dulcysdoorstep

Rectangles, Squares, and Doc Marten Redo.........

2012-02-15T13:55:00.000-08:00

I've been hooking squares and rectangles...... simply for fun and mixing up colors and materials.

So far I've used wool from past hooking projects, yarn, sock yarn.... and a new favorite... Twine! Which is a very pretty neutral color, and hooked in easily. I'm filling in background with leftover blacks of all kinds. It's fun to make tiny color and texture combinations. I love the way they all come together with the black. I think this will eventually become a large pillow.

Today I had coffee with Jessy. She is always doing the most lovely things for me. Jessy took my stiff Doc Marten oxfords and gave them a good going over. They were just too hard to break in. I think that if you are going to invest in DM's you should buy them when you're about 30. Hopefully, in 20 years they'll be just right. Well, I just don't have that kind of time to invest in a shoe relationship! Jessy gave them her famous "HOBO treatment".

I proudly wore these to our coffee date. Now I know perfectly well this look may not be for everyone, but I just LOVE THEM! Theyre sooooo cute with handmade knitted socks. Also soft and broken in. Another great use for wool strips are the ties. I can change those out whenever to go with whatever. Such fun!

Go forth and create, redo, and repurpose!

xo
dulcy

Wishing You A Lovely Valentine's Day!

2012-02-13T12:23:00.000-08:00

Bits and Pieces

2012-02-10T08:17:00.000-08:00

It's been a dull grey week here in the Ozarks, but always little delights to perk up the days. One of my UK blog pals, Charlotte, does the MOST AMAZING artwork. Actually, she does lots of different things as well as being a teacher (and I know, finding time to do art and teach can be a challenge). I have been adoring her hand painted and felted creatures for some time now. I found this so so sweet little mousey in Charlotte's Etsy shop, Hills of Nottingham.

Isn't she just the cutest! I named her Posey. The story goes that she stowed away on an plane heading to the US and straight to my town. Charlotte notified me of this, so I snatched her up and brought her home to live in various spots in my house that meet our fancy on a particular day. Since she is soooo small (and can you believe that painting and handwork?) Posey can reside just about anywhere. Right now she is sitting on the fireplace mantle where she can be admired easily by myself, hubby, and visitors dropping by. Please check out Charlotte's blog Chest of Delights.

I spent part of one day this week finishing up this little mat. It's something I started last winter using various scraps of wool and some needle felting. This design is very loosely based on a corner of my living room. I drew it off during a yucky and lengthy foot surgery recuperation. I spent many days on the couch staring at this spot (and watching ALL the episodes of Mad Men on my iPad.... I love you John Hamm!).

Yesterday afternoon was spent on the beginnings of another hooking project inspired by the on-line class I'm currently taking from Deanne Fitzpatrick. She encouraged us to work on squares experimenting with different materials. I used lots of wool, yarn, and a new favorite.... twine! I've decided to turn this piece into a large pillow. I love hooking just color, and not thinking about the design quite so much. Very therapeutic!

Another perk to my week was a visit by my creative and gorgeous girlfriend, Jessy. She spoils me with smashing little gifts of the most vintage kind. She showed up with this fab Singer sewing supply box.

She knew this was one of my "go to" colors. Plus it looks soooo perfect next to my 1964 Singer out in the studio. But.... Oh.... the best part are the treats inside!

There's this darling little vintage full body mirror. It's inside this wonderful box that it originally came in. Also, this vibrant beautiful color of heavy thread for my new hooking project, and...... these absolutely darling little turquoise and gold heart earrings. I was thrilled!! Please visit Jessy over at LuvvlyJubbly.

Have a happy weekend!
xo
dulcy

Color That Inspires........

2012-02-06T15:01:00.000-08:00

Beautiful day today, with color starting to pop up all over the place. Walked with my friend Ann at the park, and daffodils were up and blooming! But..... this is supposed to be our only pretty day this week, so glad I spent some time outdoors. Speaking of color I played with some bits of wool left over from my Water Garden Rug. You may remember it from an earlier post....

I decided to hook some "for fun" stars. I like the bits of color dangling from the mantle.

Don't you just love the bright colors next to the old stone?

This weekend I decided to start a new pastel....... The color green was on my mind, and I have an amaryllis getting ready to bloom in this lovely green pot. I needed to draw it before it bloomed because I felt drawn to the combination of this green with sort of an eggplanty color. This particular amaryllis had already bloomed once, and the flowers were peach. Peach posies would not work for me!

I'm still working on it a bit, but I wanted this painting to feel a little more free than some of the other pieces I've done in the past. I am more drawn to a set of colors that I want to work with instead of a particular set-up or composition. I wonder if I think backwards...............

Last night was a cold evening spent with Violet on my lap.....

I'm thinking this little face may be my next pastel......

xo
dulcy

Joanne May Illustration

2012-02-02T14:47:00.000-08:00

There's two things that really make my day. Winning a blog giveaway, and receiving something wonderful in the mail. Of course, if one wins a blog giveaway, more than likely, that person will receive something in the mail........... but getting a package in the mail is just so exciting for me!

One of my favorite blog pals is Joanne over at Joanne May Illustration. Joanne makes jewelry, and creates fabulous art. She had a blog giveaway for one of her fairy brooches awhile back. I entered, then sort of forgot about it, and out of the blue I get an email from Joanne informing me that "I'm the winner!" Joanne is so generous because she lives way over in England, and I'm here in kind of the middle of the U.S. I didn't really think about this when I entered. She's soooo kind to send this lovely brooch all the way across the Atlantic to my little home in Missouri.

What a sweet little package with one of her illustrated cards......

And inside was this beautiful fairy brooch. Don't you just love it?! You can find Joanne's creations in her Etsy Store.

Thanks Joanne!
xo
dulcy

p.s. Please check out her blog..... you've just GOT to see her Bengal cat!!

New Painted Shoes!!

2012-01-29T13:27:00.000-08:00

I saw these fabulous painted shoes in the new Gudrun Sjoden catalog. Just darling! And I lusted for a pair until I saw that they cost $190.00!!!!

So..... I awoke very early yesterday and was thinking about these shoes. I remembered I had these old mossy green canvas slip-ons that I've hardly ever worn, but have had forever. I almost got rid of them this week while on a clean-out, take no hostages, kind of spree.

I dug them out and started going through my bjillion bottles of craft paints. Here's the beginning of my new painted shoes project..........

I painted them last night. Today I started the fun creative part and ended up with these......

No..... they're not Gudrun, leather with spiffy flowers..... but price $0.00. Satisfaction of renewing something old into something new and fun..... priceless (well, maybe not priceless... but it sure beats spending $190.00!).

xo
dulcy

Winter And Fiber Go Oh SOOOO Well Together!!!

2012-01-27T08:13:00.000-08:00

This week I've been staying close to home and relishing in cleaning out, getting rid of, and finishing projects in preparation for something new. I'm soooooo pleased that hedge apple rug is finally done!

I've had more fun with this rug than any I've done in quite awhile. I really wanted to put this one to bed because I'm starting Deanne Fitzpatrick's on line class next week. I'm very excited to take a class from Deanne, and hoping that her wonderful instruction will help me on my hooking journey to being more free with my designs, textures, and colors.

I'm still having fun digging into old linens and making them new and happy again. This is a set of Ralph Lauren pillow cases I found in a sale bin and bought ages ago. They don't really go with a thing (which never keeps me from using things I love in my home), but they've now reached that lovely texture of softness and fray. I blanket stitched the edges and corners to keep them whole.

Really, I'm serious when I say that this is so much more gratifying than buying something new! I've got two more sets I plan on spiffing up, and a top sheet. Such winter fun!

Speaking of fun....... Had coffee with gal pal Jessy from Luvvly Jubbly the other day. If you haven't checked out her blog..... Please check in regularly! She has so MANY wonderful ideas to make new from old, and she posts all the time. She made these DARLING fiber bracelets for me!

I've been wearing at least one of them everyday. Love wearing them with my knitted heart rings!

Wishing you a most lovely and cozy weekend........
xo
dulcy

Embrace The Fray!

2012-01-20T12:24:00.000-08:00

Several years ago I bought a set of sheets because I loved the pattern and they were made in France (what that has to do with anything, don't ask me). I'm not proud to say that I spent way too much (wouldn't dream of doing that now), and was disappointed with how they have worn over the years. I should have returned them, but it seem like too much trouble at the time. On the flip side, I love how wonderfully soft they've become, even though they've been ripping and fraying at the seems and folds. My fabulously creative friend, Jessy, had this wonderful post on her blog about "embracing the fray" and updating her old and soft bed linens. Well, I got all inspired, as I do whenever I check out Jessy's blog, and got busy.

