My inner playground

2012-01-31T12:00:00.003-05:00

It has taken some effort on my part to give up all the obligations and work and just play in this journal that sits unattended for weeks at a time. It felt good to go to our journal club and mingle with the ladies and one gent and work on it. I did finish it at home which for me is something given the work I have to do here.

I find it difficult to do anything playful if I have a load of work sitting waiting for me. I know that I am not alone, but feel that it's time I just "let it go" and play. It is good for the soul I think as it certainly brings some joy into an otherwise ho hum day. Thank you to my art friends who are always encouraging me to do more even though I always don't. I am beginning to realize just how important they are to me even though I always felt they were special in so many ways. I am truly grateful to them for so many reasons.

I hope this is the motivation to keep on going and play a little more.

Hope you are all experiencing an artful day and thanks for visiting.

2012-01-22T17:54:00.000-05:00

I've been busy in my apartment. It's about time, as I've put it off during the holidays and beyond and I need to get it done so I can live here in the spring and enjoy the deck off the back of the house and my yard.

The top picture is of my living room. I have finally started to tape the sheetrock and it is looking and coming out better than I expected.

The second picture, also my living room shows the gas heater keeping it toasty warm to work in. Behind that heater I plan to put in a small stone mosaic tile in a very light beige and white stone mix. I will probably need to find someone else to install it as I cannot figure out the edges. They are indented and extended and not a straight line. It's on a mesh which would make it difficult if not impossible to cut with a tile saw. Perhaps it has to be installed on the wall and then cut after, I don't know and I've set a lot of tile in the past.

Next is my small bath. The tub is from the original house and I saved it as it has no rust stains in it. I had all new plumbing and faucets though and when it is done again I will show pics with my Kohler sink etc. I haven't decided what tile to put on the floor yet, but that's a ways away anyway.

Then there is my bedroom in the dark red. That's what it was, but I think I will change the color and go with something light airy and breezy with soft colors to soothe this overtired body of mine. There is another full bath (shower, no tub) off this room which I haven't only dreamed of getting to. It's not sheetrocked yet, just insulated.

So there is where my free time is going. As for art, I have actually done a little at a journal club run by my friends Marilyn Rock and Melanie Phillips. When I finish the spread I will post pictures of that too.

It's good to be back at the blog. I miss being involved in the art right now, but this house has to take precident as it is income property for me and I am struggling to keep afloat like everyone else in this economy.

Wishing you all artfilled days ahead.

Peggy

2012-01-07T22:45:00.000-05:00

No pics this time. Just to keep myself writing. I just got back to working on my downstairs apartment. Looks like my daughter may need it in a few months. Hope she comes to help me get it ready.

Funny how life is. I finally am feeling a need to date again. I don't think I need a man in my life but would like to share some time with one. Most friends, as great as they are, have partners and don't have the freedom to just go and do something. I do have the freedom and I am spontaneous. I will drop and go at the first sign of something interesting. I signed up for one month on a date site and it is certainly an experience. After the month is up I think I'll go volunteer somewhere. I think my chances are better.

I did what they tell you not to do and that was I gave out my email address. I figured "what harm" Can't tell where I live from that. But he was a hacker and got into my email address book and sent out a virus. He dissappeared from the date site immediately and when I looked up his screen name it was gone too. Then I looked up the name I got out of the screen name and the man wasn't even the same guy. He was a professor at a college in Mass. I'm sure he wasn't even aware this jerk was using his name. Oh well, live and learn. The virus is gone and I am the wiser. the funny part, if there is one, is that the next guy I thought was really cute and I would like to chat with told me he wanted to communicate via email and I had to deny him. He said he was only going to be on the site for 2 more days before his contract ran out. Of course with all that cuteness he had a dog in his lap. A Sheltie. How could I not like him? LOL Well, now I don't know if he was legit or not. I do have his email but refuse to write him. Dang. What to do. I think I'll just stop looking and let someone find me.

I am going to focus on fixing up the downstairs and will post pictures of that. I don't know how much art I will get done in the next few months but will definately stay in the groove watching your blogs etc. I do so enjoy seeing what you are all doing. You motivate me to be creative and I really appreciate all that. Such talent among you all, it's hard not to keep watching. I hope you all have a wonderful new year and I'll be watching.

Peggy

2012-01-01T16:14:00.001-05:00

OMG, I have finally gotten into my blog again. It has taken me months literally to figure this thing out. Happy 2012.

I hope I have not lost you all in this endeavor, but probably have. Come back. I've missed you.

For the holidays I was busy making a lot of my gifts. I put aside work on my house till now. The new year. I will post pics as I make progress so you can see my "design" details. Hope you will let me know what you think and maybe even give me some suggestions.

Since I wasn't planning on posting, but can now I will put up some pictures of what I made for gifts. It seems I really enjoy making felt. So I made these little felted purses to match bracelets I made for friends and family. For the guys I didn't make things but purchased them. They are much to hard to decide for.

Here goes. Hope to be back on a regular basis this year and will be going back to all your blogs and checking out your new projects as well.

Happy New Year to you all.

2011-09-13T20:44:00.003-04:00

It's a little hard to see but this picture is the same or almost the same location as my header only after Irene. I took this just two days ago which is what a week and a half since the great storm?

I guess for some it was nothing but our little village has been sadly devastated. I know shortly it will be all cleaned up but the boat people cannot go through the lock system as there is one that is no longer working, Lock # 11 in the Mohawk to the West of us. Some of the people who were on their way to Canada are literally stuck between locks and cannot go anywhere. Possibly for the season as I have heard, but I'm somewhat certain they will find a solution to their dilema soon. The river is still very brown but the level is back down and still falling.

Now this little guy/girl I named Irene because she was found on the sidewalk up the street from me two days after the flood and encrusted in mud. Just a baby some have said they believe she/he must be only a few days or weeks old. I was trying to save her/him but it was too weak to even eat and was barely moving. He died the next day but I was so in love with this poor thing that I wanted to honor it's short life and journey through the storm. I have the shell and am planning on using it in one of my pieces of art or jewelry. I know, it sounds sick, and maybe it is sick but I couldn't see just throwing it away in the trash and believe me I wasn't going to bury it in the mud.

Call me crazy, sick or whatever, but it's name is Irene and her shell is precious to me. I will honor this little life in some form or fashion and imortalize it.

2011-09-05T20:58:00.002-04:00

These photos are the result of the Tropical Storm Irene in upstate New York. The last one is the Cohoes Falls in Cohoes, N.Y. and this shows the mud associated with the raging waters that were about a mile from my home in Waterford, N.Y.

I live a block from where the Hudson and Mohawk Rivers merge together and where the Historic Erie Canal begins it's series of locks traveling throughout New York State along the Mohawk River. When the rains from Irene came they filled up all the creeks and rivers that run into the Mohawk and Hudson and when they met had nowhere to go but up. As a result I ended up with two feet of water inside the first floor apartment. My tenant lost about half of her possessions and had to move out, and I am faced with a total remake of my bottom floor apartment.

People do not understand why I did not have flood insurance and the answer to that is because I live in a "flood zone" the price is cost prohibitive, unless you are wealthy which I am not. Simply put, I cannot afford it. FEMA has taken my application, is sending an inspector and has told me that I do qualify for their assistance. so I will wait to see what develops there.

The reason I live in a flood zone is quite simple. Gary and I always wanted to have a place on the water. (Not literally like now, but at least close to water) The house was within our price range and I loved it.

I also have to mention that besides FEMA, the Red Cross has been a staple in our neighborhood, arriving every morning with cleaning supplies like mops, brooms, shovels, rakes, tarps, buckets,

bleach, gloves, masks. And, also lunch and dinner, served hot with Vitamin water and regular water, and snacks. I am so grateful and impressed with their response. There are several of my neighbors who are completely misplaced and out of a place to stay. Some, like myself are staying with family.

I have two daughters who have been putting me up and also working tirelessly to help me clean out what is left. so that I can rebuild. My neighbors who are also working can't believe how much they can do and how strong they are. I'm talking men who are making comments to me of their strength and ability. I am so proud. They also have friends who have volunteered and come down to help out. Also bringing food and supplies and working sooooo hard for hours.

How do you say "Thank you" at such a time so that they know how much their efforts mean to you. I don't feel that I can ever tell them enough. I am so grateful and will "pay it forward".

Thanks too for all the loving messages on Facebook to keep the spirits high.

Hope to be back in the crafting sometime down the road. Just don't know when. If I get response here and anyone is interested in updates, I'll let you know how our community is fairing.

2011-08-14T18:51:00.007-04:00

At last, I have finished my chair and even though it was my first upholstery job and is not perfect I am so proud of how it came out. I even managed to buy enough trim. Usually I am about 2 inches short.

It's hard to see that there is a pattern on it, but it is white on white. I probably won't let anyone sit in it for at least 3 days!!.

I've been working through some personal issues and trying to refocus my attentions but it is difficult at the moment. Usually when I'm in that kind of emotional state nothing comes out like I like it to. An example was I tried a painting, but I can't even show it. Oh well, maybe some day I'll paint over it and it will be a masterpiece.

So here is the chair. So proud.

Please click on image to see it better.

Chair $10.00 - Auction

Fabric from Alfreds's Fabrics, 2 yards @ sale price of $10.00 yd,

Trim from JoAnnes Fabrics, 9 yards @ $2.00 yd.

Total chair minus my labor = $48.00 if I did the math right. That is usually questionable.

Estimates for re-upholstery were upwards of $500. plus fabric. See what we cann do when we set our minds to it?

2011-08-05T19:40:00.004-04:00

I didn't realize it has been so long since I last posted. boy, time flys when you are having fun.

I have not been working on art so much as my house which believe me needs much attention.

