Sunday, January 31, 2016

Currently Reading

I'm about sixty pages into The Silence of Bonaventure Arrow by Rita Leganski. This is a story steeped in magic with a gentleness to the writing that has really touched my heart. I am savoring this book, reading it slowly at night before bed. Check it out by clicking on the image. You won't be disappointed.



Thursday, January 28, 2016

Birding at Vischer Ferry

Today, my brother and I braved the cold and walked the trails of the Vischer Ferry Nature Preserve, about ten miles above Albany, New York. We had never been there in the winter, and with no snow cover, the trails were easy to navigate. Although the sun was shining there was still a dreariness to the landscape. But as we walked, we realized that though dreary, it was alive with wildlife.


Today's highlight was the sighting of a bald eagle. Expecting to see pretty much the winter birds, it was awesome to catch this beautiful bird soaring above.


Hope you are able to get out an experience the winter season wherever you are.

Sunday, January 24, 2016

On the Rug Frame

I've been working on a design by Melanie Pinney of American Pie Designs called "We Are Family." The rug is nearly finished and is hooked with all off-the-bolt wool. I will be adding some button eyes to the frog and owls when the hooking is complete.A fun rug to hook, but the colors are much more subdued than I usually work with. I was challenging myself to use less "loud" colors!


Thursday, January 21, 2016

Sarah's Quilt

I've been meaning to post this photo of my niece with the T-shirt quilt I made her. Finished in time for Christmas, and I think she was very pleased with the result. I loved working on this project even with all the math calculations needed to get the quilt as square as possible. With some expert help from my friend Jo, the quilt turned out fine.


Tuesday, January 19, 2016

A backyard visitor

This little beauty shows up on occasion to feast on the tree nutty blend of birdseed in our backyard. The red-bellied woodpecker is such a pretty bird and a welcome sight on a cold winter day. Bright and brilliant colors with a very distinctive song.


Saturday, January 16, 2016

Lovely Architectural Book for Inspiration

Here is a great book for inspiration for architectural images -- Village Buildings of Britain by Matthew Rice. I love this book! Used some of the drawings as basis for art projects, but would love to do a rug with vignettes of windows, roofs, stone wall, and houses. Click on the photo to bring you to the amazon listing for this book.



Wednesday, January 13, 2016

Finished Rug

Here is a photo of a rug I finished recently. Wish the photo was better. The bird is a wood thrush sitting atop a tree of flowers! The dragonfly was needle felted and sewn on to the finished rug.



Monday, January 11, 2016

Wool Dyeing Day

I dyed a bit of wool on Saturday. Here are the results. Wool is for sale. If you are interested, it is $9.75 per quarter yard plus s/h.


From left to right: Old Blue (3-piece set for $8.50 - 3/16 yard), Winter Tracks (cream, grays, browns - very subtle - 1/4 yard), Dancing Leaves (spot dye - 1/4 yard), Sunflower Prim (1/4 yard), Foggy Morning (spot dye - 1/4 yard), Venetian Gold (abrash - 1/4 yard).

Saturday, January 9, 2016

Wool Applique Project

Here is a sneak peek at the wool appliqué project I'm working on. Lots of blanket stitches! I'm planning on adding some other decorative stitching once the pieces are all in place. Such a relaxing project.


Thursday, January 7, 2016

New bird for life list!

Caught sight of this little beauty by the Sacandaga Reservoir in upstate New York. The snow bunting is a new bird for my life list. A surprise find on a very brisk winter day!



Hope you'll have a lovely surprise in your day, too!!

Wednesday, January 6, 2016

New Drawing

I've been dabbling with paints for the past few years. Here is a photo of my Lisa Congdon inspired drawing done with watercolors, micron pen, and inktense pencils.


What a fun, relaxing way to create art. Lisa's classes can be found on Creative Bug.

Also, I have 74 wool/binding tape auctions listed on Ebay right now. Check them out!