First, I ripped off the top edge of the top sheet because it was ripping off all by itself whenever I made the bed. I then resewed it with my trusty old gal (I bought Ms. Singer used when I was 19 years old, and wouldn't part with her for the world). I added the rick rack because I love rick rack, and..... because it is covering and holding together some tears. Oh, and I left the lovely fraying edge at the top and just under the edge of the rick rack. I love that part!

The pillowcases came next.............

Now.... these pillowcases required different kinds of repairs. The fraying at the top was so bad it was starting to tear all over the place. So, I gave up a tad of length and turned it under and let Ms. Singer do her thing. I added the rick rack for the same reason as on the sheet...... tears and I love rick rack!

The corners had developed holes large enough to put your finger through. Here's where I knew the bottom sheet would have to be sacrificed, which already had a tear down the middle and I hadn't used it in years. I used it to make little corner pockets which I had to hand sew on.

It's not the neatest repair job, but I like it this way. My hubby saw me at work, and asked if I was, "hoboing up our sheets?" I told him to mind his own business, and he just rolled his eyes. He knows that when I have out my sewing kit and scissors flying it's best to just walk away. This may seem like an awful lot of time and work for an old set of sheets, and who knows if they'll last much longer. I just love doing things like this! I embrace the feeling of something old being reborn, not bringing new stuff into the house, and not spending any $$..... of course there was the rick rack expense..........

Other completed crafty projects are..........

Knitted socks done and ready for a walk.

All my little knitted rings found wonderful new homes in Seattle, thanks to Jessy..... I have since made these and am making more to be adopted, but in the meantime, I enjoy sitting them on the mantle. I don't decorate for Valentine's, but do like this little touch of hearts.
xo
dulcy

Cold and Windy Day Arts and Crafts

2012-01-13T11:21:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was somewhat snowy and oh.... so cold! Not a bad kind of day for me because it kept me close to home. I was bound and determined to do a new pastel this week. I wanted something different to set on my fireplace mantel. I love this little old pitcher, so I just stuck some dried flowers in it and started laying down the color............

When I do a painting, I usually first think about the colors I would like to work with before I have an actual still life or design in mind. This sort of aquay color is a color I gravitate to whether it's art, fabric, paint, whatever. This piece measures 11"x14".

I'm just about finished with two long overdue projects. I'm sure you'll also be pleased to see these done and off the blog! Socks and hedge apple rug soon to be put to bed!

I really like laying this black, white, and grey sock wool against the colors of the rug. This color and wool combination really pleases my eye.

I'm still enjoying knitting and felting the little heart rings. I have a tiny army of them on my mantle.

Actually, five of these little guys have been sent out of town to friends, but more are in the works! Why do I need so many? They're fun and quick to make, fun to wear, and waaay fun as giveaway happys to friends!

Lastly, a quick shot of our Willow lazying by the fire on a very cold evening!

Stay warm and hopes for a most lovely weekend!
xoxo
dulcy

Jim's Back!

2012-01-09T12:59:00.001-08:00

You may remember this video about my husband, Jim Mayfield, from sometime last year. I had it posted for quite a bit, but then it disappeared. This video was put together by Bob Linder, a fabulous photographer...... and .......... husband to my bestest of friends, Jessy! I told Jessy that I couldn't find the video any longer so her hubby Bob came to the rescue. I really, really love this piece. Bob did such a nice job capturing the essence of Jim and his work. Thought I'd share it again........

Ring In The New Year

2012-01-07T14:42:00.000-08:00

I'm more than a bit obsessed with knitting these adorable little rings...........

My sweet friend Pixie has them over at her place The Crafte Nook. She found the pattern, and I got the pattern for this wristie at Tiny Owl Knits .

You knit them, then felt them in your hand. I needle felted the hearts instead of knitting them in.

I set a few on the mantle to look at because they're just so darn cute!

You can also see another treasure, one of my mother's fabulous Ukrainian eggs.

Today I went for a long overdue coffee with my dear, dear friend Katie

Doesn't her little felted heart ring look smashing with her pretty dark lilac nail polish? I'm going to knit up gobs more as gifties for my friends. If you knit (or not) check out this free pattern and tutorial. Easy to make, cheap (using only scraps of yarn), and a perfect little gift for yourself and gal pals.
xo
dulcy

Happys

2012-01-04T07:14:00.000-08:00

So many, as my dear friend Katie would say, "happys" right now in my life. Simple things just make me want to get started with my day and see what transpires. Right now color has got me in it's grips. My current rug hooking project has not gotten to be the least bit tiresome... and I'm almost done with the hooking part. Usually at this point I'm screaming to finish and move on to something new. It's working with these colors that keeps me inspired.........

Other joys are, of course, my friendships. My friend, Ann, is now a happily retired art teacher. She and her friend Linda are creating the most awesome Hope Vases that they take to hospitals and other places where people are ill. They also sell their vases to make more $$ for supplies to make more vases. Please visit their blog. The other day Ann and I went to lunch and she gave me this delicious ginger tea. I adore simple and consumable gifts.... and I love this box!

Another lunch date with my fabulous friend Jessy

She's growing her hair out silver, and rocking this soft blonde look at the moment. Sweet Jessy gave me this most thoughtful little basket full of happys.....

Fun goodies to play with. Jessy made me this wonderful date book. It's put together in her luvvly jubbly fashion.... and it's my most fav thing! I carry it everywhere!

See the little sewing kit she added? Isn't it just the sweetest thing?!

And while I'm blogging about simple wonderful happys, I must include our most incredible Botanical Center where I walk almost daily.

There's a gorgeous lake full of water fowl, and trails that follow a beautiful wooded creek. We are so lucky to have a better than average parks department here. There's trails that go all over our city, and are connecting with other nearby towns around the state.

Well friends...... thanks for reading about my little happys in this corner of the world. I know you have your most wonderful happys wherever you are........ and I love visiting and seeing your world.

xo
dulcy

Slowing Down......

2011-12-28T07:00:00.000-08:00

Christmas was Christmas.... always nice, but it's done and put away. Jim and Violet in a moment of "cuteness".

We spent the holiday afternoon at what I consider our church..... our local Nature Center. It has the most lovely wooded hiking trails.........

As for inside activites...........

The hedge apple rug slowly is progressing.............. and............

socks are coming together. One down, and one to go. I love this slowing down of time that post holiday winter brings......... sigh...........

dulcy

Anniversary..............

2011-12-23T06:17:00.000-08:00

Wednesday was our nine year anniversary! Jim and I have actually been together in one form or another for over 22 years. I first met him when he came over to photograph myself and the ex for some family Christmas portraits almost 30 years ago (my mom still has one). I was fairly happily married at the time, but remember thinking "Wow... if I wasn't taken, I'd be after that guy for sure!!" Well.... the marriage went south eventually, but our paths did not cross for a couple more years after that. We ran into each other one evening while I was out with a girlfriend, and over the next few days, a couple of mutual friends called to see if I was available. Apparently Jim had checked around first before giving me a call. One of the best parts of our relationship is my absorption into an instant family with two children. They are lovely adults now, and we now have two grandchildren from Jim's son Erin. We spent part of our anniversary hiking with our MOST AWESOME grandson Graham.

Later in the day, Graham's sister Ava came by. She's an adorable bit of a tomboy (which I love).

We spent the evening, alone, at our favorite restaurant. It was a very nice anniversary indeed..........

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

dulcy

HOBO Project #2

2011-12-22T07:33:00.000-08:00

I dug out 2 sweaters that I've had for years and never wear. The white cable is one I bought during my, now in the distant past, teacher life. I felt I needed it to wear on Monday's when we had to wear the most horrid vest for our Character Ed. program. I hated Mondays because I hated having to think about wearing that vest! That may sound silly, but you know how Monday's can be, and having to wear something you don't like on top of the Monday crazies was not fun for me. The other flowered number is a glass of wine, credit card, late night visit to the Anthropologie website. I love Anthropologie, but this sweater and I never made friends..........

I did a bit of combining, patching, and finally soaking in left-over coffee and vanilla caramel teabags.

I also stretched the heck out of it before I let it dry on the drying rack. The sash was from the Anthropologie sweater which I sewed along the bottom. Then used various pieces of left-over wool for patches.

dulcy

Jessy Gets Her Grey On!

2011-12-22T07:21:00.000-08:00

My "can't get enough of her" gal pal, Jessy, has embarked on a fabulous new hair adventure! She has decided to cut the dye, and invite her beautiful grey locks to grow in and shine. This growing in of natural color can be quite a challenge. Jessy decided to strip her current color, and go soft to let her silver and grey come in as naturally as possible.

We spent three hours of friendship and champagne while anxiously waiting the result of Jessy's superb hair colorist, Pam's, magic to do it's thing.

