Bird Nest On The Ground

Two Rose Collages

2012-02-19T13:19:00.005-06:00

Well, two more collages today...these with more 'paper roses.' I use paper napkins in many of my collages and I have to say....I'm pretty fond of this particular napkin. You really have to see the napkin as it was purchased in order to see what I have done with it, so I'm beginning with a photo of that napkin. I rarely use the napkin as a whole, usually tearing bits of it to suit whatever it is I have in my mind. So, I hope seeing the napkin photo, helps you understand how it was used in each of these collages. By the way, I seem to find the prettiest napkins at Tuesday Morning. This one was is copyrighted by Gail Flores, Licensed by Suzanne Cruise. It's gorgeous.

The first collage is what I thought would look like a rose basket. I tore the napkin to 'fit' the painted canvas, and then drew the 'basket' on.......and finally added some stamps from my stamp 'collection.' (My stamp collection was purchased all at once, in a gallon jar, from the flea market a couple of years ago. I will probably never be able to use all the neat stamps from that jar, but I do have fun with them.) Again, a paper butterfly. A strip of ribbon too. And, the words, of course. "The fragance of the rose," cut from old book pages. I have 'touched up' the roses with even more paint. I like the way it turned out.

Next, is a canvas I painted, then made into this collage. I had cut the words out of a magazine,
"Well behaved women rarely make history." I just thought it would be fun. A page from scrapbooking paper, a date from a very old ledger from my son-in-law's family store, and again.....the wonderful rose napkin! (Don't worry about the vintage ledger....it was falling apart, so we didn't worry about using it for collages as there are wonderfully intact and beautiful ledgers we would never touch!)

The 'lady' (I think she is gorgeous and don't you love her outfit and jewels? I used some hot crystals for her earrings.), well, I just don't remember at this moment where she came from, but from scrapbooking paper or somewhere similar. I did add some hand drawn vines, touched with a bit of paint...and that number - 509...means nothing except it was the page number from the ledger. I had fun making this...getting paint and gel medium on my hands is great FUN...and using these napkins is too.

So...there you are...two of the latest made in the downtown studio...and, as always, for sale there.
If I can get my etsy up and going again...SOON....they might wind up there, but for now...they are with me as I play in the paint downtown. You all stay safe, warm and cozy....pat

Two Heart Collages

2012-02-15T21:04:00.004-06:00

Yesterday I promised to show you two 'heart' collages I recently made at the downtown studio. Here they are. Yeah, ok, so I'm not the best collage artist around...but I sure do enjoy making them. The 'girls' at the downtown studio all paint, and beautifully, I might add. I've never really used paint much...well, except to paint my background fabrics on some embroidery. But, I like watching them paint and they have inspired me to try things....just because they seem to enjoy it so much...even when it is WORK.

So, I took up this collage business. I do get to use some paint, plus lots of paper napkins. I think that is just a hoot! Who knew? I learned to use paper napkins from Sharon at allnorahsart. I've been reading her blog for a long time and was fascinated with what she did with paper napkins, so I had to try it. Of course, that also means I am always on the look out for pretty paper napkins. Oh, the thrill of the hunt...one of my favorite things!!!

There is the 6" x 6" stenciled bird collage. This was FUN! I had the bird stencil and I cut two hearts out of old book pages...."tied" the hearts on the branches with linen thread and then embossed the hearts with embossing powder. The first time I had tried the powder. Well, ok...there's another thing to find out more about!! I like the hearts really well and the embossing kind of highlights the words underneath. I also used the powder to make the 'snow.' Can you see it? Little snow drops. Gosh, that was fun!

Then, the heart. I painted the background, drew the heart freehand, then added the paper napkin roses. I love the napkin those roses came from. I will be showing you another collage that I made using that same rose napkin. I'm even going to show you the napkin....so you can see just how that works. FUN. But, for now.....I just added the roses. Then, I wondered what to do next and found the birds on another napkin. Two sweet birds....they gave me the idea for what the words would be and I found them in two different books. It's so much fun to pick out words that seem to have something to do with your collage....but really, it's just random words. I love the words on this one.

So, there you go. Two heart collages. They are for sale at the downtown studio. And, I'll enjoy them until they fly off, maybe near, maybe far. Hope you are all well, safe, happy, warm and cozy!!! See you in a couple of days or so.....pat

The Valentine Giveaway Winner!!!

2012-02-14T22:18:00.003-06:00

Did you have a Happy Valentine's Day? I certainly hope so. I was pleased to receive your comments concerning my Valentine Giveaway....y'all are so nice to visit and comment too. So...want to know who the winner is? OK, then....the winner is PAT SALADA! And, she says her birthday is in February. How cool is that? (Thank you, old Navy man, for your help!) So....PAT, please email me and let me know what your mailing address happens to be so I can send you a package from my little NEST to yours.

I appreciate all of you who responded and would like to remind you that I will be having another giveaway toward the end of this month to celebrate Bird Nest on the Ground's 4th anniversary. Please visit again and see what I will be giving away...it will involve more hearts and some beading. And, kindly come again in the next day or so, I will be showing two collages I made for the downtown studio. Til then, stay safe, warm and cozy!!! pat

A Valentine Giveaway

2012-02-11T23:03:00.005-06:00

Happy Valentine's Day! Well, in a few days, that is. Would you like a giveaway? I'd enjoy giving something away as a Thank You for visiting my blog. And, as you've heard me say several times....I can't give something to everyone...so there will be one person chosen to win these goodies. You never know...it might be you!

There is a 6" x 6" heart collage...made by me in the downtown studio this week...just for that someone special...representing all of you. The collage consists of a canvas, painted...then embellished with paper napkin roses and a painted heart. A Cheerful Heart. A real vintage two cent stamp is in the lower right corner. A paper butterfly flying above the heart. I drew the heart freehand, painted it, the embellished it with those FUN dots. Who knew painting dots on a canvas with the sharp end of a wooden skewer could be such fun...that skewer has become one of my favorite painting 'tools.' Then, words gathered from an old book....another of the things I find I love to do, finish the heart. I also have a rubber stamp that is about a two inch square and it is nothing but rows of dots. So, I painted the stamp and randomly added dots around the edges. I enjoyed making this collage and I want someone else to enjoy owning it.

There is a little heart Journal...just a cheapie from Michaels, but it does have a heart, so it's included. A strand of red, purple and pink glass hearts tickled my fancy, so I bought two. One for me...one for you. You know I love birds, so I'll write you a personal note inside the bird card.

So...to win, dear friends, just leave a comment on THIS post....and I'll have the old navy man chose the winner late Tuesday night. Hopefully, you'll be out having fun that night, so check to see if you've won on Wednesday!! If you are the winner, kindly let me know your mailing address in an email....and these goodies will be on their way to you. If you are not the winner, do not despair, I'll be having another giveaway before the month is over....as the 23rd is my blog's anniversary....4 years. Who knew I could keep it going this long?

As always, thank you for visiting and have a good weekend out there...stay warm, safe and cozy! pat

My "New" Old Quilts

2012-02-09T20:25:00.005-06:00

On Tuesday, I showed you my Bear's Paw quilt. The one that survived the fire in the early 80's.
I've heard from some of you. Thank you so much for commenting! Yes, I DO consider this quilt a 'miracle quilt.' It's just a wonder that it survived. And, it looks so good despite it's history. Thanks to that old navy man!!!

I have been asked if that quilt is as long on the other side of the bed as it is on the side you see in the photos. The answer is Yes. But, there is a trick there. It really is a large quilt, but the day we put that bed in the Nest, I realized that with the bed so high above the floor, ALL that 'stuff' I wanted to store under the bed would show. (Remember, no bedskirt!) It was at that point I decided to put the quilt on the bed with the top and bottom toward the sides, making it longer where I needed it to be longer. There is still plenty of quilt at the bottom and top....but not enough to match the length on the sides. Anyway, it did cover up all the stuff underneath....and it not only looks good, but a person can still sleep under it and have their feet fully covered. Great solution to an odd problem, if you ask me.

So, now....about these two quilts. I purchased them at two different flea markets. The Rose one before Christmas at the Freeway Emporium and the Star just last week at Green Alley. I got the Rose one for $40...yeah, that's what I said! And, the Star for $50 and some change. Yeah, I said that too!!!! Couldn't have said NO if I wanted to....such pretty bargains. I wonder what great ladies made them? And, they are soft, so very soft!!!

The Rose is cross-stitched. Hand-quilted. Full size. Delightful. And, doesn't it look good in the Nest? Yeah, I know, you can see a lot of my 'stuff' in the room. You can check my 'label list' and find studio and see more of it...but I guarantee that it never looks the same many months at a time before I've moved it around. Won't be that easy anymore with a bed out here, but, I bet I find a way to change it once in a while anyway. I've posted several photos....one of my faves is the dark one. I posted that one just because I like the 'mood' of it. Would like to be curled up in that bed right now, all cozy and with my Kindle!

The Star quilt is wonderful. Older than the Rose. It has lots of wear, especially in a lot of the diamonds....but is still in good enough shape to use. Gently. I can piece a quilt...but I most often applique. I guess that is why this quilt spoke to me so loudly in the 'flea.' I would never make it, so therefore I love it. Whoever the maker was...she did a FINE job....not only is the piecing wonderful...the hand quilting is fabulous. I know I would have liked this lady a lot!!

So....don't you love them too? Thank you so much for visiting.....I'll be back soon with whatever I can find to share with you.....you know you are special!!!! stay warm, safe and cozy, pat

My Bear's Paw Quilt

2012-02-07T20:41:00.004-06:00

I recently moved my white iron bed out into The Nest, to make way for another bed in the house. Well, no way was I going to get rid of that great old bed, so I went on a tear moving stuff around in my backyard studio until I figured out how to make it fit in. Realizing some time back that I didn't need to have an entire classroom set up in The Nest helped me to figure it out....so away went all those tables and chairs. (At one time, I had four tables and sixteen chairs in here.) Now, as you can see, there is a big bed in here. I rarely get a nap, but this bed surely makes me want to take one!

This vintage bed is high off the floor because it has a modern mattress and box springs on it. It used to have the springs 'built in," but nowadays has slats instead. I have to have a step stool to get on it. You know what that means....most quilts, coverlets or spreads will be too short. So far, I haven't found or taken the time to make a bedskirt for it. Who knows when that will happen, so I had to decide how to dress that bed so I could store lots of stuff underneath it. Enter the picture, my Bear's Paw Quilt. It fits perfectly. I was in the process of making this quilt when I moved to Arkansas in 1981. It's BIG. I really didn't know what I was doing....hence, it's size.
Perfect for a very high, old white bed. I love the way it looks out here in my Nest.

I actually made this quilt for my favorite son. He kindly let me know that he probably wouldn't take care of it like I'd want him to, after I gave him washing instructions, so it has remained here at my house. He has slept under it many times, though, when he visits from California, and I consider it HIS quilt. Maybe he'll actually take it home at some point, well, after I've finished playing with it, you know....a few more years from now.

This quilt has another entirely different story and has lived quite an exciting life. I finished it in 1981. In 1984, it appeared in a quilting book, "First Prize Quilts," by Dimetra Makris, published by Simon and Schuster. (There weren't many of those in 1984!!! Notice it's in black and white!) After the book was published, I had the quilt hanging in the local quilt shop as I was teaching quilting there. The night before my class, the shop caught on fire and burned to the ground. Early in the a.m., that old navy man of mine went down to the site to see what had happened. He asked the fire chief if he could enter the remains of the shop to see if my quilt could be found. "Good luck," was what he was told. One of his co-workers told me that he offered to buy my quilt for $5 when the old navy man spread it out on the parking lot to assess the damage. It was all in one piece, but black as pitch and so wet, it weighed a ton! Can you believe it survived? We couldn't. It seems they sprayed so much water on the building, the quilt had fallen off the wall and was in a very wet heap at the bottom of a pile of rubble when the old navy man found it.

I was heartbroken when I saw it. But we both thought it could be cleaned, so I took it to the local cleaner. A couple of days later, I received a call from the cleaner saying that it was hopeless, did I want them to throw the quilt away. Heck no! So, I brought it home and washed it....over and over and over and over. Many times. Eventually, it came as clean as you see it now. Everyone thinks it is an antique. (Well, NOW, I guess it is, but back then it was still new, but looked old after the fire.) Wasn't it great of the old navy man to want to rescue that quilt?

In 1995, I was asked to let Oxmoor House and Leisure Arts, publish the quilt again. Here is the book...."Grandma's Quilting Bee." And, I've photographed two of the pages so you can see it. Looks pretty darn good to have survived a fire, doesn't it?

So, this quilt was published BEFORE a fire and then again, AFTER the fire. I'm almost willing to bet there haven't been many quilts that fit that description! I hope you enjoy seeing it, especially out in my Nest! Next time, I will be showing you my two new vintage quilts, found at a local flea market, and now here in the Nest, on this bed...just for you. Meantime, take care, pat

Crazy Quilted Hearts

2012-02-04T19:56:00.004-06:00

Tonight, I am returning to the archives and showing you more crazy quilting. If you've followed this blog for a while, you may have seen some of these before. Like the pincushions, these all have new homes and hopefully, their new owners are enjoying them.

These hearts were all made to hang somewhere - from a door knob to the guest room, to the china cabinet or a buffet, on a hook in the bathroom, on the bedpost or the closet door, or, as one of my friends did....hanging on the knob of a glass cabinet housing special fabrics and quilted items. I've made so many, I don't want to count and I own not a one. Maybe one day I'll make my very own.

Most of the people wanting one seemed to like a lot of color....can you tell? I think I might make mine, one of these days, in cream with pearls and rhinestones, off-white silk ribbon and perle cotton and lace......maybe some mother of pearl buttons in several sizes. Well, who knows? Maybe I'll just imagine one and try to get caught up on some UFO's instead. But, a person can dream, can't she?

I've tried to make each heart different from all the rest.....it's a challenge. You tell me what you think about these as I like hearing what you think about the different pieces I make.

I'm currently working on a project for a special person. Hopefully, she will get it in the not-to-distant future and she will then forget how long she has waited for it.....if she likes it, that is.
Working on this special project...for a special person....has been hard to do....so many things going on here to get in the way. Important things. Things that push and pull at me, reminding me that I can't possibly do everything I want to do. I'm telling this to let you (and all my friends and customers) know that I will no longer be doing "special orders." I'm so sorry.....but not being able to meet deadlines is never easy...but at this particular point in my life....nearly impossible, and that really bugs me, so I've decided to discontinue that practice. I just hate disappointing people and keeping them waiting. I know you will understand that.

Now...I did not say I wouldn't be making things for sale....there IS the downtown studio and if I can get myself in gear to learn a few more technical things, as my children encourage me to do, I will be making whatever pops into my head and putting those items in my etsy store, a place that has been neglected...no, forgotten about...for a very long time. No deadlines....that will make me feel better. Now, if I can just apply myself to learning a few things.

So....hope you enjoy the hearts....more hearts to come as February rolls on by us...thank you so much for visiting!!! Stay warm, safe and cozy....pat

Pincushions, Another View

2012-01-31T15:38:00.005-06:00

It's been a busy day, but I wanted to post something 'pretty.' Something that tells you what kind of work I like to do...aside from quilting, that is. Now, you know that I haven't been quilting in a while, but I do still consider myself a quiltmaker, however, there is nothing new along those lines in the Nest just yet, and may not be for a while to come....but there are plenty of 'little things' in my photo archives for me to bring back out and show once in a while.

I don't know about you, but I tend to forget just what I have made and bringing out the photos occasionally reminds me that I didn't just vacuum or do laundry, or buy groceries, or cook, or dust. Well, you get the picture.

So....here are a few of my treasures.... all living somewhere else....happily, I hope. (I do still have one larger of the blue ones, which I saved.) I do appreciate everyone who has ever purchased one of my pincushions.....as they are made with love and great care. It's nice to know they have good homes and are loved as I loved making them.

I really did enjoy making this little pink pincushion...very small and narrow....but makes a statement anyway. Oh, goodness! The Tea Cup pincushion.....painted that teacup one day and saved it for probably several years before I stitched the pincushion. That was fun. The rose pincushion on a soft green background.......that was an experiment that turned out pretty good. The Heart and Vine Love pincushion....I could stitch those vines all day long, they are such fun.
Then, of course, the little blue square and a rectangular tiny pincushion stitched all in white embroidery floss in chain stitch...most of it one strand of floss. Tedious....but great fun.

There are more....yes...several more...that now live in other places. Silk ribbon, embroidery floss, a bit of fabric and some beads and the work of my two hands...I'm so glad I love to do this work! Today I am remembering these and as always, thinking I should be making more and more, rather than less and less. Time will tell, I suppose...as time seems to fly past more quickly each day.

Sure hope you enjoyed this viewing of them......one more time. Stay safe, warm and cozy, pat

PS. Next time, maybe I'll show you 'another view' of some hearts since FEBRUARY begins tomorrow!!!

A Belated Birthday Gift

2012-01-28T21:44:00.008-06:00

At my last monthly group meeting on January 19th, my friend Jim, presented me with a birthday gift. Well, OK, my birthday was in October....but dear friend Jim and I have not seen each other since September. We held our January meeting at his home, so that is when I received the gift. Bear in mind that going to his house is a gift unto itself. I mean it too. You might want to visit his blog HERE. If you scroll down to see his new silver collection and cabinet....you might understand what I mean. I've got some pretty good photos myself of the now 'massive' collection....such fun for me to see, but thank goodness I don't have to clean it. (You might let me know if you'd like to see those photos.)