I started working on my pantry about 6 months ago and I have just finished it minus some plain white curtains to go on the window. I had been putting it off till the weather got warm so I could open windows to paint and then I had a friend come and he motivated me to finish it and helped me do just that. Thank you friend.

So here are a few pictures. I have some food in my kitchen to transfer into the pantry and I plan to add some more shelving under the ones there to have more usuable space. That will come with my first paycheck when I go back to work in Sept.

So here is what I have been working on. It's long overdue but I like it as it will allow me to get rid of some old metal cabinets that are sitting in my kitchen houseing stuff.

Hope you are all enjoying what summer we have left and getting those "projects" done.

2011-07-13T22:48:00.003-04:00

These are some salts I picked up at an auction I attended last weekend. I was so taken by the silhouette (spelling?) in the middle of them. I have seen many salts in my day but not like these. Perhaps they aren't even salt dishes. Does anyone know? I believe them to be but am not sure. I found them scrounging in some box lots and kept praying no one would take that box lot before the price came down. By the time they got down to $5.00 a box they were still there so I grabbed them. I also got a cut lead crystal heart, a green pressed glass toothpick holder, two small dishes with silver metal casings, a chamber pot with lid (damaged and glued) and two old books. It was a deal in my book.

Below is a chair that I found at that same auction. They described it as a French Provincial chair however, the carvings look more victorian to me than French. Either way, I love this chair and plan to have it reupholstered and possibly whitewashed to make it fit my decor. I haven't picked out the material but I love all things white and am thinking a white brocade fabric with antique whitewashing would be delightful to me, since I'm planing on painting my living room a very pale blue before the fall weather sets in. By the way, this chair was only $10.00. Can you believe it? I had a hard time with the excitement of this deal.

Thank you for stopping by my blog. I love receiving comments as they help to motivate me to work on these projects and also to follow others blogs as well.

2011-07-10T20:43:00.003-04:00

Well bloggers, I've been busy just like everyone else but finally found some things I wanted to share with you. This is a gourd birdhouse I finished painting today. I grew the gourds in my garden about 5 years ago and haven't done a thing with them since other than store them in my garage.

Of course I had to eventually clean out my garage and I must say I have moved these from the garage to the house and back to the garage a few times. This time I decided to finally make a birdhouse for a very nice friend of mine who loves birds and has all kinds of feeders and drip bird baths (that he heats in the winter). You get the picture. Tomorrow is his birthday so I decided this would be a nice gift (provided he likes my design). I stained the top half and just varnished the bottom with polyurethane. Then added the paint and reapplied polyurethane to finish. I hope by keeping it natural looking (minus the paint of course) the birds might actually inhabit it.

If you have never done this I have to tell you that when I drilled the hole in it the edges were very rough and the inside was very dry, but it sanded very smooth with my dremel tool. Probably would be very easy with regular sandpaper too. The seeds when they came out also brought with it a very soft and silky membrane that I'm sure the birds would love to use as their nest. When I felt inside it was like a cushion, so soft and silky and dry. A wonderful nest. I shook out the seeds and left most of the membrane as their mattress. I thouroughly enjoyed this process and am happy with the results. Now, to see if we get any takers. I'll let you know.

Hope your holiday was wonderful and you have found time to do the things you love.

2011-06-22T18:36:00.002-04:00

I really didn't realize how much time had gone by since my last post. I decided that anyone who might look at my blog would think I had abandoned it, but not the case. I just have been busy.

This picture is of my oldest daughter Claudine in the middle and my grandaughter Alyssa on the left. They recently went into 11 weeks training to run the Freihofer's Run for Women in Albany, New York and this was after the finish line. For anyone who is not familiar, it is an annual race and is 5K in distance. There were over 5,000 women running this year and so I was so proud of their accomplishment. It was the first race they had ever run. The training really was good and got them in shape and told them what to eat the nights before and what to wear and what to avoid so they would decrease their chances of any medical emergencies. Outside of being very tired at the end, they were great.

Outside of that I had a grandaughter graduate from Albany Academy for Girls and have two more grandaughters (the twins) graduating this weekend from Shaker High School.

Am working craft wise on a lacy knitted shawl but it will take me a long time to complete that as it is so big a project and hase 4 different lace patterns in it. I am challenging myself to finish it and to get it right. One mistake in the pattern throws the whole thing off. Thank God someone taught me to put in life lines while knitting so when I tear out a section I don't have to go all the way back to the beginning.

So with working on the house, family celebrations, etc, I have not spent much time in the blogging community. I will have to go and see what all my blogger friends have been up to. I've missed you all.

Hope you are enjoying the fresh summer weather.

2011-05-30T19:54:00.002-04:00

My good neighbor Marilyn is going to be a great grandmother to a little girl and her favorite color is lavender and so it made sense since I love to knit baby items for me to knit this sweater for her. The pattern is from knitwits-heaven.com/pretty_baby_sweater.htm., and uses one 4oz skein of worsted weight yarn. I had some yarn in my stash that I used. It is "Spotlight" Classic Elite Yarn made in Italy that I picked up on one of my trips and made of 100% cotton. I used 2 balls of 50gr/92 yards and knit it on #8 needles. It was a very easy pattern and worked up quite fast since the yarn was bigger and the needles bigger.

My life is changing a lot as I have not been working the aide job. Instead I am doing odd jobs for people like cleaning, and last week I wallpapered a bedroom for a friend. A few extra $s to help out the cause. Am working on old projects and new projects for my house and working in my garden too. All the flowers are coming out now and it is taking on a colorful show. Love it.

Hope you all had a great holiday weekend.

Second Wet Felted Purse

2011-05-23T19:02:00.002-04:00

Just finished a project I started with my grand daughter. She wanted to make one of these purses. I wish I had a picture of hers'. It was quite pretty but she left and took it with her before I realized I didn't have a picture.

So this is mine and I enjoyed doing it as much as the first one. I did something different though.

I used a solid navy blue piece of felt from the craft store as a base and added my piece of hand felted on top and felted them together giving it more body. It worked really well, but I think almost too thick. Not quite, and definately much sturdier.

The felting material can be bought at yarn shops but should be 100% wool, as this felting must have had some synthetic material with it as it did not felt easily. Kept seperating hence the reason I felted it to a solid piece. Just things to consider in the event you want to try to do one on your own. I may add some beading to it, but for now it pleases me just fine.

Have been witnessing some pretty neat art on all your blogs. Thank you for always inspiring me to do more.

Wet Felted Purse

2011-05-08T21:28:00.006-04:00

Front and open purse.

Back and open purse.

Mistake - Didn't mean to have two of these.

Finished Wet Felted Purse. Finished size is 5" wide by 4" tall as shown here.

Today being Mother's Day gave me the opportunity to do just as I pleased. After a wonderful lunch out with my two daughters and a really good time, I came home and had the rest of the day to play. I have been wanting to make this purse ever since I received one from a friend of mine who purchased it for me in Christchurch New Zealand. The one I received was a shade of turquoise blue and I just love it. Since I took a class in wet felting I decided I could do this too.

I completely made the felt by using some Roving I purchased at Trumpet Hill in Colonie, New York. Then of course I added my own laces and felted some flowers into the fabric and hand stitched some French Knots to hold some of the lace down and then did the blanket stitch around the outside and added a vintage button. So much fun. I think I might continue to make more. It definately took me the most part of the day to do the whole thing but I enjoyed every minute.

The true color is actually the color in the last photo of the finished purse. I don't know why I cannot get the same color in all the photos, but that is my poor photography skills at work.

Hope you all had a wonderful Mother's Day and your children let you know how much they appreciate you.

2011-05-05T20:00:00.003-04:00

Following are pictures of a brass ornate sconce I bought at an auction last weekend right here in my village. For some reason I could not resist, I think because it has birds in it. Now I have a delema as to where to hang it and what to do with it as it is a little more "formal" than my living environment. I really love shabby chic and am thinking maybe I should paint it "white" (distressed) but I'm not committed to that plan.

I have decided to ask for assistance from fellow bloggers. I would love to read what you would do with this piece if you had it. Would you leave it alone or paint it or perhaps paint it in "real colors". Like the leaves green, the flowers in color, the stems in brown etc. Please help. I do love this piece but don't have the "perfect place" to put it. Something needs to be done.

I am anxiously awaiting your replys.

Peggy

2011-05-04T10:10:00.002-04:00

For some reason this sock looks out of shape but really it fits perfectly. It is the first sock I ever knitted and the pattern was given to me by my sister Ruth. Of course it was a challenge for anyone who has never knit a sock and my attempt about 2 years ago went unfinished. That makes this a victory. Now, since I "do" have two feet I need to make another one.

It seems everyone I meet says if you make socks you will love it. I'm not sure yet. Perhaps by the time I am done with the second one I will be hooked. Not just yet.

There are numerous sock patterns out there on different knitting sites so if you are inclined to challenge yourself, just look up free sock patterns and you can find one to suit your needs. The yarn I used was because the first sock I attempted was in a plain very pretty peachy color but I found it boring to work on. Therefore this time I chose a verigated color scheme to make it more fun and indeed it was. The yarn I used is Mini Mochi. It is Machine washable blend of 80% Merino Wool and 20% Nylon, produced by Crystal Palace Yarns I used #2 double pointed needles.

I am going to start a baby sweater in between the other sock just because I have a friend who is going to have a great grandaughter and she loves lavender color so that will be my next project.

I am enjoying seeing everyone elses projects on their blogs so now I will go and check out what is new with all of you. Happy crafting.