It's hard to tell in this shot, but the results is a super soft light color with bits of silver coming through. There is grey coming in at the top, which will blend nicely over time. I told Jessy, "Get used to people staring at your grey roots and streaks." I don't know why, but letting silver shine tends to be a bit disconcerting for some. Jessy has gorgeous blue eyes, and a wonderful pale complexion with tiny pretty freckles. She is, and will be even more gorgeous when all her fabulous silver shines!

xo
dulcy

My "At The Moment" Fav Rug!

2011-12-22T07:07:00.000-08:00

I'm so loving hooking my Hedge Apple rug! I love the colors, the wonky shape, and the simplicity of the design. Not my usual small stuff with tons of details, which makes for a relaxing meditative sort of project.

xo
dulcy

Check Out Luvvly Jubbly!!

2011-12-15T13:34:00.000-08:00

I'm just so excited these days! I guess it's because I'm so loving this time of life. I've been hooking, knitting, and working with my pastels.... all so rewarding (sigh...). But I'm way excited to introduce you to a smashing new blog created by my gorgeous and talented girlfriend Jessy . Her blog is called Luvvly Jubbly and it's my first stop everyday. Jessy is one of these fascinating people that's been in my radar for years. Both our hubby's are photographers, we both attend indie movies, we are both the same age, we both art and craft, we both are retired, and...... well you get the picture. So I would like you to meet Jessy!

Jessy has the most wonderful talent for recreating just about anything from thrifted items, and things found around the house. She shares all these wonderful ideas on her blog with very detailed instructions, so we can all be more creative, thrifty, and have fun! One of my favs are her HOBO tights.

I mean really...... how sweet and hoboie are these?! We met for coffee the other day and she had on these....

Jessy made these cuties from men's pj's. I LOVE them!

She also hobos up her sweaters. This one is adorable.

Jessy was so sweet to share some of her scrappy hobo fabric remnants with me, so...... I worked a bit on an old blazer that's been hanging in the closet for way too many years without being worn. It was part of my old life as a teacher. I bought it because it's wool and nice and warm for recess duty, but it was always a bit too stern for me. I softened it up a bit.

I used some nice brown velvet (Jesse has at least two new creations from this velvet... it started out as a shower curtain) and old antique paisley. I ripped and added the blue cotton scarf because I love the blue against the brown.

I finished it off by removing the three tiny boring brown buttons from the sleeves and adding some fun vintage ones from my button collection.

And... there's a very cute patch on one elbow that I forgot to get in the shot, but it's the same fabric as my little handkerchief sticking out of the pocket. The best part is having something brand new, fun, and spending zero $$!!

Well, I'm off to dig out my old cotton tights, some wool scraps, the sewing kit, and make myself some snuggly hobo tights!

Stay warm, create, and have fun!

xo
dulcy

Bits of This n' That

2011-12-04T14:39:00.000-08:00

Golly.... sorry to have taken so long between posts. I guess seasonal activities and an annoying fluy kind of cold set me back a bit. Hubby and I had a lovely Thanksgiving holiday in Chicago. Nothing says the holidays like being in downtown Chicago on the day after Thanksgiving. Below is a shot of us in front of the Robie House, a Franky Lloyd Wright home that we toured.

Next is a photo of the reason we were up there, my lovely and talented step-daughter, Lily
and our fabulous son-in-law, Jesse.

Oh, and poochies, Joanie and Louie.

A few glimpses of downtown Chicago...

Yes, it's wall to wall humanity, but when you're just there to soak up the people, art, culture, and.... when there's no car parks to deal with (we rode the train), it's simply fabulous!!

I don't know about you, but whenever I travel, I can't wait to get home and start creating and crafting!! The stimulation of travel always gets my juices flowing and gives me an extra jolt of adrenaline, not unlike a trip to Starbucks.

I've been hooking quite a bit, and hedge apple rug traveled with me to the big city. I love working with these colors, and am anxious to start the border. I'm not completely sure how the border design is going to play out, but I'm envisioning it as a completely different design than the rug, using colors that compliment and pop.

If you read my previous post, you may remember my pitiful whine about knitting sock toes. I mean, for someone who has knitted a dozen pairs of socks, you'd think I'd have it down cold. Well.... bloggy friend Dag from Sheep On A Spring came to my rescue. She emailed directions for a brand new way to do my sock toes. No more pointy ends, or confusing kitchner stitches for me. Since I was sick and slightly dopey at the time, this did take more than one email to get me straightened out. But Dag was so patient with my drug induced confusion, and once the first toe was done I had it down to a socky toe art. Now, I'm knitting yet another pair, because I got this wonderful self-striping yarn on sale and needed some socks in black and white.

Cute, cute, cute!

I found this nice variegated Noro wool from Japan. I'm knitting this twirly scarf for a Christmas gift exchange that my book club is having. Such pretty colors......

Lastly..... thanks for staying with me...... I've been working on a seasonal pastel. I copied a photo in an old British Country Living..... the absolute best magazine I know of for lovely photos and articles that make me happy. It's American sister mag doesn't even begin to compete. The pastel's not quite finished, and has been a bit of a challenge, but I'm almost there.

I'm sorry if I haven't been by and left a comment at your blog. Hopefully, this week I'll pop by at some point and check in.

OH....... one more picture of our new little sweetie, Violet.

dulcy

Color and Kittys

2011-11-09T10:15:00.000-08:00

I've been madly hooking away for the past month. The colors I'm currently using really excite me and I love laying contrasting hooked strips down next to each other always wowed by the effect of color. The following is my little "Water Garden" rug named by my sweet friend and neighbor Emma (who is 10 years old).

I really enjoyed creating this little abstract piece. There's plenty of color, but I only used about six or seven pieces of wool in this composition. In other words, I color planned it, even though it may appear a little willy nilly with color. This rug is about 3'x18".

This next project is the one that really has me jazzed. Every fall I so look forward to the color of the fall hedge apples. I love bringing them in, but they last such a short time... so I decided to hook a rug with the hedge apple being the focal point. It's another somewhat abstract piece, and is quite large.

As you can see, there is no rigid geometric shape to this one. Just sort of wavy with a curly cue border ..... I'm saving the border for last, but will most likely be a hit n' miss using colors from the design.

And on to doorstep news....I'm so happy to announce that we have a new member to our family. A sweet little girl that's been hanging about for the last week or so. Meet Violet!

Isn't she beautiful?! Right now she is living in the downstairs bedroom as she is quarantined from the other girls (that would be kitty's Iris and Willow). Still concerns about a little respiratory infection she has. It's hard to tell from this photo, but she is quite tiny. The vet thinks she may be about 2 years old. I love her markings... her coat has sort of a tarnished Bengal cat look. Violet is the most affectionate sweetie ever!!

I'm working on a new pastel, which hopefully, I'll have enough done to share in my next post. And, of course, the never ending knitting of socks. My new pair is waiting for the toes to get done. I HATE, HATE, HATE doing the toes. It never comes out right. So, I'm experimenting some with this pair. We'll see........

Hope you're enjoying a beautiful fall (although I know some of you are already experiencing quite the winter!).
xo
dulcy

Vintage Betty Boop Halloween

2011-10-30T07:18:00.001-07:00

And I thought today's cartoons were violent! That Betty sure could take care of herself.
Happy Halloween!

Cindy Joseph Video

2011-10-22T18:57:00.001-07:00

I find the beautiful Cindy Joseph very inspiring. It's great to have a glamorous 60 year old who's willing to embrace her age and the benefits that it brings. Also, I do have a couple of her Boom products and love them! Really digging the long silver hair!

Projects That Whisper "Fall"

2011-10-13T13:08:00.000-07:00

Hello! So sorry for the long absence! I've been doing all kinds of things, but haven't been blogging much at all. The weather here is beyond lovely, so I've been taking much advantage of these gorgeous fall days. I have been doing quite a bit over the past month..... so here's a peek at what's been happening "creation wise" at my doorstep.

During my, now in the blurry past, foot surgery recuperation I knitted this very sweet "fauncho". I acquired the pattern from Owl In The Dark . Please check out this lovely blog...... This is my 2nd try at intarsia knitting. INGNORE the clunky shoes..... temporary situation. Although, I have been wearing some darling red Dr. Martens that are clunky in the very wonderful clunky way that I love.

I won't be showing you the underside of this thing..... Let's just say that my felting needle came in quite handy. You may want to check out my friend Pixie's blog at The Crafte Nook. She has posted a shot of a knitting project she's doing from the same designer. Very cute stuff!

Speaking of knitting.... I'm knitting my absolutely LAST pair of socks for the year! I have 8 pairs of brightly colored striped socks, of which, I've knitted every single one. But..... I noticed that I don't have a nice drab pair to wear with drab sorts of things. So... I picked up this beautiful softly textured gray and am just now ready to kitchner up the toe of sock #1.

