PARADISE

It's Gone and I Miss It

This is my latest little bag, and I put it in DB Designs for sale.  Well, it sold the first day, which is very nice and all......but I kind of miss it.  It was my favorite, plus I didn't really anticipate it's selling that fast.  I thought it would be fun to have it somewhere, I could visit it for awhile, and eventually I would pick it up, bring it home, and it would be mine to carry!  Anyway, I thought I would share my "use ta be" bag with you, and I hope whoever has this little sweet purse now will love it and give it a nice home with lots of TLC.

HAUNTING THE CEMETERY!

My husband and I took our morning walk in the cemetery today.  I should have known something was up when he threw the white sheet into the car.  These are the kind of things I get roped into being married to a photographer.

THE DEAD BRIDE!

What a wonderful costume Emma!

Susan Komen Race For The Cure

Last Saturday I was privileged to participate in the Susan Komen Race For The Cure in Little Rock with my sister-in-law Gloria.  Gloria is a 30 year survivor of breast cancer.  This race is HUGE in Little Rock.  It's a 5K that takes a couple of hours due to the crowd of thousands of women and children that take part.  The following is a very small sampling of the pictures I took. There was every kind of pink costume imaginable, music on every corner, men honoring the women as we passed, and best of all.........so many smiles and happiness everywhere!  My husband said it was very emotional for him to watch as women crossed the finish line because they were all extremely happy, smiling, waving, and the positive energy flow was staggering!

50,000 Thousand Women Marched!

There Was Music!

There Was Dancing!

Everyone Wore Pink!

There Were Lots Of Men Too!

Stripping firemen.

Bikers pretty in pink.

Men cheering us on.

Men in meditation.

My husband snapping our photo as we cross the finish line.

Three Rosie Bags!

Here's the results of about a month's worth of hooking and sewing.  I used the same rose motif for each bag, but they were all hand drawn, so there is a variation in patterns which keep them all unique.   From left to right, I have two clutch bags, and the third has a strap.  Each bag has a contrasting plaid wool lining.  They each measure about the same, which is approximately 8"x9".  The bag with the strap is a bit deeper.  I'm on to one more rose bag, then may take a break and prod myself a kitchen rug.  Not so much to think about when prodding....

Just Stuff

My sweet husband took various shots around the house of my "stuff."  This is just a sample..  Oh dear.......

Fall Teal Rose Bag

Hooked and ready to assemble.  This little bag has given me the opportunity to use some pretty fall colors.  I used this same lining in the hydrangea tote, and just had to find another use for this pretty piece of wool.  I may use this same plaid for a small strap.  I believe that I'll use teal wool to attach sides together and trim out the edge.  Cute button or two and done!  

Pink Rose Garden Clutch

I've finished another rosey bag, this one a clutch.  I love the red button!  It's from my mother's can of old buttons, and is probably from a 1960's sewing project.  I think I have a couple more clutches in me before I need to move on.  I'm starting to obsess over a new rug idea.  More about that later........

WHAT'S SHE LOOKING AT?

The other evening Iris was looking out the front door and growling.  The only time I've heard her growl, is if there are people she doesn't know out on our drive or in the yard.  So.....I took a peek to see what was up......

Well.....what do you know?  Iris was all upset because of the tiny herd of three deer eating acorns by our drive.  They have been hanging around for about a week or so.

BATS IN THE BAT HOUSE!

We put this bat house up about three years ago hoping to draw the little critters to watch over our pond.  Bats are basically mosquito eating machines......plus I thought they would be a nice addition to our little nature habitat.   

I was always trying to see up inside the bat house checking for any evidence of residency, but the opening is too small and it's about 12 feet up from the ground.  I had also read that it's very difficult to attract bats to a bat house, so I had more or less given up on the idea of a little bat family taking up residence in this nice little abode.

Yesterday, I was out walking around enjoying some of the new fall color and the lovely day. I decided to take another look at the bat house and see if there was any action.  And.....YIPPEE! Bat guano......all over the ground beneath the bat house.  I know it's the real thing because I Googled a picture of bat guano just to be sure.  Later in the evening I attended a meeting of our local chapter of the Audubon Society and was told it makes great fertilizer!  Oh...need to add "sorry" if you find this picture somewhat disgusting.