2011-04-16T15:47:00.003-04:00

My trip was postponed due to an infection that came up very suddenly in my foot and I was unable to walk on it. This, in turn gave me the opportunity to finish this Nimbus Sweater I have been working on for quite some time. It is a present to my daughter for her upcoming birthday on the 20th. I am still leaving for the beach tomorrow but wanted to post this since it will be gone later today and I wouldn't have had the opportunity to post it. And so, now I can start a new project, a baby girl sweater in lavender. Can't wait to get started. Hope you are all enjoying your weekend. If you click on the photo you can see the stitch details which do not quite show up in this photo.

2011-04-14T19:18:00.003-04:00

No picture, not many words. I've been working and not had much time for art. I've been filling in as a sub for Jacky who broke her foot in 3 places and now she is back. Tomorrow is the beginning of our weeks spring vacation and I am heading to a friends house in North Carolina and am planning on spending time on the beach with a sketchbook, some watercolor pencils and my imagination. When I get back I will not have to go to work unless someone else is out and I get a call to come in. I have some mental work to do. I am going to work on the reasons I am not comfortable in a room full of people. I never have been and I find myself shaking and quiet and I have to force myself to mingle. I usually just sit and listen to what everyone else is saying and unless someone asks me a question I don't say much. Alone I am confident, I like my own company and enjoy myself by myself. I am also good one on one with people, just not more than that. I like most people but I have to figure out why I am so uncomfortable and change that. This will be a good exercise for me. I always had Gary there to buffer the conversation. He didn't like crowds of people either so together we were good to go but usually didn't. Only exception of course is family. When I get back I hope I have a mild tan, a new perspective, a desire to take a class and time to work on some new projects. See you then.

2011-04-04T17:12:00.002-04:00

This was a project I did as part of an artist group called "Inmyvintageroom" and yesterday we all met and displayed our mystery boxes. It was wonderful seeing what everyone did with their box. The results were amazing. I always find that getting together with these ladies is inspirational and makes me want to go right home and start something based on what someone else has done. Of course by the time I get home I'm too tired to start something but always think "Maybe tomorrow". Sometimes I do and sometimes I just wait until the time is right or the inspiration comes back to me. I definately enjoy the companionship of these women and always look forward to our times together. The objects I used in my box were mostly from collecting over several years. The floral background is because I love nature and my favorite times are those spent outdoors with nature. The other objects are all things I enjoy working with. The square with the window over it is actually an indication that I have always wanted to live an elegant lifestyle but it has always been beyond my ability to get there. This is ok as I am very comfortable where I am and it's far from elegant although I do have some very elegant objects in my home. Not many, but a few. The rest of the boxes are because I love sewing and the beach and the cross means I have faith and believe faith is the key to being happy in life. This was a fun project and I am thinking now of how I can do another box of a different theme in the future.

2011-03-12T11:50:00.003-05:00

Here they are. The little baby Ugg boots I knitted. It turns out someone at work decided she wanted them so they are sold. I didn't even make them to sell. They were just too cute not to make them. The pattern shows them in colors too and they are adorable. So easy even a beginning knitter could do them. All one piece with a seam across bottom and up the back. That's it other than the shaping which are simple stiches.

The pattern was found at www.knittingonthenet.com/patterns/babybootiesugg.htm

The main yarn I used was Lamb's Pride Worsted, a combination of 85%Wool/ 15% Mohair. It is not an itchy wool at all. Very soft and nice to work with. The white on the edges I found at Hobby Lobby but have lost the label and cannot identify it. Just look for something that resembles the fleece in the real boots and use that. I had tried others but this seemed perfect.

Even the pattern does not tell you what to use, so improvise.

Thanks to a fellow blogger who reminded me that I should post these things. I sometimes forget.

On to my sweater. Hope you are all enjoying the weekend and creating something you love.

2011-03-04T20:11:00.000-05:00

Here are a couple of tangles I did in an attempt to occupy and distract a couple of my students on the bus. They were so intrigued that I gave them some tiles and they proceeded to do their own. I don't have theirs but they did very well. One little girl is only 6 but her art was fantastic. I wish I had hers to show you. She put her own cultural touches on hers and it was almost obvious what country her heritage came from. India.
Very beautiful. So they are not really neat as the bus jumps around quite a bit. I started them there and then finished them at home. Just thought I'd share.

Those Ugg booties are coming. Hopefully tomorrow. Have a creative weekend.

My first Entrelac pattern

2011-02-28T18:53:00.000-05:00

As I continue to knit I seem to want to do more and more of it. I used to knit maybe 2 items a year and now I am finding I constantly want to sit and knit and work on something, This is a small bag for a cell phone or ipod or whatever. That would give you the idea of size. It was the first time I ever attempted to do the "Entrelac" pattern which always intimidated me before. I had a little help from Barbara at Beau Knits in Cohoes as she taught me how to knit backwards on HER piece whe was working on. i was a little nervous about messing the whole thing up and it was a big piece. She actually walked away with me knitting on it.
That is confidence. Hers, not mine. Anyway, I didn't mess it up and I learned something new and I found her shop a nice place to go and gather with other knitters sitting and chatting for awhile. I also had the most amazing blueberry butter pound coffee cake. A recipe of one of her patrons. she shared the cake, but not the family recipe. Where can I get more?!!!

When I got home, I started this project and I ended up going on line and found several videos showing you how to do this pattern. You can work right along with the video if you are inclined to try this pattern. It was very helpful without Barbara there to get me started. If you are a knitter, you should not be intimidated and give it a try. I'm quite happy with my little bag and proud too.

Next up will be a pair baby UGG Boots for babies. I don't even have anyone in mind but saw the pattern and "had" to make them. It will be a couple of days, but do come back to see them. They are just adorable.

Spring is coming and so are the many pretty colors of yarn and projects.

2011-02-25T19:07:00.000-05:00

This is a five piece place setting of some silverplated silverware I purchased at an auction lately. Tonight I have posted several pictures from this auction. I have not been able to identify this pattern yet, but am working on it. For $5.00 I was able to purchase a complete five piece place setting for 6 people and a few extra pieces. Also, were 7 butter knives of a different pattern and several serving pieces of different patterns all together. It was amazing. The downside (if there is one) was the polishing. I was anticipating a lot of worn off silver on the back of the spoons but it has not been the case. The whole set is is great condition.
I find if I use it all the time instead of stainless that it does not get tarnished very quickly. It's much easier to keep up with too but you cannot mix it with stainless or it will pit and spot the silver.

2011-02-25T18:58:00.002-05:00

2011-02-25T18:57:00.002-05:00

2011-02-25T18:55:00.000-05:00

This little needlepointed T is on a hankerchief I got recently at an auction. This is a close up but I can't tell you how tiny these stiches are. Imagine this letter in the corner of a hankie and how could anyone do such tiny stiches in different colors. It blew my mind. I used to do counted cross stitch but would never tackle anything this tiny. Awesome. Following are more samples of hankies found at thsi sale.

2011-02-25T18:50:00.000-05:00

Following are pictures of some of the hankies I got at an auction recently. Story to follow. I forget that these photos are posted in the opposite direction from bottom up so laugh with me and follow the pics.

2011-02-25T18:47:00.000-05:00

More beautiful crochet and edging.

2011-02-25T18:45:00.002-05:00

Delicate pink crochet and scalloped crocheted edges.

2011-02-25T18:44:00.000-05:00

Wonderful lace edging

Auction finds

2011-02-25T18:42:00.000-05:00

I believe I mentioned I like auctions and we now have one every Saturday night in my small village and it is a place for me to go by myself (or with a friend) and enjoy other people and their "interests". It also educates me on the value of things which I find facsinating. What you think nobody would pay for sometimes goes for more than what I think is the nicest. An education in human behaviour.

Above are pictures of some of the hankies I got in a box for $15. I thought there were maybe 20 in the box but when I got home and seperated them and was looking at them it seemed there was no end. So I counted them and there were 73 in this box. Some have small holes, some stains, but most of them are actually in very nice shape. I felt like I got a steal. These photos are just a sampling of the many. Now, to find a way to either give them to someone who will use them or sell them in some venue and I know I want to use some of them in some art of some kind. Perhaps I'll make some little hearts? Small pillows? Sachets?

We were snowed in today so I had plenty of time to iron some of these. Ironing 72 is a daunting task and I found after about 20 that it was enough already.

Hope you are all going to have a wonderful weekend full of things you love.

2011-02-21T14:12:00.000-05:00

Our school district is closed this week for winter break so I had plenty of time to finish my little Mary Jane Shoes for my friend. These will go with the hat I made in the previous post.

I found the pattern on Ravelry.com and it was a free pattern and I was a little afraid I wouldn't be able to knit them without a lot of frustration. (I consider myself an intermediate knitter, and usually lean towards easy things to make.) Much to my surprise, these turned out to be a very easy pattern and all in one piece and took very little time. The yarn I used was baby cashmerino by Debbie Bliss. A wonderfully soft yarn and so nice on my hands to knit with.

So now, with these projects finishsed I can go back to a wonderful sweater I started before Christmas and on to my next favorite things which I found at an auction this past weekend. I think the auctions are going to be my Saturday night dates. I've gotten some beautiful silverplated silverware with serving pieces and some wonderful vintage hankies I have yet to iron and a tray full of Vintage Catholic jewelry and medals etc to polish and clean up. Pics to come later.

Thanks for visiting and giving me the encouragement to continue.

2011-02-17T18:22:00.000-05:00

Hello fellow bloggers. Today I finished this hat that a friend asked me to make for her. Well, not for her but for a baby of a friend of hers. It was a delight to make, very fast and easy. The yarn I used was called Amerino, a combination of Cotton and Acrylic. The color does not show exact but is a neutral beige in color with some specks of pure white. I'm not sure you can see that, but it's there.

Plain I felt I needed to add something. Originally I knit it with the fun fur fringe in the brim, but it turned out with most of the fur appearing on the inside of the brim and I didn't like it so had to tear it all out. Instead I knitted a flower and added a vintage pearl button to secure it and make the flower more noticeable.

