Indulge Your Shelf

Here's what's been on my work table:  Remember those Zentangles I started?  Well..I decided I needed a carrying case for them. And when looking through my fabrics, I came across a needlebook kit I received from Charlotte Lyons . I didn't need another needlebook -- but it was just right for making a book to hold my Zentangle squares and writing implements. The outside is this beautiful red and green vintage quilt piece; I edged in in some matching thread and tied it with a piece of cloth ribbon that was also included in the kit.  I just love it! More little hearts... I was going to decorate them more, but decided they looked adorable with some bright pink seam binding, crinkled and tied around each one. This is a Valentine I made the other day for my dear husband. Don't worry, he never reads my blog so it won't ruin the surprise! I used an old cabinet card with a nice looking guy on it.  He reminded me of my husband. He clutches a cane ...

 I've been free form hand stitching little hearts.  These are the wool ones I showed you last time; thank you for all the encouragement, by the way! I covered them in stitches with bright perle cotton  I edged these hearts in black thread; their shapes are very "loose"  I couldn't resist doing a white on white heart with vintage laces over it  I might add three perfect little pearl buttons to the front -- I bet you can guess just where!  More free stitching, on tiny hearts The red one looks a little too Christmas-y, no? I think I like this one best. I told you I was going to take some time out for paper art last Saturday, and so I did.  I made a Valentine banner.  I bought the chipboard pennants very inexpensively at Tuesday Morning a while back...  and covered them front and back with a selection of papers.  I wanted it to have a vintage feel, so most of the elements are antique. ...

I had a very peaceful time at my table, creating this canvas the other day.  I made it on a canvas covered board and used paint, gesso, and mostly new papers.  But also some antique wall paper.  The quote on this scrapbook paper really spoke to me: I am not afraid, I was born to do this. The pen tells you what that destiny is -- writing: all the story-telling I have been wanting to do, and how important it is to me, and how much courage it takes to put my words and stories out there. Funny -- I sat down to make a Valentine canvas and this is what happened! Maybe it is just my valentine to myself.    Newsflash:  Karla has opened up registration for Bird Song 5  coming up June 5 & 6; it always fills up so if you are thinking of going, get in touch with her as soon as possible! You know if you have read my blog for a while that it is my favorite art event and I never miss it -- alas, I will have to miss it this time.  T...

Hello there friends!  I can't stay long as the sun is out for the first time in a few days and I can't wait to get outside and watch the snow melt!  But I had to say Hello and Happy Saturday, and I have some fun to show you: One day soon it will be warm enough to wear these Mondo Crocs I just bought online.  Project Runway fans will remember that Mondo was a designer on Season 8 and later an All Stars winner -- and I just adored his style.  He did a limited edition of colorful Crocs and they have just now gone down in price to become affordable.  (At one point they were selling for hundreds on eBay.)  They make me very happy!  Then again, it doesn't take much to make me happy.  Like playing with my flower frogs -- I think you can say I have a collection now!  The square and green one are new to me -- I bought them at a vintage market last weekend, along with... this really fun ephemera -- little oil change reminder tags! ...