Pink Rose Garden Clutch

Yes.......more roses, but I'm just on a roll with this pattern.  This one will be a clutch 8" deep, and 10" wide.  I'm excited to finish hooking because my favorite part is choosing a lining (preferably something in a pink and green plaid), and finding some sort of interesting vintage button for the clasp.  I think I have about 2 more rose color combinations in me before I simply must move on to a different design.

What's Happening On Today's Doorstep?

First I'm sending linen on to Lily.  She is going to start creating her own patterns!  She lives in Chicago, but as of yet, is hard pressed to find a good source of hooking supplies.  Luckily, I have access to Simply Fiber and all of Tammy's gorgeous wool, books, and patterns!

I will also get some hooking done and, well....yes it's the beginnings of yet, another bag.  This one will be a clutch with pink roses on a mossy green background.  Why so many bags, and so frequent you ask.  You see I'm recently retired from 23 years of teaching......LOVING RETIREMENT.....and LOVE BAGS!  Also, if I get enough done I may put them in an Etsy store.  The problem is, that by the time I finish one, I become very attached to it.  I guess I could carry it for awhile and pass it on to a new home.

I will also continue to work at knitting socks.  Lots and lots of socks!  Socks, for me, are the most frustrating of knitting projects.  I'm on my second pair....but these #1 needles make teeny tiny stitches.....and when one is dropped.....need I say more?  The up side of knitting socks is that I just LOVE socks and I love to knit.  I hope it becomes easier.  Socks may be in someone's Christmas stocking.

Oh....I also need to go to the grocery store.  Definitely last on my list.

Coming Up Roses Is Up And Done!

Finished this little fall/winter bag. I have enjoyed working with the color combination so much. I'm considering making the same bag in a smaller clutch......or.......using this same design with the red and brown color combo in a rug. Of course if I do all of this, I'll probably get really sick of the whole thing! Maybe best to just leave well enough alone.

Coming Up Roses

The hooking is done, and now on to lining and assembly. I'm using the plaid wool that I've already attached to bag and have started to sew in. The red plaid to the side is for the strap. If you look carefully at the shadow to the right, you can see a kitty head (that would be Iris).

A Wonderful Afternoon!

My neighbor, Emma, came over for a day of crafting. We spread supplies all over the floor, dove in, and cut and glued away the afternoon!

Emma made several pages for her scrapebook. She's quite the talented little girl!

I made this page in my visual journal for the words "play list". The visual journal is an ongoing project that's part of The Welcome Mat....site for creative rug hooking. I used some sweet vintage circus images given to me by my friend Katie (Ragamuffin Gal). I had to stretch the meaning on this one. I'm really thinking play bill of circus acts, but it works for me.

Coming Up Roses Coming Along Nicely

Here's a view of the front and back of my new bag. I'm loving these red roses with the brown background! As with my last bag, I'm planning on using a complimentary plaid wool for the lining and strap.

Fabulous Prize $$$

I received an unexpected windfall in the mail yesterday. I did not realize there would be actual cash prizes for winning fair entries. Gee.....what to do with all this money! Any ideas? Actually, I'm quite tickled. The last ribbon I won was in the 6th grade science fair for my miniature rock garden (done mostly by my talented mom), but no cash prizes offered at elementary school sciences fairs.

Coming Up Roses

Beginning of new handbag. The other side of the bag will be very similar, and the background will be in browns. I just can't seem to get enough of bag hook'n!

Finished Hydrangea Bag!

It's done. I'm pleased. Starting the next one today!
Also, thanks so much for all the lovely comments on the previous post (Jan, you wouldn't want my old bag. Lots of beet stains from last grandchildren visit!) Have a fabulous weekend!

Building A Bag!

Here are three stages of my soon to be finished hydrangea tote bag. First, you see both sides of the hooked bag. I had a full day of hooking at the fair with Tammy yesterday, so was happily able to get the hooking done. The next shot is the bag showing the contrasting plaid I'm using for lining. I just hand whipped it to the edge of the hooking. I love working with wool because it holds together nicely while stitching. I added a couple of inside pockets for keys, cell phone, whatever. The last picture above is the lining shown with the straps. I'm not 100% sure how I'm going to finish it off, but I believe I will whip the sides with wool, and attach straps to inside using large buttons. My goal is to end up with an attractive, but very sturdy bag. If all goes well, I'll post the finished bag tomorrow. Thanks for checking in, and have a wonderful day!

