Bits n' Bones

It was a wet and blustery fall afternoon, the perfect opportunity to stop over to see what Kathy was up to.

I arrived to find her immersed, as usual, in several projects at once. One project involved these old, yellowed skeleton arms from several unlucky, and apparently very tiny, individuals. An array of stainless steel bits, drills, and cutting tools were also on hand, waiting their turn at the task.

At the other end of the room was a large, gleaming Shop Fox drill press, along with an assortment of grinding and sanding equipment. Kathy's well-organized shop, and power tool collection would easily be the envy of any woman or man, looking to get the job done.

What job?

Kathy is the creative diva behind Bastow Designs, her art studio that designs and creates an eclectic collection of functional art objects such as mirrors, jewelry, clocks and sculpture, made with a variety of found and recycled materials. Kathy's was one of many studios included in the annual Whatcom Artist Studio Tour, an event that brings the public into artists' working studios for self-guided tours as well as sales. The tour has grown over the years and now includes over 50 artists working in more than a dozen different media.

In 3 weeks' time, I will live just a mile or so up the street from Kathy's studio. This will make it quick, and oh so simple to stop in and purchase one of her beautifully unique wall clocks for my new place. I'm looking forward to this next visit.