I tried several color flowers but none of them seemed to do the hat justice. I went with the same yarn used in the body of the hat.

Now, to see if I can make some little shoes as an ensemble. I never did them so don't know how long it will take me to find the pattern and actually get them done. Best be getting busy.

I am enjoying viewing what you are all up to so don't stop.

2011-02-11T19:35:00.000-05:00

I've been in the mood to make cards lately so I created this one for a guy friend of mine. I know he is trying to find the girl of his dreams so I put on the inside a greeting of "Wishing you a Happy Valentine.". I know it's not me, but I care about him and just wanted him to know.

The coloring is much prettier than is showing up in the photo but I could not seem to adjust it via my photo program. I'm not very good at that kind of work.

The stamp is a Memory Box Stamp, called Branch Heart E1310.

This card came about from a kit I purchased from Melissa at http://www.stampassion.com/ called Adore Peony Collage Kit. This stamp is also from Memory Box and is stamped in Brilliance Ink Coffee and colored with Prismacolor Pencils. The edges were distressed with Brushed Corduroy Distress Inc and mounted on a bright pink card called Begonia. I'm not sure but I think the cards are from Memory Box as well.

Anyway, I enjoyed my short time in the studio and hope you are getting your time in yours too.

Working on a Baby hat I hope to post very soon.

2011-02-05T16:41:00.000-05:00

Hello Bloggers,

Today I was making good on a birthday gift I needed a week or so ago. It is late, but hopefully well liked by my recipient.

The wood bark was a piece I found while hiking with my friend Marilyn Rock last summer at Wiawaka Retreat on Lake George. She also found one and we decided we were going to use it in a piece of art someday. Well today was the day although I had thought about how to use it for some time.

I needed to secure it because the openwork was fragile and felt like it was going to pull apart so I glued it to a piece of art paper that resembled the water in Lake George. Then I mounted the paper onto a blue felted piece and cut around it to maintain the organic shape. I varnished the wood also and spritzed it with Tattered Angles Glacier Mist giving it some shine and sheen. Then I embellished it with things we saw while at the retreat and since we took a wet felting class while there I wet felted the little nest the bird is sitting in. I thought about hanging some beads or trinkets from the bottom but then changed my mind and decided it might look funny and that keeping it simple seemed like the best idea of all.

Hope she likes it and hope you all have a chance to do art too.

2011-01-18T19:38:00.000-05:00

Well today the schools were closed which gave me a "free to do whatever" day and I decided to get my January Tag done for a swap. It needed to be in the mail so I was last minute putting it together. The second one is for February. The photo does not show up well here. It was actually a stamp I used and then hand colored. the pattern on the paper was holographic and changed colors as the tag moves so it is rather interesting in person. I hope whoever receives it will like it.

I also had to prepare some zentangle inchies for a swap and class tomorrow night so here they are:

It was one bigger one I cut up to make the four. I'm not sure how we will use these, but I like doing the zentangles anyway. I probably should call them tangles as I understand "zentangle" might be a copyrighted item. I don't understand all that stuff, so if someone can explain it to me, please do. Also, I have not gotten to the point of shading my tangles but I am going to take a class and learn some basic stuff to improve them.

And, while I'm at it, I'll show another tangle I did. It's a little lopsided on the tile (3 X 3" square) but I like it anyway.

Wishing you all an artful fun day.

2011-01-17T13:37:00.001-05:00

I'm testing myself this year with finishing things. I seem to start a lot of projects but many of them do not get finished. For instance, the hearts. I wanted to have an odd number as they look better grouped in that way, however, after two I went on to start a scarf (unfinished) and then this hat. I loved the yarn so much for this hat and the colors just excite me that I had to finish it. It only took one day for me to make this, with interuption too. The pattern has a cowl scarf and fingerless mittens to go with it but I have not started them yet. (I think I need to finish my other scarf). But, since this yarn is so yummy I will probably abandon the white scarf all together and do this. But maybe I should do another heart or three?

The yummy yarn used in this is Berroco Borealis (60% acrylic, 40% wool), and the pattern was by a young lady named Celeste Young who works at a specialty yarn shop here in Colonie New York called Trumpet Hill.
Their website is here: http://www.trumpethill.com/home. The pattern is called Button Brim Set, cap, wristlets. cowl.

Of course there are other art projects I have in the works too but they are unfinished as of yet too. Since the deadline is coming up on them I think I will go tackle them today and then come back to the above forementioned cowl scarf and mittens.

Hope you are enjoying your MLK Holiday and making some art.

2011-01-09T13:59:00.000-05:00

Yesterday was a day of celebrating friendships. Some of my best friends and I got together and made snowpeople out of vintage bottles and these are the results of the two I made.

It has been a while since I have been with my group of friends and it was very theraputic for me.

It was just a great day with great food and great friends with some fantastic results in making our snowpeople.

Hope you all had a little time to create as I'm going to check out all your blogs now and get some more inspiration.

2010-12-18T11:28:00.000-05:00

Today I will be going to my brother's house whom I have not seen in two years for a Christmas Party for the family. We usually each give some small trinket for presents, nothing expensive but a gesture of love and so I made these snowman mixed media collages for each of my siblings. I hope they like them.

This will be my first Christmas without my Gary here and I'm trying to keep it together and enjoy the holiday as much as possible since it is my favorite. I like to think he is here with me in spirit even though he never wanted to partake in any of the "decorating" for the season. He always enjoyed it when it was done though.

A guy thing I think.

I feel a sense that my art is going to be big this year as I find myself getting back to wanting to do more and more and my blogging friends that I follow have truly inspired me to work on projects by posting their creations. When I go to your blogs I say "Wow" all the time and just wish I was that creative, and so now you have all inspired me to "be" just that.

Thank you all for that. It's the best gift I could get this year. Merry Christmas straight from my heart.

2010-12-13T10:27:00.000-05:00

I painted this tree for an 89 year old man in a nursing home as I go to visit a few times a week and he didn't have any decorations in his room at all. His only other visitor is his daughter but she was away on holiday for a week. As with most older people there are so few things they need, that it's hard to know what to do for them at the holiday. And so this tree was created and I put it on poster board and hung it in his room. He was very pleased with it.

Already, since I've been doing more and more art, I am feeling like the new year is going to be a great one for me. So many things I hope to accomplish, and getting back into the art circle is one of them.

Hope you enjoy the holidays and are looking forward to the new year as well.

2010-12-05T11:58:00.000-05:00

This is my 2010 Christmas card that I am still working on. The picture doesn't quite show the sparkle in the embossed snowflakes or the shine of the gold embossed letters. It was very time consuming between the PostCard Stamp on the back side, then the embossing of the snowflakes on the paper and the letters and the stamping of the bird and cutting it out and then the edges done with gold paint pen. That doesn't even include sitting and addressing them. Plus I still have to write the sentiment on the back side which is poem I found and fits my mood this year.

The poem is this:

O time, that like a skillful painter stands

Before the empty easel of the year,

Call forth thereon some scene of wonderous beauty,

Paint a fair picture for my friend so dear.

Blend with the brilliant tints of joy and pleasures

Hope's fairy sunlight, falling from above.

Or, should some shadow fall athwart the canvas,

Brighten them with golden gleams of love.

I hope you all have a wonderous holiday season with a new year full of Creativity and Love.

2010-12-05T11:46:00.000-05:00

Here is a Zentangle I did for one of my little kids on the bus. For those who don't know, I am an aide on a school bus for special needs kids. This one little boy is so cute but he thinks everyone is out to hurt him and I wanted to let him know that I would'nt so I wrote on the back that I would never hurt him. He was so happy he gave me the biggest hug. He said he would keep it forever. Ever since then he has been so well behaved. When he gets on the bus on Monday he tells me he missed me and so I guess he just needs a little attention to get him to behave. There is a saying that we never know when we might impact another life. I hope that my little gift of this Zentangle has done just that.

2010-11-21T18:34:00.000-05:00

This is my finished product and I am quite happy with it. The Zentangle is copied on a transparency and layered over a base butterfly I watercolored with yellow h2o paints and then I layered a smaller transparent butterfly on top of that.
If you are interested in knowing about The Butterfly Effect, visit http://twodressesstudio.blogspot.com/2010/08/butterfly-effect-open-is-calling-you.html and you can decide if it is something you might like to do.

Now, on to my Christmas cards that I hope has got a zentangle in it as well. I already have planned the layout and need to get busy. Just wanted to share this butterfly effect with you as I think it is a very meaningful project and fun to do.

May your days be bright and your tummies full this Thanksgiving holiday.

2010-11-21T18:22:00.000-05:00

This is my Zentangle butterfly I did for a project called The Butterfly Effect which my friend Marilyn told me about. The problem with it is it is not two dimensional so I am going to work on it and see if I can do something that will make it so. Just wanted you to see it before and after.

2010-11-21T18:18:00.000-05:00

Last Wednesday our Art Group got together for an evening of learning to do Zentangles. This was the first one I did and I must say it was an interesting class and fun to spend time with friends I have not seen in quite awhile.

Now that the holidays are upon us I am back in the swing and spending time in my art room. My fellow bloggers have inspired me time and time again and my life without Gary is getting better and I'm finding myself motivated to move forward. My friends have made that all possible and this Thanksgiving I am so grateful for people who give of themselves freely without conditions. You are a blessing.

Hope your Thanksgiving is a wonderful day spent with family and/or friends.

Fall Path

2010-11-06T16:17:00.000-04:00

For anyone who visits my blog you have noticed absolutely no posts in quite some time and I must admit, I have been away from my art for quite a while. I am coming back and have a few things in the works but nothing to show for it as yet. This seems to be my fall path, that I go where my heart tells me and it has been taking me in another direction entirely.

