Whimsical Lace Birds

I have some samples of decorator lace, and decided to use them to make some birds for my windows. I thought it would be pretty to be able to see the lace pattern against the outside foliage.

 After drawing a simple bird design, I used some heavy duty interfacing to provide a sturdy outline. 

I have a few details to work out, but I think they will be sweet for my porch windows, and for gifts.

Mostly fusing, and very little sewing!

Paper Pretties

My sister-in-law, Tracy, makes beautiful stamped cards and gave a couple of them to me. I love the texture that can be achieved with different shades of the same color, and the way that cut-out shapes and embellishments add so much to the design. These cards are so pretty I have them standing up on my desk and haven't yet been able to bring myself to part with them!

Here are two ATCs exchanged recently between my friend Janice and me. I love the beachy, vacationy feel of Janice's "stamps", and also the blue and brown color combination.
Mine is a typical "Judy" design: A crazy spray of flowers in cut paper! Fun to make!

New ATCs

 I needed to make some ATCs 

and thought it would be fun to hand stitch them,

 using silky fabrics from my "fancy " stash. 

I added a little lace for frothy waves, 

some beading for flowers 

and a bit of fiber and cording for outlining, 

and mounted everything on some stiffened felt.

Later, when I went into my sewing room, 

I realized that I had left the drawer 

containing my silky stash open, 

and.... 

Someone has very elegant taste in bedding!

She looked so comfy I let her stay

there for the morning!

Creative Again!

I'm just pulling some of my painted fabric flowers out to make a new picture! Creativity has been on the back burner lately but I'm getting revved up again!

New finished works coming soon!

Springtime Meadow

I finished this piece today, an applique landscape, using all hand painted fabrics. Instead of my usual zig-zag stitch around each element, I used heavyweight brown top stitch thread in a straight stitch as an outline. There is also a bit of hand embroidery in the flowers among the rocks in the lower portion. 

This piece was a pleasure to make. I love trees, beautiful skies and landscapes in general, and it was fun to use fabrics I had painted myself!

 

Happy Mothers Day!

Here's wishing all the Moms who read this post today a happy and blessed Mothers Day!

I remember today, especially, with great love, my own darling Mom, who left this world two years ago, but whose love I feel all around me each and every day. 

Have a lovely day, everyone!

An Excerpt From Kristy's Diary

It's a raw, rainy day and I have settled down for a nap

I hear the click of a shutter. It wakes me up and I get started on my bath.

I look up and see that she is still there, clicking away.

I say, in my droll way,

"Excuuuse me -
May I have some privacy, please?"

It is so difficult, living with humans!