Color Splash

I've been pretty quiet of late.

The last two weeks, I've been fighting

a head cold, relapse and fatigue.

So, I gave in to rest.

My body may have slowed down,

but my mind could not stop.

So this project slowly took shape.

I have a DVD by Traci Bautista,

called Retro Rags, and she demonstrates

the technique to create this journal.

I've probably watched it a dozen times,

but never felt ready to attempt it.

Well, finally I organized my painted paper

stash, and I felt ready.

I love Traci's style of blending

random papers, fabric & stitches.

I had all the supplies necessary to build this

journal, and it was so much fun to make.

I'm also constantly inspired by 

Ro Bruhn, DJ Petitt, 

Mary Ann Moss, 

Roben-Marie Smith 

and Rebecca Sower.

I LOVE how they embrace imperfection

and create beautiful art PERFECTion!

I put a serious dent in my sari ribbons!

This journal has 98 pages of 

painted papers, waste paper, wallpaper, 

scrapbook paper, card stock and fabric.

There are 3 signatures, each with an outer folio

of fabric stitched with ribbons, lace, 

buttons and mixed stitches.

I created assorted pocket 

crannies to hold hidden tags.

A large button on the front, and a 

sari ribbon sewn to the back.

This makes a perfect closure

to keep the journal safe 

with lots of potential to expand.

This baby weighs about 1-1/2 pounds, so once

I calculate postage, I plan to list in my Etsy shop.

Now that my paper stash is organized,

I also plan to experiment with more journals.

I have recently committed to a craft fair in the fall,

so I will now switch gears,

with my energy level improving,

I can put the pedal to the metal 

in full-tilt bozo creating mode!

Gosh it feels good to FEEL good again!

Thanks for visiting!

Prim dollies in linen dresses

I've been distracted and focused lately.

I've had idle moments, 

and crazy busy moments.

I had to upgrade my computer recently,

and in the process 

stepped away from the internet.

Oh, not totally away.

I kept my eye on things of interest,

but chose not to spend so much time

on the things 

that WASTE my time.

I'm spending more time;

reflecting,

creating,

being in the moment.

In the process,

these prim little ladies were born.

Procrastinating

Serena

"peaceful" in Latin

I thought it was time to make

a primitive doll, and

even made a batch of

coffee, cinnamon and vanilla.

It's been a while since I've done that.

Feels good.

I found these baby doll dresses

in an antique shop,

and a few little tucks here and there,

and the dress fits!

So I have spent the morning,

taking photos, and listing a

couple things in my Etsy shop.

I wanted to get it over with,

because I needed a new computer,

and today is the day

I will be installing it.

That means getting used to changes.

New Programs to get used to.

Unsure of what I will lose,

and what I will gain.

I know it will be a huge improvement,

but it also means,

transferring files,

installing software,

and getting used to a new format.

and TIME.

I know it will suck up my precious time.

So,

this is it.

I've dragged my feet long enough.

Time to let go,

and welcome the change.

A new day...

Tomorrow is supposed to be

the first day of Spring.

Apparently,

nobody told Mother Nature!

Ready for Spring

I'm not sure when I acquired this children's book,

called the Velveteen Rabbit.

I'm sure it while searching through

yard sales and flea markets.

For some reason, I gravitate to the

abandoned children's books.

This particular book caught my eye,

with it's charming illustrations,

and a soft color palette.

You can actually read the story

and see the illustrations HERE!

While preoccuppied sewing this little bunny,

a brain storm hit me. 

I knew I had a rabbit story book in my stash,

and it made sense to complete my rabbit

with The Velveteen  Rabbit theme. 

The creation of the bunny was a slow process.

I didn't visualize the result until I was almost done.

Each detail was an auditioning step.

Would this work, how would that look etc...

Bunny didn't stay put very well, so I needed some

sort of support.  I remembered I had these short

springs, and he looked pretty cool sitting in one.

I tried a couple different types of embellishments,

and fell in love with the crocheted lace.