Fair Prizes!

This was my first attempt to enter anything into the Ozark Empire Fair (well, actually, it never occurred to me to enter at all). This year I decided to give it a whirl, and low and behold, I won some ribbons! My three entries are pieces that I designed, and each has some personal significance. The "Nighttime Garden Fox" was created as the result of a family of fox pups being raised in a den right outside our home. We were just enamored with this little family of three adults and five pups. We watched as they played around the woodpile, learned to hunt squirrels, and finally left. The small mat "My Backyard" is sort of a little impressionistic piece loosely based on looking from the bedroom window over our backyard. I started it one snowy day attempting to use only scraps of wool, ribbon, and yarn. It's actually one of my favorite hooking projects so far. The girl under the arch I've called by two different names; "Connected" and "Reside". In either case, I am referring to my deep feelings of being connected with all living things equally (notice, I added the fox). I'm tickled to have won these ribbons, and am on to other hooking projects. Hooking like mad at the moment trying to get my hydrangea bag finished. Just about done with the hooking, then on to assembly. Watch for a post soon! Thanks for letting me brag a bit about my little fair ribbons.....

My Goodies Have Arrived!

Wow! What a generous blog giveaway.....not only did I win the cute felted bracelet and three flower pins, I also received one of Rick Beerhorst's cards and the "I Just Wanna Hook" card and felted piece. Thank you Brenda!

I Finally Won A Blog Giveaway!

I was thrilled when I opened my email this morning to find I had won Brenda's, kindshipincolorandwool.typepad.com/, generous blog giveaway. I ran upstairs to tell my husband with 6 year old grandson Graham running around yelling "What did we win?" It was quite the scene. Anyway....I won this lovely felted bracelet and felt flower pins. I'm already planning to possibly use the pins on a rug (credit to Brenda of course, a rug hooking collaboration!). Well, this has just made my day. Hope yours was just as lovely!

It's Fair Time!

I took a few rugs to enter in the Ozark Empire Fair. Graham is helping, but feeling a little camera shy at the moment.

I Have A Helper!

Graham is simply fascinated by hooking. I'm thinking that I can hire him on as a strip cutter, then move him on up to hooking backgrounds for me. He's a fast learner!

Hydrangea Tote

The front side is just about done. I'm really working fast because I want to get to the assembling. I'm considering a pretty plaid lining of like colors with perhaps a matching plaid shoulder strap. My hope is to create a set of "flower bags". My next one (if this one is a success, and doesn't make me crazy) will be more fall themed with perhaps prodded mums. Well....don't want to get ahead of myself.

It's Been a Productive Weekend!

I've finally started to hook another bag. When I was in Florida last week, I was taken to an outlet mall....well I'm not much of a shopper, but while waiting for my friends to finish their shopping, I drifted into the Fossil Store. I was captured by a bag ($50.00) and almost bought it. Then the "outlet mall fog" lifted and I realized I can make my own bag and would probably love it way more than the impulse buy at Fossil. Wow! I got out of there just in the knick of time! When I got back home I drew this pattern that has been on my mind for awhile now. I'm only sharing part of it....I'll display more as the project progresses.

I've been knitting like there's no tomorrow! I finally feel like I've cracked the "sock code". I knitted from the heel flap all the way up the foot so far this weekend. Don't you just love this self striping yarn? The colors have such a warm folk art feel to them.

Wednesday, I went treasure seeking with my friend Katie. Of course we went to our favorite place for good conversation, and wonderful treasures galore....Leola's! I found this cute little bag, but the handle was fragile and broke. Not to despair....I purchased these perfect bamboo handles at a local fabric shop and sewed them in. I just love this bag and even after buying new handles, it was quite a find!

Ringling Miniature Circus

I returned this week from Sarasota, Florida where I was invited on a lovely vacation getaway with my dear friend Marti and two friends of hers. I had a fabulous time at the beach (actually I'm more of a mountain, wild west, big sky kinda gal) but the beaches there are gorgeous, plus I came back with a tan. After a couple of days cooking on the sand, I decided I needed to pursue an indoor activity. That led me to the Ringling Museum of Art. Oh My! What a wonderful discovery. I can't really describe all that was there in this one post, but enough to keep me prowling the grounds the entire day until closing. The following photos are a teeny tiny portion of a huge exhibit (even has it's own large building) that housed a miniature circus built to scale that covers 3,800 square feet! I'll be posting more from my little trip, but thought I'd share a few peeks into the tiny "Greatest Show on Earth!"

