order when we can see what it looks like. The grilled sea bass was delicious. We had Turkish tea after meal. It was very relaxing sitting in the open restaurant looking at the street.

We walked around near by after dinner. Every gift shops have all kinds of blue eye. Turkey is also famous for their carpet, leather goods, and China. Their originally were imitating Chinese China after they got them from the silk road. Gradually they have developed own designs. There are lots of beautiful designs. It is too bad that China is too difficult to carry. We bought a couple small China magnets with landmarks of Istanbul.

Philadelphia Flower Show Pressed Plant Competition information

2009-09-19T01:58:00.000-07:00

The handbook is out. Here are the classes for the competition.
141 NOVICE CLASS: BLOOMING BASKETS—Create a basket and fill it with
lots of colorful flowers. A minimum of five different types of flowers must be
used. Open only to exhibitors who have not won a blue ribbon in the
Pressed Plant Classes of the Philadelphia International Flower Show prior
to 2010.
142 IT’S A COLORFUL WORLD—Create a landscape scene representing any
country around the world. The country must be named on the entry form.
143 WINDOW BOXES—Pictures must feature at least one window box.
144 WET AND WILD—Have fun making a picture that features a pond, ocean,
lake, or any body of water.
145 THREE-DIMENSIONAL CLASS: TRAVEL JOURNAL—Decorate the cover
of a travel journal. May be coated for protection. Not to exceed 10” x 10”.
To be staged on an easel on a pedestal.
146 YOUTH CLASS: GARDEN FRIENDS— For exhibitors up to and
including 18 years old. Make a picture that features garden friends such
as a bird, butterfly, bee, or other friendly critter. Not to exceed 8” x 10”.

To get more information, link is here:
http://theflowershow.com/attractions/exguide.html

Remember: submit entry form before 11/15.

2009 Philadelphia Flower Show Part 3

2009-03-08T18:36:00.000-07:00

I just love the orchids at the show!

2009 Philadelphia Flower Show Part 2

2009-03-08T16:55:00.000-07:00

The landscape displays at the show are incredible. These are just two examples.

2009 Philadelphia Flower Show Part 1

2009-03-04T05:18:00.000-08:00

I just came back from the Philadelphia Flower Show. I was lucky not to get stuck in the airport with the snow storm and made home even 30 minutes earlier. The show was so impressive.
I have just spent the entire evening uploading all the pressed plant competition work. Everyone can view them from my album.
http://www.kodakgallery.com/ShareLanding.action?c=51diydl5.2grp8f89&x=0&y=b53awu&localeid=en_US
There were so many amazing works this year. That made our judging work so difficult. I am sure everyone will agree with me when you have viewed the photos.
Congratulations to everyone entering.
Congratulations to all of the winners!

CHA Winter 2009

2009-02-01T10:15:00.000-08:00

I was fortunate to have a few days off just on time to celebrate the Chinese New Year and to attend the CHA (hobby show) Winter 2009.
It was so much fun attending the show. I went there two days.
I have watched a few demos and spent a lot of time learning new things. I have gotten some new ideas making unique pressed flower jewelries.
I have also met Nobuo Sugino at the Japanese Pavilion. He had others from IPFAS were there demonstrating Nature Print and postcard making. I am especially happy to see a few large original pressed flower art works displayed in the booth. They were really kind to allow me to get inside of the booth and look at everything closely. They have also displayed other botanical arts such as hair clips, pins, and etc…
Economy has affected the show. It is pretty slow. Most of the booths were not giving out free samples anymore. The ones still having samples were not giving out freely. Nobuo gave out great packages on Nature Print. He was most generous also gave all of my S. CA students each a package. I have taught them in the last part of my class yesterday.

Happy New Year!

2008-12-31T15:34:00.001-08:00

Happy New Year!

Wish everyone a healthy and prosperous 2009.

