Holiday Greetings to All!

                                                 wool hooked rug made by my mom

Wishing everyone who reads my blog a warm and wonderful, old-fashioned Thanksgiving!!!!

Abstract Applique

Just finished up this abstract applique. I've been playing around with shapes and textures, stitching and beading, and it's fun to experiment!

I have another abstract in the works, but after that I'll be moving on to some work with wool and then, more faces in paper and fabric. This is a lark to see my efforts on the internet, receive comments from other artists and to keep the whole artistic process going. 

I feel blessed.

Kids' Craft Class

I seem to have taken an unplanned break from my blog!! 

I've been busy preparing for a kids' craft class at a local gift shop, Silver Clay, here in Wakefield, Massachusetts. We'll be decorating tote bags with painting, stamping and embellishment.

Should be fun!! These are the samples on display in the shop.

As for my own work, I seem to be a bit stalled, but working on a couple of abstract pieces and my November ATC. To those who read my blog, my apologies for the scarcity of new posts recently. I'm planning a giveaway in December, so stay tuned!!!

ATC Swap

Here are the ATCs exchanged in October between my friend Janice and me. I was late with mine, which is why I'm showing them so late!

In her Autumn-themed card, Janice used stamping, hand coloring, stitching and handwriting to express her message. I love the quote by Albert Camus and the combination of colored and uncolored leaves.

In mine, I used fused fabric flowers and leaves and handstitched beads in the center of the flower.

I have another collage in the works which should be done soon!

Rainy Day

A rainy day in New England. 

My cat watering can is keeping watch on the porch, which is unheated, but which I go to often for its natural light and peaceful setting. Today I'll be visiting my sister, who is an hour away from here. With tutoring and various appointments, it's been a busy week, punctuated by the amazing results of Tuesday's election. 

I hope to get creative tomorrow - I'm feeling that need to make something!!!

Home from Houston!!!

Just returned from voting and found it interesting that the only sign-bearers across from my voting place were these. Then I realized that it was early afternoon and there will probably be many more out there later as polls become crowded with after-work voters. Like many, I felt a great sense of responsibility as I voted and even said a silent prayer as I cast my ballot, wishing in my heart that this election will somehow bring a sense of hope to our country.

I returned home from Houston Sunday night, my head reeling with images and impressions from the wonderful International quilt festival I had attended. I have a visual journal in which I make almost daily paper collages, and in it I attached mementos and clippings from the week, knowing that I will savor these memories for years to come. Aside from the amazing quilts and the abundance of vendors, I had the great pleasure of meeting up and having dinner with blogging friends Sue Bleiweiss, Terri Stegmiller and new friend Nathalie G. from Belgium. This was a wonderful experience which I truly enjoyed.

Terri presented me with this lovely piece of art work - one of her beautiful hand-painted faces collaged and stitched with a combination of paper and fabric. I really love it and plan to frame it for my studio.

I purchased this adorable little wallhanging, made by Marla Ferguson of Palisade, Colorado for the Alzheimer's Art Quilt Initiative. It is called "Fancy Pants" and is dedicated to Marla's husband's family who have bravely dealt with Alzheimer's in a loved one. The profits from the sale of this and many other donated art quilts are used to fund Alzheimer's research. The AAQI was founded by Ami Simms to raise awareness and fund research. For more information, you can visit www.alzquilts.org.

After being away for a week, I was amazed at the subtle changes which have taken place: the brilliant foliage colors have dimmed, trees are becoming bare, but my Mom's little Christmas cactus has burst out in blooms. It's good to be home.