I knew immediately that I would add

the lace with the rusty bells,

and stitched bunny right to the coil.

It's bittersweet when you make something to sell,

and fall in love along the way.

I hope he ends up in a good home

with someone that feels the way I do.

I just can't keep everything I make.

LOL!

I have been on a needlepunch kick.

These little projects make the perfect

lap project on a cold wintry night.

The bright colors are a result

of being ready for spring.

Dreaming of: 

daffodills, tulips and iris's.

I see green poking through the snow!

Yes,

I am ready for spring.

Spring Forward

Spring Ahead!

In spite of the piles of snow

slowly melting away,

the bird songs I hear,

indicate spring is near.

The days are definitely getting longer,

and Easter is celebrated early this year.

I recently bought a small portable green house.

It has 4 shelves, it's on wheels,

and came with a clear plastic cover,

that fits over the entire unit.

Mom gave the same one to my brother

for his birthday yesterday.

It will be fun comparing notes.

I miss my gardens.

I have enjoyed this wintry season,

but I think I'm ready to spring forward!

After the storm...

Right on schedule.

I happened to be in the right spot,

at the right time.

My back yard view.

I grabbed my phone,

and have to say,

Instagram rocks!

A cheerful smile makes life worthwhile

Last weekend I visited my friend Lynn

at her shop called

Log Cabin Antiques

and I purchased this stitchery/sampler remnant.

The back suggests the flowers were once

a bright pink, and the front is extremely faded

to a sort of a lilac color.

I'm not fond of the color purple,

but a piece of this wool just felt right.

I formed a rose shape, and added

some green woolen leaves.

I stitched the sampler to a woven scrap,

and then to a dark green wool base.

I began to embellish with tiny purple seed beads,

larger colored beads, pearl beads

(from my wedding dress!

but we won't discuss that here...)

and mother of pearl buttons.

I hadn't intended to make a pillow,

but had the perfect pillow form in my stash.

My original intent was to list

the finished item in my Etsy shop. 

But the bond I felt when I first laid my

eyes on the remnant, only grew stronger

as I added my spin.

I'll never the know who the original artist

is, or how she felt about this sampler.

I do cherish her work, 

with every imperfection.

I think I have a keeper,

and that makes me smile.

An open mind

I punched these two kitty designs over a year ago.

My vision was to attach them to a paper mache box.

For some reason,

I lost interest.

I couldn't get myself to decide on

how I would decorate the boxes.

So the designs were tucked away,

forgotten, and moved a couple times

during studio cleanings.

Last weekend, I pulled out my wool bin,

while working on another project.

The pink and blue wool caught my eye.

Pink and blue are not my favorite colors,

so this wool has also been shuffled around

a few times, but this time,

something clicked in my brain.

My subconsious muse was suddenly active,

and before I knew it,

I had the designs sitting on the wool.

They were a match, and I knew

the boxes would never be.

I added jingle bells,

jerky wire stranded with beads,

stuffed them with fabric snippets and

my favorite stuffing;

lavender buds.

I have learned over time,

it is better to put something away

rather than force the creation into being.

If I keep an open mind,

something will trigger inspiration,

and my muse will lead the way.

I love when my Lady muse wakes up!

Craving Tulips

Snow in the forecast,

and I'm craving tulips.

Well, maybe I am a little excited

for another snow storm.

It's the weekend, and that

means I can play in the studio.

Last weekend, I found a couple

wooden scoops in an antique shop.

I'm always searching for unique

things to attach to my needlepunch designs.

I had a little difficulty figuring out

what to create for this scoop.

This isn't quite what I had in mind,

but I am pleased with it.

I added a coat of black paint,

and sanded it a little, finished

with a coat of varnish.

I love the contrast of black and red.

The wool surrounding my design

arrived in the mail yesterday

from Lydia's Etsy shop called

 Abundant Earth Fiber.

This is exactly the type of wool

I love to edge my designs.

Maybe later,

I will slow roast a chicken,

to warm up the kitchen.

Have a great day!