2008 has been a very busy year. I am grateful for good health, a good job, and a great family. It was good to be able to spend some time working on pressed flowers at this holiday break.

Making Christmas gifts

2008-12-11T22:32:00.000-08:00

It is fun making something new. Simple clear tissue boxes are now so pretty. I am thinking to make one more for myself.

Thanksgiving

2008-11-28T10:10:00.000-08:00

A little over a week ago we were threatened by a fire that has burned a lot of houses in our area. Sky was filled with black smoke. We have packed some stuff in our cars just in case we were to evacuate. What do we pack? First, we packed essential documents, my computer backup, laptop, and all the photo albums. Then we just took some change cloth.
This Thanksgiving, we are thankful that our house is safe. Everyone we know are safe.
As I look out of the window, my roses are blooming beautifully. I am in the mood of creating new things...
Tivoli's fountains were so impressive. It is hard to imagine these fountains were built so long ago with no electrical power needed. Unfortunately, my camera just had to went out of battery that day. However, the fountains and lush maidenhair ferns stuck in my mind.

Making pressed flower cards at lunch

2008-10-12T12:05:00.000-07:00

When workload is super heavy and bad economy news adding more stress, I have organized a card making lunch at work to lift the team spirit.
http://pressed-flowers.info/English/Classroom/Adult%20Classes/Card%20making.JPG

Several people at work were coming to my classes but due to work and family activities, they could not make it this session. Everyone is stressed out already with cuts and added tasks. I have organized a free class at lunch last Monday to lift everyone’s spirit and let everyone to relax a little in the middle of busy schedule.
The regular conference room we usually use seem too small with 16 joined. Several people had to stand up the whole time with me but no one minded. Everyone had great time. I have guided everyone making the rose card (in green card stock). I had extra samples to show everyone other ideas. At the end of the 1st half hour, everyone is done with the rose card. They all went through my flowers getting extra flowers and card making materials. I had to bring more materials the next day to satisfy all the needs.
A few people missed the class due to meetings and lab activities. Everyone is asking if I can do it again soon. It looks like I have to reserve a large conference room the next time. Hopefully we get another chance to take a little lunch break together. Everyone said that it is far better than going out to lunch.

Teaching Nature Print Class

2008-07-21T19:06:00.000-07:00

I have taught the Nature Print Class for Mr. Nobuo Sugino since he couldn't make it to the conference due to his engagements in Japan. I thought I better practice a lot when I found out that I had to teach this class for him. It was actually a lot of fun with nature print methods. All of the sudden, I looked at botanical materials with an additional dimension. Not only would I think about how a material presses, I also wanted to experiment with print. I really have to give credit to Nobuo for these creative ways using botanical materials. I enjoyed using the prints as backgrounds for my pictures too.

At the conference, I had 2 hours to direct everyone learning two techniques. It was a brand new experience for everyone. Very few people were making prints on the silk scarf. Most wanted to practice more on paper before they make an imprint on silk. I have heard from some now that they have enjoyed making beautiful scarves at home.

I am grateful to Nobuo demonstrated the technique to me back in Feb. I had some ideas about his techniques before from looking at pictures of his past demos. However, seeing the real thing was better than anything. And I had chances to ask questions too. Now, through the conference class, I have sow seeds of his techniques in the US, Canada, China, UK, and Nepal. I hope Mr. Sugino is happy with my performance teaching his class.

Moved by supporters' emails

2008-07-21T18:54:00.000-07:00

I have received many emails from people who have enjoyed seeing my displays at the Orange County Fair in the last two years. Everyone is disappointed that I am not in the fair this year. It is great to know that their daughters and grandaughters are still wearing the necklaces that they bought from me. It is so touching to know how they have received compliments with my real pressed flower cards that they sent to their loved ones. I am very happy to know that they have enjoyed displaying my works in their homes and their friends/relatives loved the items they bought from me as gifts. All in all, I am so grateful that so many people have supported me and still remember me.