Worms and Such

Time to begin a new project, but the cupboard is somewhat low on wool. Of course, I have scads and scads of worms (wool strips for all you non-hookers). I don't know about you, but I find it much easier to color-plan a piece when I can see the uncut wool. I do try and dive into my worms as best I can to avoid waste, and the expense of buying more wool....but I just LOVE taking peeks into a well stocked wool cabinet. The rainbow of brightly dyed wool is usually just what my mind's eye needs to inspire me to get started sketching something new! The age old questions for hookers, is "what to do with all the worm?" I've knitted them, and used them in many hooked pieces and other projects, but they continue to multiple faster than I can find homes for them. Any new ideas to creatively use up a bunch of worms quickly? They do take up a lot of space.

Frankie

Frankie's Balloon is finally done! I needed to get this one done and posted so you can see it before I give it to my friend Tera tomorrow at her shower. She's having a baby girl! Shhhh....don't tell, I want it to be a surprise. It's my first rug that I've used prodding on, and I'm hooked! It goes fast, and adds that 3D thing to the rug that gives it more interest and sparkle (whatever, I just like the flowers sticking out!).

Frankie's Balloon

I'm really, really trying to get this one done! It's a gift for a friend who is having a little girl to be named "Frankie". The circles in the lower left are where I am planning to prod flowers, also will be adding some beading when done. I've got about three more hooking designs swimming around in my head that I must get at.....so hoping to finish Frankie this week!

Springtime At Home

We've had such fun watching this cute baby bunny every morning. It seems to be residing under our deck with some larger members of it's family. We haven't had many rabbits around here in such a long time, and I imagine it has to do with the foxes taking up residence elsewhere. I have missed those foxes, but they just weren't cut out for suburbia (disease and cars seems to have led to their demise). I hope these little rabbits fare better.......but.... they must watch out for cooper and red shouldered hawks that live among the treetops!

Nice bench for viewing fish in the pond. Can you see the yellow koi? Oh......and the occasional frog.

Lilies by the pond. See that old green chair in the background? I snagged that out of a truck pulling in during our neighborhood cleanup a year ago. It was on its way to the scrap metal pile. Now, what a waste that would have been.....

Entrance to the screened porch. A different "doorstep."

And last....but not least....the Swinging Banshee! (Don't ask.....)

A Little Visual Journaling

Oh Alice......you always check in and "wake me up." I haven't been hooking much lately, so not much to post about. But...today I decided to journal a page for Creation and Expansion on the Welcome Mat (great source for creative rug hooking). The above is my interpretation of the word daily.

And now I must really get back to hooking. I have a sweet little project I've been working on (a tiny snippet is shown in the previous post). I put it down a few weeks ago and just haven't felt like working on it much. Does that ever happen to you? It's like all my creativity was ZAPPED! Maybe it's school ending for the summer or maybe the cool rainy weather, but whatever, I'm going to persevere and get back to work!

The Beginning of Something

This is all I have hooked right now, though it's all drawn out on the linen. Isn't she cute? Sort of like a cartoon character, but I can't think of which one. Can you? I'm going to post little bits and pieces, here and there, before you see it all together. Kind of like putting together pieces of a puzzle isn't it? I'll try to add more to this little rug puzzle in a day or two.

BOATHOUSE HOOK IN!

We had an absolute blast Saturday rug hooking at the boathouse overlooking Springfield Lake. The following are just a few pictures of our day.

Part of our Springfield crew. What a group of talented hookers!

What would we have done without Joan's sweet, helpful girls? They signed people in, put out mountains of delicious food, and kept the door prizes coming!

Tammy, who organized this extravaganza, looking pretty in pink.

Ann with her very first hooked rug.

Sandy with her cleverly embellished girls with umbrellas.

Renee with her "Flower Girl".

Tammy's gorgeous wool.

It's Time To Draw!

I put your names in this pretty old dish and had my handsome husband, Jim, do the honors.

And the winner is.........SHARON of Sweet Repose! Sharon, I will get with you by email to get details on sending your sweepstakes prize.