Now, about the gift. Well, when I first laid my eyes on it, I had to laugh! It's just one of those 'happy' things. No way could you see it and not smile. Jim, often referred to by me as Mr. G.,tends to be a bit OCD...as am I. We sometimes never know when a project is finished....we just have to stop. So, if you look closely, you will see that he eventually did stop! I love it. Truly. And, it's so SPARKLEY!! He managed to include just about everything he knows about me in this piece plus a lot of tiny mirrors. My cat, Ethel. Birds. Nests. Stamps, which I love to collect. Buttons, lace, flowers and every other little thing...there's even a tea cup as he knows I enjoy hot tea. You'll notice the artist's palette...he says that is him! Well, yes it is! And, my family and some of my friends call me the Queen....so you see the queen chess piece in the background and the word QUEEN. What fun is this???

I photographed my present at the downtown studio....where it will live for a while, then come home to my backyard studio. Everyone who comes in sees it right away....remember...it is very SPARKLEY!!! And, they laugh too and think it is wonderful. You see it here, right in the middle of my workspace, that way, when I'm there....I can look at it and smile and remember that Mr. G thought of me on my birthday. And, the day sparkles!! Thank you, Jim....you really are a good and dear friend!!

Hope you, my very appreciated readers, enjoy seeing this piece of art as much as I enjoy owning it!!! Take care out there....pat

PS. I know that some of these photos are a bit blurry....with all that sparkling....I couldn't seem to get a very sharp photo...but I'm sure you'll enjoy seeing them anyway.

A Crazy Quilt

2012-01-23T20:29:00.008-06:00

As promised, here is much more about the Crazy Quilt I gave you a 'peek' at a few posts back. This is the second of the two I received requests to show 'more' of....and when I can, I like to cooperate. This quilt took a year for me to make.....well, actually nine months, but it seemed like ten years. I was asked to design and make a crazy quilt for Leisure Arts, Inc., and this is the result. It was 1999.

I actually really enjoyed the designing of the quilt AND the stitching, although they chose the colors and these were not the ones I would have chosen....but I worked hard on it and you see the results.

There is really only one pieced block, repeated twenty-five times. rotated around and embellished with different designs. Of course, the stitching was my favorite part. I always actually quilt my crazy quilts too...something that isn't always done...and as you can see in the border, I included some beads in the quilting stitches. I love the way this border fabric worked out and was pleased that even though the beads don't show up well until you look closely, the quilting adds so much to the quilt. And, the beads a tiny bit of elegance.

I used DMC embroidery floss in the quilt and YLI silk ribbon.

The book published using my designs is called "The Big Book of Crazy Quilt Stitches" (Leisure Arts, Inc.,Copyright 1999) and you can still get it in some places. You'll notice the cover, which I've shown here. The quilt on the cover was made 'in house' at Leisure Arts, Inc. They decided to use embroidery thread for all the designs rather than the silk ribbon. All the quilts inside the book were also made 'in house' except the original quilt, which I made myself. I was not thrilled about them substituting thread for ribbon, but just had to get over it. For years, now, I have been thinking I should make it over and do it 'my way' and try a bit of that thread embroidery along with the silk ribbon, however, I am not getting any younger, so may just let that thought die down. We'll see how that goes. The quilt I am showing you here IS the one I designed and made and appears on page 11.

I've chosen to show you as many photos as I thought possible before you got bored with the whole thing....so I am hoping you enjoy seeing this quilt...rather than just that little 'peek.' take care out there, pat

A Wholecloth Double Wedding Ring Quilt

2012-01-20T20:41:00.005-06:00

Last week I showed you a few 'peeks' at some of my quilts. A couple of you asked to see more of two of those quilts. So...here is the first of the two. You will notice on one of the photos is the embroidered date of 1981. Yes, that is actually when this little quilt was made. So here is it's 'story.'

In 1981, the year we moved to Arkansas from Silver City, New Mexico, I purchased a piece of yardage printed with a Double Wedding Ring pattern. 'Way back then, printed patterns could be found and seemed to be a new idea, and many people bought them so they'd have the 'look' of the pattern, but not all the work of sewing one together. I always considered it kind of 'cheating' but, as you can see, I DID buy some myself. To my way of thinking....it would make a great project to PRACTICE my quilting stitches. And, truly, it really was.

This little quilt is lap quilt size and it has been used many, many times. It's soft as can be and at this point, a bit faded, but I still remember sitting and quilting it, thinking while I did so that my stitches were really going to improve. I think I still make exactly the same stitches!!! (By the way, have I ever told you I quilt one stitch at a time? I do.) What it did do was give me a little more speed while quilting, although I've never really concerned myself with how much time it takes to finish something.

Over the years, I've come to appreciate those hours spent practicing....and still love to hand quilt. Now, though, finding those hours to do so is an even harder thing to do. As I often say...so much to do, so little time!!

Hope you enjoy seeing more of this little quilt and next I will show you more of the Crazy Quilt you recently 'peeked' at. Hope you are all warm, safe and cozy! pat

A Special Bird Nest

2012-01-16T20:03:00.004-06:00

It should come as no surprise to you that I am partial to birds. Real ones. And, the not-so-real ones. Likewise, I am totally nuts over bird nests. Well, the name of my blog is BIRD NEST ON THE GROUND...what would you expect? Anyway....people give me birds and bird nests. The 'real' and the 'not-so-real.' The birds...well, of course, they are definitely not real. But, we do feed birds here and I see them each day. We have regular visitors...my favorites are the Cardinals...perhaps because being RED, I can see them better than others, however, I'm awfully partial to Mourning Doves for their sounds. And, then, there are the hummingbirds. Oh...you know I really love them all.

So, I wanted you to see a special Nest that was presented to me by my friend, Vicki. It is sitting here amongst other nests...some real and some not-so-real. Vicki's beautiful nest is knitted. Yes, I did say KNITTED! You see it here....all those gorgeous yarns and ribbons, trims, glass leaves, and such. She says there are over 200 different yarns, ribbons and such making up each nest. I believe it. And, I think it is a VERY SPECIAL NEST, indeed! Before this Nest arrived at my house, I couldn't imagine how she made it...and, now that I've seen the Nest in all it's glory, I still can't imagine how she did it....and there's no telling how much the time she spent doing it....after all, knitting together hundreds of little strands of magic yarns....and then, getting it to turn out like a real Nest, now that is tricky!!! Actually, this Nest looks as if it should live in a magic forrest.....just delightful!!!

I played around with these Nests the other night, trying to find a way to display the real and not-so-real nests, along with the Very Special Nest, somewhere in my house...and came up with the idea of displaying them on my entry buffet. (Yes, I know you don't usually put a buffet in the entry, but my dining room already had one and there was no room for another anywhere but right here! Found at one of the local flea markets - for a great price, you know I just had to buy it! As I mentioned to my friend, Jim, the other day....YES, we are both evidently "hoarders.") After placing the nests there, I decided I needed something else behind the nests, so chose a painting by my brother-in-law, Don. "Autumn Stream." I think it looks pretty there. For sale, of course, and borrowed, from our downtown art studio.

An avid knitter, Vicki makes these very special Nests with a specific reason in mind....she raises funds for the Ronald McDonald House in her area. In addition to knitting (a lot!!!) she is a nurse. A very special nurse, if you ask me. You may visit Vicki at her blog, 2 Bagsfull, HERE. When you do, you can find out about the Nests and see what all Vicki does....including showing you the beautiful gardens that her husband, the "Gardener" tends. You can travel along with them and see beautiful places they visit too. You'll enjoy it.

I find bird nests around our two acres....even one of my neighbors, Jimmy, has been known to bring me a fallen nest once in a while. They are fascinating to me....perhaps because I am also a nest-maker in a way. But, actually, this special soft and glittery Nest is something I will always enjoy and every time I look at it...I will remember the very special lady who made it. Thanks, again, Vicki and may your new year bring you much joy!!!

Visit again soon...I will be showing a quilt...I know you love seeing those and I like showing them to you. Meantime, stay safe, warm and cozy! pat

My Other Two Clipboards

2012-01-14T20:55:00.005-06:00

I mentioned the other day that I'd show you the remaining two clipboards I have made....remember, I had found three at the flea market...the old kind...and decided to make 'art' out of them. And, I mentioned I had been inspired by my friend Shannon. So....here are the two remaining clipboards....one for a friend, and one for sale at the downtown studio.

The first one I made for Marisa...she works at the local newspaper. A young person...I was surprised to find that she liked the same kind of old, or should I say 'vintage' stuff that I do. So, I made a clipboard I would like and I'm thinking she might also.

First, I painted the clipboard. Front and back. Then, I found various paper napkins, and other paper 'decorations' for it....and included a sheet from the ancient ledger I own. Pink paper flowers and silk leaves that I painted. As always, I added words.......as you know, one of my favorite things to do. I have a rubber stamp that is nothing but rows of little dots. I love painting those and stamping dots all over things...I think they may show up enough for you to see them here, front and back.

The second one is an odd pink. More paper flowers, paper napkins, a tag, the bird/and bird house were part of a birthday card my daughter gave me once. And, as I often do, I've drawn a little vine here and there.

So....two clipboards. I think they are fun. You?

By the way, I wanted to answer a question one of my readers asked. She wanted to know how I took such nice photos. Well, my goodness....I was surprised as no one has said that before. So, I felt I should mention this. I don't consider myself any kind of photographer at all, but I like to take photos and give all the credit for any of them to my camera. It's a Canon PowerShot SD750. A gift from my son and one of my very favorite things. Honestly, all I do is aim the thing and press the button! I use the Macro setting a lot and rarely use the flash. So, see, it takes no talent on my part and I can delete the photos I don't care for....a very cool thing. Oh, and it has a nice size screen so I can see what I'm getting....a plus for a person with goofy vision.

Next post, I will show you something special. A gift from a friend. Soon, expect to see more of a couple of those quilts I gave you a 'peek' of last post, as requested. So....see you soon. Stay warm, safe and cozy....pat

A Little Peek at Some of My Quilts

2012-01-11T19:19:00.005-06:00

During my time at the downtown studio today, I got the bright idea I'd give you a little peek at some of my quilts. I think you may have seen most, or even all, of these quilts at one time or other, but today I thought seeing just a 'snippet' of each might just tickle your fancy. So to speak.

These quilts are all hand-quilted. At least one is pieced. Some are appliqued. Some are crazy quilts. Some are embroidered. And, one is embroidered with silk ribbon. Some are a 'mixture.'
In this bunch....there are doll quilts, bed sized quilts, small, medium and large wall quilts. Some are beaded, but you may not see that part in these photos. One is really 'whole cloth' but looks pieced.

I've used cotton prints and solids, muslin, neckties and one of them was made with fabric from a relative's stash....the fabric as old as I am. Lots of DMC embroidery floss, cotton batting, and original patterns I have drawn over the years were used to create these quilts. No telling how many needles I've gone through. I used to quilt with a size twelve needle, but had to change to a nine as time passed by. I do needle-turn applique and use a size 10 Milliner's needle for that. I do hand embroidery. I love to write on quilts.

I haven't finished a quilt in two years or so. So much to do....so little time. I do have an appliqued quilt in the quilt closet that really needs to be quilted. It's a big one. Maybe I'll get to that this year. But, for today, it is fun to have a tiny look back at some quiltwork I've done. If you want to see more of any of them...just let me know....it doesn't bother me at all to show these quilts again.

And, look closely....on one you will see tiny embroidered hearts...remember, I will be showing you how to do those close to the end of February.

Hope you've enjoyed the 'peek' and that your 2012 is going well. take care, pat

Some Beautiful Flowers

2012-01-08T15:45:00.005-06:00

You've heard me say, on this blog, that rainy days are my favorite days. They really are...I should probably be living where it rains a LOT. But, no, I'm here in Arkansas and today looks like one of those rainy days....only it's not raining. I think it has affected my 'mood' for the day...as I'm just not on top of the world at the moment. So....I came out to the Nest to try and cure that. I've ended up looking at some of the 20,000+ photos I have here in iPhoto. (Yeah...crazy!) Anyway, it turns out I'm in the mood for some colorful flowers today....so...I began looking through my photos to find some. These seem to fit the bill perfectly...here's the story:

A couple of months ago, one of the artists at our downtown studio, brought in some flowers. They were her birthday flowers, if I remember correctly. Well, they were just gorgeous and I took pictures of them. Aren't they beautiful? It's nice to see such beautiful flowers...even though these are just photos and not the real thing. Reminds me of this...."God gave us memory so we could have roses in winter." I don't know who actually said that...but I like the quote. And, I guess those memories we have (of everything we treasure) is what keeps us going on a gloomy day like today.

So, I hope these flowers bring you cheer, as they did for Cheri when she received them, and for me, now, as I remember them through my photos. ENJOY! pat

A Mixed Media Clipboard

2012-01-06T23:50:00.005-06:00

Well, I intended to have my first post of 2012 posted much sooner than this....and here it is January 6th already. The first week of the year is just about over and here I am....behind on posting! Yesterday, in a conversation with friends, the subject of time passing by quickly came up. We all are just amazed at the speed with which our hours and days are flying by. So, I'll just say I'm sorry to be late....but I'm here now and that is about the best I can do. I know you are feeling the same way.

I don't know what year this photo was taken of my Mother-in-Law...I'm sure she is a very young girl in this photo. She's the one on the right. She told me once who the other girl is, one of her friends, as I remember. But, unfortunately, I didn't write her name down, and now I don't remember who she was. Aren't they cute? My MIL's name was Alleen. She lived to be 91. And she was very cute all her days! I really like this photo, so I made a copy to use for this crazy idea I had for a clipboard. Seems I am trying to think of how many different ways I can use papers and gel medium to make art. Who knew?

Anyway, I decided I had to feature Alleen and her friend on this clipboard. Now, naturally, after finishing this project...I have decided I can never clip papers on it as I don't want to cover the girls up, preferring to enjoy that one moment in their lives. So, I will hang it on the wall and consider it artwork and smile every time I see them. (I was inspired to make this by some clipboards I bought at our guild retreat...the idea of my friend, Shannon. I bought five of them and have them hanging in my little Nest right at this very moment and I love them dearly. I'll show them to you soon. I also have two others I've made...I'll show them to you soon too.)

At the top of the clipboard, I fastened a rose and leaf made from paper clay. They were fun to make and I'd like to do more with the clay. There's a bit of painter's canvas and some cheesecloth there too. I gessoed, then painted the whole clipboard, including the metal. I used scrapbook papers, paper napkins, text from old books, and, of course, that copy of the photo, a permanent pen to draw dots, and then gel medium to adhere everything. I do love that gel medium!!! I highlighted parts of the papers with oil pastels, and then put a couple of coats of gel medium over the whole c lipboard. As you can see on the back...there is an edging of dots....I want to put a few flowers in there, but just haven't done it yet. You know, of course, because I've said it often...I never know when to quit!

And, you'll remember, that I love putting words on everything....so these were cut from one of my collection of old book pages. I can't say exactly what these mean as they were cut from two different pages....but they sounded really sweet and old-fashioned when put together and I thought Alleen would have liked them. If you can't make it out in the photo....the text says: 'the dew of their memory...in a midst of a flowery mead.'

So...there you are....another of my projects. I'll be showing you the others soon and you will let me know what you think of them....I'm always interested in what you think of my work...and I like to think I might inspire you to try something you've got on your mind but might need a little 'push' to get started. As I always say....I don't really know a thing about doing these projects, but challenge myself to TRY, so I hope you will do the same. It's FUN! Take care out there...see you soon. pat

PS. The green here is really a not so bright lime...looks darker here!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!

2011-12-31T20:15:00.004-06:00

Well, here we are! 2011 has only a few hours left. I'm ready to look forward to a Happy New Year and I know you are too. As you can see, I must not be going 'out and about' to celebrate. No, the old navy man and I are in for the night. He's watching football and I'm out here in the Nest wishing the New Year in...well, not yet. I have to talk to you first! As soon as I press the Publish button on this blog post, I will join him. We'll be cheering at midnight, just as we always have....together! Well, that's a great start for a new year right there~~

I've chosen to show you some buttons. As I know many of you do...I collect them. No, I'm not the type of collector who sorts them into files and photographs each one and find the value of each, entering those numbers in a notebook. Not even close. I have buttons, as you can see, in all kinds of containers and I have FUN with them. I have plain ones, fancy ones, old ones and new ones. Some of the nicer buttons live in my old green 'button cabinet' which in reality is a vintage cardboard box with three segmented drawers in it. All the rest live in all kinds of containers in just about every room in the house and lots of them in the Nest. (Well, there aren't any in the kitchen right now, but there has been and probably will be again. And, there are some in the bathroom, but I forgot to take a picture of them earlier when I took these other photos.)

For some reason....well, mostly on a whim, I thought I could use buttons to celebrate tonight. I've no idea what that means about my mind....but you know me by now....so I know you 'get it.'

There is a compote full of buttons....it's there with my Happy New Year sign, made just moments ago. As you can tell, I spent no time on it....but thought I needed to include a sign wishing you a Happy New Year! I have an old toy pickup truck. One day I plunked some buttons down in the bed of the truck and there have been buttons in it ever since. They get changed once in a while.
There is a photo showing where that pickup 'lives.' It could be moved at any time...we just never know how long I'll leave something in one place, but for now....this is where it lives. Same for everything I've got, really. I have an old compote filled with buttons on my coffee table. You see it here with a vintage bowl with a bird sitting on the edge and a pink rose. Love it so.