I love knitting socks because I can basically knit them in my sleep, for one thing. They're also a great "take somewhere" kind of project. Small and portable.

The change in weather has inspired me to add some of this scrumptious fall color to my home. I'm not a big holiday type decorator.... and do less of that type of thing every year. I did feel inspired to do a little pastel using some nice warm reds, golds, and greens. Once again, I used the still life set up sent to me by painter friend Kathryn Glover. Drop by her blog and see the very sweet orange pitcher with flower she's done.

The warm colors go beautifully with the hedge apples.... and of course.... a picture of grandson, Graham. It was a fast pastel ..... about an hour or so. Below is a quick shot of the entire mantel done up for fall.

Nothing fancy.... just a few things that I've collected and always have out. I enjoy picking up fall flowers at the grocery, and they must stay on the mantle or little cat Iris will make a quick game with them and scatter petals and stems all over the place (and then throw them up later.... lovely). And that's about as much Halloween/fall you'll find at this house...... oh.... there is a knobby pumpkin on the porch.

Now..... here's where one needs to keep an open mind. It's my current rug hooking project. I felt absolutely COMPELLED to hook some bright colors. I didn't want to get into any sort of pictorial piece because then I get all detaily and into lots of hand cut tedious stuff. So.... I'm hooking abstract simply for the love of these colors. This is a tiny sample.

I'll post more of this later and you can see the size and shape. "Where will something like that go?" you wonder. Who knows, who cares.... just enjoy working with color. Got all this gorgeous wool from pal, Sheri, of The Shabby Sheep . We're practically neighbors, and great friends, so it's fun to drop by her place to wool shop, drink mochas, and gab away an afternoon.

Hope you're having a lovely fall season, and beautiful days as we're having here. Thanks for dropping by!
xo
dulcy

Feeling Good, and Loving Hedge Apple Green!

2011-09-19T08:00:00.000-07:00

So sorry for the long absence, and thank you friends for checking in with me. I'm doing sooo much better since my foot surgery, although still painful and using one crutch. This annoying pain comes on mostly in the evening and causes lack of a peaceful night's sleep, and good sleep is one of my life's priorities. Which..... if not achieved..... leads to lethargy and crankiness. But, today I feel rested, am blogging, and enough of these kinds of issues already!

Now, I will address my dear friend Tammy's latest post.

Maybe you can make the connection quicker than some people (Kenny?..........). Of course, if you're not familiar with hedge apples, this is completely lost on you. Sorry. These are shots of my almost new car I bought just short of a year ago. It's my baby Fiesta, and I love it! After driving my entire life with a standard transmission (many small cute cars over the years), this automatic four door is a dream....... is this a sign of age? Oh, and it's completely synched up with everything. It's kind of like driving around inside my computer.

I'm starting to feel like I can get back to the studio and start pastel painting again. I paint mostly standing up, so a bit of a strain at the moment. I played around with the art app on my iPad during the course of this lengthy recovery, and here's a couple of paintings I did. I just copied parts of magazine photos I found interesting since I wasn't able to set up a still life from my reclined position. It's quite like using Photoshop with the layering techniques. I paint with my finger, and after some practice, was able to mix color, shade, add lights and shadows, etc.

The above is a piece of a fall crafting photo I found in an older edition of British Country Living. And beneath I found these bottles in another BCL where I just played around with trying to get the idea of old glass. I did my own version of a couple of bottles from that particular photo.

I've gotten quite a bit of knitting done, and will post some of that later. My brain simply has not been able to wrap itself around an idea for a new rug hooking project (too much anesthetic?). So..... yesterday I called my buddy Tammy (hedgeapples from above), and threw out some color and shape ideas to her. For some reason, when I talk art with Tammy, she can help me sort through my muddled ideas of colors and shapes that just weren't going anywhere. Anyway, I'm very excited about my new project that evolved as we brainstormed. I don't have anything down on paper, yet alone linen, but looking forward to moving ahead with a new hooking project for fall and winter! Oh, one more fiber project I hope to be able to share soon, is a new wrap made on my tri loom. But first, I have to finish building the loom. Actually my man about the house built it for me, but it's still missing the nails..... and it requires A LOT of nails. Maybe this week? Well, overdoing things is what's been getting me in trouble for the past month. So..... we'll just have to see how it goes.

Thanks for reading my Monday ramblings, and wishing you a lovely week ahead.....
xo
dulcy

Living Life Lying Down

2011-08-30T17:29:00.000-07:00

Oh my..... it's been quite a bit since I last posted on my blog. Numerous unpleasant issues have kept me from being here, or dropping by other blogs for a visit. Firstly... a broken keyboard happened. 2's, w's, s'.s or x's were no longer available. Now I can surely get by without 2's or x's, but s's?! No way! Secondly, I had a very extensive surgery on my foot which has kept me reclined for the past 12 days. I am only up now on one of my 10 minute breaks I'm allowed each hour. Well actually, I do cheat on this throughout the day, but I'm trying to be a good patient and get back in shoes and fun asap. I have another 2 plus weeks of this along with upcoming rehab. But, it's well worth it, and my doc did a most excellent job.

My dear sweet hubby has replaced my keyboard, and today I'm feeling pretty spiffy considering where I was a week ago. Pain meds and I DO NOT get along (dang!). But now that they're out of my system I can see without everything spinning, keep my food down, and communicate without sounding too loopy. I'm also feeling spiffy because of the many lovely visitors who've happened by with Starbucks, sandwiches, and entire meals. Non of these sweeties blogs or checks out blogs, but thank you Sarah, Lauren, Cathy, Marti, Ann, Barbara, and Tammy (who, of course, is our fabulous Skip To My Ewe). Thank you friends!! Food and company has the very most healing power!

Another spiffy thing about having to stay in one place reclined is making good friends with my iPad. I ordered an art app that allows me to paint called Procreate. Below is one of my attempts.

This is actually a joint effort with buddy painter Kathryn Glover who set up this little still life, photographed it, and emailed it to me with the intent of a future pastel. Well, I hadn't gotten to that yet. so while looking around for something to try my art app out on, I remembered this photo and went from there. I painted this with my finger using various brushes, and ways of loading them. Just beginning with painting on the iPad, but it keeps me from getting too rusty while healing.

I've also been knitting. I had held back this yarn and scarf pattern for post-surgery. Easy to knit, and creates this swirly little number.

I'm also reading a great historical piece titled "The First Tycoon" the epic life of Cornelius Vanderbilt. This is a book club choice. My book group reads a lot of historical work, which has been a wonderful learning experience for me since I usually reach for fiction on the shelves.

So I'm sort of occupied, and excited because tomorrow is an actual outing! Well... to the doc, but that counts when one hasn't been anywhere in a week.....

xo
dulcy

Taking It Slow And Easy

2011-08-05T05:50:00.000-07:00

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

Creating To Stay Cool!

2011-07-29T06:54:00.000-07:00

Thanks so much for the sweet comments on Jim and Lily's books in my previous post. Very much appreciated!

I've been riding out the heat in my studio, AC humming, while listening to books on CD. Actually, I've been having the best time! As a result of being forced inside, I created this sunflower tote.

Hooked with wool, and lined in a pretty soft teal plaid wool. I have a wonderful collection of vintage buttons that I dug into for the closure and to secure the strap. Found some really cute ones that work nicely. This sweet little bag is 8"x10" with a 28" strap, and is currently listed in My Little Handbag Shop. You may notice it is now "My Little Handbag Shop" minus the patterns. I'm going to concentrate on making one of a kind bags.... no two alike. I really enjoy just getting into what would look interesting and sort of "WOW" for a handbag. Choosing colors is my favorite part, along with construction and watching the whole piece come together. I'm creating art bags that I would want to carry. So, I may only have a new bag in the shop occasionally, perhaps two to three at a time at most. No patterns for now. I'll just see how it goes.

I've also been on somewhat of a knitting binge. I was knitting a pair of socks, and just not really loving the wool. So.... I purchased this nice and bright Alpaca from Peru.

So soft to work with, and knits up like a dream....

I also bought this pretty yarn. It's a cotton/nylon combo. I love how it has these little bumpy things that give the impression of rosebuds, which is what it looks like knitted up. I've got a pattern for a pretty swirly scarf that I'm saving this for. I have an upcoming surgery that will keep me laid up for a bit, so this is a project I'm saving for my recuperation period.

These yarn balls look a lot like three luscious tomatoes! Off topic, but Missouri tomatoes are like eating cake. My current treat is tomato sandwiches. I toast some bread, lay on the sliced tomatoes, a bit of salt and pepper, and spread with mayo that I've mixed with fresh basil from my herb garden. Oh my gosh.... summer heaven!

I'm still working with pastels, and am just about done with this heron . Working with the blues and greens has been fun... and I really liked trying to get the feel of this sandy beachy sort of spot. I'm hoping to start a new piece next week.