Of course with the fall comes all the outside work to be done before winter hits. Then, I have made an assessment of my finances and decided I needed to take a part time job to make some extra money for Christmas and to get some repairs made to the house. Without Gary here it all lands in my box of "to do".

And so I began working two weeks ago as an aide on school buses with "special needs kids". It's a relatively easy job to do as you are just riding and making sure they get to school without a health crisis and are safe.

My new schedule means I have to get up at 4:30 am and have to go to bed by 8:30. Although I have some free time in betwen morning and afternoon I find myself doing the household work and not doing art. At night I am just too tired to "get into" the art, but do still knit and do have some things I'll be posting soon.

Meanwhile, I am still following my favorite blogs at night and am loving what you are all doing. It gives me hope as I know a lot of you are out there working too. Come January I will be going to part time or working as a substitute aide and then I will free up more time to get back to the art.

Hope you are enjoying your journeys as they are truly inspirational to me.

2010-09-16T17:31:00.000-04:00

Finally, I have broken through and came out smiling as I was inspired from a Somerset Studio piece on
waxed tissue paper article by Rachael Emilie Jackson.

I took two seperate pieces of torn tissue paper and put a coating of beeswax on each of them and peeled them from the teflon non stick sheet. With the wax side up I layered items I wanted in the collage and put the second sheet on top, wax side down (wax to wax) and then ironed them together sandwiching the items in the middle. I put ribbon or string in to hang them with as they are semi-transparent and are made to hang in a window or in front of light.

In the first one I put a picture I tore the edges from. It is definately not transparent but shows up just fine.
In the second one I put mostly transparent or semi-transparent items. The butterfly was stamped on Vellum, the lace at the bottom was sheer, the ribbon was sheer and the only solid pieces were the music and vine. I also used a very pale aqual blue tissue paper. I am now imagining all these different colors to use in the tissue paper, all the different items to imbed in them and am hopefully on a roll and back to creating again.

It's been a long dry spell but I think I am through the wall and on my way again.

Hope you are all looking forward to the cold creative fall days ahead, and Thanks for visiting my blog again.

2010-09-09T17:40:00.000-04:00

I finally finished this triangular shawl out of an acrylic yarn that looked like Mohair but was so soft and not itchy. It turns out I was very dissappointed in the stiches as they appear very irregular and normally my knitting is just the opposite. Very smooth. I don't know if it was mistakes I was not aware of in working with it or if it was the fact that it was a commonly known brand yarn but found in the local dollar store. I just loved the feel and color of periwinkle and thought I could make this as a Christmas gift for my wonderful neighbor who makes my coffee every morning. It turns out it is not of a good enough quality in the stiches to be given as a gift so I will move on to another project.

I don't know if things like this happen to others who knit from time to time, but it is very discouraging when so much time is spent on a piece. I usually go to the more expensive yarn shops and have seen this yarn there. I'm glad I did not pay the premium price as I would have gotten the same result had I bought it there.

But it is certainly pretty enough for me to wear when I catch a chill while watching tv.

Hope all your projects whether they be knitting or paper arts or whatever, turn out just the way you hope.

2010-08-09T21:55:00.000-04:00

This is a felted wind catcher I made at a women's retreat at Wiawaka Holiday House in Lake George this past weekend.

It came about because I needed to get away after losing Gary and a very good friend of mine decided she would go with me on this retreat. She helped me find this place called Wiawaka Holiday House and it was close enough for us to commit to back in February. I was hoping to get away in the Spring, but this workshop was this past weekend so we reserved our spot in this class.

The highlight of the weekend from Friday afternoon till Sunday morning was the friendship between me and my good friend. I have known her for some time, but never knew just how wonderful a friend she could be. Growing up I never had girlfriends to hang out with. I never experienced what girlfriends do when they get together and always wished I knew what that was all about.
She is a good listener, a funny and sometimes silly woman and generous beyond belief with her spirit. I don't know that I could have had a better friend with me on this retreat. I think that many of you know her and if you want to know more about Wiawaka, you need to go to her blog as she has posted wonderful pictures and described our weekend much better than I could ever do. Her name is Marilyn Rock and her blog is http://wwwmarilyninmyroom.blogspot.com/ I think all my followers already know her but if you don't you can go to her blog and get to know her.

Wiawaka is open to women and their structure is such that room rates are determined on a sliding scale.

You can go to their website and see more as well. It is http://www.wiawaka.org/

When Gary died I realized I needed to rebuild a new life without him and needed to get away. This was such a wonderful place with such a wonderful friend that I am hoping the quiet time spent in this gorgeous setting and taking this wonderful class has helped me gather my thoughts about what direction to go in with my life. I hope to be posting more often and doing more things. Marilyn made me laugh till I cried and the trip was so therapudic I know I will be going back again and again.

If any of you women don't mind sharing a room and a bathroom and don't mind caring for your own room while there and leaving things as you found them I totally recommend this place. There are also day passes for $15.00 and you can bring your own lunch to eat but use their grounds to hike, swim and even join in the classes they have (extra$). There is much here to enjoy.

Hope you all had a wonderful weekend too and thanks to all girlfriends everywhere for what you offer each other.

2010-06-29T10:34:00.000-04:00

Usually in the summer months I don't knit. I am not sure why I have been knitting a lot lately. I seem to love to knit for babies most of all. When I started this I didn't even have anyone's baby in mind, but loved the little bolero look to it and the color. The actual color is a little brighter, more like a Spring Green but is called Fern Green.

Now to find another project which I already have in mind. It seems strange to me that I would want to knit now. Maybe because I can sit and do it watching tv at night or it might be because my sister is always knitting up a storm and she donates just about everything she makes to local charities for their auctions.

I have always just given my things as gifts but I like the idea of doing it for charity so if I make something without anyone in mind I guess I can always do that. On the other hand, if anyone sees something they might like to buy, I am up for that as well. Let me know. This sweater I think is already sold. If the little princess is not too big already. Given how long it has taken me to finish, maybe it won't fit, but we will see.

Well, on to something else. I seem to be wanting to do a canvas piece, so let's see what comes up next.
I see on everyone else's blogs that we are all busy creating and there is some wonderful pieces out there.
I love seeing what you are all up to and you inspire me to keep creating. Thanks.

2010-06-21T21:20:00.000-04:00

A good friend of mine sent me a video of a group of spontaneous painters in a room with a guide. This video was very inspiring and I decided to take the time to just try it. I laid out all my color acrylic paints. Liquid in bottle with a large piece of paper from a large sketch pad and my grandaughter Kyra did the same. She was at one end of the table and I at the other. We did this together and really had a fun time with it. She is 13 but loves to come to my house and do "art".

This painting was what happened because I did not think about what to put on the paper or where the painting was going but just putting paint in whatever color my gut told me and wherever. Trying not to control the outcome at all. And here it is. I can tell that my grandaughter's painting took thought as she stragetically put items in the painting and was trying to make a statement.

And so, now that I look back at it I get the feeling that it is a rebirth or life growing and getting ready to bloom, but not quite there yet. I hope that is the case, as I am looking for something really cool to come into my life to fill this void. And so, would you bloggers please give me your impression of what this painting says to you? I can take criticism and welcome it.

Hope you all are enjoying our summer season and being creative either outside your homes or inside your studios.

Teddy Bear Picnic

2010-06-15T09:44:00.000-04:00

Last week I took a class in needle felting and we made these cute Teddy bears. It took about 2 hours and was so much fun. One of the ladies actually had done some before and made a version of her cat she had lost. It was the cutest thing. Grey and white with stipes and sitting up. Looked just like her cat she said. I was so impressed by what the other ladies did with their bears. Some put paws, a different color, the noses and eyes were all different. One lady put a belly with a belly button on it. So different, not one look alike to someone elses. From here we can make whatever we want if you can form the shapes. One friend of mine who was in the class also put her teddy bear on a grassy mound with flowers in the grass around him.

I decided that mine was going on a picnic and so I put the bee (can't think of what you call this thing) but I'm sure someone will remind me, so he would have honey for his tea.

Other than this I have been much of a slug lately and taking time to dream about what I want and where I'm going. Hope you all are enjoying your crafts and life in general. Happy creating.

Architechtural molds

2010-06-09T21:02:00.000-04:00

The weekend was spent working in my yard and garden and come Monday I was pretty tired and not wanting to expend any more physical energy on housework, so I took myself out to an Estate Auction in Cropsyville. I had never been to this particular auction house and was surprised by how small and quaint it was. But it turned out in my favor as the prices were extremely cheap. Some items like a country painted table they couldn't even sell and put it aside for some other sale. Not even $2.00. Of course I wanted it as a work table but have NO room right now for such things. But I did decide I had to have these Architectural molds? I believe that's what they are. I haven't figured out just yet how I am going to use them but they certainly offer many possibilities.

Should any of my blog buddies or local artist friends want to use them I will certainly let you borrow and maybe even give me some inspiration. Believe me the first box I bid on I got for a measly $5.00 which I thought was a dream. The second and third I had a bidder against me (or a house shill) and had to pay a little more for, but really, they will be useful for years to come I hope.

So now my job is to straighten out my house so that I will be inspired to move into my craft room that I have not worked in in over a month and start creating again.

Have been checking others blogs and you all are so talented and fun to look at. I love what you all do

and it will motivate me to do more as time goes on.

I seem to be getting used to Gary not being here although I miss him so much. I know he would be happy with the progress I am making at rebuilding my life and home to suit my needs. I am so grateful to my friends who are behind me in this new life. I hope that you find some time to find some treasures to play with.