There is a tray of buttons sitting on an antique oak chest in my living room. In that photo, you can also see buttons in the little glass cabinet. Some of my friends and relatives kinda think I'm a bit 'over-the-top,' but I don't concern myself with things like that. These all seem perfectly logical places to keep buttons if you ask me.

I've recently set up a workspace in the living room. No, there really is no room for it....it's crowded in there....but I'm sensing we might have a bad winter and on really cold days (and especially cold, frozen nights) I will not want to spend much time out here in the Nest and also will save that heating expense. So....in one of my photos you will see the work table. There are three glass containers there...vintage....holding an assortment of odd buttons. As you can see, there is room for MORE in those containers. Do you know what those containers were used for?
I thought they were old aquariums, but someone said they were used to hold batteries. I don't know, but I do know that I will put buttons in just about any container.

So....hope you've enjoyed the button 'tour' and later tonight when we are welcoming in the New Year, I will also be sending you good wishes for a VERY HAPPY NEW YEAR! Thank you so much for going through 2011 along with me and I hope to hear from you often as we make our way through 2012. You make my day!!! Stay safe, warm, cozy and HAPPY....hugs, pat

Blue Collage

2011-12-26T20:25:00.004-06:00

Tonight I wanted to post something that had nothing to do with Christmas, the New Year, eating, presents, or the usual things we talk about this time of year. I wanted to just show something restful and not do a lot of talking. So......here are two collages I made week before last at the downtown studio. All I'm going to say about them is they were fun, didn't take a lifetime to make, were made from an assortment of paper napkins, some paint and two pieces leftover from our backyard fence. They were great fun to do and for some reason - ended up blue with a touch of green.....an unusual color combo from me, as my faves are red, pink, and green. I find them restful. Do you? (No, I didn't say 'boring'...I said restful.) Hope you enjoy seeing them and I'll see you later in the week....and I hope you get some well-deserved rest before the next busy weekend holiday coming up! stay warm, safe and cozy...pat

2011 Giveaway Winners and a Crazy Quilt

2011-12-20T22:53:00.004-06:00

It's not long til Christmas now and I'm going to talk about two things tonight...my Christmas Giveaway and my Christmas Crazy quilt. (Sorry, the quilt isn't going anywhere...I may never get another one made!)

First things first....as promised, the 'old Navy man' has chosen two WINNERS!! Oh,my......there were sure a lot of comments on my last post....evidently you all want to win. Cool. I'm very lucky to have such nice blog readers and I appreciate each and every one of you. I hope the two winners will be very happy and all the rest of you will be glad for them. If it helps at all, I will be giving away 'more goodies' toward the end of February, so you'll have another chance to win something. That is my blog anniversary month.

Now for those Christmas Giveaway winners:

Jane S. wins the "French Inspired Home" book and a pincushion. And, Bonnie wins the "Somerset Holidays & Celebrations" magazine and a pincushion. I've just sent you two an email asking for your mailing addresses so I can send your 'goodies' to you. Merry Christmas!!

Being this close to Christmas, I thought I show you my favorite Christmas Crazy Quilt. If you visited my blog last year, you've already see n it and if you visit next year, you'll probably see it again....I seem to enjoy showing it to you all each year and that's about the only time it gets out of the quilt closet. I made this many years ago. The quilt was inspired by the backing fabric...it had such sweet images on it. And, of course....I had to over indulge myself in the beading of it.

You can't tell from the photo, but ALL the edges of the quilt are beaded. The bottom edge in a random length 'fringe' and the other three edges in what I call a 'handkerchief' edge. You can find instructions for that edging in Nancy Eha's book "Off the Beadin' Path." She calls it a 'three bead edging.' It's great fun to do and very simple to do. Maybe I'll show you how one of these days if you'd like. Everyone always asks me how long it took to bead the edges. Well, I hate keeping track of that kind of thing, preferring to 'just enjoy doing it.' However, for some unknown reason....I do know that it took me eight hours just to bead the bottom fringe. After that I quit counting. Hope you enjoy another look at this little quilt!

I sincerely wish you all a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year too! Thank you so much for visiting my blog this year and I hope to show you more from the Nest during 2012! Please enjoy yourselves and stay warm, safe and cozy!! I'll post again early next week. Have a fantastic weekend!!! pat

PS. I just thought of something...maybe in February I'll show you how to bead that 'three bead edging' and those tiny embroidered hearts I promised you instructions on earlier this year (and didn't come through with). Yeah....it can be my Valentine gift to you...perhaps in conjunction with the anniversary Giveaway. Stay tuned!

My Christmas 2011 Giveaways

2011-12-16T19:47:00.004-06:00

Now it is time to do my usual "Christmas thing" and that is to have a giveaway from me to you. Well, two of you anyway. Don't I always say I wish I could send everyone something? Yes, I do. And, I wish I could, but as you know, none of us can do that. Instead, I will have the 'old navy man' choose two of you to receive my giveaways for Christmas 2011. If you will kindly leave a comment on this post, the two winners will be chosen on this coming Tuesday, 12-20-11 at 10:00 p.m. and I will post the winners after that time, that very night.

So, you ask, what lovely gifts will the winners be receiving. Well, as you can see here, I have a wonderful book for winner #1 and an equally wonderful magazine for winner #2. Along with these, each winner will receive a six inch pincushion. These are just about the most simple pincushions I have ever made....but since I like to applique, I thought for a change of pace, I'd keep them simple and just applique a heart on each one....letting the fabrics speak for themselves. As you can see, the heart is a red print that I just love and have hoarded for a while and it's just about all gone...with me managing to get two large hearts out of the remnants. The background isn't linen, but kinda looks like it and the back is a wonderful fabric, which to my mind looks 'kind of French.' As you know, I know nothing about French fabrics, but I've imagined these to be French. Well, we have to have fun in our own way sometimes.......

I know you will enjoy the book and the magazine. First of all, the book is one of my favorites: "The French Inspired Home" by Kaari Meng. Scrumptious! And, also very inspiring. The magazine is "Somerset Holidays & Celebrations." It, too, is very inspiring. I love many of the Stampington magazines and could actually spend all my 'mad money' (or more!) on them. Books and magazines are two of my weaknesses.....what about you?

So, there we are! Two giveaways.....just leave me a comment on this post and make sure I have a way to get in touch with you....because if you are one of the two winners, I'll need to email you on Tuesday night!!!! I'll be looking forward to sending these lovely things to you in thanks for all your visits this year...THANK YOU SO MUCH (!) for visiting me in 2011. Merry Christmas!
And, stay warm, safe and cozy........giant hugs, pat

PS. Remember, I'll be happy to send one of these packages to you no matter where you live on the planet....so comment please.......you might win!!

Art, Out and About

2011-12-11T19:12:00.004-06:00

Yesterday, a special art showing was held at the Searcy Art Gallery. The gallery is located in a marvelous house build in the 1800's which has become the local city art gallery. Recently freshly painted and glorified, the house is a wonderful place to visit and see some artwork from local artists. There is also a small gift shop there.

This day, four of the artists from Second Saturday Studio had their work featured. The show will hang until sometime in January. Those four girls are the most precious people and I am lucky enough to get to spend time with them at our downtown studio. Of course, as you've read here before, one of them is my own daughter and the other three have become really good friends of mine. I'm so proud of them and their work and thought you might like to see some of the pieces in the show.

Kelly (my daughter) does abstracts. It's really fun to watch her create her colorful paintings. She uses all kinds of techniques to get the paint colors 'just the way she wants them' although at the beginning of each painting even she doesn't know how it will turn out. It's fascinating! Kelly is a realtor in 'real' life, with one grown son.

Micah paints whimsical little 'stories.' At least, that's how I look at it. There always seems to be a friend or family 'story' which has given her an idea and she runs with it. Her colors are delightful and we all 'ooh and ahh' as she works. In her 'real' life, she is a hairdresser and has two teenagers.

Cheri paints using oils, watercolors or acrylics and paints on a variety of different objects...from artist's canvas, to wood, to antique tin ceiling tiles....it's always a surprise what she will come up with. And, we always enjoy her adventures. Cheri used to work in the advertising world, but right now she is raising her wonderful twelve year old son.

Audra will paint your pet in watercolor. She's very good at it....the animals always look REAL.
She is young, with two small kids and has a job too. I'm always amazed at the portraits she paints.

How these girls do all they do is a mystery to me. They are constantly busy and yet make the time to create. They are inspiring!!!

Hope you enjoy seeing some of their work and remember to check back here later in the week. I'm having a Christmas Giveaway pretty soon! Enjoy your great new week too and stay safe, warm and cozy! pat

PS. YES, there IS a ballerina by the Christmas tree...there was dancing, a one act play, and a book signing as that 'little bit extra' for the opening! A wonderful time was had by all!

An AQG Auction Item

2011-12-08T20:15:00.004-06:00

This coming Monday, night at the monthly meeting of the Arkansas Quilters Guild, their annual auction will be held. This annual auction began last year. If you read my blog last year at this time, you will remember that one of the auction items was a day at my backyard studio. Pat C. won that tour and we had a very nice day. This year, I decided to create one of my pincushions for auction. Inspired by my friend, Allie Aller and her book CRAZY QUILTING, I made this pincushion. Visit Allie HERE.

This pincushion is 6 inches by ten inches. At the guilds' last AWOL retreat, I asked for scraps of fabric from several of the attendees. I used those scraps to make this entire pincushion....including the back fabrics and the hexagon flower I used for a label. Being made from scraps left me with not a lot of choice when it came to colors, but I managed just fine. The back is made from all yellows and browns as I could not integrate all those yellows in with the pinks/reds, etc., that I used on the front. I have a reputation in the guild as working with 'mud' colors, so I felt more comfortable using the yellows on the back. I think it turned out ok.

So....here we are...scrap fabrics, some DMC floss in different colors, birds I simply have to always use, embroidered leaves...as you know one of my favorite designs. There are also French Knots.....now, those I could make for hours at a time!!

Then, of course, my favorite edgings...beads! I made bead soup to come up with enough beads in my color selection...and then, those antique looking gold beads too. I LOVE to make a beaded edge where you have to count every single bead to get a certain pattern in the beaded 'fringe.'
However, if I intended to finish the pincushion...I had to just go 'random' and not count those beads. This means that not all the loops of the 'fringe' are the same length. They vary. Well, it's handmade, so I think since this pincushion was made from scraps...the imperfect beading is ok.
You'll tell me, I know what you think. I hope you do.

The pincushion is now in the possession of my friend, Shannon, who is responsible for the auction items. She received it in the mail yesterday and let me know it had arrived. I hope she was right in her prediction that it will certainly raise some money for the guild. I'll be anxious to hear how it goes. And, I hope you have enjoyed seeing this pincushion...as you know, I enjoy making them.

Hope you have a wonderful weekend and I'll 'see' you soon. Stay warm. pat

Fun at Thanksgiving

2011-12-04T20:34:00.003-06:00

Oh, I'm so behind in my posting.....how are you out there? I'm sure you may be like me....running as fast as you can to get things done and feeling at the end of the day as if you haven't accomplished a thing. That's me. I'm not very fond of days that end with me wondering what I did all day, with nothing that 'shows.' Do you know that feeling? It's very similar to days when you grocery shop, spend a vast amount of money, haul it all into the house and realize that you don't have much to show for the amount you've spent and the energy it took to get it all home. So similar.

So....I've been very busy, but have nothing of interest to tell you about. I have spent the last hour or so looking at photos I took over the Thanksgiving weekend, choosing these to show you. When I am worn out and feel the need for something to make me smile....I think some cute guys always do the trick! How about these two?

As you may remember, my son Scott came for several days over Thanksgiving week. One of the things he enjoys doing is making bread and he did that at least twice during that week. YUM! A couple of days after Thanksgiving, in his sister's kitchen, he was making some bread and my great nephew, John Carter, was invited to 'help' him. (John Carter is six years old.) So, he made a small loaf of his own....doesn't he look cute in these photos? Well, they both do, actually. John Carter was so proud and pronounced his bread 'fun to make and good to eat.' And, Scott enjoyed having his little second cousin join in the bread making. Adorable.

Are you smiling now? Me, too. Time has passed and they are both back home now. If you will remember, I always dread taking my son to the airport to return to California. I made myself do better this time, but his sister boo-hooed like crazy. She and I may go see him next year....oh, what fun that would be! And, I'm sure more bread would be involved....well, I should lose weight before then...oh dear!

Hope you are all well.......and taking time to smile and enjoy the cute guys in your family....of course, the cute girls too!!!!! pat

Home Sweet Home

2011-11-21T19:29:00.003-06:00

My Goodness! It's Thanksgiving already. Time certainly does fly and from my viewpoint, at least, the last few weeks have seemed to be going at warp speed. My favorite son has arrived and you know I am crazy about that....he looks GREAT! So....I want to enjoy this time with him and his sister, the grandson, the old navy man...and the rest of the family. Let this post serve as my wish to you for a very Happy Thanksgiving..however you celebrate it...have FUN.

I made this pincushion in 2009. I hope you enjoy seeing it again. Applique, embroidery and beading. Three of my favorite things to do...all in a little four inch pincushion. From my house to yours...stay safe and happy! pat

My Coin Purse Collection

2011-11-14T22:42:00.004-06:00

Hi there! I've been a bit under the weather for the last week, but am feeling much better today, so thought I'd share some of my 'favorite' flea market finds with you. Yes.....I seem to have lots of 'favorites' and I don't know what to say about it. Earlier I watched an episode of "Hoarders" and while I don't 'hoard' spoiled food, garbage and whatnot, I DO seem to have a talent for collecting many different vintage things....such as these little coin purses.

These are the only ones I have with the exception of one I keep in my own everyday purse. (It's an odd pink and I keep a few trinkets in it that I like to have handy.) Most of these I've had for quite a while. The little brown leather one I found recently. Why do I like these??? I have no clue, but every time I find one...it comes home with me. I find them a sweet reminder of days gone by and evidently, I can't resist them.

The smallest one.....very tiny, as you can see by the seam gauge I've shown it with. So dear. I've had it a very long time and if I recall...I paid a quarter for it. Such sweet little embroidery.

I also wanted to mention the little boy's shoes. Well, I think they are boy's shoes and they are vintage. Yes, there is a collection of kid's shoes here at my place, although these are down at the studio right now...keeping me company for a while. Perhaps one day you'll see those....most of the baby shoe variety, including my own kid's shoes. These vintage ones...all dark black and brown...I simply could not leave the flea market without them. Would you? Oh, don't answer that.

I expect someday we won't be finding any of these little purses around....unless, like me, you save the ones you might have. I wonder who used them and where they lived?

Hope you are all well and looking forward to Thanksgiving. My son is coming on Sunday and I'm super excited about that....take care out there and I just may show you something pretty in a few more days! pat

Pretty Little Birds!

2011-11-05T16:40:00.004-05:00

Hey there! Hope all is well with you. It's been a very busy week here, so I'm once again feeling behind in my posting efforts. I figure you understand....as aren't we "all busy all the time" these days.

Today I decided that I wanted to show you some very pretty little birds that came here to the Nest all the way from Japan. One of my blogging friends is Julie. She lives in Japan and often comments on my blog posts. I appreciate her (and her comments) very much. These little birds had been living in her house, so she decided I needed to have them....and they needed to fly, so she sent them on their way to me. I was delighted to find they had landed in my mailbox on a recent beautiful Fall day. They are dear.

They are very tiny....the largest about an inch high and an inch and a half wide. Beautiful little things too. They have little pins on the back...so I could actually wear them (and I might on a special occasion)......but I think I will find an appropriate way to display them here in the Nest.....and when I see them flying around, I will be reminded of my friend, Julie and her thoughtfulness. You can see Julie's quilt work here. I know you will enjoy it....tell her I sent you!

In honor of these tiny birds, I thought I'd post a couple of quotes I like:

"The bird a nest, the spider a web, man friendship." William Blake

"Use what talents you possess: the woods would be very silent if no birds sang except the best." Henry Van Dyke

And, so....from a dear friend these pretty little birds came to me....I'm so very lucky and so appreciative...thank you again, Julie!!! take care out there, pat

A New Embroidered Painting (?)

2011-10-28T17:13:00.004-05:00

Here's something I just finished. Oh, how I love the word FINISHED. It's always fun to do something 'new' and then, by the time it's finished, I'm thinking...."good - it's done, now what can I get into?" This little piece of art should have been done weeks ago....but, here it is now, thank goodness.

I have a little dilemma - I really am clueless as to what to call this kind of work. I don't know anyone else who does this exact thing. It IS embroidered quilt batting. It IS also painted canvas.
Do I call it an embroidery? Do I call it a painting? What to do? I know it's mixed media, but I'd like to call it by a unique kind of name. If you have an idea as to what this should be called, kindly let me know, as I would like a lovely little name for it.

The first thing I do when making one of these pieces is to choose the size canvas I want to use, then paint it. The second step is to paint the batting with some of the same colors used on the canvas. (To paint the batting, you must dilute the paint as you want it to sink into the batting, not just sit on the top.) As you can see, I have painted a small "leftover" piece of quilt batting and then embroidered it.

