A Little Break

I just put my springtime wreath on the front door  and have been busy doing a little spring cleaning! 


Kristy is wondering, 'when will this woman get around to moving my chair into the sunshine?'

I'm going to take a little blogging break until the end of the week.

Hope everyone has a great week! I hope to return with some new artwork!

A Visit With An Artist Friend

Last week I had a wonderful visit with my friend Elaine. Her cat, Honeybee gave me a friendly greeting!

Elaine is an artist who creates very realistic and detailed works with cut paper. She made the daffodil card which I showed last week, and this piece hangs in her studio. (I took the photo through glass which explains the slight glare.)
On the wall in Elaine's kitchen there is a cabinet which houses a wonderful miniature dollhouse. The cabinet was built years ago by her husband Alan, and carefully furnished by Elaine. Since the first time I saw this house I have felt like a small child, peering into a little world, every time I visit. Many items in the house were purchased and many details made by Elaine herself.

Here's a view of the entire interior.

And, of course, there must be a sewing room...

and an artist's studio!

A little clothespin doll, made by Elaine, which hangs from a shelf in her studio.

Every wall in Elaine's home showcases the varied artworks of the talented members of her family - paintings, serigraphs, pastels, art quilts... too many to name. We shared our recent work, talked about common interests in paper and fabric art, laughed and ate out!

 All in all, a creative visit with a dear friend!

Blue and Yellow

Yesterday I bought some miniature daffodils to remind myself that Spring is indeed emerging. My dedham pottery cat seems indifferent to the beautiful blooms!

Hope everyone is having a good weekend!

W.O.W. Wednesday

Otherwise known as 'Use It or Lose It' this is another favorite phrase from my mom's repertoire! Here was a lady who took senior exercise into her 80's, even after two hip replacements! She believed in moving and, even though she slowed down in later years, she still did stretching and 'chair' exercises as often as she could!

I can't say I'm as dedicated to exercise as my mom was, but lately I've become more aware of the benefits and I'm going to put this little picture up in my sewing room to remind me to Get Moving!

I'm having fun with these little characters, but having trouble keeping up every week, so I'm going to do this less often, maybe with a different title. I'd love some feedback ~ any ideas for a title or any favorite short sayings?

Meanwhile, I have a fabric picture to work on and hope to have it done by the weekend!

Daffodil Time!

My dear friend Elaine, who does beautiful paper cutting, made this card for me several years ago when I was going through a difficult time. I can remember how delighted I was when I opened the envelope and unfolded this sunny frieze of daffodils! It really cheered me up! 

Now I love to take it out in the springtime. It's a lovely piece of art and it reminds me how very fortunate I am to have such a wonderful friend!  

Words of Wisdom Wednesday (on Thursday!)

Probably my favorite saying ~ 'Carpe Diem' or 'Seize the Day'. 

I was trying to envision actually grabbing hold of a new day ~ so many possibilities!!

Hope everyone is having a terrific week!

Remembering...

This beautiful photo of my dad was taken and developed by my daughter Kate when she was in high school. Today is his birthday - he would have been 92. He passed away less than two years ago. I love having this wonderful, strong image of him framed and hanging in our home as a remembrance. He loved his family, his home, his yard, and his garden.

We remember him with love.