Thoughts after the conference

2008-06-29T08:29:00.000-07:00

Conference bridge gaps and facilitate communication between different organizations. We have learned so much from the UK members in the conference. As I recall that they demand everyone follow their framing standard. I now understand why. It makes the artworks so much better and professional. Seeing things online and seeing them in person is something totally different. If one looks at the competition results on mini bouquet online, one must wonder how could Carolyn Foster's tiny bouquet won over Marie Ann's magnificent peony arrangement? The quality of English work is just impeccable. While I will continue using vacuum sealing method but I am thinking to improve the back of the frame for bridal works according to UK method. I have been talking about the iron-on film that the UK people are using. I think I have convinced a few to try. However, there was overwhelming demand at the conference after Denise Stirrup showed all kinds of lamination results on exhibition. And people looked at the quilts in person. I have asked Denise to do a short demo. I ran out of films due to demand (I had 150 feet to start with). For years Denise has told me about the "iron-on" film. It did not click until I saw her quilt patches in person. Without the conference, this type of exchange would not happen> because seeing the actual things is everything.

Now that everyone went home. I finally have a little time to sit down reading the pressed flower art text book that Guoju copied for me. She is the chief editor. Xianghuan is one of the authors. I am so impressed by the content especially the sciences of pressed flowers, color retention, dyes including botanical dyes. I only had beginner biology and chemistry in middle school which was taught in Chinese. My higher education were done in the US. I have a degree in bio-medical engineering so I had extensive training in biology and chemistry (including organic and bio chemistry). It is very difficult to read these in Chinese but I recognize the chemical formulas. My goodness! They have done a lot of researches in this area already. The experiments are so interesting. No wonder they teach pressed flower art in universities. They have details on red, pink, green, white, blue color retention theories and some techniques. They are so humble in the conference about their knowledge! I feel very good knowing them. We all got to know Guoju for a few years. Xianghuan ended up is one of the authors for a very good pressed flower book published in the late 90s. I have had the book for years. She holds 2 patterns in pressed flower art. I was so touched that she said she got into pressed flower art because of seeing it on my website when she introduced herself in the conference. I am also very touched that they have recognized me in their book for my critiques in some chapters.

Meeting the Japanese group back in Feb makes me understand how important it is to be able to communicate. They don't speak English. I don't speak Japanese. I was fortunate that Sandy is an excellent translator. IPFAS invited me to the conference next year in Japan. I think I will go. I guess I will just find my way there with everyone speaking Japanese.

All these makes me wonder if there is a way to communicate without language barrier. So many people have done so much everywhere in the world. I guess it is time to pick up another language.

1st day at the conference

2008-06-21T21:47:00.000-07:00

We had a wonderful day at the conference. I am so happy to see some old friends and meeting some friends I have met online for the first time.

My mom attended our opening. Well, she has grown flowers and pressed for one of my classes I will teach. I am so proud of of her.

Our inspiration Cellestine made to the conference. She has even done a demo of her framing method to us. I am so happy to finally see her in person.

The competition result is announced at the conference. Unfortunately I have left the result sheet inside the classroom so please be patient for one more day. Here are the 3 first place winners. It is too bad that I cannot remember the persons' names for category 1 and category 3.

Beautiful artworks!

2008-06-19T21:59:00.000-07:00

I spent 1/2 day judging many beautiful pressed flower artworks with 2 other judges. Competition is very tough this year with so many wonderful entries. We still have more works to do tomorrow. Our work is not easy since every piece is so good.

Had a nice dinner with all the friends at the hotel. I still have to pack up the last things for tomorrow's setup. We are almost ready for the conference. It is so exciting to see all the old friends and meeting new ones.

Most of the members arrived have either enjoyed the pool or had fun in Downtown Disney. Some are even driving all over S. CA. I am very happy to see everyone having good time. We will have 3 packed days together. It is great when everyone is rested up after long trips.