As always, there is a tree, one of my very favorite motifs to embroider, applique, quilt or paint.
This tree is really different as I've embroidered the tree trunk, then painted a vintage book page in orange and green. I've cut that painted page into tiny little leaf shapes. TINY. Then, with gel medium, attached the leaves to the tree. This step actually comes later after I have embroidered everything I wanted to embroider on the painted batting, I then gel medium the batting to the painted canvas and embroider around it. Lastly, I make the frame to fit the finished canvas, attach it to the canvas and paint it, add a hanging wire on the back, put a sealing coat of gel medium over the painted and paper parts and i t's done. (By the way...this piece is 5 1/2" x 7 1/2.") (One other thing....on this piece, I removed the canvas from the wood stretchers, embroidered it, then stapled it back onto the wood stretchers when all the embroidery was done.)

So....knowing how it was done....what would you call it??? So, ok......I know you are wondering why I used paper for the leaves. My answer is "I just don't know....it seemed like a good idea at the time." Really, it just popped into my mind to use painted vintage book pages and so I did!

I'd love to hear your opinion on this piece and what you would call this technique. I've got it displayed at the downtown studio, but if anyone is interested in buying it....well, send an email and we can talk about it. Meantime....y'all continue to have fun and take care, pat

Roses and Crochet

2011-10-22T22:48:00.004-05:00

Two pretty combinations: roses and crochet. Simply saying these words makes me sound like a 'grandma' type. Well, I definitely AM a grandma type....still to this day called "Grandmother" by my one and only grandchild. He's 26 years old. So...yes....roses and crochet....that's me. Grandmother.

The roses you see on this post were sent to me on my recent birthday....last Tuesday, by my favorite son, Scott. Aren't they beautiful? There's not much on this earth prettier than flowers, is there? And, a rose...my goodness. I've saved lots of roses that he has sent and even though those are dried now...they are still very beautiful. At one of my flea market raids, I purchased what I call a sieve - my husband says it looks like something you'd use to find gold in some river somewhere. When my roses start to look a tad wilted, I cut them off the stem, place them in my 'sieve' and let them dry naturally. It works. I'm saving them, although I really don't know what for except I still like to look at them and keep them on my dining room buffet in an antique rose dish. I thought you'd enjoy seeing my 'birthday roses' sitting on my dining room table.

You'll notice this is where the crochet comes in....that crocheted tablecloth on my dining room table has a story too. I made it myself. It's the only one I have ever made...or probably ever will make. And, I made it under circumstances that are rather unique.

So, here's the story: When my children were five and six, I insisted they take swimming lessons. She wanted to, but he didn't. I wanted them to know how to swim so they wouldn't be afraid of water. I couldn't teach them, so they took private lessons at a friend's home swimming pool during that summer. It was very important to me that they KNOW how to conduct themselves in water because their mother (ME) is deathly afraid of being in the water. I can't swim and don't like to be on boats, or drive over bridges. Yes, I know it's weird. So, the kids took their swimming lessons, learned to swim and love to swim to this day. That summer, after they learned to swim, I took them several times a week to the local pool. Now, this is me......of course, I couldn't swim with them, but watched as they swam and while I was watching....I crocheted this tablecloth. It took six weeks to crochet the tablecloth and when it was done...swimming for the summer was over. That summer, my kids became very good swimmers and I got a crocheted tablecloth out of the deal.

I enjoy knowing that my 'forty-something' children enjoy swimming and so does that only grandchild of mine. They LOVE the water. And, even though they think there might be too much of the 'grandma' touches in my home....they enjoy the fact that I LOVE my roses and my crochet and all the other vintage-y things I seem to 'drag in here' (as that old navy man says). Then, too, finding, making or collecting these things keeps me 'out of their hair, I guess! Yes, roses and my crocheted tablecloth....love 'em! And, I enjoy remembering how that tablecloth was made too....back in 1973. Hope you enjoy seeing them....take care, pat

My Birthday!!!

2011-10-18T23:34:00.003-05:00

Well, tonight I am running a little later than I intended to....you know how the day just gets away from you...especially on your birthday! I want to announce the winner of my Birthday Giveaway, as promised....before the day ends. And, then, I want to tell you about the quilt shown on this post.

First, the Giveaway. As I've said here....I love to give something away on my birthday, so this time I chose the Candlestick Pincushion shown on my last post. I was astounded at the response I got to this giveaway...thank you all very much for your interest in the giveaway and for your responses! I do wish I could give you all something...wouldn't that be fun?.....but, I can only give away one. (Thank you, my old navy man, for choosing the winner!)

The lucky winner is BRENDA from Nebraska!! Brenda, I will be sending you an email as soon as I publish this post. And, for the rest of you....please remember, I will also be giving away a pretty nice gift for Christmas....so keep visiting!

Now, about this quilt I'm showing you on this post. If you'll remember, last post I mentioned I'd be showing you something that might make you laugh from a previous birthday. This little quilt is that item. It is 14 inches x 16 inches. The quilt was made for my 55th birthday by my great and good friend, Jim, or as I call him most of the time...Mr. G. At that time...he often referred to me as the 'Queen of Everything' and so was inclined to make me a quilt with that in mind. Of course, what he has done is put my face on a photo of Queen Victoria....and...look there....HIS head on a photo of Prince Albert. You'd kind of have to know Jim to 'get' this....and I do, so at the time it really made me laugh and now, TWELVE years later...I still laugh. Maybe even more.

Mr. G is really into embellishing his quilts...often using things other people would never think of.
He does embellish with embroidery stitches often....but sometimes, you will find things like these...a large pin, some shiny, rhinestone buttons, a crown button. And, then, there is the label on the back. You can click to enlarge and read it. Yeah....this is one of the more unusual birthday gifts I have received. And, one of my very favorites.

So, another birthday has come and is nearly gone. It's been a great day. Thank you all for visiting!! take care, pat

My Birthday Giveaway!

2011-10-13T16:18:00.008-05:00

Another birthday.....how can this be? Time goes by so fast and now I'm another whole year older. Seems like my last birthday was 'just yesterday.' Well, let's make the best of it...how about a present? I learned from my friend, Jim, that it's quite fun to give someone else a present on your own birthday....so guess what....since I can't give you all one...I'll give one of you something and you'll just have to enjoy it enough for everyone!

I was born on October 18, 1944.....so on October 18, 2011, my 67th birthday, one of you will win this pincushion.....hope you like pink/lavender/blue! I made this using a glass candlestick, some dyed lace and a few embroidery stitches. Click on the photos to see close-ups. On the top is a covered button with a beaded flower and beaded edges. And, at the base is a bow with a beaded flower and leaves. Oh...and it's wool. It was fun to make and I hope the winner enjoys it.

Also in the Giveaway is a vintage cross-stitch tea towel. I think it looks pretty good with the pincushion....some industrious person could make a little sewing kit out of it...or just enjoy it as it is. There's a bead bracelet....in matching colors and a nice card. Well, I had that box of cards, none of them looked 'birthday' to me....but I love stamps and the colors looked good with the rest of the giveaway items. I think it says 'thinking of you.' Which, of course, I am!

What do you think? You want to win it? Well, around 10:00 p.m. on my birthday, next Tuesday, I'll have the old navy man choose the winner and I'll notify you then. So....go ahead....leave a comment on this post. No matter where you live on this planet...I'll get it to you should you win it! Be sure to give me a way to get in touch with you.

When I announce the winner on Tuesday night, I will also be showing you a present I received 'way back there' when I was fifty-five. It might even make you laugh...which would be a really, really GOOD thing.....so comment away...and I'll be back with you then!!! take care, pat

Another Fine Hanky

2011-10-11T16:25:00.005-05:00

Today I wanted to show you 'another fine hanky.' But, I also wanted to show you a framed piece given to me by my friend, Susan. It's very similar to the hanky....so first, the background of my story.

In 2008, Susan made a visit to Chicago. While there she did some shopping and in the midst of the shopping, she found a piece of Drawn Thread Embroidery in a frame. Thinking I would love it, she purchased it as a gift to me and at our monthly meeting, she presented it to me. Of course, I loved it, however, it was framed over top of a piece of yellow fabric and I thought it should be changed, so I decided to reframe it over a piece of green fabric...green, you'll remember, being one of my most favorite colors. When I took the fabric from the frame, a piece of paper fell out. It is shown here. A note written by the owner of the piece (born in 1903), telling how her mother had embroidered it at age SIXTEEN in 1898 had been placed in the frame...and had I never wanted to change the color of the fabric, we would have never seen the note. What luck!

So, I've loved this embroidery since Susan gave it to me. Imagine my surprise to find a hanky at our new flea market made with exactly the same Drawn Thread Embroidery stitches. I was very thrilled to find it.....and without even taking a breath, I purchased it. The asking price for such gorgeousness.....$1.00. Do you believe it? I get kind of irked that people who have never worked an embroidery pattern, or stitched a quilt, or knitted a sweater, often devalue the work as something their great-grandmothers or grandmothers did 'to keep their hands busy', so consequently, not worth all that much. Often they hold these pieces in very low regard. (I mean, really...$1.00???) That is changing, I think because there seem to be people like me, who never had a grandmother or anyone else who embroidered, or quilted, or knitted, but nevertheless, became fascinated by it at an early age. So, because I highly value the work, I'm proud to own the framed piece and to be able to hold this wonderful hanky in my hands and marvel at the time, effort and LOVE that went into making both of these beautiful pieces of embroidery.

And, so, it is up to me to preserve it for as long as I can....and enjoy it too. And, show it to YOU, so you can enjoy it also. Maybe the precious ladies that stitched these two pieces KNOW that I have these pieces they created and that I love them. Now, that is something I'd like to imagine is true! What about you? Do you have such pieces in your collection? If so....do you feel the same way about them that I do? take care out there, pat

PS. I've no idea why the framed piece looks so bluish...it's white. Funny thing how these photos turn out sometimes!

A Few New Flea Market Finds

2011-10-09T17:25:00.006-05:00

This past Friday, I drove out to the edge of town...right off the Freeway, where a new flea market has opened. I heard about it 'through the grapevine" and it was open, but not all the vendors were set up yet. If you read my blog often, then you know I love going to flea markets on a regular basis. In my opinion...here's what makes a habitual flea market shopper: #1, you must love other people's old stuff. #2, you must love to collect that stuff. #3, you must love a mystery, because you never know what you will find. #4, you must also like to talk about the stuff you collect with other people who are in the flea market shopping with you. People you don't even know. It's great fun! So, Friday afternoon....I went to size up the newest flea market in town.

It's huge! There are spaces for a LOT of booths. I've no idea how many....a hundred at least is my guess. Less than twenty, or so, were occupied, but like I said, it was really just beginning to open. So, I went to every single space with anything in it and looked around. Unfortunately, there wasn't much to attract my curiosity...and I tried! So, I'm hoping if I go back in a week or so there will be more vendors in there. IF not, well, I have my favorite places here in town and wouldn't think of much time going by without them having a visit from me!

So, here's what I found: a lovely pair of crocheted gloves with embroidered flowers on them...really cute, as you can see. I have several vintage gloves and can remember when people actually WORE them. Look at this green hanky....it weighs practically nothing. I have never seen one like it. There is a row of white stitching around each bow motif. I'm thinking it would be really neat with something embroidered in the center and framed or something.

Then, there is the bowl. Well, ok, the color green...and beautiful flowers....all soft looking and vintage-y. Of course, I had to have it. It has such a pretty shape. I've photographed the markings on the back so you could see it. See, I like it because I just like it....but I know some of you are 'into' finding certain types of dishes. This one is so dainty and just 'suits' me.

I'm not going to tell you about the white hanky yet. I'll save that for my next post, as I have something similar I'll be wanting to show you at the same time. So, expect that in the next few days. And, of course, if I return to this new flea market....well, then I'll have to give you an update...especially if I manage to FIND something neat! Take care out there. pat

PS. As I always do....I will be having a birthday giveaway before long. Please stay tuned to see if you'd like to have it....giving something away for my own birthday is something I learned from Mr. G, and it really IS fun!

Paintings by Sandra Kraft

2011-10-06T23:08:00.006-05:00

In my last post, I mentioned that I would show you some of the artwork of my sister-in-law. Her name is Sandra Kraft. I think she is very talented, so I'm proud to show some of what she does. We currently have several of Sandy's paintings at the downtown studio. I've chosen just a handful to give you a little peek at her art.

I first met Sandy when she was still in high school. More years ago than she and I want to say. I was much older than she, of course, and at the time was getting ready to marry her middle brother. It was obvious to me, even then, that she had lots of talent, but it's taken until just recently for HER to really take up painting and go with it. I'm so glad she has. The whole family is really proud of her and we never cease to wonder at what she does....it's great fun to see what she will bring into the studio next.

The paintings shown here are just a sample....anywhere from 12" x 12" paintings such as the rooster and the Fall scene, to 24" x 24" as in the abstract, to many other sizes...just about any subject matter....oils or acrylics, we can't wait to see her latest work.

It's fun to have her for a sister-in-law......she is dear and has been a lot of help to me. Hope you enjoy seeing her paintings and 'meeting' her through her artwork. Take care out there. pat

And Now, For Something Beautiful!

2011-10-03T20:13:00.001-05:00

So, I've been promising you something beautiful and here it is. I believe this is a vintage hankie, but don't know for sure. I do know it is absolutely gorgeous! I also know you will think so too. Recently, this was a gift to me from my sister-in-law, Sandy. She said she has had it for a long time, but could not remember how or where she got it. Of late, she has been 'cleaning out' things (something I should be doing), found this hanky and decided I should have it. How nice is that?

Sandy is the youngest of four children....the old navy man's only sister. There is Don, then the old navy man, then Bill, then Sandy. Considering that she was picked on as a child by those three boys, she turned out to be a very nice person and a generous one too. She is also a wonderful artist. I'll show you some of her work before the week is over.

This hanky is so delicate and finely made....I wasn't home when she brought it....she simply laid it on my kitchen table when she was visiting her brother and I found it when I came home. It should be said that I practically swooned when I saw it. Yes, swooned! Click to enlarge the photos and I bet you nearly do that too! What a gift....I am a very lucky person! Thank you, dear sister-in-law, for gifting me such a beautiful piece of embroidery!!!

For the next few days, I will be very busy....something has to be accomplished around here, but toward the end of the week, I'll post again....perhaps that artwork? Meantime, take care, pat

The Mystery is Solved!!!

2011-10-03T15:54:00.003-05:00

Through the miracle that is the Internet.....all through Cyberspace.....has come the answer to the mystery of the "S" hooks. I have received an email from a long time reader of my blog and she has solved the mystery. She saw immediately what I have failed to see all these years.....and ME the lover of all things heart! Thank you, Caron, for showing me what I should have already seen....I am so grateful to finally KNOW why I found so many of those "S" hooks - they were more hearts from out in the universe! It's so obvious....now that I know!

Here is what Caron said, "My friend, you are missing the main point of finding these "S" hooks everywhere!!! What happens when you lay two of the same size hooks together....they make a heart." I can't believe I could not see this.....but a friend did! Another of the reasons we love blogging (and it's no mystery)....FRIENDS!

Y'all come back late tonight.....I will be showing you that 'something pretty' made from fabric I promised you last night. Meantime, take care.

That "S" Hook Story and Another Heart

2011-10-02T21:01:00.004-05:00

After a weekend of trouble with the computer....thanks to it's inept operator...here I am to tell you the story of the 'S' hooks. As my friend, Brenda, wondered....should I really bring this up to you out there? As she reminds me, I got in enough trouble with it when it actually happened. Well, I've had requests for me to tell you as I DID bring it up and once that is done....some of you won't rest until you know what I am talking about....so, here it is:

Several years ago, I experienced something that can't be explained. Well, NOT by ME anyway and probably not by you either. It all started one day as I got out of my car in the WalMart parking lot. As I walked around my car, I saw an "S" hook laying on the ground. (I tend to look down a lot...you know...I'm always looking for those heart rocks and such.) This time, I saw that "S" hook, so I picked it up and put it in my purse. Never thought a thing about it other than I might need one of those 'sometime.' A few days later, I went to Hastings, the book/video store. I got out of my car, walked around it, went about fifteen feet and saw an "S" hook laying on the ground. I picked it up, put it in my purse and didn't think too much about it.

The next week, I was back at WalMart. Like I said, this was several years ago....at a time when our WalMart still sold DMC floss. That was what I was doing there that day....buying floss.
At that time, they displayed the DMC in little cabinets with drawers showing the numbers of the floss. So, I went there to make my selections, and THERE, on top of the cabinet, was a little "S" hook. The funny thing was there was not one place on that whole aisle where you could have used an "S" hook. Nowhere. No wire to hang it from, no loops, no pegboard, no nothing. So, I picked it up, put it in my purse, got my DMC and walked away.

By this time, I was beginning to think I was seeing way too many of these hooks. What did it mean? Why me? This happened to me over a period of several weeks. Every time I went somewhere, I'd find an "S" hook...in the parking lots, on the sidewalk...all kinds of places. I'd pick them up and take them home. I still have most of them, but not all. I found all sizes. They turn out to be rather useful and over time, I've used them here and there. It's weird...I supposed that someone, somewhere "out there" was sending me some kind of message. I have no idea what. Then, after those several weeks, I never found another one. (This photo is of the ones I have left...I keep them in a little drawer in the Nest.)

The trouble I had, as Brenda mentioned, was that my friends made fun of me for quite a while. Well, who wouldn't, if you think about it? It became known as my "S" Hook Saga. I've never heard of it happening to anyone else. So it hasn't....or else, they were smarter than I and kept it to themselves.