2010-05-28T15:44:00.000-04:00

Have been working in my garden and noticed how big my fresh herbs were. I decided they needed to be shared so I cut, washed and wrapped them up and took them down to the river to give to the people who live on their boats and are traveling through the locks to wherever. I know that they cook on their boats as there are few places for them to eat at and thought it would be a treat for them to have.

Have my grandaughter for the holiday weekend. Will be playing a little golf for a change.

Wishing you all a wonderful holiday weekend with those you love.

Baby Hat

2010-05-18T12:31:00.002-04:00

My newest Knit item. A little baby hat I fell in love with. I saw it at our local yarn shop in Cohoes. Beau Knits. http://beauknitsltd.com/ It has a little bolero sweater that goes with it, which I hope is my next project. Since I didn't make it for anyone special I am thinking of putting it aside and packaging it to sell at some later date or show of some kind. Perhaps if I get enough items I'll open an Etsy Shop for my goods.

This is the only creative thing I've made lately. Hope you are all enjoying this spring weather and fullfilling your creative desires.

2010-05-10T12:22:00.001-04:00

This is a collaged piece I did back when I was in college for my Color Theory Class. I have always loved it and thought it to be very soothing. It is all about nature and the images within the piece itself. For instance, on the left it looks like a sillouette of a lady with a hat on. She certainly might be there as an observer of the nature around her. That came to be by accident as it was not planned. I like the way I positioned the butterfly at the opening of the shell and just overall I thought this was a fun and unique way to incorporate nature in an otherwise abstract picture. I'm thinking of submitting it in with my other painting at 5 Rivers in June. They are two very different types of art, but a nice contrast both depicting nature and how we choose to observe it.

I hope you all had a wonderful celebration of "Mother's Day" yesterday. Mine was spent with my two daughters as we went out to a tea room and enjoyed each other's company. No kids, no husbands, and we all agreed it was the best mother's day we have had in a long time and vowed to do it again next year.

Looking foward to viewing everyone's blog later today. You all inspire me to do more and better play.

2010-05-05T22:05:00.000-04:00

Here is my painting to put at 5 Rivers Environmental Center. I changed it a little from Vertical to Horizontal and obviously added the mountains and lake and dock etc.

My searching for a style of work keeps me trying different things. From Collage, to watercolor to Acrylic. I am not sure yet which medium I like best, but will dabble and hopefully find a style that incorporates some or all of those elements and be strickly mine. A journey we all seem to be on. This particular painting is acrylic with some mediums for texture on the tree. The rest is pretty much just paint. I still have some minor touch ups to make it better, but it is mostly done. My own inner critic says it is amateur and it is but I like it anyways for the message it delivers.

Hope you are all enjoying your art journey.

Change

2010-05-03T16:19:00.000-04:00

The one thing that is constant is change. This particular photo is my Spring version of this particular path. I'm taking photos of this path during each of the seasons, of which I now have Winter and spring. Spring has always been my favorite season because for me it symbolizes the beginning of new life. As my friends all know, I am beginning a new life after the loss of my life partner, and it is the most difficult of paths, I think, because of my age. This is the 5th time I have started my life over and so I should be used to change and beginnings, but they are never easy. Always so much to consider.

Today I just had to "change" my blog header because I couldn't get the old one back to where it once was and it was cut off in all the wrong places. So, today after a big shower I decided to do my lilacs as they are in full bloom and adding wonderful fragrance to the front of my home. I am hoping that my life will blossom as I travel an unknown path. My instincts are telling me to just follow my muse and do what I love and it will take me to where I will be happiest. And that is what I am doing, however cautiously, as I feel very fragile and don't want to incur any more emotional pain till I heal from my grief.

I am following many blogs out there and I want all of you to know that you bring life, energy and hope to me as I determine what to do next. Thank you all for that.

2010-04-18T19:10:00.002-04:00

Back when my Gary passed away, my friend Kerri Possen Stabile offered to help me get back into my art and I welcomed the gift she was offering but was not ready to embark on it then. Every time I saw her I was reminded that this offer still stood and when I finally felt like I wanted to abandon the sadness and tackle something new, we set a date to play together at her house. This is the result of my play time with Kerri. Those of you who know Kerri will recognize the resemblance as I basically copied her and yet our paintings are really very different. I used her colors that I would probably never have chosen and yet I love now that it's done. I know when she gets her camara fixed or a new one she will post hers as well. Of course mine is not as well done as hers, as she has the experience, but I am thrilled that we did this.

Most of all, I feel blessed, because she gave of herself and her time. Those are gifts that are treasured the most and will remain as fond memories forever. Thanks to Kerri and all my art friends for also giving me the courage to move forward and step into a future of uncertainty with courage.

You can see Kerri's Blog at: http://kerriposson-artist.blogspot.com/

2010-04-18T19:06:00.002-04:00

This is a little 6 X 6 painting I completed today. It was part of a day of painting that Kerri Possen shared with me and it is one of two. This was actually the second one. I am posting the other one next so you can see them both. The other one is my favorite. The process was fun and really gave me some confidence I've been lacking.

2010-04-13T14:45:00.002-04:00

Yesterday I decided I needed to work on a project for an upcoming exhibit at 5 Rivers Environmental Park here in upstate New York. This is only the beginning of what I hope will be one of two paintings. I have yet to intigrate the elements and add more items and embellishments, but it is well on it's way. I am hoping it will tell a story of a young girl alone with Mother Nature and enjoying the surrounding gifts she has to offer. Since that is what the park is for, I hope that it will fit right in.

I will post it when completed and hope people will give me honest critisizem.

2010-04-13T14:29:00.002-04:00

One of my girlfriends of about 35 years sent me this picture of a cowl neck warmer and said she loved it. And so, the right thing to do was to try to make it for her. Although I could not find a chunky yarn in the shown color, I decided to do a prototype to see how it would come out and actually look done up. I didn't think I would really like it, and I'm not sure I do yet, but it wasn't for me, so when we next visit I will give it to her and we will go shopping to see if we can find a yarn more to her liking or abandon the project altogether.

The only difference is actually the color of the yarn. It was made with three strands of chuncky yarn at one time which is why it is so bulky, but size wise it is correct. Since I love the way my girlfriend dresses, and she is a very talored and classy lady, I am anxious to see how she manipulates this to look good. The pattern came from an issue of Martha Stewart's magazine and included therein, but I do not know which publication or issue.

Very quick to make and actually fun, and I bought the yarn on sale so the needles, which were a size 19 were more expensive than the yarn. But, you know us crafters. When we need something to make something, we get it, don't we? Or am I the only one.

Happy knitting to those who do.

2010-04-08T20:26:00.002-04:00

Today was a milestone for me as I finished my first pair of booties, or baby socks. I never did socks before and I have been intimidated to do them. These were knitted on straight needles with a seam on the side. They were much easier than I anticipated and I really only did them because my sister gave me the pattern and the yarn. She has been trying to get me to do some socks for a long time. I have started before but never finished. Perhaps now I will do more but will not do these as I don't care for the seam on the in side of them.

It seems everyone I know who knits makes socks. Personally I would probably get one done and not want to do the other so I'd have to give it up.

Next I'm going to work on a project for a friend who requested a cowl neck warmer. It is done with three (3) strands of Chunky yarn. It will be very fast but very very chunky. It doesn't do anything for me but she loves the look of it in the picture so when I get it done I'll post it as well.

Happy knitting or painting or crafting to all my blogger friends.

2010-04-03T22:11:00.002-04:00

Happy Easter Everyone. Since I am alone I was invited to my daughter's for brunch and she has a friend coming who just had surgery yesterday, so I made these little "Easter gift boxes" that I filled with some peat pot discs and some packages of flower seeds. I saw these in a magazine called La Vie Claire which I just love but only comes out 4 times a year and then if I don't see it right away it sells out and I can't find. Anyway, I copied these. They are called BloemBox and were invented by Laura Quatrochi. I just loved them and decided to give it a go.

These are so versitile as you could put some sachet's inside or soaps and match the flowers on top with the scent inside. Imagine the different colors you could make these in and they are such a nice hostess gift and not expensive to make. Time consuming as I had to put on about 5 coats of paint before it covered. Even with Gesso as a base. Then I had to varnish them to give them a satin sheen.

After brunch with one daugher I will go to my other daughter's for dinner. There I also will give a couple of these away. I am delighted with these and can think of many occassions to use them. Perhaps they will inspire you as well.

Hope you all enjoy your holiday.

2010-03-26T13:01:00.001-04:00

This is an addition to my other post today. My grandaughter Kyra came over to spend the night and I asked her if she wanted to make a postcard for Satori (see next post) and she said she would like to so hers is on the top and mine is on the bottom.

2010-03-26T12:43:00.002-04:00

A request was made on a blog I follow to send postcards to a 10 year old girl named Satori.

To see her story go to Art of Wyanne
the karma weekly giveaway #6.....and a little favor... and see if you would like to add to this favor. It was fun. This is the postcard I made for Satori and I hope she enjoys it while recovering from her surgery.

It really motivated me thinking maybe I could brighten up someone elses's day as I know how those down days feel. I've had enough of them lately, so this lifted my spirits as I hope it lifts hers. Of course mine will only be one of probably hundreds or maybe even thousands, but it's still pertinent.

Hope to see more requests.

2010-03-18T20:35:00.002-04:00

Well, I have been struggling lately, but decided to tackle a project for Gary's daughter Tracy.

It was her birthday today and I wanted to make use of some of Gary's tee shirts featuring the Harley Davidson pictures. This one was feminin enough for Tracy plus the bike on it is Blue like his new bike. I decided to make a pillow out of it so she could have it in some useful form rather than just sitting in a closet somewhere wondering why we can't throw it out. Now she doesn't have to but can if she gets sick of it.

The outside border looks better than this in person, but didn't come out quite so nice in the picture. I included a zipper so it can still be washed as well. She seemed to think it was more special than the gift certificate I gave her and I truly hope that was the case.

