Friday, August 5, 2011

Taking It Slow And Easy

There's something about this time of the summer that I really enjoy..... yes, the heat is just awful, but the pace of life is nice and so slow.   I love getting up early and strolling around outdoors with my coffee.  Everything is peaceful and so still.   Well.... almost everything.  The cicadas are deafening!  Sort of like a million little aliens have invaded our trees.  It's one of my favorite sounds, and it's pretty much 24 hours a day right now.  An enjoyment of mine is watering early in the day.  It feels good to keep everything alive, and looking well.  Of course some plants are wilting back, but that's to be expected this time of year.  Indoors, the house is cool.  We have a very old home, but it's open with gobs of windows.  Because of all the trees, it's very shady here, but the light streams in and creates beautiful shadows across the wood floors.  The cats doze on the screened porch all day, my husband works on his photography in his studio, and I work on my various creations, read, and make daily trips to our neighborhood farm to plan meals.  Throughout the heat, I've continued to design, hook, and sew.  And I'm talking heat!  108 yesterday, and my car was up around 112 while out and about.  But my studio has become my little oasis where I'm currently listening to to the CD "Leaving Van Gogh".   As a result of staying put and working, I've completed these two bags that are listed in  My Little Handbag Shop.



The above is my "Stone Cottage Tote", based on my stone cottage home.  My current color love is poppy and gold.  This little bag is 8"x8" with a 28" strap.... with vintage buttons for closure and strap attachment.

This next bag is my "Rosy Tote".  I really, really love working with the browns, reds, and greens.  This bag is 8"x10" with a 36" strap.  I found these really sweet old buttons to add to this bag.  The ones that hold the strap to the sides of the bag match the smaller versions on the strap.  They're a gold metal with a pale peachy little inset that may be ceramic, but I'm not sure.  The one on the front is that same old gold with a brown large pearl shaped center.  Ive hooked rosy bags before, but I used a more willy-nilly hooking approach this time to hooking the roses.  I really like the effect.



I received a much awaited package in the mail this week.  One of Susan Jenkins  charming ceramic hearts.
I have been waiting for the perfect one to show up on her blog, and I had to be fast, because they vanish quickly.  This one is so wonderful with her hand painted sweet little cottage scene.  I'm not really keeping it outdoors, but have it hanging over the corner of an old mirror above my mantle.  Susan is also an exquisite painter.  If time, pop over to Susan's blog and check out her work.

That's it at my doorstep.  Try to stay cool and hydrated.  And wishing you a happy and stress free weekend!
xo
dulcy






11 comments:

Sassafras and Winterberry said...

Your bags are delightful. I adore the color schemes. Wow, you guys are really getting some serious heat. I feel guilty with my 70 degree day here in NH. Love the ceramic heart. I'll have to go check out her stuff!
Courtney

susan jenkins said...

Dear Dulcy,
First of all thank you for your wonderful post of your new heart! So sweet of you, I'm so happy my heart is in your home!!
Your home just sounds so special, I have seen your posted pictures and lovely garden. It is a delight to read you are cool and comfortable in your charming light filled studio while you hook your gorgeous new bags. Yes, I said gorgeous!!
Thank you Dulcy,
xo Susan

Mary Stanley said...

Your new bags are so wonderful! Especially love your little house one!
Such great colors and has the feel of a much loved cottage.
Always enjoy my visits to your blog!

Marguerite (Tina) Smith Hart said...

The bags are fabulous Dulcy..wow you have been busy and I can't seem to get into the rhythm I need to work at all.
I did pop over to visit Susan and I too love her work so I became a follower. Isn't blogging wonderful? I get to meet such amazing artists from right here in my living room!
Have a blessed weekend...
Tina xo

Jennifer Richardson said...

glad you've got a
"time for a cool change"
place to soak in and savor
...the beauty you create there
is just dazzling.
thanks for the splash of gorgeous!
-Jennifer

Nancy said...

Oh Dulcy what is a gal to do...as soon as I opened your blog and saw the bags I went to your etsy shop...I want another one.......We have been out of town and my friend who gets my mail said my bag has come and I can hardly contain myself...I want to see it so badly....We will be heading home this week and I will email you as soon as I open it.....I am soooo excited....

These two bags are gorgeous and so glad your studio has been cool enough for you to work.....I dream of being in one place long enough to get into that rhythm you are experiencing....maybe one day...

I always enjoy my visits with you and leave feeling like I have visited an old friend....

Hugs and blessings,
Nancy

Lesley Ann Staples said...

Hi Dulcy, I recently found your blog and look forward to reading more. I love your work and those bags are awesome. Great work.
Lesley

Pixie said...

Dulcy...you are the most sweetest angel..all your comments you send to me always lift my day....thank you muchly.
Pixie x x

p.s the little bag is really really lovely and looking forward to seeing the new mat that you have made...just love your craft sooooo much.
x

Grandma Yellow Hair said...

Love your beautiful bags and their colors.
Always love coming by here and seeing what you are creating.
I have to visit your shop too.
Your summer sounds wonderful except for the heat. haha
We too are still in the 100's and no rain. I dream sometime of fall.
Now that I am lucky enough to be here visiting I need to catch up with you
Love
Maggie

Erin said...

Dulcy,
I found you over at Nancy's blog, Created For a Journey. Your purses are absolutely amazing. I love them. You have a unique gift!
Blessings,
~Erin
www.mynuggetsoftruth.blogspot.com

Unknown said...

Dulcy, your bags are awesome ... & that mosaic piece is just gorgeous.

Would you be so kind to leave a comment on my BLOG ONLY, for the Miracle Makeover fund drive. Charlie, 8 yr. old, & his story are fabulous. Every comment brings us a $1 for the next person that will be sponsored.

Have a beautiful weekend.
Hugs,
TTFN ~
Marydon

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