One of my readers suggested it was a wonder I wasn't arrested...I guess especially in WalMart for making off with one of their "S" hooks. I never even gave that a thought at the time. (Well, honestly, I thought it was put there for me....after all, there was nowhere it was needed on that whole aisle...and I did go there specifically for that DMC floss....why else would it have been there?) Of course, I'm not serious....I don't know why it was there, but, you have to admit it really was a WEIRD coincidence! What do YOU think?

Now, about the heart....as you know, I went to the Bee's Knees the other day and found that wonderful sign you saw in my last post. When I got out of my car, I looked down and THERE was this Heart Rock!!! I'm telling you....life is never boring!!! So, there you are....my "S" hook and heart stories. Who knew??? take care out there, pat

PS. Next time, oh, tomorrow or the next day....you'll get to see something really quite beautiful and made of fabric!

A Sign

2011-09-29T15:40:00.003-05:00

Rarely do I post two days in a row. I know you've noticed that. So, you must have already figured out that I have something important I want to show you. Well, "important" is an individual thing, so you may not find this important at all, but I DO, so I wanted to share this photo with you.

I made a quick trip to one of my favorite flea markets this a.m. The Bee's Knees. And, right inside the front door, my eyes landed on this sign. Well, it's green...so already it 'spoke' to me. And, then, I read it. OH MY! It's that 'heart' thing again. Had to have it....because just think about what it says...."you have my whole heart." Of course, you do and now you know. Anyone who enters the Nest in my backyard will know.

See, it WAS important. What do you think? take care, pat

PS. I was asked in an email to explain my 'S' hook story to you. I will, but first, I thought you needed a break from my odd stories. Next time I will tell you and then after that...I'll show you something pretty. Promise.

Just One More Special Story

2011-09-28T19:02:00.003-05:00

This is the second installment of my special 'heart' stories. Some of you may call them my "weird heart stories." That's ok. It won't bother me. I suppose I feel compelled to tell you these stories because I find them very uplifting. Special. You may call them whatever you wish and I'll be fine with it.

As you know....I have a habit of putting hearts on my work and am attracted to all kinds of things 'heart.' As you also know....the heart shape is the universal symbol of love. It works for me! So, when they seem to appear in my life without any rhyme or reason...I pay attention.

A few days before I left for my retreat on the 7th of this month....I took my daily walk out to the mailbox. I saw something at the end of my driveway....just laying there and for some reason, I thought it might be a dead bird. There is a power line that crosses our property, so I thought maybe a bird had died up there and landed on the concrete. (By the way, I could never be an eye witness in a court, as I can't really see details further than about ten feet away and that's pushing it!!) As I approached the mailbox, I realized it wasn't a dead bird, thankfully, but was something entirely different.

When I reached the object, imagine my surprise when I realized it was a HEART. No, I did not think "it's just a piece of wood," I thought HEART! I just jumped up and down, yelling "it's a heart!" (Yes, my neighbors already know I am 'not like them.') I picked up the heart and was overjoyed, running into the house to show the old navy man. Well, he wasn't nearly as excited as I was. I said, "Oh, look what I found by the mailbox...what does it look like to you?" "Duh," he said..."it's a heart." "Well, don't you think it's odd?" "No," he said. So I said, "You aren't the least bit amazed that a heart was at the foot of MY driveway....ME....the person that appliques hearts, embroiders hearts, searches for hearts?" Again, he said "No."

So, ok, it's a piece of wood (about six inches long), it probably fell off one of the many pickup trucks that go up and down our street. BUT, it fell in MY driveway. Not one of the neighbors...the ones who don't collect hearts....but MY driveway, the person who does! So......actually, I feel it came from somewhere 'out in the universe' as a special treat from someone, somewhere...especially for me! And, gosh, I just thought of it....it was by my mailbox! Mail from out in the universe! I love it!!!!

So, yeah, I know you are probably shaking your heads, thinking I've gone off my rocker or something. It's ok. Me....I'm still thinking it is a very special "thinking of you" gift. And, so I will add it to my other heart treasures....and be grateful I'm thought of "out in the universe somewhere!" take care, pat

PS. By the way, I once had a weird experience with "S" hooks. It went on for weeks. You're probably lucky I didn't tell you that story today!

A Very Special Heart

2011-09-25T16:56:00.003-05:00

I intended to post today about something other than what you see here, but I got so excited over this, I had to go ahead and show it to you. So, here's the story. As you've read on this blog before, I love to find heart rocks. I now look for them everywhere I go. My sister and brother-in-law remember that I do this. They live in Texas, where the old navy man and I are originally from. Actually, they live in McGregor, which is near Waco. My brother-in-law, Rick, (a carpenter, originally from the state of Maine) loves to go out in the Texas countryside in search of fossils, petrified wood,etc. The other day, he did just that and found one of those heart shaped rocks. A very special one, as you can see.

Here he is with his pickup loaded with petrified wood. And, in another photo, you can see the heart he found. Turns out he visited a mutual friend's home out in the country...between McGregor and Waco. And went searching. He says he was very excited and surprised to find such nice pieces of petrified wood and in picking them up....looked down and saw this rock, which turned out to be a heart. Of course, that made the day even more special....as he knew the rock would go to ME! How cool is that? What a very nice and thoughtful brother-in-law I have!!!

So, look at the heart....can you believe it? I received a tiny little package from Texas on Friday and couldn't believe my eyes when I opened it. There, inside a tiny red box, was this heart rock.
I had to call immediately and ask if it was a trick. Absolutely not....the story is true, I heard back.
And, I believe it....Rick tells the truth (even when it hurts)....one of the things that makes him a great brother-in-law. After a careful examination, everyone present at my house at the time (the old navy man, his sister, my father-in-law and me) concluded that it had to be real even though it was so unbelievable. Thank you again, Rick!!!!!

A very special heart....from nature....and from a sweet brother-in-law. How nice he remembered that I am partial to those heart rocks. Lucky me!

In my next post, I'm going to show you a heart delivered to me by someone out there in the universe unknown to me....one that will also surprise you. So, stay tuned! take care, pat

My Favorite New Book!

2011-09-20T13:10:00.004-05:00

Last week I was on amazon.com looking for a redwork book a friend had told me about. I found it, ordered it and then noticed another book that just called my name. Loudly. It called my name so loudly it roared and I just had to stop and listen, look inside and press that order button. I KNEW it would become one of my favorite books...ever! It arrived at my house on Saturday and I will not be the same as I loved every single page and all the designs. That, and the photos are to die for!

The book is "Crazy-Quilted Memories" by Brian Haggard. It's published by C&T Publishing. It's delicious!!! You will want it too and can purchase one directly from my new best friend, Brian, by visiting his blog, The Creative World of Brian Haggard. Click HERE to go there and tell him I said Hi. No kidding, if you love crazy quilting and embroidery, you won't be able to put it down.

Brian is also working on a second book which will be out next FAll. I plan on being the first to buy it....well, let's race to see who gets it first!!!! Ok, for now....let me know if you get this one and how much you love it!! (And, thanks, Brian, for this gorgeous book!!) take care, pat

PS. No, I still have not figured out how to get my photos published in the order I want them since I got this new computer. What's with me anyway?

BTW, I've been asked about the redwork book. Love it too, but for different reasons. You might want to check it out also. "Simple Pleasures in Redwork" by Kathy Schmitz. Published by Leisure Arts, Inc. Lovely redwork samplers and other pretty things! Enjoy both!!!!

At Our Quilt Retreat

2011-09-14T21:43:00.005-05:00

In my last post, I mentioned that I would post again on Tuesday (the 13th). As you can see, I am LATE. I don't like being late, but here's what happened....I completely wore myself out at the retreat and I am learning that I do not recover from that as fast as I used to. So, even though I haven't even unpacked my 'quilt stuff' yet, I do have a bit of energy to post tonight. And, I'm not a total dud, as I did work at the studio downtown a bit on Monday and until three o'clock today.

The retreat was WONDERFUL!!! It really was. I left on Wednesday and got home Sunday afternoon. I would have been home sooner, but spent some extra time visiting with my 'peeps' before I left the 4H Center. I have some lovely and very funny 'peeps' so it was quite a nice experience. After being on my rather aged feet for four days....all I really wanted to do when I got home was collapse in my terrific and very tall iron bed. But, alas, you know that was not to be. So, here I am now, finally, sharing with you some of the photos of what I did at the retreat. (I had meant to take lots of photos to share....but totally forgot to do much of that....so rather than do a sorry job of it, I have decided to show you what I was up to out there.)

I was asked, once again, to make the ribbons for the Challenges. Since our theme was "Farmer's Market" I wanted to use burlap for the foundation. For the Apron Challenge, I machine stitched an appliqued apron to muslin and used wire for an hanger. I aged some clothespins to pin them to the winning aprons. These are about six inches square. I made some little Log Cabin Squares for the Quilt Challenge....one of my very favorite patterns. I hope the recipients enjoy them.

In my last post, I said I was teaching a class called "Glorified Quilt Squares." A very simple quilt made up of nine squares....embellished with little embroidered motifs. The picture here is of my unfinished quilt...which was good as it didn't discourage some of my beginner's by being too intimidating, which is a good thing. We used all my very favorite 'school girl stitches' to work in their choice of the many embroidery designs I provided for them. I think they had fun and learned a few things. I did too. If you click on the photo you can see some of the designs up close. Remember, I mentioned that I would tell you about how I named the quilt? Here it is: One day I arrived early at my friend Carol Ann's house where we were having our monthly Knot meeting. She came to the door with wet hair, exclaiming that 'she hadn't even been GLORIFIED yet.' Meaning, of course, that she had yet to put on her makeup and do her hair. I thought it a perfectly charming thing to say....and thought it would fit this quilt....as it truly has not yet been glorified....but is on it's way. That tickles me.

The other class I taught was Crazy Heart Pincushions. Sort of self-explanatory. Here are two. One I made for my friend, Sharon, with her blog name on it. The other I made "just because" and sold it during my class. I love making these....as you may remember, I made many of them last year. Click on this photo too, in order to see the stitches and the beading better.

On Thursday night, I taught a 'Make It and Take It" class. We had never had one of those before and I wasn't sure how it would go over as it didn't begin until 8:30 p.m. Turns out a lot of folks wanted to be in there...much to my surprise. It went pretty well...and I was pleased at the comments. We made little books from new and used envelopes and cards. The smallest was ONE INCH square and you can see it in the photo. The largest was greeting card size. I believe it was successful as they are planning to have another one next time. (I'm adding this way after I posted this evening. One of my friends, whose opinion I value, kindly emailed and told me the photo for the Make It/Take It books wasn't showing on this post. OOPS. Well, I can never add more than five photos....and that one would make six....so therefore, it's NOT here. Sorry. I'll show you those in my next post. Sometimes I can't see the forest of the trees, if you know what I mean!)

Lastly, I wanted to show you Jim's box of perle cotton. Just because I think it is gorgeous. For a bit, he left that box on a table in my classroom. Tempting me. But I was good and left it alone.
If you haven't tried embroidery with some of this perle cotton....by all means, please do. It will be beautiful!

So....I'm almost back to normal now. Whatever normal is. I imagine it will take me the rest of this week to get things totally put away. I am looking forward to cleaning up the studio and moving a few things around...then getting down to the real work here....which is FINISHING some things and looking forward to Fall. In my next post...or the one after...depending on the mail and all that - I will be showing you a new book I have ordered. It's supposed to be here on Friday or Saturday. You will LOVE it! I can't wait to show it to you. Meantime, y'all take care. pat

PS. My favorite comment on the class evaluation cards: "She smelled good!" How many times do you get feedback like that! (I'm laughing.)

Just a Peek

2011-09-05T20:20:00.003-05:00

Wednesday I leave for my guild's quilt retreat. I will be teaching two classes. It's always great fun and sometimes quite exciting. This year I will be teaching a class on my Crazy Heart Pincushions. You've seen them on my blog before. And, I will also be teaching a quilting class called "Glorified Quilt Squares." It was inspired by a certain antique quilt made here in Arkansas. (I can't wait to tell you how I arrived at the name of this class.) There will be more about this quilt story in some future post.

For tonight, I thought I'd give you a 'peek' at parts of the quilt top. It is small...just 24" x 24" and not yet quilted...I'm thinking I need to add some more to it. This is the way I am....I can never really decide where the stopping place is...I just want to keep going. With that in mind, just know that these photos are just little peeks at the overall quilt. A tease.

The rest of tonight and all of tomorrow will be dedicated to finishing up my class kits, patterns, and so forth and packing up all the essentials and loading my car. That little PT Cruiser will be packed beyond belief. So, I knew if I wanted to post....it had to be now and it couldn't be long....hence, the peek. I hope you enjoy it and please....you have a good weekend too. I'll be back on Sunday, but probably won't be able to make a sentence until Tuesday or so!! (If you've been to one of these retreats before, you'll believe me when I say you are exhausted afterwards, but don't realize it until you arrive back at home!) Y'all take care......pat

A Desk Organizer

2011-09-01T17:06:00.004-05:00

I'm spending a lot of time these days preparing for my classes at our guild's quilt retreat next week. A lot of time. Making kits is a chore when there are other things that need doing. Things I don't particularly enjoy....like laundry, cooking, grocery shopping. Well, really, I don't mind those things, in fact, they can all be downright enjoyable. But, not when I've got a zillion things to do and time is running out. That's where I am today.

Do you make lists? I have been a listmaker my whole entire existence. I can remember making lists as a child. I've no idea if I ever accomplished all I listed, but I remember making them. I LOVE checking things off the list! (And, yes, before you think I actually DO everything on the list...know this...some things get carried over to future lists!)

So, this morning, amid all the preparations for classes.....the infamous daily list had to be made. Laundry, pay bills, put a roast in the slow cooker, post on the blog, etc. OH! Posting! My iMac is telling me it's getting late.....and I've nearly forgotten to post! Lots of times I post very late at night, which is my preferred time to do it. No one bothers me. But, today, with so much to do....if I take any kind of detour thinking-wise, I could forget to post altogether and that would not be good. So, here we are and what to talk about? Back to my latest photos to choose something.....how about this desk organizer? I made it down at the studio and everyone likes it....so maybe you will and you might make one for yourself.

No, I didn't think of this idea myself. I saw it while reading the archives on one of my favorite blogs. The blog belongs to Karen Valentine. You can visit it here. Her posts are always good and I enjoy my visits there very much. If you'd like to read the post she did on 9-14-2009 about these desk organizers, go here. Leave a comment as I'm sure she'd enjoy hearing from you.

I chose this old book and decided to use some birds to decorate it. Imagine me decorating with birds...who would ever expect that? Anyway, I chose some birds on some scrapbooking card stock to cut out and decorate with.....and as I tend to do, chose some words to accompany the birds. One of the birds was chosen to sit on a card and preside over the nest, so to speak. Others are at the front and back edges of the inside covers. Before I added those birds, I used gel medium to cover the front inside cover of the book with some old looking text....and on the back inside cover, I just added some paper I liked the color of....with more birds, of course.

Those words again....if you read beginning from the top bird and then across the bottom ones, it says
"they were led to the numberless rovings of fancy.' Who knows what that means, but I think it looks and sounds pretty. On the back cover, it says "the airiness of a bird just flit across my fancy." I do so enjoy finding these words and phrases to add to my collages...and now this book/desk organizer.

I have some of my favorite cards from blogging friends displayed in this book. I plan to add more as I collect them. You could use this organizer to display any kind of papers or photos, etc. What do you think? Is it fun, or what? Thanks, Karen, for teaching me something! Y'all have a good weekend coming up and I'll probably post one more time before I leave for the retreat on Wednesday. Now, back to that list!!! take care out there, pat

Little Friends Collage

2011-08-26T21:04:00.003-05:00

On my last post, I showed you a collage, just finished, called "The Sisters." I think that post went online last Sunday. On Monday, I received an email asking about that collage and now I'm happy to report it has found a new home in Alabama. The sisters are thrilled and will be traveling to Alabama this coming Monday. In that post, I also mentioned that I would show you another collage, recently finished, that was tiny. So, here it is. A tiny six inches square.

What do you think? Are these just the cutest two little kids EVER? I saw this photo on one of my favorite blogs, The Feathered Nest. Dawn is always sharing her vintage photos and this one I just had to use in a collage as #1, these kids are so sweet, and #2, they remind my of my own two kids, born just fifteen months apart. My daughter is the eldest...so they looked very similar to this photo...clothing would have been different, of course, as my kids were born in the late sixties. Anyway, I LOVED the photo and just had to use it.

And, it was fun finding all the 'parts' of the collage. I wanted to use vintage book pages for the background. I had that sweet photo. A couple kinds of flowers were next. As you already know...those are from two different paper napkins. And, then I found those tiny butterflies on another paper napkin. I thought they added just that special little 'touch.' Some paint here and there....and a lacy paper napkin in the corner and there it was. I enjoyed making it and now it's downtown in the studio waiting for a new home. And, again, I will take it to my quilt retreat on the 7th if it's still here.

Such sweet little people....this one may not be easy to let go of. Or, I may have to make one 'in my colors' maybe with different flowers. Or something...we'll see.
Anyway, I hope you visit Dawn, she has a fantastic blog!! Thank you, Dawn, for sharing your wonderful photos!!! And, y'all take care out there....especially if you are on the EAST coast...I'm thinking of you. pat

The Sisters

2011-08-21T16:02:00.004-05:00

I finished another collage on Friday while at the downtown studio. I'm getting into a kind of 'routine' down there. Routine sounds dull, doesn't it? This particular 'routine' is NOT dull, however, as while in it....I am finding ways to create some little pieces of artwork from whatever is on hand there and doing it in little bits of available time. It's kind of an exercise, I think. Not only to keep my mind 'going' (you know I'm not getting any younger!), but to keep me entertained. It's such great fun!