Well.... time to get outside and continue my never ending plant watering. Everything is more or less hanging in there. It's worth the hassle because once it cools a bit and fall comes on, things seem to pop back prettier than ever (I hope.....). Stay cool, create, read, and enjoy a wonderful weekend!
xo
dulcy

Summer Book Get-Away

2011-07-18T15:10:00.001-07:00

de Pavones by photographs by Lily Mayfield | Make Your Own Book

My step daughter, Lily, is a photographer and also teaches photography at Columbia College in Chicago. This is a preview of her new book of photographs taken in and around Pavones, Costa Rica. Her sister lives there, and Lily has spent quite a bit of time in Costa Rica traveling and photographing. We've been to visit Pavones, and Lily gorgeously captures the beauty of the area and people. If you click on the book title in red, it will take you to blurb where you can see it full screen.

This next book was done by my husband, Jim Mayfield, for me for my birthday. You may have seen my previous birthday post about turning 60. This book is a tribute to our home and life together. Jim has been a photographer for 40 years. He currently free lances and teaches photography at Drury University.

Our Little Piece of Paradise by Photographs by Jim Mayfield | Make Your Own Book

Hope you enjoyed my little summer book get-away. And thanks for allowing me to show off my two most awesome professional family photographers.....
xo
dulcy

Heat, Hawks, and Hooking!

2011-07-02T18:47:00.000-07:00

I'm going to share with you a few odds and ends I've been working on here at the doorstep, but first I just want to take a moment to give all of you a huge "Thank You!" and an on-line hug. I was a little bit apprehensive about posting all about myself turning 60 and such, but the comments you gave back just blew me away! It was like getting 27 awesome birthday cards......... very special to me. I'm going to print off my comment page (if that's possible) to save and read when I'm feeling a little blue.

It's been very, very hot here! I've been watering morning and evening, then try and spend the rest of the day inside. As a result of the heat, I've gotten some studio time in this past week. Last weekend we went to visit our friends Mike and Amy. You may know Amy from Amy's Dusty Trail.

Amy has all her wool worms organized on specially made shelves by her husband, Mike. She uses bread baskets for storage. Its' all so organized and pretty. So..... I perused Walmart yesterday and found five similar baskets on sale for $9.00 apiece. I bought all five, and with a couple of others was able to become somewhat organized myself!

I was digging through plastic freezer bags, and it just wasn't working for me. Now I can see what I've got..... so much easier. I keep my uncut wool in the house in a cabinet I bought just for showing off the beautiful colors. I keep it open, and looking at all the rich color every day helps to keep me inspired.

Here's what I've been hooking lately.....

It's sort of a totem piece. Our home with the various wildlife that grace our property. I've prodded some clematis climbing around the edge. I've been using all worms for this piece, so getting organized has saved a lot of time and frustration.

I've also been playing around some with my pastels. I've been working on this heron which is a long way from being finished.

I'm so loving working with the blues and greens!

And since we're on the topic of large birds, here's a quick shot taken from my laundry room of two young cooper's hawks enjoying some time spent resting on our arbor.

There seems to be four youngsters in this flock. They whistle constantly, and you should see them try and fit in the birdbath! My hubby got great shots of that that I'll post later.

That's it for now. Stay cool, and have a safe and wonderful Fourth of July!!!! Oh, and for those of you who don't celebrate this particular holiday, have a fabulous weekend!

dulcy

Birthday Musings At 60

2011-06-24T05:55:00.000-07:00

Today Is My Birthday!

Today I turn 60 years old and life is grand! My 30’s and 40’s were full of change, and my 50’s was a period of settling in and reaching the point where I’m currently at. I am a retired teacher, but really, I rarely use the word “retired” because it has connotations that don’t describe me at all. Basically I quit teaching, but receive an income. YIPPEE! I’m lucky in that I had a career, which I adored, and loved going to work almost every day for 23 years. But now I have the beauty of time to reinvent and explore at this most awesome period of my life. When asked, “So what have you been doing since you’re not teaching any longer?” I have had a hard time answering. But the true answer for me is simply, “I’m doing life.” I see myself now as an artist, crafter, reader, gardener, yogi, and friend. I have a gorgeous extended family, which includes my handsome and talented husband, two grown and amazing step children, their wonderful spouses, and two unbelievably smart and adorable grandchildren, whom I LOVE.

Appearance, Food, and Health

With age have come the inevitable changes in appearance and health. Also, unfortunately, there are some new and very annoying aches here and there. The following is a bit about how I deal with all of this agey stuff.

A nice decision for me, and please don’t take this as frivolous, was letting my dyed hair grow in grey, white, and silver in my late 40’s. Oh my….. So liberating! I wear it long, and basically have very little upkeep. I believe less is definitely better! All the makeup I use anymore is lipstick and brow pencil (where did the eyebrows go?). My clothes are simple, but I like to dress arty and fun. Most days you’ll find me in jeans or skirt, top, and some dangley earrings. I believe that staying in shape is extremely important, now more than ever. I don’t worry about the extra 5 to 10 lbs put on over the past 20 years, just as long as I stay toned and look nice in my jeans. Most every day I walk in the morning with my husband and practice yoga for about an hour in the evening. I plan to start swimming a few days a week for extra cardio, which is fun for me because swimming was the only sport I excelled in as a child. I miss it and want swimming to be a regular part of my life again. As for food, when I’m eating in a good restaurant…. I eat the bread, have the dessert, and enjoy the wine. I NEVER apologize for eating. By apologize, I don't justify eating good food. I hear, and have said statements such as, "I'm eating this because I didn't eat any lunch, I don't usually eat like this", etc. We've been so conditioned all our lives about how we look, and feeling guilt towards food. I see it as a form of insanity that's been subtly, and not so subtly imposed upon women. During my younger years I felt empowered by being very thin. I'm sooooo done with all that!

I do indulge by having one glass of a nice red wine, and a Dove’s dark chocolate every evening. I see it as medicinal…… I try to eat natural and healthy…. We keep our dinners very simple; fish, fruit, and salad. I love making soups, salads, and quiche. There is a small suburban farm across the road, so this time of year dinner usually depends on what’s for sale in their little farm shed. A common summer dinner at my house may include fresh green beans (lightly cooked) tossed with new potatoes, garden chives, bacon, and topped with some fresh rosemary from my herb garden. Also, anything that includes home grown Missouri tomatoes. I do crave, and have, fried chicken and the weekly pizza. Never any soda!! (well..... there is the "not so occasional" trip to Starbucks)

My Valuable Time

I’m very protective of my time, and try and use it wisely. I had been substitute teaching some since my “retirement”, but now I feel that that part of my life is finished. I need this time to explore, create, and engage. I’m thinking a nice little part-time job may be, at some point, in my future….. but not quite yet.

I am learning to give myself permission to do what I want, and I’m sure you understand, that can be difficult for women. By “what I want” I mean I may take an afternoon in my studio, put on a movie, and rug hook. Maybe instead, I’ll work on pastels, or a new rug pattern. I may spend time sitting on the screened porch reading the current book choice for the book club I’ve joined. Of course, there’s always time for lunch out with friends, and the occasional flea market fix. I believe housework is a bit over rated………..

I’m currently involved in two different art groups. One is with my drawing and painting friends, and the other is with rug hooking pals. We’re getting ready to explore where rug hooking can take us artistically. Very exciting! I’m a strong believer in collective group energy. So much of art is done alone. A group gets me out there and in touch with like-minded artistic souls. I also get to meet new friends through book and art groups.

Home and Stuff

Our house is very old. It was built in 1929, and is rock with a red metal roof. We love it, and I can't imagine living anywhere else. Our home sits on an acre and a half of woods. We're visited daily by various wildlife that, most amazingly, thrive in the city.

I’m trying to clean out and do with less. I no longer need/nor want many new clothes and other "stuff". My house is an eclectic mix of finds, art, and those special pieces that have always been with me. Most of which I can’t let go. But….there’s always room for more art and homemade goodness from friends!

Emotional Journey

I’ve been letting go of past hang-ups, resentments, jealousies, and anger that held me hostage. No time for that any longer. Getting rid of those pesky uncomfortable feelings gives me so much more room to breath!

Of course, not everything in my life is easy and fun-filled. I have two immediate family members who are extremely ill, and other problems that can be quite worrisome and draining for me. More reasons why it’s so important to stay healthy and have my own private time to use as I please.

If you’ve been a follower of my blog, you know I don’t usually share much personal information about myself. As my 60^th year approached, I've felt extremely reflective. I decided to get these thoughts down and out there to share with you. Thanks for any time you may have taken to read all or part of my musings at 60. Maybe it will bring some of you "youngsters" out there relief that 60 is not so bad, and can be really quite wonderful. I hope and plan on an awesome seventh decade!

p.s. No, I’m not blogging on my birthday. I put this piece together over the past week or so. On the 24^th my computer will be silenced. I plan on spending the day with family and friends, some cupcakes, music, and wine out in the gardens.

dulcy

Wildlife About!

