In My Mailbox

I recently received in the mail some lovely blank note cards I had ordered from Nancy Cooper Funk at Maine Memories. These are only two out of the six I ordered. I scanned them to show off the beautiful watercolor scenes defined by pretty borders. I truly enjoy Nan's work -

there are many more scenes, florals and birds to choose from. It's wonderful to see work by fellow bloggers up close. Nan's cards are available here, along with many other lovely prints and gift items.

The mailman also brought me some treasures from  my good friend Janice - two ATCs which I'm crazy about. It's always a pleasure to open an envelope from Janice because I feel like I'm about to discover a small masterpiece inside the envelope! 

The first card is called"Red, White and Bloom" and the other card, my personal favorite, is called "Mosaic". I love the colors, the design, everything about it!

I'm still working on organizing my studio, but did take some time out to paint fabric the other day. I'll post about that, along with some photos, in the days to come.

Meanwhile, I hope that everyone who reads this enjoys the last day of July

The summer seems to be flying by!

Enjoy the rest of your week!

Judy

Progress!

Today I did some major work, clearing off my Mom's desk which is now in my studio. I won't show you how it looked before, but it was a clutter - catcher, since it is right inside the doorway. This honors her so much more, and her picture on the right will remind me to keep it cleared off! On the left is a pic of Bill and me!

Scissors, Anyone?

I've been very busy with my studio organizing project, and have decided to store some of my favorite scissors in this handy make-up caddy! It's pretty heavy lucite, so it doesn't tip over with the weight of the scissors, and I've cut some 'fun foam' to fit the bottom of each section to provide cushioning for the points!

I'm doing the "big dig" this time, going down deeper than I ever have to get rid of materials I don't use or need anymore. I'm being helped by Life Coach/ cheerleader Sallie Felton who helps me decide on daily goals to keep things moving. Right now I'm tackling boxes (and  boxes!) of fabric and finding people who can use what I don't want. So far I have been able to give away a few boxes and it feels good! I'm also planning to use Freecycle as I go along.

What I'm getting rid of is small prints and a lot of the "landscape" fabrics I've used for many years. (foliage, wood, stone looking designs.) I'm ready to move on to hand painting my own fabrics for the most part, and using them in my work. If there is anyone who reads this and can use that type of fabric (landscape-ish), send me an email (address is on the side of my blog) and we could work out mailing arrangements.

Hope everyone is having a grand weekend!

Take care,

Judy

Odds and Ends

I had told you recently that my husband and I spent part of our "staycation" working on some new railings we had had installed in our home. Here they are, dazzlingly stained and polyurethaned by us! When we were younger, we were landlords for a few years, and did a great deal of  painting and wallpapering. Now, many years later, work like this is accompanied by a fair share of aches and pains! But it felt good to get it done!

Recently, Gayle at Sparkle Jars tagged me to do a meme, naming seven "not obvious"things that I love. Here they are:

1. A great conversation

2. Illustrated children's books

3. The smell of fresh cut grass

4. the first cup of coffee in the morning

5. A freshly ironed blouse

6. A hand-written letter

7. Staying at a Bed and Breakfast

Of course, there are so many more! I'm inviting anyone who reads this to name their own favorites - it's an enjoyable exercise!

And, last of all, I've added a new little papercutting to my other blog, if you care to look.

Hope everyone is having a great week!

Have fun!

Judy   

I'm Still Here!

I haven't been posting much because I've been a bit stuck artistically lately. Lots of ideas, unfinished projects and plans - but I'm finding it hard to settle down and do my work. Hmmm - I remind myself of some of the children I've worked with!

I know that at least part of the problem is my cluttered workspace, and I am finally getting down to decluttering - yet again!! 

This time I'm going for a real purge! I have more than enough storage space in my studio, but every area is stuffed with fabric, embellishments, yarn (I don't even knit or crochet!) - you name it. I'm realizing that, with each phase of art and crafting that I have explored, I've accumulated more materials than I would ever be able to use in my lifetime. Also, my husband and I moved from a larger colonial in New York seven years ago to a smaller split level in Massachusetts, and we have had to pare down quite a bit, yet I've never pared down my stash of materials!

Egad - this is not rocket science!!

Thus begins my valiant quest for simplicity and serenity. (A bonus would be to find my favorite scissors which I haven't seen for ages!)

Meanwhile I will try to finish up some projects and post them.

Wishing everyone a great weekend!

Smiles,

Judy

Where's the Sun?

Kristy has had it with the rain,

which seems endless. 

Her solution? Curl up and sleep!

Bill and I are having a

"staycation"

this week,

finishing up projects around the house:

sanding, staining, scraping, 

caulking, cleaning,

painting!

Meanwhile, little fabric art going on here!

Next week,

I hope!

How Lovely!

I've just received this award all the way from West Yorkshire, England!  Lyn, from Everyday Life, passed it along to me. I happen to love England, (Bill and I traveled to London, Stratford- upon-Avon, through the Cottswolds and on to Bath, several years ago), and Lyn's blog is full of lovely photos which I find enchanting. Lyn, thank you so much!

I am just going to name some of my favorite blogs - if you read this and your blog is mentioned, please accept this award with my heartfelt admiration. Like Lyn, I read many blogs, but these

are the ones I check on almost every day!

Everyday Life - lovely scenes of England, lovely gardens!

Sew and Sow Life - Karen writes about her family, life in Vermont, inspiration, nature, and art quilting!

Stegart - Terri is one very talented mixed media artist! She shares her work and offers classes through Two Creative Studios, along with fellow artist Sue Bleiweiss.

Sparkle Jars - Gayle's quilts are lovely and she often links to great music!

Teatime and Roses - this is one special lady, my friend Beverly. She has gorgeous photos of flowers and makes beautiful paper art.

Linden Grove - Again, Simone has great photos of England, and a link to her other blog, Mutant Trees, on which she posts her lovely artwork!

Furry and Feathered Friends - Nan is a watercolor artist and photographer whom I truly admire. On this blog she shares little stories about the critters in her yard and her beautiful cats. On both this, as well as her other blog, Shells and Roses, there are photos of the Maine coast, interspersed with some of her delicate watercolors.

Art Glehen - Helene is a French, self taught painter who does exquisite watercolors and oils.

Visiting her blog is like spending time in a beautiful gallery.

Swan of Dreamers - Shell is an actor, and a self described 'free spirit'! She posts about film, literature, positivity and dreams.

I read many other blogs and, if I haven't linked to you it's because I'll never get this posted if I continue! I know many people choose not to accept or pass on awards, but just know that your writing and work is appreciated! Please visit these talented people if you get a chance!

Have a wonderful week!

Judy