I've definitely decided to sew at the home studio and paint and "play" at the downtown studio. It seems to be working quite well and I'm not getting things nearly as mixed up as I was earlier. By that I mean I am now not confusing myself with which 'ingredients' are at home when I'm down at the studio....and at the studio when I am at home. That has been a big improvement.

As you can see, I ran across this picture of two girls I choose to regard as sisters. Aren't they sweet! So, being interested in the picture of the girls, and having thousands of ledger pages....the idea popped into my head to make this collage. Now, bear in mind that I make these for my own amusement. It doesn't really matter to me whether anyone else feels anything for them or not. Nice when it does, but it's not a requirement. I enjoy creating them and when done I will price them and add them to the inventory at the studio...if they never sell, well, I'll take some home, give some away or something. What's wrong with that? As it is....I've sold nearly all of them. Odd how that happens, isn't it? I think I will be taking some of these to my quilt retreat on the 7th. Just for fun. You never know...someone else may be inspired to have fun making these too!

So, let me tell you about those ledger pages before I forget. My son-in-law's family had a retail clothing store in Searcy for many decades. (In the early 1900's, the store sold everything you could imagine!!) It closed eight or ten years ago. There were lots of things in the building which had to be removed so the building could be sold. My son-in-law let me choose lots of stuff from it...including the sewing machine they used in the alterations department. A Singer, it still sews beautifully! Let's see, I've got ornamental tin from the ceiling. No, I didn't tear any off the ceiling...on the third floor, there were several pieces left from a tear down many years ago. Actually, the first floor still has the original tin ceiling. The new owners have had it cleaned, repaired and freshly painted...it's gorgeous!!! I have a wonderful wooden door propped up against the wall in my living room...it's from there. Two screen doors. You've seen the one going into my pantry. It's from there. All kinds of neat things here, given to me by Rick. I LOVE them.

One of the neatest things...well, two, actually, are old ledgers. He gave me two. He has several stored away that are in beautiful shape...but there were several that had not aged well and needed to be disposed of. From those, two found their way to my house. Two SIX INCH THICK ledgers from the early 1900's. Love em. And, here on this collage, behind the girls, is a page from one of those ledgers. Notice the date, Saturday, June 27, 1914. So cool!!!!!

In making this collage, I also used painted wallpaper to make the hearts...you saw where they came from if you read my post on 'the Pumpkin Shell', several posts back. I cut the little hearts from a leftover piece of that painted wallpaper. Well, waste not, want not. The little bird, (yes, it's awfully homely, but it IS a bird), I added with a rubber stamp, but no matter how hard I tried, I couldn't get a good impression. Ended up just brushing some paint over it. We know it's a bird, so that's all that matters!

I painted the vine....fun. And, yes, I know it's not all that great, but like I said...it's for my own amusement, so it works! I have a zillion old postage stamps, so chose one of them for the lower corner...and the flower is actually a paper one from the scrapbooking section at Michael's craft store. I painted it to change the color, however.

Then, there IS that frame. Oh, I LOVE making these frames...thank you so much, Claudine Hellmuth, for writing the book that taught me how!!!! I've tried painting the frame AFTER I added it to the canvas. I've tried painting it BEFORE I added it to the canvas and then, this time, I painted the frame at the same time I painted the canvas. Guess what....I like all three methods! For some reason, making these frames makes me feel like a 'woodworker' of sorts. It doesn't take much effort, no special tools, and is pretty much 'easy as pie' but, since I've never made frames before....I feel I'm "building" something. And, they look good too. So much fun!! (By the way, these frames are made by actually nailing the wood pieces one side at a time to the actual canvas. FUN!)

Did I say this piece is 7 inches x 14 inches? Just so you know. And, oh yes, Mr.G, if you read this, I know you will be wondering what the words mean, as you have expressed wonder at me adding words to my artwork without explanation. "To the near and distant, to the present and to the past," well, the truth is the words don't really mean anything unless YOU want them to. I choose them 'at random' and just think they sound "pretty and rather poetic." I hope you enjoyed my little 'collage' story. I'll be showing you another one before the week is over. It's tiny. Meantime....I hope you enjoy the rest of your Sunday....and have a wonderful week! Stay cool...pat

A Surprise from a Friend

2011-08-16T16:52:00.003-05:00

Recently I received a box in the mail. It wasn't a complete surprise, as one of the dear readers of my blog had emailed asking for my mailing address. Seems she felt the need to send me something in appreciate of my blog. Wow! So, when the box arrived, I was excited to say the least...how thoughtful of this person I have never met! Much to my surprise, the contents of the box just blew me away.

How could this person who has never met me...."get" me? But she did. The box was filled with beautiful needlework 'right up my alley.' Such a beautiful gift....it brought tears to my very appreciative eyes.

I must say that maintaining this blog is something I enjoy doing...in fact, I think I do it for my own 'therapy.' Knowing that at least one person on the planet has read it brings me great pleasure and makes me want to share everything I get into at Bird Nest on the Ground! When it is pointed out to me that there are lots of fellow bloggers visiting me from time to time...just makes my day and therefore, I feel an obligation to do my best. Receiving a comment or an email directly to me about one of my posts is thanks enough...but a package like this one is a very DEAR thing!

I'm only showing you a small part of the gift. There are many doilies, some trims, old beads and buttons, beautiful lacy and completely gorgeous. One of the doilies I'm showing you is one I've never seen the like of....kind of a woven tape with stitches holding the tape together win a wavy pattern...looks like tiny crochet on the outside portion. It reminds me of battenburg lace tape in a way. It is so wonderfully made I can't get enough of looking at it. Never in a million years would I cut that up!
A wonderful crocheted doily. There are several. Some linen scalloped edge coasters...oh just many beautiful things. There is a square tablecover with the most wonderfully perfect ruffle around the edge. I LOVE and I'm very grateful.

I'm also showing you the note that my friend sent all the way from Maine. Thank you so much, dear Linda!! These things are precious to me...the note priceless!

For all of you who visit here from time to time...thank you too! take care, pat

My "E" Quilt

2011-08-11T10:15:00.003-05:00

Earlier this year, I remarked to a friend that "if I don't finish a quilt someday soon, the Quilt Police will come and take away my quilting license." Well, of course, there are no Quilt Police....this was just my way of saying I had really neglected my quilt making, spending all my time making all those embroidered and beaded pincushions during the last year and a half, or so. I was feeling kinda guilty.

Like everyone else....well, nearly everyone else (there are always exceptions!), I have a drawer full of UFO's. And, this quilt was one of those languishing away in a drawer just waiting for me to get 'in the mood.' Or, make the time to finish. And, finally, this little quilt is now completed. I call it my "E" quilt.

If you will notice, there is a small embroidered letter E in the center block. I thought I would keep this quilt for myself, so decided to monogram that "E" in the center....for Eaton, of course.
This little quilt is approximately 36 inches square. It is hand embroidered, appliqued and quilted, but machine pieced. I prefer to do everything by hand, but sometimes I give in and go to my lovely Bernina.....just so I can get on with it. I'm always imposing deadlines upon myself....even though I resent deadlines and would prefer to do my work with not a thought of getting things done....just enjoying the process. I am totally a 'process person.' That might also explain the need for a UFO drawer or two!!!

As you can see (click for closeups), there is embroidery around all the hearts and the narrow border. The center block does have that "E" surrounded by an embroidered ribbon bow. Loved doing that! Once I finish a quilt, I can always go back, take a good look, and manage to find something I'd like to change. On this quilt, I'd like to change the blue fabrics for other colors. I am not a "blue" person, so I wish I had used other fabrics for the triangles. (What was I thinking?) Yes, this means I don't really care for this finished quilt. And, it has an "E" on it!!! So, yes, it also means I will take it with me to my quilt retreat where I am teaching next month and offer it for sale....think there will be anyone there needing a small quilt with the letter "E" monogrammed on it?? Yes....highly doubtful.

One good thing....I can say I finished a quilt....maybe even saving my quilting license! Ya'll take care out there....pat

The Last Tree Standing

2011-08-05T21:00:00.003-05:00

On Monday, at my house, we had a storm. Well,here's what happened. I had worked at the studio until 2:30 p.m., then was driving out to WallyWorld to pick up some prescriptions. I could hear thunder. No rain, no sign of rain, no drops of water, nothing. That old navy man called and said, "Watch out, there's a bad storm coming your way...it's here now." I heard thunder, no rain, no sign of rain, no drops of water, nothing. So I went about my business. An hour and some minutes later, I turned into my driveway and first thing I saw was the tree in our front yard....most of which was on the ground. I felt so bad about it....as it is the LAST tree left in our front yard.

Have I ever mentioned to you that I believe that "trees are Nature's version of lace"? I love trees. When we bought this house, there were FIVE trees in the front yard. A very nice, shady yard it was. Two days after we moved in....we had a storm. It was a Sunday. We lost a tree in the backyard to that storm. Along the way, during these ten years....we have lost four of the trees in the front yard in the same way. And, now there is one....well, half of one. I'm sorry, I know it's terrible of me to whine about THIS one tree after the year we've had on the planet....thousands of trees everywhere perished in tsunamis, earthquakes, and fires. Not to mention what happened to PEOPLE. I can't help it though...as this was MY tree....the only one left. The remainder of this tree will have to be taken down....as soon as it cools off, I'm thinking. It can't live as it is....but I will try to enjoy what's left of it until that day.

I looked it over to make sure there weren't any bird nests that needed rescuing. None. So, thankfully, the birds that feast at our feeders in the backyard evidently live in the other four trees back there. Oh, yes, the tree nearest my own Nest is suffering from some disease...we can't figure out what....and this storm took several large branches from it and politely dropped them onto my roof. No damage, really, just lots of branches to cut up and take to the curb. Eventually, I guess that tree will be gone too. Sigh....

The old navy man isn't physically able to use a chainsaw anymore.....so I wondered what I would do with that downed tree in the front yard. The very next morning at 6:30 a.m., a truck and some guys from the city were out there cutting it up and loading it onto a truck. We never called them....so I don't know how they knew...but there they were, solving one of my problems for me.
Thank you, City of Searcy!

So, I'll sit on the front porch - when the weather cools - and just REMEMBER the trees - Nature's version of lace. And, then, I'll go out back and look at the remaining trees out there....oh, just after sunset....and really SEE the lace. Y'all take care out there and stay cool. pat

"The Pumpkin Shell"

2011-08-02T13:38:00.003-05:00

And, now, for something completely different! OK, I know it is over a hundred degrees, HOT and HUMID.....and I'm showing you a collage that looks like FALL. No, I've not transported myself (and maybe you) to an alternate universe, although it isn't a bad idea....I'm simply showing you the latest project I have finished at the downtown studio.

It's a gift. At our guild retreat in September, I wanted to surprise one of my friends with a small piece of my work. It's an 8" x 10" collage. Late last night, I decided I'd post her surprise instead. I know she sometimes reads this blog and I thought it might be fun to REALLY surprise her this way. Of course, if she sees it here, she still has to wait to get it. Well, so OK, it's kind of a weird way to surprise someone, but, if she doesn't see it here...she'll still be surprised at the retreat. Did that make sense?

My friend has a farm. She has chickens and other farm animals. We were talking one day about such things and she told me she now has a little 'place' out back where she can work. I haven't seen it....like most of my friends....she does not live near me....but I knew she was pleased with it and so, I thought, I'd make her a little collage with the name of her place on it. Don't we all know how important it is to have our own SPOT? So.....here is "The Pumpkin Shell."

I painted a canvas, then embellished it with painted wallpaper and paper napkins. Then, I made the frame to 'match.' Did you hear me say I LOVE making these frames?? My friend's birthday is October 31, so that and the idea of pumpkins led to my color scheme for this piece. (Now, friend...and, you know who you are...I hope you like it!)

So, that's it for this post....hope you are staying cool out there...safe and happy too! pat

PS. Yes, I still have not managed to figure out how to show my photos in the order I meant to present them...hopefully one day soon that will happen!

A Yo-Yo Garland Wreath

2011-07-26T10:13:00.003-05:00

Today I thought I'd show you a wreath that I made long ago. I'm surprised it looks as good as it does because it has been on display in my home (off and on) since 1994 when I made it. Pat C., the lady that 'toured' my home and studio a few weeks ago remarked on it, so I figured if she enjoyed seeing it, well, maybe you would too.

It all started with that wreath. I found it in Hobby Lobby on a shopping trip.....and it's shape got my imagination going, so I brought it home. One day, while trying to come up with something different I could 'write' on....I thought of the wreath...and this is the result. Figuring out how to embroider a garland, write a verse, and attach it to the center of a wreath was a real experience, calling for some creativity on my part, but, I managed to do it and have really enjoyed having it.
Sometimes what we can think of to do is quite amazing.

I used a plain piece of muslin and DMC embroidery floss to make this....using the Fly Stitch for the leaves and a simple Chain Stitch for the vine. The flowers are yo-yo's which I then stitched into little petals. It was easy....after gathering the yo-yo, with your needle and thread, come up from the back into the center of the yo-yo, carry the thread over the edge of the y0-yo into the back and pull the threaded needle to the front again. Repeat and this makes one petal. You can make as many petals as you'd like. Five is a good number and is what I did. I think I used two or three different sizes of circles to make the yo-yo's, but at this point in time I can't remember and there is only a slight variation in the finished flowers on this piece....so, really, you could use all one size.

Oh, and I need to tell you that sewing the beads in the center of each flower is what anchors the flowers to the background. Also, I used a permanent pen to do the writing. (Always make sure your pen is permanent before doing this....scribble on a small scrap of fabric. Take it to the kitchen sink and put it under running water. You can even soak it for a bit if you feel the need. If the ink runs...it's not permanent. I always test pens having found many times that just because they say they are permanent....doesn't mean they are.)

I used a piece of cardboard to make the embroidery stable....covering it completely by sewing the front and back muslin together around the edges. I also attached ribbon on four sides, looping it over pieces of the wreath to hold it in place. You can see that on the back of the wreath. I also added a hanging loop of ribbon.

It's certainly an 'original' piece and I'm really surprised it's in fairly good condition, considering it's age. If I were to do it over today....I'd want to use acid free cardboard or acid free foam core for the inside.

Every once in a while, I get the idea I should get rid of this wreath....but, then I look at the stitching and think..."Nah!!!" I really did enjoy making this piece. Ok, y'all stay cool out there! pat

PS. Just so you know....I found the verse on an antique card....and thought it would be marvelous on this wreath.

The Downtown Studio

2011-07-22T21:22:00.004-05:00

Hey there! A Happy Friday to you all....especially Mr. G....who has appeared in several of my recent posts. He turned 60 today. Many happy returns of the day, Mr. G., in good health and plenty of quilting and laughter!

I wanted to show you some photos I took earlier this morning at the Downtown Studio. For those of you new to my blog....I work several days a week at Second Saturday Studio.....which is in Downtown Searcy. Since I have a studio in my backyard (which I call "Bird Nest on the Ground"), I have taken to calling Second Saturday Studio....'my' downtown studio. Just to keep myself straight. I must admit, sometimes I have to remember where I am....and, sometimes more importantly....where my 'stuff' is. So, as I mentioned in my last post....paint downtown, sew at home.

As you can see, it's early....there's no traffic at all yet. The best time to get a photo of any kind on this street is very early....or very late. And, it's HOT, so the earlier, the better. Notice that these buildings are old. The one we are in is very old, but has been 'modified' over the years. I've managed to take photos with my precious little PT Cruiser parked at the curb. So, if you look toward the back of the car...that's West Arch. If you look past the front of the car....that's East Arch. Looking East, the building with the green awning is the 'old' Coca Cola Building. It hasn't seen a coke in many years. Right now it houses furniture from the store on the corner....on the right hand side where you see the Stop signs. On the left side of the street, just past the Stop signs, is the White County Courthouse. It's the oldest Courthouse in Arkansas STILL being used as a courthouse. That makes us one block away from the center of town.

You can see our little sidewalk sign indicating where the studio is....made by Micah's Dad. It's a blackboard, so we can change it to say different things. You can see Second Helping to our left. Our friend, Allie, owns it....a very sweet girl. The smells from there, thank heaven, have no calories! It's a delightful place to pick up delicious casseroles, etc. Upstairs we have a couple of really cool photographers at Zoe Portrait Art. Cheryl and Maggie. So, there are three businesses in this building....all run by women trying to maintain families, a business (sometimes two) and add a little something to the life of downtown Searcy.

I've also chosen to show you one of the latest paintings in the studio. However, this one is not for sale, as my son, Scott, painted this a while back and I just framed it last week. Kelly and I are having a discussion as to which of our homes it should go to. I just love it....but truthfully, it does 'go' with her house more than it does mine. He painted this one on a whim.....Kelly and I decided that her Dad, her brother, she and I, should have a little paint fest in our backyard and he painted this one and one more...I'll show it to you after I've framed it. It was a fun day! I think he should carry on with the painting...although I haven't talked him into it yet.

