A New Approach to Fabric Design

12 Monday Jan 2015

Posted by Darcy in Art

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cranes, penguins, scooters, Sumo, textile design, vespas

A few of my textile art friends have used a digital printing service for the past couple of years called Spoonflower. They print original designs onto a variety of fabrics – from cottons, polys and silks to linen, canvas and faux suede. Lots and lots of talented designers from around the world use their service. Anyone can purchase the fabric (they also offer removable wallpaper and gift wrap) and artists get a small commission if their design is purchased. Search for your favorite things you never thought you would see on fabric!

So far I’ve done Cranes (of course), Sumo Wrestlers (what?!?), Penguins (they have a contest), Vespas (I wish I had one), and Scooters (a gift). Click on the image to get to the website with all of the designs.

©2015 Darcy Love, all rights reserved.

Remember when the cranes were here?

27 Monday Jan 2014

Posted by Darcy in Art, environment, Nature, wildlife

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cranes, migration, Sandhill Cranes

Sandhill Cranes migrate to wintering grounds in large groups. This image was captured in late fall/early winter 2013 as Sandhills of all ages congregated at staging areas throughout Wisconsin. Agricultural fields were gleaned of waste grain, small invertebrates and plant material over several weeks. Once the cranes built up enough reserves to sustain them on their journey, they stretched their wings to nearly 6 ft. and let warmer rising air lift them to an altitude where they could glide for miles before having to flap again. This method of flight helps conserve precious energy — especially important if resources are scarce along the flyway.

This juvenile Sandhill made his (or her) first migration with his family and spent the winter with them. Parents separate from young cranes in the spring when they establish their nest and begin to raise the next generation of Sandhill Cranes.

Juveniles are distinguished from adults by the lack of bare red skin atop their heads. As the cranes mature, a white cheek patch develops as well. Large groups of cranes seen during nesting season are usually young birds that have not yet found a lifelong partner.

Zugunruhe!!

23 Saturday Nov 2013

Posted by Darcy in environment, Nature, wildlife

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cranes, migration, Sandhill Cranes, Zugunruhe

There is dancing…and then there is Zugunruhe!!

All species of cranes dance – to strengthen pair bonds with their mates, relieve stress – and, just maybe, because it’s fun. But Zugunruhe (German for zug – to move, and unruhe – anxiety) describes the restlessness of migratory species just before they leave on their journey. The Sandhill Cranes that have been feeding in the cornfields of south central Wisconsin these past few weeks are becoming restless. So I will continue to share photos of them while they are here, because all too soon they won’t be…

Click on a photo to see it big.

Yet More Cranes…

13 Wednesday Nov 2013

Posted by Darcy in environment, Nature, wildlife

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cranes, International Crane Foundation, Sandhill Cranes

Sandhill Cranes migrate in family groups, such as this pair with two juveniles! Cranes lay two eggs each season, but often just one chick will survive to fledge and then migrate south with its parents. When food is abundant and the parents teach their chicks good survival skills, both survive and become healthy adults. Click on the photo below for a larger image.
The youngsters are distinguished by the lack of bare red skin atop their heads. As they molt and get their adult plumage, the red patch will become more and more visible. By next spring they will look just like their parents.

Wattled Crane

25 Sunday Aug 2013

Posted by Darcy in environment, Nature, wildlife

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cranes, International Crane Foundation, wattled crane

At 47 years old, Nandi is one of the oldest cranes living at the International Crane Foundation (ICF). She has a scar on the top of her head from traveling in a crate that was too small for her almost 6 foot tall frame. Years ago zoos, private breeders and collectors had little oversight when capturing wild animals for exhibit. Nandi eventually landed at a zoo in the Midwest and then ultimately came to ICF in hopes that she could be bred. Breeding of endangered animals already living in reputable zoos and facilities helps to alleviate the demand for taking the few remaining individuals left in the wild. Today just 7,000 Wattled Cranes are thought to make their living in the river deltas of sub-Saharan Africa. Nandi can be seen at the International Crane Foundation in the Spirit of Africa exhibit every day from April 15th through October 31st.
The International Crane Foundation is the only place in the world to have all fifteen species of cranes on exhibit. To learn more visit http://www.savingcranes.org.

Ring of Fire

31 Wednesday Mar 2010

Posted by Darcy in environment, Nature, wildlife

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cranes, International Crane Foundation, oak savanna, prairie, prescribed burn, wetland

I am back at work, part-time, getting ready for the season to open at the International Crane Foundation. My department is charged with getting the site ready for the more than 25,000 people who visit between April 15th and October 31st each year. They come to see all 15 species of the world’s cranes (only place on earth) as well as walking our trail system through ecologically restored oak savanna, prairie and wetlands – all critical environments not only for cranes, but people and many other species.

At ICF, an important tool in restoring these ecosystems is fire. Prior to European settlement in this area, natural fires kept these environments healthy. Today, prescribed burns are conducted to encourage native flora to thrive and eradicate – as much as possible – invasive, or non-native species. A 35-acre burn was conducted in the restoration area at ICF’s headquarters in Baraboo, Wisconsin. The entire restoration encompasses 100 acres and burns are conducted on a rotating basis. Some areas are burned every three years, others every five, and so on. Results gathered from observations of these areas not only inform how this area is managed, but also help ICF’s scientists restore vital ecosystems around the world where field work is being conducted to save some of the most endangered species of cranes including Sarus cranes in Vietnam, Whooping cranes in North America and Black and Gray Crowned cranes in Africa.

The following pictures were taken March 26, 2010 as ICF staff, interns, volunteers, family and friends participated in a prescribed burn in the prairie, wetland and woodlands.