2011-06-16T11:16:00.000-07:00

Our day lilies are in abundance this year. I don't remember ever buying a single one, I think we brought what we had from the old house eight years ago. Since then, my hubby has moved them from place to place about the yard. Here's some shots of the orange explosion.

We are so happy to welcome the return of the yellow crested night herons. They fly here every spring from somewhere way, way south (perhaps even as far away as Central America). A few always nest somewhere close by in our trees or our neighbors. We live by a creek, and they like to munch on the crawdads they find there. They also roam around the yard and pull up worms just like robins do.

My husband took all of the above photos from our deck a couple of weeks ago. Whenever I see them parading around the yard, I feel like the "lady of the manor" with the fowl strutting about.

I had quite the surprise the other day when heading out to the screened porch to shake out a rug. There was a 5' black snake stretched out inside the porch. It apparently crawled in underneath the door. My little cat, Willow, was on the porch hiding beneath a chair..... and that's the first time I've ever seen her look really scared! The snake seemed disturbed by my presence, and headed back out underneath the door the way it had arrived. Below are some photos of it's departure.

Snakes don't scare me much. Seeing large black snakes about our property is a normal spring and summer experience. But it's just the way they sort of show up unannounced out of nowhere that's a bit unnerving. I couldn't get Willow back out onto the porch for a week!!

I am still hooking, knitting, and drawing..... but everything is in a state of flux. I'm knitting some pretty fall colored socks, and my "fawncho". Hopefully, I'll have some shots of those to share later. I'm leaving here in just a bit for an art class, and I'm doing a pastel of a heron (how appropriate...). Very excited about this one!

Hope you're enjoying spring and finding time to garden, create, read, and dream.......
xo
dulcy

Where Can I Get These?!

2011-06-04T17:54:00.000-07:00

Bags, Birds, and Screen Doors.....

2011-05-31T14:47:00.000-07:00

Life and my crotchety computer have gotten in the way of blogging lately. If you're thinking, "Gosh, I check in with Dulcy and leave comments but I don't seem to hear anything from her" it's not that I haven't tried. Sometimes I'll write a nicely thought out little comment, then everything just comes to a complete standstill. The ball spins and spins, and then I'm just kicked right off my server. SOOO frustrating! I haven't had it looked at yet because I don't want any bad news.. Like $$ bad news. Let's just hope it's going through a little "phase".

But, I have been producing a bit of this and a bit of that. Below are two little clutches I hooked back-to-back.

I'm keeping the pink one because the green button is from my mom's green suede coat she wore when I was a little girl. I LOVED that coat. She wore it when she was going somewhere special. Back then, my parents really "dressed" when they went out for the evening. Kelly green was a favorite color of hers, and she wore it well.

The other bag is for a family member. I sent her a bag for her birthday, and she never received it. I could get all sick about it being lost in the mail, but I think it will eventually turn up.

I was so excited when the mail came today because I had been waiting for a special package. I WON 2nd place in Vicki's (2 bags full) giveaway. My prize is this absolutely fabulous tea towel from Anthropologie.

I had to take a shot of it with my "March Hare" who is my favorite concrete bunny ever! Oh! First place is one of Vicki's most gorgeous hand-made nests. Please check out her blog.... you won't believe what she makes! Very different and wonderful. Thanks Vicki!

I'm happy because we finally got a screen door put on the studio. I really don't like air conditioning, even though I realize it's a necessary evil. So, until it gets super hot and humid, I like to be able to get fresh air and listen to the sounds from the pond and the birds.

It kind of looks likes it's been there always doesn't it?

Speaking of birds, here's a quick shot I grabbed from the kitchen window of an indigo bunting. We have about four that keep a vigil all day at the feeder.

Lastly, just a quick shout out to our strong and brave neighbors to the west in Joplin, Missouri. They've been through something I can't possibly imagine... even after living in tornado alley here and K.C. my whole life (and spending many a night in the basement). They have a huge weight on their shoulders right now and for a good long time to come. The stories I'm hearing everyday and see in the paper are absolutely beyond what anyone should have to experience. I haven't been there yet, but have talked to many who have. "Talked" is not really accurate because anyone who's seen the devastation is usually at a loss for words. Nothing on television or pictures in the news can begin to portray this horrendous loss of homes, businesses, and lives (still # unknown). I usually don't get into this type of thing on my blog, but it's been front and center here for the past week. Right now $$ donations are what's most needed. If so inclined, see the American Red Cross.

xo
dulcy

Blooming Flowers Inside And Out

2011-05-13T14:44:00.000-07:00

Lately I've sold a few things on ebay and Etsy.... which has allowed me to do a little spending on some "happys" for myself. One of which, is this sweet painting by Kathryn Glover. I've admired Kathryn's work ever since I found her blog some months back. She has opened two Etsy stores. One with great vintage items, and the other with her paintings. I purchased this charming floral.

I'm really drawn to the colors, subject matter, and Kathryn's painting style. Take some time to check out her blog and see the wide variety of work she has posted. I'm keeping this one on my mantel for now where I can see it best and most often. Kathryn has become an inspiration to me to keep working on my drawings and pastels daily.... I can't report that I've been very good about daily work, but I work off and on throughout the week.

Our peonies are fabulously in bloom right now. Lots of bouquets all over the house, and the smell is heavenly. This seemed to be a nice opportunity to do a bright pastel, so I picked a few and put them in an old McCoy vase. I decided to use colors I love and just kept laying lots of pastel down on the paper. I took this shot before I'd finished.

And the following in my studio today. Messy, but fun!

You may be wondering if I"m still rug hooking.... and the answer is yes, but something small and simple for now. Below is a bit of a new little clutch I'm doing. Lots of roses, with this luscious pink wool for background.

Our pond seems to have exploded with growing plants and growing fish overnight! Yesterday my husband counted 17 water lilies. These hardy peach lilies have taken over and rooted themselves outside of their pots, and into the mud on the bottom of the pond. Our pond is man-made, but it's not your typical crystal clear clean pool. It's sort of taken on a life of it's own.... as has much of our outdoor space. It's rather wild and natural at this point, but the plants and fish are doing great. We just let nature it do it's own thing.

The yellow water iris has rooted itself outside of the pond into the ground all around it. All the little white petals have blown off three large white oaks that you can't see in this photo.

And last, a shot of my Summer Jewels rug minus the kitty from my last post.

Hope your weekend is happy and restful.
xo
dulcy

Rainy Days And Rugs

2011-05-04T11:34:00.000-07:00

Yes, the "forever" Summer Jewels rug is finally done. How convenient for Iris, since she needed a warm place to relax. I'll post a catless version of this one later.

Below, I'm adding some springy shots from around our home, photographed by my husband, Jim Mayfield.

This abhor is new. I got it for Jim as a birthday present. We've planted climbing roses on each side. Hopefully, they'll get to growing and climbing soon.

Our only lonely blooming poppy.

The next photo is of my hand. I'm wearing a charm bracelet given to me by my mom. She started it when she was 14, and all the charms are at least 70-80 years old. They are wonderful with all sorts of moving parts, very detailed. A few have lost some bits or pieces over the years, mostly because I loved to play with it as a child. I've been wearing it a lot lately.

It was very dark and rainy here last weekend. Jim took a few "wet" shots.

And since Willow had not been included yet, here's a nice little shot of her.

And one more. I don't usually like to put pictures of myself on here, but I'm posting this one because I think it's going to be my next rug. I've been wanting to do a self-portrait, and I really like the way the dogwood flowers are reflected in my sunglasses. I thought it would be great fun, and a nice challenge to hook it just as is. Although I may crop it in a bit on the right.

Wow! There's a lot of photos here..... thanks for taking the time to drop by and taking a peek into my little wet world.
xo
dulcy

Happy Easter Friends!

2011-04-23T14:46:00.000-07:00

Bluebirds and Giveaways

2011-04-17T06:46:00.000-07:00

This is a shot my hubby took a year ago of a bluebird (obviously) on the deck. It tried to nest in this pretty blue house, but changed it's sweet mind, and latter nested nearby.

Speaking of nesting, there is an awesome giveaway at 2 Bags Full. Vicki makes the most heavenly beautiful nests from fibers and other wonderful bits of this and that. Please hop over and enter because she is giving one away to some very luck blogger. Also, there is yet another wonderful prize of the sweetest tea towel. Check it out!
xo
dulcy

And I Hook.................