So, there you go, some photos to show you just what I'm talking about when I mention the 'downtown' studio. Y'all have a wonderful weekend...stay cool! pat

"Choosing the Rose" a Collage

2011-07-17T19:48:00.003-05:00

I have recently figured out that having two studios can be a bit confusing. For instance, one thing I've had problems with is when do I work on fabrics and when do I paint? Are the 'ingredients' here, or are they there? It has become quite obvious to me...after dwelling on it a bit...that fabrics are for the home studio and paint is for the downtown studio. Being easily confused....this seems to make things work better for me and I think I'll stick to this idea.

Just in the last few days, I have finished three pieces while working at the studio downtown. As you have already figured out...I can't seem to do anything quickly....so I'm not even going to get into how long it took me to finish these....just know it takes me longer than it probably takes anyone...I can be so slow! Anyway, they were great fun!

I've chosen to tell you about one of the pieces....."Choosing the Rose." To create it, I used paint, water soluble oil pastels, a black pencil, vintage pattern pieces, lace, copyright free clipart, scrapbooking paper, paper napkins, and phrases cut from a vintage book. (Oh yes, I can now spend HOURS cutting out phrases from books and setting them together in various ways....who knew this could be such FUN?) I am NOT a painter, of course, but since the other three artists, with work spaces in the studio, DO paint...creating a collage makes me feel as if I am a part of what they do. It works!

One little tidbit about two of these collages that you might be interested in. They were done on canvas board. I've discovered I don't care for canvas board. I wanted to frame these collages and could not find a frame that would hold a 9" x 12" canvas board. What to do?? I remembered that I saw a neat way to frame pieces in Claudine Hellmuth's book "Collage Discovery Workshop." So, I thought this would be a great way to frame these pieces. One problem...they are THIN. Not to be defeated, I decided to glue the collaged canvas board to a stretched canvas...and then, I could go about framing the piece as Claudine instructs in her book. The frame is actually nailed into the canvas as you construct it. As you can see, it worked as you end up with a pretty cool frame, made especially for your original piece of art. And, it was FUN!!! You can purchase Claudine's book at amazon. com. You may also visit Claudine at her blog, HERE.

This was a wonderful project to do at the downtown studio...and I plan on doing more. If you like them, please give me a word of encouragement...everyone needs them, you know. And, because I really loved searching for the words/phrases from the vintage books...here is what I chose for this particular collage:

"Choosing the Rose
The bright moment flew on
Amid illumined gardens rich with summer."

I love that I could find these three lines separate from each other and now they are living well together on my simple collage. Take care out there...stay cool. pat

Two of My Favorite Things (at Mr. G's House)

2011-07-14T19:40:00.004-05:00

This will be my last post concerning my friend, Mr. G., his quilts, studio and home until we next visit his place late this coming Fall. Or, unless I find myself snapping photos of him, his students and projects at our guild retreat in September. We'll see. But, I DID tell you I'd show you 'my two favorite things' at Mr. G's house.

He certainly knows what my two favorite things are....as everytime I stand in front of these things I am compelled to say 'these are my favorite two things in this house!' So, you can see them here. Jim, as I've told you, has a zillion collections. And, at some point in time, he decided to contain all these tiny little treasures into shadow boxes. There is an oval one (my VERY favorite) and a square shadow box, both filled with many items collected by my friend, who treasures each and every item. I just love that! And, of course, I just love them too. Bet you do too!

While I was into my photos taken at Mr. G's house, I thought you might also want to see one of his studio. This photo was taken the same day as the photos in my previous post showing him with quilts hanging over the railing of his balcony. This was taken from his kitchen door right next to the balcony....looking down into the studio. It's a very interesting place to be....notice all the mobiles.....maybe next time I'm there I'll take some photos so you can see the whole place.

I had intended to show you a couple of chairs. Old chairs. Tiny chairs, for kids and dolls. I thought I had some photos...but, no, it turns out I had failed to get those, so that's another thing I must photograph when next at his house. There's always something to see there, so I'll try to get some really good photos then.

So, my two favorite things at Mr. G's house....til I visit again......by then, well, I may have two or more additional favorite things. Take care out there....pat

PS. Oh, yeah.....I totally forgot to mention his beautiful vintage Singer Featherweight sewing machine....so, OK - my THREE favorite things at Jim's house!!!

Mr. G's Quilts

2011-07-10T19:22:00.004-05:00

In my last post, I promised to show you Mr. G's quilt closet. Now, I can't take quilts out of there and show them to you individually....but I can show you the closet and one or two of Mr. G's wonderful scrap quilts. Easy Peasy.

After years of storing quilts here, there and yon....Mr. G. decided to make a more suitable home for his many quilts by re-purposing the large closet in his front bedroom as quilt storage. A wise move it was, as now he KNOWS where they are. Which means I also know where they are....a fact which I think has not sunk into his head yet. Hmmmm.

As you can see in these photos, Mr. G. owns lots of quilts. I should not mislead you into thinking he has collected these quilts over the years at flea markets and the like. Well, he HAS done that, but also there are many,many quilts in his collection he made with his own hands and a very over-worked Bernina sewing machine. He is a prolific quiltmaker. Now, I believe just looking at the closet full of folded beauties is a turn-on for any quiltmaker, but I've also chosen to show you a couple of photos of Mr. G in action - "Show and Tell" from his studio balcony on one of our group meeting days....this one in February of this year. Yes, he has a balcony in his studio....one of his brilliant ideas to provide more storage....little did he know when planning this that the balcony would make a great place to 'show' a quilt.

Jim loves to make scrap quilts. In fact, I believe he is on #30-something for the year. People just seem to love giving him old or unwanted quilt pieces, squares they don't wish to complete, or even completed squares and the leftover fabrics they used so he can have a variety of 'scraps' to make these quilts. He doesn't turn them down and seems to be pretty darn creative in setting all these blocks together to invent 'new' quilts. Well, you'd just have to know him to understand the whole story...let it suffice to say that his goal for the year was 50 quilts and it wouldn't surprise me at all if he meets the goal. Now, having said that....I should also explain that many of them remain quilt TOPS. He does not always choose to quilt the tops or sometimes has a long-arm quiltmaker to do that step for him. Not to say he couldn't quilt them...he certainly is capable of doing that...but, he's a busy man and time runs out...as you well know.

I've chosen a couple of photos, from that day at his studio, to show you a sampling of these scrap quilts. It's pretty amazing how he manages to come up with so many ways to put all these scraps together. I bet you are amazed. (Me, too, but don't tell him I said that!) If you'd like to see more of Mr. G's work....you might want to visit his blog....click here. Just remember this...I've warned you.........

It's HOT here....have I mentioned how much I love and adore the wonderful invention of air-conditioning? Thank all you ENTERGY employees in my area for keeping me alive during the summer!!!!!! Take care out there, pat

(PS. While I LOVE getting comments from those who read my blog....I also like to respond to each one. If you have commented and have not received a response from me....it means you commented 'anonymously' or left me no way to send you an email. Just so you know...I'd love to say thank you and/or give you more info, if you are interested!)

Mr. G and the Great Petit-Point Purse Collection

2011-07-06T20:52:00.003-05:00

Earlier this year, my monthly group meeting was held at the home of my friend, Jim. I affectionately call him "Mr. G." He has a very interesting home filled with collections of many kinds. And I DO mean MANY. One of his collections is made up of petit-point purses. He has collected these beautiful purses over many years. Some he found at quilt shows, flea markets,
garage sales, on-line, antique shops and by word of mouth. I would say he has a strong penchant for hunting and gathering. He is not really a person you want to go hunting and gathering with, as he will find all the things you would love....before you find them. If you know what I mean. (Well, actually, it really is fun to go hunting and gathering with him...because even though he will find "IT" before you do....he is a character and a FUN person. You will laugh a lot and that is always a very good thing.)

He called this evening just to 'catch up' and afterwards I thought I'd show you his petit-point purse collection in tonight's blog post. Well, part of the collection anyway. There is a closet in his house dedicated solely to these purses. It also contains many drawers containing small items done in petit-point. Look carefully....I'm not kidding....this collection is amazing!

You can see Mr. G in one of these photographs. Accompanied by my friend, Mary Lou. These photos were taken just a few days after a massive 'reorganization' of the purses....and we were all completely amazed at the sight. I bet you are too!

I've chosen one photo of a close-up.....isn't this purse just gorgeous? Aren't they all?

As time goes by....I may choose to show you more of the amazing Mr. G's collections. He has a quilt closet 'to die for' and lots of other interesting things to see. I may even show you MY favorite things in Mr. G's house...which would include a small chair or two, some shadow boxes filled with many ancient, interesting and beautiful things....well....you'll see.

Y'all take care out there and stay cool. pat

HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY!!!!

2011-07-02T22:16:00.004-05:00

This post is just my way of wishing you a very HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY!! This is a quilt I made several years ago and have shown on this blog before. I never get tired of admiring our flag, and this version is one I love to show. The stripes were machine pieced, the stars hand-appliqued and the whole is hand-quilted. I also love the fabric on the back and especially enjoyed writing the entire Gettysburg Address for the label on the back. So, I hope you enjoy the holiday weekend, celebrate with those you love and wave the flag safely!! take care out there, pat

PS. Once again, I've not been able to put the photos in order. I hope you enjoy the quilt anyway! And, if you click on the photos...especially the full view of the quilt and the written label, you can see all the details. ENJOY!

Do You Remember the Shorebirds?

2011-07-01T06:30:00.008-05:00

Do you remember the Shorebird Pincushions I showed you earlier this year? Two 6" x 6" painted, embroidered and beaded pincushions. If you do remember....Thank You so much. If you don't, that's ok....here are some photos of those pincushions. My blogging friend, Vicki, had seen some of my pincushions and asked if I would be interested in contributing one to an auction she was working on for the Ronald McDonald House in her area. I had been reading her blog regularly and was so impressed with her, her knitted bird nests, and all the lovely photos on her blog, including those of the "Gardener" and their travels, that I just had to say yes. So, the Shorebird pincushions were born here in my backyard studio...one for Ronald McDonald, one for Vicki.

If you haven't seen these before...well, I hand paint vintage linen fabric, embroider the birds and whatever I think 'goes' with them, make the pincushion, then bead the edges. It's a long process.
I absolutely love doing the beading and in this post, I included a photo of my 'bead tray' (which is a vintage glass square plate lined with a square of an old Velux blanket I use as a bead mat.
You can buy bead mats in most craft stores these days....but I bought that old blanket from my daughter's garage sale and had enough to make several for myself and all my beading friends, with some leftover.)

I also wanted to show you one of Vicki's knitted bird nests. They are beautifully made with an absolutely glorious array of knitting yarns and other embellishments. You will definitely want to visit Vicki at her blog. It's a delightful place to spend some time. There you can see all the wonderful artwork donated to the auction and perhaps find something you'd be interested in yourself. There were several artists involved...all contributing their time and talent to a great cause, not to mention the many hours Vicki devotes to this event.

I hope you have a wonderful weekend......maybe spending a wee bit of time visiting Vicki and her artist friends. Do take care and have FUN! pat

Vintage Laundry

2011-06-26T20:05:00.003-05:00

Today I was looking at some photos I took last week....adding them to the over 20,000 I now have in my archives. When my son gave me my first camera a few years ago I did not think I'd ever actually take a photo I'd show anyone. Not saying you are in luck or anything, but, by reading my blog, you get to see just about all the photos I take! These just tickle me, so I hope you enjoy them too.

Last Thursday, I hosted a 'studio tour.' In December, my guild had a studio tour auction and my friend, Pat C., bid a nice hefty sum and won the tour of my little "Nest." We planned it for April, but remember, I broke two toes....so it was postponed and rescheduled for June 23rd. I had planned a day of looking at all my 'stuff', a tour of the quilt closet and my small home, my daughter's home - where two of my quilts reside, the downtown studio, lunch out, and a small stitching demo. It was a busy day and I think Pat enjoyed it. I know I did.

Show and Tell' tonight is of one of my favorite activities here at the Nest. I have two clotheslines on the front porch of my studio. When I know guests are coming I like to hang 'laundry' on those clotheslines. Vintage laundry it is, usually consisting of pieces I have purchased from various flea markets over the years, or given to me by friends. Having a 'studio tour' seemed like a good time to hang some 'laundry.' Doing this just reminds me of the 'good old days' and makes me smile and hopefully, my guests. I took these photos early in the a.m. I love the way my little studio looks in the early morning light.

I really wanted you to see the vintage dress here. There is also a photo of the hem of that dress. I paid $5 for it quite a while ago. It's usually hanging in my guest room. There is an apron hanging next to it....given to me by my good friend, Jim. I have several of these and this one might be the prettiest. I've shown the hemline of that apron....crocheted lace....just beautiful! I chose to hang some pretty baby clothes, a crocheted glove, an vintage petticoat and a doll pinafore too, all with pretty lace. I hated to take the 'laundry' down at the end of the day, but it's really ok, as I'll certainly do more of it as time goes by.

Sometimes I hang a quilt on the porch. You never know....maybe I'll show you one or two of those in the future. What do you think? Is this too cute, or what??? take care out there, pat

Flowers and an Anniversary

2011-06-24T22:35:00.003-05:00

Tonight I thought I'd post something short...it's been a long week and tomorrow is our anniversary. I'm planning on us spending a quiet weekend with not one thing on my 'schedule.' My last posts were too far apart...so something pretty and brief sounded good for me tonight. Oh, by the way.....it's the 45th anniversary for me and that old Navy man. Who knew??? I'm trying to hold out for 50...that's been my plan all along....and I hope we can make it. Opposites attract, that's for sure and with some effort from both of us...we've made it this far. Yea!!!!

So...to celebrate here's some pretty flowers! I love hydrangeas....blue, pink, lavender, white...doesn't matter to me, I love them all. So, the old Navy man and I planted some three years ago. Neither of us have green thumbs....so, it had to be the plants, the soil, or both because we have four quite large, beautiful hydrangeas growing here. All we really did was cheer them along!

I hope you enjoy the photos. Now that I have this new iMac with it's big screen, I can actually SEE the photos and I am really amazed that I, myself, have taken these photos...too cool!!! So, you have a wonderful weekend and we will too! I'll see you Monday or so. Stay cool, pat

"On The Banks of a Stream"

2011-06-21T23:07:00.003-05:00

Yes, I've neglected my blog posts. I just hate it, but as I've so often stated....I just run completely out of time some days....or should I say weeks. Sorry to have let you down. Like everyone else these days....24 hours in a day just isn't enough it seems...and there are so many things a person HAS to do, let alone, wants to do. Anyway, I have missed you and always feel so guilty when too much time goes by between posts. I hope you are all well 'out there' and have had some time to enjoy the summer. Yeah, I hear you...you've been busy too!

I wanted to show you the latest project I have finished. Another of those painted and embroidered pieces of painted quilt batting 'appliqued' by embroidery stitches to a painted canvas. I've had several people ask me 'why?' I suppose it seems very strange to paint quilt batting, not to even mention sewing that batting to a painted canvas, but, as I like to say, "WHY NOT?" It is fun. Making these pieces involves quite a bit of time and I expect not everyone wants to spend much time on something like this. As always, I don't seem to mind how much time something takes if I want to make it. Go figure. We all have our 'quirks,' don't we?

I'm going to take a little break from making these, as there is lots for me to do to get ready for the guild retreat in September. LOTS to do! I'll be showing you some of what I'm doing for it as time goes by, and also some things having nothing to do with much of anything...just what comes into my little head. Well, it IS summer, isn't it? I've got some pretty nifty flower photos I'd like to show you...amongst other things.

So, enjoy this look at my latest work. I received an email from a friend of my sister in Texas the other day. She was interested in the piece I recently showed you...."That One Flower" (posted on June 4th). I had to tell her it was SOLD. As you know, I make one of a kind pieces, so there won't be another just like it. That's just the way I operate. Sometimes I feel bad about that, but have no desire to repeat a piece. As I told her....if you have an interest in something I've made, do not hesitate to ask me about it. No strings attached.

This piece is called "On the Banks of a Stream." I actually painted and embroidered the quilt batting for this piece long before the first one you saw....just saved it a longer time before I completed the project. A friend and her husband came to visit Second Saturday Studio on our last opening. They purchased the "One Flower" piece. And, then, much to my surprise, asked about "Spring Flowers"- a project I posted on May 28th. We talked again last week and she asked if they could also purchase both of the quilt batting pieces. I was just thrilled. So, there you are....all three of my last pieces have found a nice new home. I'm so pleased. Thank you so much....cute little family....you know who you are!!!! (I took the two batting pieces for show and tell at my monthly group meeting. One of my friends asked why I had added the text to the piece...you know, I couldn't give a good reason except to say 'because I just wanted to.' Do we really need a better reason??)

I did say I'd do a little 'tutorial' on this technique sometime after September....I've not forgotten. Meantime, I hope you enjoyed this post....and that you are having a very nice summer. See you in a few days for something 'completely different.' Take care out there, pat

PS. I can't seem to get my photos posted in correct order...hopefully, that will be remedied soon.

A Green Pincushion

2011-06-13T22:39:00.003-05:00

It's been a long day. A trip to the VA in Little Rock to take my father-in-law for an eye check-up.
Lots of traffic. It's always kind of a long wait there at that hospital. On the way home, there was an accident way ahead, so the traffic crept along. It took us forty-five minutes to get where it normally takes from five to seven minutes. When we got back to his house, the cable guy drove up just as we did. The tv was out because there was a storm on Saturday night. So, we stayed on to make sure all was back in working order. We were all three just worn out. Some days it doesn't take much. I know you know what I mean.