I will be having another drawing in May (well....I plan on it anyway). Watch for a little vintage plate next!

GIVE-AWAY TIME!

While perusing blogs, I so enjoy all the give-aways going on. It's so fun, generous, and simply cool to send something off to someone you've never really met in person! I primarily rug hook to release my creative energy, but also like to dabble in paper, fabric, and glue on occasion. I would just LOVE to give away this little embellished notebook! If you would like to post a brief comment, I will draw one out next Saturday, April 18th!

TWO DOWN!

Yes....I've posted enough of these two, but I'm so happy to have finally bound them both and can all it a "wrap!" The girl rug (that I've now named Reside) is about 30"x24". With the patient help of Tammy, I bound it with wool covered cord. The small piece called "My Backyard" is about 12"x10" and I used wool Biggy yarn and simply wrapped the edge. I'm on to a new rug, which I've finally drawn out and will post after I get some hooking done on it. Watch for bright, bright colors...and hopefully some proddy work!

Inspiration Board!

I acquired this frame with a mirror in it. Took out the mirror, got a piece of heavy foam board, bought this lovely material at the local discount fabric shop.....and there you have it! Well...my sweet talented handsome husband did all the assembling. Actually been wanting to do this little project for quite some time. The problem is....it's just to pretty to tack anything up on! Oh well...I'll just gaze at it for a few days and then load it up with all kinds of "inspiration".

TAMMY'S BIRTHDAY/ART DAY!

Yesterday was Tammy's (lovely lady on the left) birthday. Sheri (gorgeous gal on the right) invited us over for a glorious day of paper crafting. Of course great food, desserts, conversation, and mimosas helped us keep up our strength to make it through the "grueling" day of creativity. The following is a peek into Sheri's jammed packed studio of artful goodies, and the take home treasures we made.

Sheri's "Bursting At The Seams" Studio

Sheri's studio is heaven! She has everything imaginable to do anything imaginable. If it can be made Sheri's made it! These pics. are only a tiny portion of what she's got, and man is she generous. All Tammy and I had to do was ask and....voila...it suddenly appeared in front of us. We were knee deep in paper, glue, paint, scissors, buttons, beads, and every other doodad a person could want. Well, we were also knee deep in a pitcher of mimosa's (did I mention it was Tammy's birthday?).

Our Artistic Endeavors

Tammy's visual journal piece for Welcome Mat.

Sheri's birthday party cards for her mother.

And my finished piece at home on the mantel! Oh, and the lovely quince in the vintage soda bottle on the right came from Sheri's backyard. I came home happy, full, and artistically invigorated!

YIKES! FLEA MARKET CONUNDRUM

Okay, here I am arriving home from my second job (sort of). I'm in this flea market, Charely's Angels, with three friends. Very cool funky flea market with lots of wonderfully creative booths. All is going well, actually making a little $$ and having fun doing it. The only thing is, whenever I go there to check things out, add a few treasures, and rearrange, I end up buying more. I mean, I can spend less that $20 and come back loaded with crap. It's an evil plan! Rent the booth to the unsuspecting entrepreneur and sell them back more than they originally sold in the first place. What's a flea market junkie to do?

Dulcy's Freedom

I'm getting ready to retire from 23 fabulous years of teaching. My friend Mandy made this wonderful collage for me titled "Dulcy's Freedom." Mandy is artistic on many levels, but when it comes to baking no one can touch her! A great day at school is cupcake day. That's when Mandy brings in gorgeous little cupcakes that look more like tiny treasures than food! I've got her rug hooking now, and she's already designing her own patterns. I'll post her current hooked piece when it's done (well, that's if she'll let me....ok Mandy?).

Graham And His Guys

My husband's grandson Graham was here this week. Our evenings were comprised of Go Fish, action figures (he calls them his "guys") and a trip to the circus. He's got absolutely, hands down, the most gorgeous eyes I've ever seen! Graham has gone back home to Texas now, and we miss him (I'm not speaking for the cats).

A THING FOR ORANGE!

Made these mini notebooks for Charely's Angels.

Outside My Bedroom Window

This little mat is done except for finding. I played with several yarns, ribbons, beads, and wools. Small....about 10"x10".

Holding Sweet Rosie

As Rosie becomes an old lady kitty, she just loves being held. She's changed so much from the little kitten we found nesting in the grape arbor out back many years ago. She never liked being picked up and cuddled, and now she can't get enough!