I kept some other shirts of Gary's and plan to make things with them that have some special memories attached. I will probably post them as they come up.

Thanks to all my art friends who are supporting me through this difficult time. I still can't talk about Gary very much. I miss him so much, but I know time will help and hopefully I'll be making more things soon. Maybe doing some decorating projects as well.

Thought I might share this so if anyone else has memories tied up in clothes of loved ones lost, they might try something along this line.

Happy creating.

2010-03-02T14:35:00.003-05:00

Somewhere in my upbringing I was taught that it is necessary to get your work done before you are allowed to play. That "learning" has been my excuse for a long time as to why I don't do art.

Since I do not currently have a job and live on a social security check, I have nothing but time to play and yet do not allow myself as I have so much "work" to do in my home.

It is time to change old habits and "get-er done" as Larry the Cable Guy would say. So today I took the plunge and neglected work (not all of it mind you) and played in my art room on this Fabriano Watercolor Art Journal I am working on. It is part of a class I am taking from Marilyn Rock and Kerri Possen. I decided to do a little on my own as I had these elements I liked together. I thought I might get a head start so that in class I might get time to do the embellishing. I'm a little slow sometimes and everyone else will be done and I'm still puttsing along.

I'm not completely done but made a breakthrough in my habits and hopefully will continue to stop finding "work" excuses and "finding play time".

I was totally inspired to do this today by DJ Pettitt and her post on a suggestion she gave a beginner. I don't know if it helped the beginner, but it sure helped me and I thanked her for it.
You can find her blog at: http://djpettitt.blogspot.com/2010/02/new-blog-on-typepad.html

Thanks too for all you bloggers who inspire me with your work and come to visit mine.

2010-02-13T16:06:00.002-05:00

Finally I went to my studio to actually work on something. I have a few art projects I was meaning to get to. These were one of them. They are the ATC's for the Feb. swap at Stampassion. The last of the swaps since we are closing at the end of the month.

The theme was not Valentines but just plain "Red and White". I just love the crispness of anything red and white. They look so fresh and clean.

Slowly I am starting to have some what I call "normal" days where I miss Gary but can function just fine and actually feel good. Other days I struggle with every thought of him and cry it out. After that wash of sadness is gone I usually have a really good couple of days. And so I hope to focus more on art and less on how I'm feeling.

Without Stampassion to give me work I will be able to stay home and start painting. That is my real hope for now . Taking a few classes, maybe going on a retreat. (An art retreat sounds fantastic to me). I hope to learn more and do more and I think with that and the connection with my art friends that I will be able to create a new life with wonderful memories and much happiness.

Wish me luck.

2010-01-21T09:09:00.002-05:00

This is the first piece of art I've done since I lost Gary, and I am so happy with it. When I think of doing this in a Little Fat Book Club meeting, I didn't "think" about putting it together at all.

It just happened and then I looked at it and was so happy. It's been quite awhile since I have felt that. I know that getting back to the art will help to heal my heart and soul and so I hope this is the first of many new posts of "happy" art.

Thanks for all the wonderful well wishes. 2010 will be a good year.

2010-01-13T19:47:00.002-05:00

A beautiful plant called an "Angel" Orchid from friends of Gary's and Mine.

The healing has begun, but is far from over. I can now almost get through a day without breaking out in tears. Some days better than others, but over all it is the people that are keeping me from entering a dark and lonely place. It is their love and constant vigil to not let me be alone..

Being alone forces me to face the future. I have started over alone, several times in my life, but this is the toughest assignment I have ever had. I think because of my age being 62, that it is just plain harder. I'm tired. I was happy with the life Gary and I had together. I felt like I had finally created a life that gave me all the comforts and security I needed. Now that is all gone again.

To rebuild a life again. Wow. We had dreams together that I have to abandon. Not that I can't have them someday myself, but it just wouldn't be the same. Thinking of things we planned on doing and realizing they will never happen. Trying not to think of them, but having to sort them out and come to terms with them.

I look forward to the day I can walk into my art studio and do something. That has not happened yet, and yet it will probably be helpful in my healing process. Instead I am vegitating in front of the television. I will have to force myself to do otherwise. I'm not ready to do otherwise. How long will I allow myself to feel sorry for myself. Not long. I'm not that kind of person. I need to be doing things. Making things.

To everyone who has blessed my life, I can never forget your concern for me or the phone calls, cards, and inclusion in activities that will surely bring me back to health and those I love most dearly. Thank you for your understanding and I hope you will see some happy times posted on this blog along with some beautiful art inspired by my life with Gary coming forth in the weeks ahead. Much love to you all..

2010-01-04T19:21:00.006-05:00

Gary - 5/20/1947 - 12/28/2009

Here is a collection of pictures showing the love of our family during our 23 years together. It is evident I think how much Gary loved children and all that life has to offer.

There are lessons in life if we let them come to us through loss. When there is an empty space it makes room for this lesson to come through. If only we pay attention. We may not know what that lesson is right away, but suptly it will appear and I believe that it is part of a direction that leads us on to greater joy. I have had much joy with Gary and he speaks to me in spirit already.

I hope you can get a glimpse of one terrific guy, and can see the love shared by his family and I.

2010-01-01T11:09:00.002-05:00

This picture is of Gary Therrien and his grandaughter Sarah.

At a turbulent time in 1987, the God I believe in sent me an angel named Gary. Although I wasn't looking for one conciously, he came and my life was changed forever....

He brought to me a feeling of comfort that I had never known. It didn't come quickly, but over a period of time. You see, I had my heart closed off to love. The love I had experienced and known over the years was not the love he was offering. It was foreign to me. We were, together, awkward, but his kindness and gentleness won me over and we stayed on a course that would forever bind us. One that lasted 23 years.

During that time he took me to many new places. He loved to travel and it was what his job required and what he did. He introduced me to people across this country that I can still call friends.

He brought me the gifts of laughter and comfort and a warm gentle smile that softened my sharp rough manner and opened my heart to many truths about life and people. He taught me many lessons and gave me encouragement and freedom to pursue dreams that he did not understand but nevertheless, appreciated. There were more gifts, loving children and grandchildren and thousands of beautiful memories with them.

On Monday, December 28, 2009, the God that I believe in took his life from his body quickly, without time for sappy drama. I know that I am not the only one feeling pain with this loss, and my heart also aches for all those who knew and loved him.

My earth angel Gary is now my guardian angel ,and will always be with me, just traveling on the wings of a Harley and working from a new location. He always loved to travel. It was God's assignment, not mine.

2009-12-24T12:46:00.002-05:00

Wishing anyone who visits an "All is Calm, All is Bright" holiday tomorrow.

Every year I decorate this stone birdhouse I made and it really puts me in the mood to celebrate the holidays. There is a peacefullness as I add the animals and trees around. I perhaps I wish I lived in such a place.

I hope you are all with people you love and enjoying the wonders of the season.

2009-12-16T09:53:00.001-05:00

Here are all 12 Tags of Christmas I made from Tim Holtz's website. Very time consuming but worth the effort. Loved making them all. Someone said you can copy off the tags and directions, which you can, however I did just tag number 1 and it was 30 pages. I know some of them are more than that, so unless you want a book (a fat book) I wouldn't recommend it. Perhaps just a certain technique might be the option. Anyway, hope you like and have been enjoying your own holiday preparations.

Thanks for stopping by.

2009-12-10T12:55:00.004-05:00

Day # 10 and done early. Have time for shopping. This tag didn't take that long to do, but the colors are much more vibrant than they appear here. There is green in the wish section but it doesn't seem to show. Very fun to make. I didn't have the metal adhesive to use in the background so I used Plumber's tape which is about the same. So there is a seam in the middle, but he used his stapler to make stitches so I did too and looks like it was meant to happen.

Thanks for stopping by.

2009-12-09T16:41:00.002-05:00

Day #9 of Tim Holt's 12 Christmas Tags. Mine is quite different yet looks a lot like it. I did not have the film that he used so I improvised by finding some old negatives that were very dark brown. I put them in bleach and voila, they turned clear. So then I used his distress ink to make them tinted a little vintage and went from there. I didn't know you could bleach them out, but that was exciting, as it opens up more possibilities. Hope you can all use that should you want to.

2009-12-09T11:25:00.000-05:00

2009-12-09T11:24:00.000-05:00

2009-12-09T11:19:00.002-05:00

Today was a day of surprises. There is more snow than predicted and it is a winter wonderland out there today. Gave me an opportunity to make a snowman out front of the house and to notice my beautiful roses that the freezing temperatures don't seem to effect. As you can see the contrast is just beautiful. I decided to use the roses to look like a hat on the snowwoman?

Being a kid again today. Enjoy the beauty everyone.

2009-12-08T16:58:00.002-05:00

Finally am caught up with tags 6 and 7 of Tim's 12 Tags of Christmas.

What I like about doing these is that it is teaching me new techniques that I can use in so many other applications. It makes me think how I can get the same effect with different products than he may be using. And, finding out that certain techniques that work for him are not working for me. For instance, he painted white flourishes on the Santa Tag that you cannot see on mine. I did it as he did, but when it came time to wipe them with a damp paper towel, the ink did not come off to make them white again. I would have embossed them with white and they would have had the contrast he was able to achieve. Not a big deal but I would have liked the white contrast that he got.

So, if you are trying these, I hope you have as much fun as I am. Can't wait to do some little atc's using some of these techniques. Hope you are all enjoying your holiday crafts and gift making..

Tim Holtz's 12 Days of Christmas Tags

2009-12-07T17:01:00.002-05:00

Wow, this is a real challenge for me. It seems I spend so much time doing these. I can only get one a day done and I'm two behind right now. Don't know if I can catch up. Thought it would be today, but it's getting late.