I was determined to post about something tonight....and truth be told my brain is just 'out to lunch' so to speak, so I decided I'd show you a project I made earlier in the year. I was asked to make a green pincushion for friend's 'secret pal' gift. The secret pal's last name is Green and her favorite color is green too. So, I thought a monogram was in order.

This is not the best color green for a photograph. It's kind of a 'sage-y' green. I decided to piece the background, embroider the corners, monogram the letter G in a satin stitch, and as I love to do...bead the edges.

Sometimes I love certain parts of these projects more than others. On this one....I really like the embroidered triangle corners and the beading the best. What do you think?

Ok....time for bed....hopefully to dream up some more ideas for future projects. Hope you have a wonderful night. take care out there, pat

A Visit and a New Computer

2011-06-08T23:49:00.004-05:00

Well, here we are finishing up Wednesday already. The last few days have just flown by in a blurr. As you know, my favorite son came for a short visit. Better a short visit than no visit, right? We all had a wonderful time...of course, families all have their little quirks and ours is no different. Everyone wants to talk at once and we try to cram everything into those few hours, so we just wear ourselves out. By the time Scott had to go back home....well, we all needed a good nap!

He arrived at 8:00 a.m. on Saturday....so good to see him. And, he left at noon on Tuesday. He says we may as well live on an island - it's so hard to get here. I'm wondering how many 'kids' think that as they try to juggle their busy schedules to get home to see the 'folks' and deal with all the hassles of travel today. But aren't we glad they want to see us!!

I suppose he was just tired of being my 'tech guy' and helping me with the 'issues' of my old iMac because he brought me a lovely new one. One I can actually SEE! Oh, I can't tell you how much different my photos look to me and even reading the type is a pleasure...so much easier to see. The screen is really big....and WONDERFUL!!! You know...I knew I needed a new one....but had NO clue things were as bad as they were on that old computer and my eyes will love working on this one. He and his sister are tricky....he had it sent to her office so I wouldn't know until he got here...two sneaky people!! (I hear there were other sneaky dear people involved too...hugs to you!!)

So, take a look at the family.....There's me and that old Navy Man (Richard) with our favorite son, Scott, and our daughter, Kelly. They are both so dear!! They are fifteen months apart and so close...it's a pleasure to see them together. I love the photo of the two of them....aren't they just the cutest? Then, there is a photo of me out in the Nest with my new iMac. (Pardon the mess behind me...have I mentioned lately the Nest needs a complete revamp? So much to do...so little time! Hopefully, this fall I can take on that chore.) I just had to snap a photo of Scott sitting at my desk. He spent a lot of time this weekend getting me 'all set up' on the new computer. Of course, it was kind of like trying to 'teach an old dog some new tricks.' Fun, though.

The last photo is one I always take....I call it the 'drop-off' at the airport in Little Rock. I remember when you could go in and sit with your 'peeps' when you took them to the airport and now you just drive up and drop them off. Deprives me of those last few minutes of time...I know you moms know what I mean. So...off he went, back to San Francisco. I missed him immediately, but did get to spend the afternoon with Kelly...she and I went for some 'retail therapy' with Dad going along with us. He even had some pretty good ideas. It was a lovely, lovely weekend! Thank you, my favorite son and daughter!!! take care out there, pat

(For some reason....the user perhaps...my photos did not appear in the order I wanted them in....well, you get the idea anyway! Now to learn how to properly use this new jewel!)

That One Flower

2011-06-04T00:40:00.004-05:00

As I sit here writing to you it is 12:41 a.m. Not an unusual thing for me as my sleep habits are quite weird. However, tonight I'm just trying to get several last minute things done as my favorite son arrives at the Little Rock airport at 8:00 a.m. See, told you...weird. I am very anxious to see him as I haven't seen him in fourteen months, but I didn't want the week to end without posting something for you 'out there' - my blogging friends. He has to leave on Tuesday and since I am already thinking it's been too long since I've posted...well, something just has to be done before I go to bed for a few hours or else you won't hear from me til next week sometime. Can't let that happen!

So....here is a little bit of something I finished today at the studio. It has a story, of course.
It's a little abstract painting embellished with embroidery. The actual work is 4" x 6" and the frame is 8" x 10"...not so big. The frame looks black here, but it's really a very dark brown. Now, what you might be saying is something to the effect that you didn't know I did abstract paintings. Of course, I don't. BUT...I just happened to make this one....then embroidered a little flower surrounded by French Knot flowers and some birds. Just like me...kinda weird.
I actually like the odd little thing. The center of the flower is a sequin with a bead in the center. As you can see, not too complicated. (One of my latest FUN things to do is find words or phrases in an old dilapidated book and cut them out to use in collage, etc. I could spend many hours doing a thing like that. And, that is how I found the phrase on the mat......"You may gather every flower." I love that.)

Now, do you want the real story? OK, truth be told, my "abstract painting" is actually part of an old tee shirt I used as a paint rag to wipe my brushes on. I took a good look at it before I was going to throw it away and thought it looked pretty much like the abstract paintings I was seeing. So, it sat around in my little downtown studio until I just had to embellish the thing.
Oh, and just for your info....I did stabilize it by ironing on some fusible interfacing. No idea why on earth I felt it needed to be embroidered...but here it is anyway and it will be for sale next week when Second Saturday Studio is Open. (By the way...in 'real life' the colors are much brighter!)

OK....this will have to do until one day next week. I hope you have a wonderful weekend...I know I will enjoy seeing that son of mine. So, until we meet again....take care, pat

"Spring Flowers"

2011-05-28T01:49:00.004-05:00

As you can tell from reading my blog posts...I'm very slow in the production department. It seems to take me quite a long time to finish a piece of my artwork. Bear in mind that I enjoy it....so it could be that I am subconsciously making it 'last' by taking so long. It would never enter my mind to hurry and finish so I could make lots more! No, for me....well, this kind of work should never be hurried, which I guess is a good thing, since making a zillion French Knots does, by its very nature (and mine!) take a while. If you understand that...then you understand me. I don't know what that says about either of us!

Pictured here you see my latest piece of work. And, it DID take a while. Of course, first, I had to develop an idea, then paint the canvas, paint the quilt batting, embroider the quilt batting, stitch it to the canvas, embroider some more, blah, blah, blah. I almost never know when to stop, so eventually, I just say to myself..."OK....that's it." I think I tend to 'overdo,' never knowing when I'm well off. Sometimes I go just that one little step TOO far. Tell me what you think. Hopefully, my technique will improve as I make more. (I'm saying making more while my brain is saying 'you have a quilt to finish!' Nag, nag, nag. Sometimes I wish I didn't have to sleep!)

This is an 8" x 10" canvas. The quilt batting is Warm and Natural. I used DMC embroidery floss. Acrylic paints. I would like to make more of these at some point and, as always, will never make any two alike. Yes, I KNOW I promised to do a tutorial on how to make these...and I will, but it looks like I won't be able to do any of those until after our guild retreat in September...there's just too much I have to do to get my classes ready and, as always seems the case...I am behind on those. This 'embroidered painting' is now in Second Saturday Studio, and for sale. I don't expect it to go flying out the door....but you never know.

Someone reminded me the other day that last year (or the year before) was supposed to be my 'year' of the basket where I would show you lots of quilted, embroidered and crocheted baskets...what happened to that idea? Well, life happened. So....I suppose at some date in the not so distant future....I need to fulfill that commitment too. I have decided that our retreat this Fall will be the last classes I will be teaching. I'm not getting any younger and there's just so many things I'd like to make, see and do, so hopefully, things like tutorials on this blog will take the place of the classes. Only time will tell....but it sounds like a good idea to me.

So, tell me....do you like this little 'piece of work'? I'm thinking it has a bit of potential and, as always, I love showing YOU what I do. Hope you all have a lovely Memorial Day......take care out there, pat

What I did Today

2011-05-20T23:27:00.003-05:00

I try to spend several hours on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at our downtown art place - Second Saturday Studio. Since we've moved our work spaces downstairs....we are actually open more often. It has certainly been easier to manage since we can now work in the same space as the gallery. Officially, we are still open on the Second Saturday of the month...but the new rule is...if the lights are on...we're open for business.

The other day, Micah showed me how to make Paper Clay Roses. I had been wanting to try making something with paper clay and she had a rose necklace she made using it. We were in need of a creative diversion, so she kindly showed me how to make the roses. It was very easy and a lot of fun. Not having an oven there, we let them dry naturally, so this morning I was able to paint my roses. It turns out that having work spaces in the gallery is not only good for us (we can actually get some work done)....but people drop in to check out the art and, while there, seem to love watching us do what we do. Cool.

So, here are my very first roses. With the notion that 'practice makes perfect,' you can see that I've a way to go before I can say I really know what I'm doing and these aren't perfect....but they DO look like roses, so I'm happy. Today, while Micah painted some of her lovely faces and Kelly worked on a 5' x 7' canvas....I painted roses. It was great fun. I've no idea how I will use these roses....but it will be fun to figure it out. (Thank you, Micah!!!)

Also in the photo is a bird....I used a vintage jello mold to make it. Not at all sure what that will ever be...but I'll do more with it in the future. There is also a five petal flower I made...not nuts about that one....so it may never see the light of day again. I think I will stick to the roses and find a few different ways to use them with fabrics, etc. You know....my kind of 'stuff.' By the way...I purchased the paper clay from Hobby Lobby.

I did want to mention that I have received several cards, letters and gifts in response to my 'handwritten letter' giveaway last month. Really, my blog readers (YOU) are so nice and I appreciate each and every one of you. I've been asked a couple of questions that I feel should be answered here. #1....how are my broken toes doing? I'm happy to say they are much better.
I can't move my little toe....and it's turned funny now....but the pain is gone and that is great. There has been no 'daily walk' since I fell, so I'm hoping to return to that activity on Monday. #2....have we been affected here with flooding? No, we haven't had that particular problem in the exact area where I live, but many people in parts of the state have had and continue to have those issues. We are very grateful to have been lucky at this house. And, I appreciate your concern.

So, today I painted roses. Working with Micah, Kelly and Cheri at the downtown studio is a wonderful experience. Wish you could be there with us! Have a safe and lovely weekend....pat

More Shorebird Photos

2011-05-14T21:23:00.006-05:00

As promised, here are more photos of the Shorebird Pincushions. Several of you sent email asking to see more. From the photos I had taken before these pincushions were mailed, I chose these five to show more detail of one of the pincushions.

Here is the Mama bird.....and a closeup of her. Now, you know these are really 'fantasy' birds...the same way I embroider 'fantasy' flowers, so we are assuming this is Mom. If she is Mom...then the little bird has to be baby bird and here's a closeup of baby. These are stitched with DMC floss....two strands.

One of my very favorite things to do is bead the edges of these pincushions. If you check my archives...you'll see many different beaded edges I have made....and hopefully, I will make many more...it's so much fun. This 'fringe' is made with random lengths. I chose to do random lengths on these pincushions...well, mainly because I wanted the fringe to represent water and doing random lengths meant I didn't have to count each bead I put on the needle. I have shown the pincushion sitting on a candlestick so you can see the lengths of fringe. Every so often, I have added a small shell. So much fun. Yes, time-consuming, but all parts of this kind of work just eat up time. It's not something I worry about as I love tedious work and won't begin one of these projects unless I am determined to finish, no matter how long it takes. And, really, you have to be goal-oriented to want to do this.

Lastly, here is the back of the pincushion. I like adding a label. My friend, Sherry, stamped several strips of muslin with birds, as a gift to me. One bird made a perfect label for this project...don't you think?

No, I can't tell you how long one of the pincushions takes from start to finish. Let's just say if I actually kept count....it might scare me, so I prefer not to know. Let's just say the hours are many...the love is great. Hope you enjoyed seeing them again. take care, pat

Oh, yes, I forgot to mention that these are stitched on painted vintage fabrics...old dresser scarf fabrics...or linen pieces.

Two Shorebirds

2011-05-11T21:41:00.001-05:00

Here are my latest creations - some stitched Shorebirds. Two pincushions requested by a friend. One is for her own collection...one for a charity event. The event will take place the end of this month and afterwards , on her blog, she will post more photos and finish the story of these pincushions. I think you would enjoy her blog....so visit my friend, Vicki...here. After she posts 'the rest of the story' on her blog.....I will post my response here on this blog. It should be great fun and I can't wait to see how it turns out. (By the way...her current post has some absolutely gorgeous photos of she and 'the Gardener' on vacation. You will enjoy a mini-vacation of your own if you check out her post...and you will absolutely LOVE the color!)

Vicki asked that I used a 'Shore bird' theme. At this point, I've made several 'bird' pincushions. It took a while to think of what to do...but in order to finish, I realized that they had to include work that I loved to do or I'd never finish them....I set out by painting the fabric, then proceeded to embellish by embroidering the birds and foliage, then beading the edges. I knew she wanted some shells there too...she loves the beach....so I found some tiny shells to include in the beading. In my mind, all that beading represents the water. It's all relative, of course. You probably would have done something completely different. Each pincushion has it's own bead selection and colorway.....and Mama and baby birds. The last photo shows you my bead 'tray' which is a vintage glass serving dish lined with a square from an old Velux blanket. This holds all the beads I'm currently using so they won't roll all over the place. The tray is just a pretty way to keep everything in one place as I thread those beads on my needle. I love using this.

I've used painted fabric, DMC embroidery floss, some perle cotton, silk ribbon, and hundreds of beads to make these pincushions. Upon receiving these, Vicki told me she could never stick a pin in them, which thrilled me to death, but also made me smile....my, how many hundreds of needle holes have already been made in them!

If you'd like to see more photos concerning these pincushions...I can post some more...just let me know how you feel about it. And, then, too, at the end of this month, there will be more on this blog and also Vicki's....I'll keep you posted. Please DO visit her....you'll love the visit!
take care out there...pat

Mother's Day Entertainment and a Giveaway Winner

2011-05-09T00:18:00.003-05:00

At this hour of the night....guess most of you are in bed....but I have a Mother's Day Giveaway Winner to announce. Let me prolong the mystery a bit by showing you some photos of my Mother's Day Entertainment.

This afternoon, I got to visit with my son via iChat....and that lovely little camera on my computer. I don't know why we don't take advantage of it more often (maybe because he's always at work!)....but when we do it's always nice to see his face....Thank YOU, Scott!!!

We were invited to our daughter Kelly's house for supper and a little entertainment. It's always fun to be there and tonight was no exception. I had no idea the entertainment would be Kelly and her husband, Rick. Who knew?

Rick gave Kelly a guitar for Christmas. She wanted one even though she knew nothing about playing a guitar. It's a very pretty one and to my surprise, she has been learning how to play it.
So, tonight, we were lucky enough to hear them play together....it was a riot, I must say. You'd really have to know the two of them to really appreciate this story....let me just say it's a blessing to see them have fun and share it. Their home has become the 'party' place...both for family and their many friends. We enjoyed the evening very much.

Rick's Mom, Louise, also got to be there and it was nice to see her....she and I love to tell each other how special our kids are. We mean it, too. Rick's brother, Ron, was there. Also, of course, the old navy man. I never did get a decent photo of either of them....we were out on the patio and it was kind of dark and I do well to get photos at all. Their patio is a place we all love to sit and the temps were very comfortable tonight. My favorite time to be out there is when it's chilly and we can have a fire in the fireplace out there. But, tonight was special, and the entertainment - delightful! I did manage to get a pretty good photo of Trixie, who appears to love the guitar music!!!

The food was wonderful and we had a great time! I asked them to choose a number for my Giveaway Winner. They chose the number 12, so I'm happy to announce that DARLENE wins the apron and all the goodies. I always wish I could share with everyone, but that would be impossible, so I'll just say I hope you will give it a try again when I have another giveaway. I hope all of you had a wonderful Mother's Day....I know I did!

I hope to show you some of my latest work in my next post.....a clue.....some of my painted fabric/stitched birds. Til then.......take care, pat

Mother's Day Giveaway

2011-05-05T23:41:00.004-05:00

Mother's Day will be here on Sunday and I'd like to have another Giveaway. How about you?
Would you like one? If so, please make a comment on this blog post and late Sunday night, I will announce the winner. Kindly make sure I have a way to get in touch with you....

So, what am I giving away, you ask? I've given it some thought. I have a small collection of vintage aprons and for a while, I have toyed with the idea of giving one away on this blog. Now is good! This is another flea market find. As you can see, the apron is blue and white checked and embroidered with a cross-stitch pattern. One of the things I like about this apron is there is no waistband...it's pleated and stitched to form the waist. Different. Then, a month or so ago, I bought a recipe box at Hobby Lobby. Liked it so much I bought two. One for me and one for YOU. You know I love birds, so the recipe box appeals to me. So cute, and notice the
cards inside match the outside of the box....just another 'cute as can be' thing. I thought an apron and a recipe box would go well together.

While thinking about the Giveaway...I thought I should add a couple of other items. Just for fun. So there is also a 'watch fob' with silk ribbon embroidered roses and a heart. This is a pin.
I have had it pinned on the mannequin in the studio for a while, but thought you might enjoy having it.

And, lastly, a vintage dresser scarf, also from the flea market. It would make a great table runner too. It has some very pretty lace trim in crochet. Just love that! There is a medallion sewed in the center....I think that was added years later. Makes this scarf pretty unique. I thought you might like it also....if, indeed, you like the vintage stuff as I do.

So, leave a comment on this post and you might win this stuff. And, on Sunday, have an absolutely wonderful Mother's Day....then very late Sunday night, check this blog to see if YOU won. You never know....it could happen. Take care.....pat