BEAUTIFUL SNOW

Our path out back to the studio...... I'm never disappointed waking up to snow. Cold and windy day, but absolutely gorgeous!

FLEA MARKET SATURDAY

This flea market business is getting to be a part-time job! Spent this morning pricing and getting items ready to take to our booth.

CHARLEY'S ANGELS

I've opened a flea market space with my buddies Cyndi and Claire. This is a new venture for the three of us, and we're very excited about it. It's a small booth in a large flea market called Charelys, hence our new name "Charely's Angels!" All three of us have been ardent flea marketers over the years and want to move stuff on. We also plan to add hand-made items in the future. Cyndi had a lovely quote that sums up this new experience for us, "It's not only about making a few extra dollars, it's about fun and friendship."

It's Beginning To Look Like Spring!

We have literally thousands of crocuses blooming in our yard each spring. They're just now sticking up their little heads on sunny days. There's hope yet!

Outside My Bedroom Window

This little mat is sort of a whimsical experiment. I'm using assorted materials to hook with....wool, ribbon, wool needlepoint thread, and yarns. I'm hoping to add beads to the inside of the pink flowers. Yes, this is what you would see from my bedroom window (well, sort of).

Peek A Boo!

Little Iris likes to hide under my rugs when draped over the frame. Unfortunately, there's no rug in progress, so she's been exposed!

Our Old Stone Cottage

I designed this rug with our home in mind. We live in an old (1929) stone house with a red metal roof. It sits on almost 2 acres of trees in an older part of our town. We have various wildlife that visit us, and we just love living in our "old stone cottage!"

WILLOW BY THE FIRE ON A SNOW DAY

CONNECTED

This rug is sort of a self portrait that I've had a lot of fun hooking. I created this design to express how I feel connected to nature. The fox is a memory of a happy time when we had a den of pups raised by their parents in a wood and brush pile in our yard. You can see pictures of the fox and pups in older posts down my blog.

AFTERNOON YOGA SESSION!

Enjoying time with Graham.

Finally Some Background!

I'm having a lot of fun with this rug! Usually, by the time I get to the background, I'm more than ready to put up the hook for awhile. But this rug has been very stimulating for me, and I think I'll miss working on it when it's done.

Iris Examining New Rug By The Light Of The Fire

New Rug In Progress

The design changes as I hook, but she's almost there!

AN AFTERNOON AT WICKMAN'S

We had such fun at Wickman Gardens Christmas Open House today! I had my face painted with holly. Also spent some time with the cutest little llama!

YES IT'S REAL!

To get an idea of the size of this little cutie pie (the llama, that is) I'm standing on my knees....

HOPE!

Tiny Fall Hangers

I drew and hooked these small pieces over the summer, then couldn't decide what to do with them. Finally just sewed them up into these cute seasonal hanging ornaments. Gotta love those fall colors!

A FALL AFTERNOON IN ARKANSAS

I took the above pictures in and around Leslie, Arkansas, a pretty, quaint little town we discovered over the weekend. Nice little antique/flea markets, a gallery, fabulous coffee shop, bakery, and cafe. What more could anyone want on a fall afternoon?

FALL FLOWER RUG

This little fall rug is finally done.

Fall Flower

This one is done except for trimming and binding. I like the raspberry background, which is completely different from what I had planned. I originally planned to use golds with some green, but there didn't seem to be enough contrast. I happened to have this intense raspberry.....and wow! Love it! Now on to paint table legs (originally bird bath bases) a wonderful color called "yarrow" which is a bright sort of celery green. Hopefully, the rug will be at home on the glass top of the table.

Shades of Green and Pumpkin Orange!

Sometimes I get certain colors and color combinations stuck in my head, and I just have to paint, hook, crochet, and sometimes dress in those colors until some new color strikes me. And strike me is usually how this happens. My husband and I were out for dinner and I was checking out the window of this wonderful floral shop next to the restaurant. Well.....this place always has the most creative displays. The new fall display had orange pumpkins nestled amid celery-type shades of green fabric. There were also black wire female dress forms displayed. Simple but stunning! So..... I went through my wool stash, found what I needed, and started a project for fall!

New small rug. I am hooking it for a glass table top. These colors are resulting in the need to paint the table legs, which were originally the bases for bird baths. I found a wonderful color called "yarrow" which I'm going to use. Will share pic. when all's done.