2011-04-13T10:35:00.000-07:00

Below you will find a couple of shots of my new rug "Summer Jewels", or as I tend to call it, "The Last Big Rug!" I've been hooking like mad for the last week, and this week at least two hours a day. Backgrounds can take forever, but fortunately for me, I'm loving this dusty blue as it contrasts next to my designs. Since I've used several designs and colors in this piece, deciding on a background that works throughout the rug was a bit of a challenge. But.... I'm completely in love with this shade of blue!

Yesterday I did a bit garden shopping at our neighborhood nursery, Wickman Gardens .

I found this lovely statue of a little girl with her two kittens. Isn't she just so sweet? You can see a bit of our blooming lilacs above her head.

Below is a quick shot of our "Big Willow". My kitties think that being on the screened porch is the same as being outside. A couple of our neighborhood outdoor cats like to come to the porch screen door and mock them with their freedom.

I walked along my favorite creek trail yesterday, and was so happy to find clumps of bluebells! I think they are such a gorgeous shade of blue, and just the most delicate little things....... sending you springtime wishes for happy and wonderful days ahead!

dulcy

Robin Love

2011-04-06T13:20:00.000-07:00

There are robins all over the place, and they make me soooo happy! I took a walk in a beautiful park today. The path followed the sweetest creek where I spotted a pair of nesting ducks, and later, a pair of nesting Canadian geese. Robins were simply everywhere! I finished this pastel last week. I love it's sort of angry little face, and the orange of the breast. I had a lot of fun playing with my orange and pinkish orange pastels while working this one. Now, time to go outside and bring in fresh lilacs (yes, they just opened up today!). I really love the scent of lilacs in the house!
xo
dulcy

p.s. My good friend and teaching buddy Relyn of Come Sit By My Fire is profiling bloggy friends about their personal passions. She has included me in today's post, and will continue with other passion profiles throughout the month of April. Thanks Relyn for inviting me to share a tiny bit of my world on your lovely blog! xoxo

I Love Pastels!

2011-04-04T16:59:00.000-07:00

If you've been following my blog, you know I've completely immersed myself in pastels for the past year. I would like to share with you a piece of awesome artwork by my instructor, Audrey Bottrell. She has enhanced my life with her marvelous instruction and patience. I have met new friends and have joined a lovely art group, who are at this very moment, watching over my shoulder as I create this post. I'm currently giving a little demonstration on blogging. Please hop over to Audrey's website and check out her work. Absolutely amazing!

森の木琴

2011-04-03T06:19:00.000-07:00

A beautiful way to start the day........ enjoy!
xo
dulcy

Inspiration Abounds!

2011-03-29T11:59:00.000-07:00

It's not hard to find inspiration these days.... color and active wildlife are right outside my window. This morning a huge raccoon was breakfasting from my "squirrel proof" bird feeder. It was sitting right smack dab in the birdbath with the edge of the feeder in it's little "hands". I knocked on the kitchen window, and the masked bandit looked at me like, "Can I help you?" with no intention of ending it's feast! It finally jumped down and sauntered away...... I know it's just a raccoon, and we've got several living in our wooded world, but I always feel humbled by their tenacity and cleverness. I must admit that I enjoyed watching it eat for just a bit before it took it's leave.

Back to other inspirations.....I was so excited yesterday when I got home to find a package waiting for me that I was looking quite forward to receiving!

These awesome cards made by Jennifer of Ripplespeak. Her's is one of my very most favorite blogs... Jennifer is not only a gifted artist, but her poetry is so moving. She writes from her heart.... and her words are just so completely sincere. The package contained not only the cards, but other little happies such as the basil seeds and a pressed flower. Really..... check out her blog, and I'm sure you'll become a regular. I always find inspiration from her work..... here's a little card of hers I sat on my mantle along with my Julie Whitmore "flutterby"cup, and one of my mom's amazing Ukrainian eggs.

Other recent sources of inspiration have found their way into my mailbox.....

A new Gudrun Sjoden catalog, and the most recent issue of "Selvedge". I love to drool over the bold prints by Gudrun.... and "Selvedge" is always packed full of wonderful photos and articles about fiber and design.

I'm currently loving the sort of shabby, dusty blue that I used on this bag I made almost two years ago. It's been such fun to bring it out again for spring. It's gotten just enough wear to make it soft and give it a used look that I love. I always feel inspired when I get out items I love that have been put away for awhile.

I'm using this same shade of blue for the background of my never ending spring/summer rug. Before making a large hooked rug, remember that you're going to be hooking background FOREVER!

I have not been working on my pastel at all this week, but tomorrow I''m planning to give it lots of attention, and maybe, finish it.

I hope that you're finding lots inspiration in your world........ the redbuds here are just starting to pop!!
xo
dulcy

Robins, Wristies, Jewelry, And The Creative Life

2011-03-17T19:02:00.000-07:00

I'm a card carrying member of the Audubon Society, and proud of it! I have binoculars by the windows, and a journal that I record new birds I spot at the feeder or on our property. So..... I feel that it's not fair to be partial to any particular bird, I truly love them all..... but...... lately I've become quite enamored with our everyday robins. Don't ask me why. I don't consider them any more beautiful or special than other birdies... I just seem to see them differently. They're suddenly on my radar.

Above is a pair of wristies that I recently knitted. The springy pattern is from owl in the dark who designs the most darling knitting patterns. It's my first experience with intarsia knitting. Check out this blog. I also ordered, and am currently working on the "fawncho" pattern.

Here's my current "in progress" pastel. Angry little robin! Maybe spring hasn't gotten here soon enough for him.

Aside from "robin love" I'm also loving my new necklace made by Delila of Robin And The Sage. She lives in Finland, and with the necklace, she sent me some some white tea with blueberry muffin flavoring. I adore Delila's blog, and admire her connection with nature which she demonstrates in her lovely jewelry creations.

I had some ladies over for a rug hooking workshop the other day. They're using their new skills to take into our community to share with women who need help with life, family, and self-esteem. I was happy to give what I could to this worthy project. So..... just prior to tearing apart my studio with wool, burlap, snacks, and manically hooking women... I decided to grab a couple of shots of my creative space.

I thought I'd close this post with a picture of my dear little friend, Emma. Yesterday was her birthday and she got this sweet bunny hat. Emma's spring break is in two weeks, and she and I are going to have a special day of lunch, movie, and ice cream!

Happy Weekend!
xo
dulcy

Happy Friday!

2011-03-04T11:27:00.000-08:00

I haven't posted anything much on my rug hooking project lately...... and that's because I'm not going at my usual manic hooking pace. But, actually.... I'm really enjoying this project because I have no particular home for it yet. It's fairly large, and I'm currently working in little roses around the edge. I don't have a background color yet, but am thinking blues or perhaps golds. What color would you choose? A new perspective might just push me to get going on this one. I would like it done before we're very far into spring.

It's not really an oval, but a large rectangle... just thought I'd try out this little enhancement on iPhoto.

My fox pastel is finished. I made some body shape changes and added more color in the background since I last posted. Beneath is the photo I was working from. This little girl was a very good mama to her wee ones last spring. We watched her raise them for about a month. We haven't seen any foxes around lately, but our neighbor saw one the other day that didn't appear to be in very good health. Poor creatures are pushing into our neighborhoods as we push into theirs.

I'm closing with a simple photo of my kitchen windowsill. It's one of my favorite places to put tiny bottles and old jars for flower vases. The iris and red carnations are from the grocery, the forsythia branches are some I brought in a couple of weeks ago to force bloom, and the daffodils, snowdrops, and crocus were picked by me this morning from the yard.

Sending my hopes to you for a most lovely weekend!

dulcy

Foxy Lady

2011-02-26T14:43:00.000-08:00

Here's a peek at my new pastel that's still in progress. I'm painting this from a photograph my husband, Jim Mayfield, took of a female that was raising a litter of five pups on our property last spring. I'm completely enamored and just a touch obsessed with these beautiful and resilient creatures.....

Artist at work......

A sweet figurine given to me by my friend Claire.

A cup made by one of my very favorite potters, Julie Whitemore who makes the most lovely functional pottery with gobs of charm and sweet woodland creatures.

A hooked rug I did a few years back showing my feelings of connection to these orange beauties.

A print I purchased from another favorite painter and rug hooker, Ann Willey. You should really drop by her website and check out her Etsy store. The most marvelous art!

Another hooked rug I did several years ago. I call this one "Nighttime Garden Fox" because we would hear their wild crazy screams all the time at night. It sounds kind of creepy, but I love the sound, and knowing they're close by the house as we sleep.

Most recent issue..... very interesting article about some research and breeding of foxes in Siberia. They have been bred for domesticity. Good idea?..... not so sure about that, wonderful photos.