The picture really doesn't do them justice. So much better in person, but oh well. For anyone else who is making these I hope you are having as much fun as I am with them.

2009-12-02T14:27:00.002-05:00

These are the other two tags I did using the Hero Arts Vintage Flowers instead of Tim's metal rose. I post these just for comparison purposes as the metal rose was much too time consuming to be my cup of tea. And I love roses. Just not these.

This post should be below the last one but I'm not sure I can reverse them, so I'll let them stand as is.

2009-12-02T14:08:00.005-05:00

I must be a Tim Holtz Groupie as I just spent endless hours making tag 1 and tag 2 of his 12 Tags of Christmas. And, they are not identical as I don't own all those images and embellishments. I had to improvise, but felt I got the same effect as his. If you are not familiar with Tim Holtz, and I can't imagine that, you can see his at http://www.timholtz.typepad.com/

I love making these, but I have to say that if you are going to attempt to make the rose in the lower left of the bottom tag that you might think twice. I am very good at assemblage, however, after over an hour this rose finally came together and then it broke. I would and did make two other tags but I used the Hero Arts Vintage Flowers and the effect is as nice if not nicer. I will post those pictures too. I'm trying to make one for me and one for Stampassion, so if you want to see them in person, you can find them there on the days I work or after.

This is truly an exercise in improvisation as the snowman is not the same nor is the stamp on the 2nd tag. I hope if you are doing these that you are enjoying them as much as I am and learning at the same time.

Thanks for your comments on my blog as they keep me inspired to try more and newer techniques. Hope you are all enjoying the beginning of the holiday season.

2009-11-30T18:06:00.002-05:00

It's holiday time and that means busy hands to make small tokens to add to gifts and other presents.

I made these tiles. They were made by cutting the images from Graphic 45 paper and gluing them to little wooden rectangles which were stained with Prismacolor solvent ink pens. I have had a set of wood grain ones that I have had for over 10 years and kept flat. I could not believe they are still good, but they are. Amazing. Once glued down I embellished them with some Sakura glitter pens (clear) and then put one or two coats of diamond glaze over it. I also put some german glass glitter on some of them for a snow effect. Although you might not see that in the photo, you can see it in person. I am pretty happy with them over all. They could become ornaments, although the Santa one is a pin.

Hope you are all playing with your art and enjoying the process as much as I am.

On to Christmas cards.

Roses in November in Upstate New York

2009-11-30T17:58:00.005-05:00

I usually cut back all my plants before winter gets here, however this year I was so busy with life that I let the front garden go and this is what I got for being so negligent. I can't say that I have ever seen Roses in upstate New York this time of year. Usually they are done in late Sept. or early October. This picture was taken on Nov 29th, and I have more buds ready to bloom.

This is such a pretty site right now since if you live here you know that everything is now brown and drab. All the pretty leaves have fallen and we await the white snow to cover the ground.

Just thought I would share these with you in case you needed a pretty picture. Enjoy

2009-11-16T12:00:00.002-05:00

Today I had a wonderful breakfast with a friend. I wanted to give her this sweater I knit for her soon to be grandaughter. I finished making it last week and was so excited to be able to give it to her.

I don't consider myself an expert or even a very experienced knitter, but I love to make baby sweaters. One year I made 6 sweaters to give to the grandkids for Christmas. They all wore them which really surprised me, but gave me the confidence to keep trying to get better.

My sister is trying to convince me that socks are a must but I cannot seem to get past the cuff. I really haven't tried. Another hurdle. It sits there ready to be tackled and I just keep looking at it and saying, ahhhhhhhhhhhhh not today. Maybe today for real? I have been told that once I get the nack of them I will forever love them. Meanwhile I keep wondering who I can give this ONE sock to when I get it done. I can't imagine doing another one to match no less doing another one.

Well that's it for now. For all those knitters out there, keep inspiring and I'll keep knitting.

2009-11-12T13:19:00.003-05:00

This is the time of year that I settle in and get ready for the cold and snow and gray weather, but reap the benefits of the season past.

Apples are the atc theme for Stampassion this month so I got busy and created these. They make me wish I had an apple pie on the counter, but that will come later towards the Thanksgiving holiday.

Wishing you all a happy fall day and the benefits of apples in your life.

2009-10-30T11:05:00.002-04:00

Happy Halloween to any of my peeps who visit. My neighbor asked me to make her a card for her grandson and I just love these stamps by Inkadinkado. So fun. Go forth, Eat, Drink and be Scarey!

2009-10-26T12:50:00.003-04:00

It seems a lot of my friends are sick with colds, flu or just plain malaise. Today I made some homemade chicken soup to take to my grandkids who are home from school sick.

I wish just looking at the picture could bring wellness to anyone out there who is feeling under the weather. Take care and have some chicken soup.......for the soul.

2009-10-17T20:53:00.002-04:00

OK, so I deleted my post about ending this blog. I really missed it even though I hadn't posted in some time. It was like a loss and I've had enough of losses.

And then I went on vacation to Richmond Virginia to see my Gary and he was finishing up his business there and coming home. This was one of the streets in the old section full of mostly pubs and restaurants, but very nice with that small town feel to it.

While away I started thinking about Gary being back home with me and what is it that I wanted in my life that I didn't have. My blog was one thing for sure and yet I don't seem to want to go through all the frustration of figuring out how to get all the bells and whistles. I decided that the bells and whistles are not as important as the art itself or the journaling of feelings that we as bloggers sometimes need to put out there. So, I also decided to forget the extras, keep it simple and just post what I'm working on, which quite frankly is art and figuring out my true passion. It's amazing you can get to be 62 and still not know what your passion is. I mean I like art a lot, really a lot, but I don't get really excited too often unless I'm looking at someone elses. And so it makes me wonder.

Well, following this post you will see I got busy and decided to participate in as many swaps as I could get done. I think I did enough for 3 swaps, a gift and a collaged mitten for a swap that is up and coming. I'm ahead of that game for now. My next project is to get out the canvas and work on a piece for a show. No more info there.

I can see that all my blogger friends have been busy creating and it just was driving me crazy that I wasn't, so thank you all for the motivation, inspiration and getting me in my studio.

2009-10-17T20:44:00.003-04:00

I have been collecting beads since I was a child. When I played with my grandmother's buttons, I would also find beads in the tin and she would give them to me. When my grandmother taught me to sew she gave me her button box and the rest is history. Since I am 62 years old and been collecting all my life, I have literally thousands of buttons. Beads too. I thought I would make jewelry but not too many things I have made ever held up even though I thought I was buying good gold plated findings. They are often too weak and open easily.

I decided to take a beginning course in beading and learned how to use crimp beads. It couldn't be easier and I can't believe I couldn't figure this out myself, but after 5 minutes in class I had the trick down and so I made this necklace and have since fixed a vintage necklace I had that was broken and am on my way to fixing many more that I have found in thrift stores over the years.

This may very well be a Christmas gift for someone. I know it will hold up and I am quite pleased with the look of it, even though it is rather traditional.

2009-10-17T20:23:00.002-04:00

Here is my group of Christmas Inchies to be sent into a swap hosted by my friend Fran. We send in 6, get 6 back and then use three in a card to be sent back for another swap. How fun!!.

2009-10-17T20:20:00.002-04:00

Have been very busy with swaps and this one is for our Little Fat Book Club swap for this Tuesday at Stampassion. Of course those who know me know my bats are my inspiration and so I found it fitting for our Halloween swap.

2009-10-17T20:14:00.002-04:00

Here are my atc's for Stampassion this month. The theme was Occupations and I chose a Writer, a Botanist and a Judge. I think it may have been too challenging for some participants as I only have three (including mine) in our swap this month and I am trying to get more supporters, not less. If anyone has any suggestions how to increase our membership, would you let me know?

2009-09-26T19:30:00.000-04:00

2009-08-31T21:27:00.001-04:00

2009-08-31T20:47:00.000-04:00

2009-08-31T20:17:00.002-04:00

Today was a spontaneous day of fun with one of my grandaughters, Allysa. It is known among my family that I spend more time with her sister, but today I decided I needed to pay Allysa a little attention. Allysa loves photography, so she said she would love to go with me, with camera in hand, to take some pictures wherever we happened to land. We went to several places, one of them being a nature park where we found this beautiful flower. I don't know what name it has, but I would like to have it in my own garden.

It was a wonderful day discovering how to use the camera, setting up a tripod my Gary gave me a few days ago, and just having a little girl time playing. The weather was just perfect, some sun, some clouds, about 68 degrees.

She took over a hundred pictures, many of them flowers, but mostly of some airplanes landing and taking off at the airport, They are not the best, but they are memories of a wonderful day shared by Grandma and grandaughter, and great practice for an upcoming photographer.

2009-08-19T12:03:00.002-04:00

After my last post I felt that it was too down to leave so I thought I might put a pretty picture up to lift up those old feelings.

This is "Marshmallo". I purchased the pattern to make her when I was in Arizona at a wonderful
shop called "Bear Makin's" in Phoenix. She was just irresistable. I also purchased the English
Mohair to make her and I'm glad I did as I have never seen it anywhere else for sale, although I'm sure it is sold on line.

I managed to make 3 of them so my two daughters would each have one plus mine.

It seems I can only make a few of any one thing, then I have to move on to something else. I'm not sure if that is a good thing or not.

Hope you like her. I would love to share her pattern, but I think there are probably copyright issues there since I did not design her. I can share that the company who makes the pattern is "A Roosevelt Bear Co.", the Designer Alexia Roosevelt , and they are located in Sunnyvale Ca. Perhaps they have a web site. It was too many years ago I bought the pattern, so I don't know if it is even made anymore.

That's it for today.