I've been crocheting orange scrubbies to give out to my adult friend trick or treaters!

Better Picture of Water Lily

For some reason, pictures don't always post true to color. So here is a repost of the lily!

Peach Water Lily

The peach water lilies are taking over our pond. Good thing because they're my favorites!

Bedroom Window View

A peek outside our bedroom window to the pond below.

Jim, Jim, and Jim!

My husband in his studio (can you tell which is the real Jim?).

Yellowstone Evening Bear

This is for you Tammy!

More From Yellowstone

Baby elk in the wildflowers. Their mother is out of the shot, but close by, and papa is on the bank on the other side of the water.

This misty volcanic pool is fed by geysers. The orange color is from iron deposits.

Now What?

I drew and hooked these tiny rugs (about 4 to 6 inches) and wondering what to do next? I'm thinking of backing with wool and making hangers, or possibly stuffing for small pillows. Any suggestions?

Wild Wyoming!

Just got back from Wyoming where I had fun working on my photography. I took almost 500 pictures (not to worry......I won't be posting them all). Here's a couple of the first ones that are ready to show.

Great Way To Organize Worms!

My friend Renee made this cute worm holder. I'm getting ready to take a vacation and plan on taking a new hooking project with me. This little organizer keeps worms tidy and in place!

What You Can Do With A Little Mod Podge

This little file cabinet was blonde, square, and boring.....but very functional. I used art paper and Mod Podge to brighten things up a bit!

SOCK KNITTING.......

Trying to learn to knit socks, and what a tedious task! Using #1 circular needles which make these very teeny-tiny stitches. I love using this self-striping yarn.....it's just so cool the way it knits up! Hopefully, I'll get a pair made before Christmas.......

Almost There!

"Our Springtime Cottage" rug is almost done, but I'm afraid I'm going to run out of black wool. YIKES! May have to do some substituting.

Flowers Find Their Way Indoors!

A little peek out my kitchen window. It's fun to use old bottles found at flea markets for tiny flower vases.

Home For Knitting Needles

I love using my McCoy pieces for various containers. This vase makes a nice home for some of my knitting needles, and makes it easy to see what I've got. Placed it with this darling little box made by my sweet friend Katie for my birthday!

Flea Market Finds (Day & Night)

Found this cute little oil painting and red table on a day out with long-lost friend Angela

Twin Ravens

My Designs

The following three pictures are reposts of rugs I have designed and hooked in the past year. My wonderful husband spent some time photographing them for me.

Rainy Day On The Porch

Doorstep Seen Behind Daylilies

Summer Fun!

Our five year old grandson, Graham, came for a two week visit. He's beautiful, funny, bright, and full of energy! We had a blast and just got back from driving him home to Texas.

The Ride Home To Texas

It's a long drive back to Texas. Graham HATES the drive across Oklahoma! Luckily, for him and us, he slept some on the way.

Looking For Treasure

On the way back home from Texas, we stopped for lunch in Ardmore, Oklahoma. I had remembered that I had seen this great article in Country Living a couple of months back featuring this gal sitting in front of the most interesting looking store/gallery/flea market. I couldn't remember the name of the place, but I recalled that everything in the photo seemed to be pink. I asked around town, and finally, someone told me where to go and to look for all the pink bicycles. They said I was probably looking for The Cloverleaf.

And There It Was!

The place is full of wonderful treasures, and I had to really restrain myself. I had a great time perusing the place and petting the Standard black and white poodle with pink rhinestone ribbons attached to it's ears. I bought a couple of small items and left the shop to look around outside, and that's when I found exactly what I needed........

The Perfect Find!

I've been trying to find a way to store my earring collection (I've currently grounded myself from purchasing anymore). While at The Cloverleaf, I found this adorable little old birdcage that's perfect for the task. Now I can see them without digging through my many little storage boxes I was using before. I also found that each one had a match. Amazing!! I topped the cage with one of the cute tags my friend Katie made for me.

Continuing Progress

Down to the black!

A Little Drama!

I'm adding a solid antique black background. I think there's enough going on without too much other movement in the background. This is my favorite part because I like the way the black makes the colors pop out!

Yoga With Graham

Our grandson is here visiting. We like to do "our yoga" together.