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I'm glad I don't get graded on my timeliness with these newsletters. I guess that is one of the benefits of being a spoiled brat artist. I can be late if I want to, and no one even complains. Heh Heh Heh.

In this issue

Mark calendars for Art in the Park - Sat., June 7
What is the difference between the Byrdcall Newsletter and the Byrdcall Blog?
Creative People Shout Out
New Rya Project based on a Monet painting
Puppy Mischief in the Studio

Stop by to visit my booth at

Art in the Park in Westminster, MD

City Hall Park on Sat., June 7

Here's my double-wide Booth from last year with my friend, Sarah, helping me out.

I lose track of time, but I believe this is my 14th year in a row of showing my art work at Art in the Park. The first year, I had so little to show, my 10' x 10' tent looked pretty empty. Now I can't even consider doing less than a 10' x 20' space. Please come see my latest designs in shirts among other things.

So, what is the difference between this Byrdcall Newsletter and the

Byrdcall Blog?

I have been meaning to explain this for months now. This is the Newsletter. You subscribe, and receive it once a month, no more. My intention is to keep in touch, share studio excitement each month, tantalize, but not overwhelm your email box with too many emails. There are usually a half dozen features in the Newsletter.

You can also subscribe to The Byrdcall Blog. It usually has just one subject at a time presented. If I was truly 'on the ball," I would send out one a week, but it's usually one or two a month. If you really enjoy hearing from me, please sign up for the blogs too. But truth is... in my newsletter, I often give you a sentence or two on a project, then give you the blog link so you can go read it if you want to--or not. The really fun thing about the blogs is people can leave comments under each posting which makes it more interactive than the newsletter. To sign up for the blog, most links here will take you to my web site. You'll find blog sign up in the right hand margin. Join us!

Creative People do Creative Things

I have come across some pretty fascinating people in my quest to learn all I can about rya history, techniques, and creativity.

My new friend, Heli Miikkulainen-Gilbert, from Finland just won an

A'Design Award for her Eco-Fur.

Read more here on my blog

Then click on her link to see the winning convertible coat.

If you or someone you know has created brilliant, "out-of-the-box" works of art, let me know!

A Rya Rug Design for Bill P.

I must admit I feel bad when someone asks me to do a project for them, like a floorcloth, or a set of handpainted glasses, when I am too busy to actually do the work. Writing my book has forced me to say "no" on some projects I would love to take on.

About 6 months ago (or more?) Bill P. from New Jersey asked me to design a rya rug with the colors and appearance of Monet's "Bridge Over a Pond of Water Lilies." He wants to make it as a 6' x 4.5' wall-hanging.

Now this is just too much fun to say "no" to. But I put him off for a while thinking the book would have been completed ages ago. Well, the book is NOT complete, but to keep my sanity, I am working on this project for him now. Stay tuned to my progress, and if Bill is willing, maybe he will send us photos of his progress. Don't hold your breath, but I'll keep you posted in the coming months. By the way, for those of you who are thinking of making a rya rug, I will teach you some techniques that might work for you in this series.

What is this? If you subscribed to my blog, you would know!

This is the result of my funny little dog being playful...or maybe trying to be helpful. Not exactly my idea of fun...but definitely funny. Click here to see "the REST of the story."

And this is the end of the May Newsletter.

Once again, thank you for taking the time to read what is going on in and around the studio. I love and appreciate your comments. Why not sign up for my blog postings if that would add to your enjoyment in life? Click here to sign up for Blogs

Cheers! And enjoy each day of this lovely spring.

Melinda