So.... just sharing a passion of mine. I love all things wild, and feel privileged that these gorgeous creatures have let us share their space for a short time.
xo
dulcy

Crocus Love

2011-02-21T07:34:00.000-08:00

Early signs of spring...... we have literally thousands of crocus sticking up their sweet little heads! Even through another cold snap and/or snow, these hardy first signs of spring persist to remind us of the color yet to come......

Wishing you a most lovely week!
xo
dulcy

A Little Of This, And A Little Of That

2011-02-11T15:18:00.000-08:00

Found these wonderful dishes at Pier 1 today. I picked up two... only $5 apiece! I placed this one on part of a table runner I made earlier this week. The color red is currently haunting me. Red, red, glorious red!!

Still knitting socks and this self striping sock yarn is my absolute favorite. I'm rushing this pair because I ordered two wonderful patterns that I'll share with you once I get started with the first one. Might be quite challenging.....

I received a subscription to "selvedge" for Christmas. Pretty much my favorite gift. I love this cover!

My dear Mr. Bobcat pastel is done and ready for framing.....

I really enjoyed working on this piece, and have started another. I thought I'd move on to still lifes, flowers, or some sort of non-living subject matter, but am really starting to enjoy painting wildlife. The "living object" of my current pastel is more personal, and another new challenge. I'll just have to see how well it materializes before you get a peek.

Continuing my garden rug. Just a small snippet of what I've managed to get done this week. It's moving quicker than I thought it would.... and you know..... I think that's because I'm not in any hurry to finish. No pressure, experimenting, and absolutely no earthly idea where it will eventually go.

While heading in from the studio a short bit ago, found hubby wondering around the place in the snow taking pictures.

Oh..... saw six deer in the little strip of woods by our home yesterday. I always call it "good luck" to see deer or fox on the property. So exciting..... I can't wait to get outside and start gardening and taking nature walks. I truly love all four seasons, but I find the arrival of spring the most exciting time!
xo
dulcy

Don't Forget To Feed The Cats!

2011-02-06T11:39:00.000-08:00

Loving Living In My Right Brain!

2011-01-28T08:38:00.000-08:00

I've been living in my right brain all week, and loving it! I've said "NO" to all substituting jobs, and reserved my precious time for creativity. I love the right brain feeling.... you know.... where you are moving from project to project, sleeping well, eating right, etc. Yes, I know these moments don't last forever, but as I age, I recognize them for what they are and try to "make hay while the sun shines!" Below are a few samples of my new rug. It's a way long way from being finished, and my hooking techniques and color planning are evolving along with the rug. I think it will be called Summer Jewels.

I've also been struggling with my current pastel project. It's very difficult and a frustrating piece for my inexperienced fingers. What I'm showing you next is quite a way from being finished. I still need to add all the individual pieces of fur over the pastel layering, finish my tree, and the rest of the cat. But, I'm having such a good time working this one through. Wonderful challenge!

You can see he's peeking through his wax paper window. Grrrrr......

Yes.... more socks..... okay, I just really like knitting them. There's such fabulous self-striping yarn available! Also, I'm getting where I can pretty much knit these in my sleep. Socks make a great little project to take when I'm visiting my mom, or T.V. watching. It's very difficult for me to just sit and visit... or sit and do anything for that matter.....without something in my hands.

Note that I also added two new Somerset Publications that just came out.

I, probably like most of you, am anxiously awaiting spring to arrive. Below you can find a new addition to our growing collection of yard art. This little fellow was a Christmas present from Santa to my hubby, Jim.

This kitty is staying inside where it's nice and toasty until we find a new home for him somewhere among the flowers. And speaking of flowers, here's a couple of darling and beautifully illustrated used books I found. Great sources of artistic inspiration, and dreams of summer.

Well.... that's all at the doorstep for now. It's already a beautiful day here, temps expected to make it to 60!! Very unusual, and I intend to get outside and make the most of it.
xo
dulcy

Week's Snippets

2011-01-14T15:24:00.000-08:00

I just received something I've been waiting for all week!

Oh my yes..... another lovely piece of Julie Whitmore pottery! Just look at that rosebud handle... isn't it just the sweetest thing?! Julie gave her fans a "heads up" as to when she was going to have new items in her Etsy shop. Well, I'm telling you, everything was gone in a flash. I'm not kidding! You've got to be fast or make a special order if you want to snag a piece of her darling pottery.

I also received another treat by post....

lapis blue Birks, on major sale, ordered them Tuesday night at 6, and received them Wednesday. No shipping charge from Zappos. I love Arizona Birks with my hand knit socks.

I've been slaving in my studio all week working on a rug pattern.

Every time I'd get things how I wanted, I'd go and do my yoga practice.... while processing the whole design in my head.... and end up redoing things again. It's a pretty large rug, over three feet in width. The following photo is pretty crazy looking, but there is a plan to include lots of pixelating and prodding. Quick space fillers with lots of pzazz!

I just really need to start hooking this, because that's when things start to happen. Usually, when the hook starts flying, I tend to take all kinds of unplanned detours. I've been hooking bags since October (Christmas and Etsy shop), so a nice large rug is in order. It was going to be a floor rug (they all start that way) but now with all the embellishing I'm planning it will have to definitely go on the wall. Oh wait..... across the foot of the bed would be pretty gorgeous. I'm thinking I'll be lucky to have this one done by summer or later.

While shopping yesterday at the National Art Shop for paper (I have a pastels class tomorrow) I found the cutest little book.

The Cat's Pajamas! Is this darling or what? My excuse for the purchase is reading it to our little granddaughter, Ava, when she comes to visit. But actually, I bought it for the cuteness factor.

Other than creating, I've been trying to get outside when possible. The horrible cold has kept me in this week, but the first part of last week was wonderful. My husband and I walked at the Nature Center and I practically (I'm not kidding, I mean almost) tripped on a deer. There were four in the group. We also walked at Nathaniel Green Park, and once again lots of deer and turkey. My brother and I took our binoculars and went to Springfield Lake where we were lucky to spot a bald eagle. And..... today a little groundhog scampered through the yard in the snow, which is a bit unusual since they are very deep hibernators.... but temps did get to 40 degrees.

Wow! What an exciting life I lead! Hope you're warm and toasty..... creating, reading, cooking, whatever makes you happy and content.
xo
dulcy

Dug In For Winter And Feeling Creative

2011-01-07T14:16:00.000-08:00

Wow! I haven't posted in awhile, but certainly have been busy..... With holiday season behind (it was a truly wonderful one this year), out of town family safely back home, and decorations snugly stashed until next year, I've dug in for a winter of art and crafting.

Below you can see my two new mini clutches that I've put into my little handbag and pattern shop.

I made these two little sweeties over the past week. Fun working with some pretty pastels and a chance to dig into my tin of vintage buttons.

I recently have moved my sewing, hooking, knitting, triloom, easel, and pastels out to the studio that I share with my husband .

Below is a peek at my little sewing corner. My machine is ancient (bought it used when I was 19) and I completely love it.... thought for a second, and only a second about replacing it with a new model that does all the stitches.... but I had this one tuned up instead, and it runs beautifully. I've made so many outfits and curtains on this reliable workhorse over the many years.... can't bare to part with it. I made the tablecloth last week.

I'll post more pictures of the studio after I get things "just right".

Remember my amaryllis that I wrote about just before Christmas? Well, here she (all flowers are she's in my world) is! Ta Da!

Such a beauty! The other two I planted, are doing fine except they are just sending up leaves instead of flowers. I did everything I read to do, plus numerous conversations with my friends at the neighborhood nursery.... no luck. Oh well, I'll tend to them and try again next year.

Hope your holiday was fabulous. I'll be around soon checking in with everybody.
xo
dulcy

Photos From Home

2010-12-18T07:54:00.000-08:00

In and around the house after last week's snow dusting. Photos by my extremely talented husband and photographer Jim Mayfield.

Hopes for a lovely weekend, and a very happy holiday season!

dulcy

Amaryllis Love

2010-12-12T13:57:00.000-08:00

I'm in amaryllis love at the moment. I purchased this beauty of a bulb yesterday at our neighborhood nursery. The color, appearing on the card, seemed to be a pretty pinkish coral.

These two babies above are bulbs I raised from a mother bulb. I've had these stored in the garage for a month or so. I really, really want these to pop and have my fingers crossed that they will. I just potted them yesterday, and the bulbs are not nearly as large as the first one I posted, but hoping for a bloom. Of course I check it every hour to see if there's any new evidence of a sprout. These should turn out to be a bright ruby red.

Below are my little Christmas clutches all done and ready for wrapping and gifting. I'm a little "hooked out" at present... but am sort of jazzed to start a very simple rug that's planning itself in my head. I just need some color inspiration to get started.

Extremely cold and a little snowy here today. Got the fire going and trying to brace ourselves to head out to a movie. Hope you're staying snug and warm!
xo
Dulcy

Share Time....

2010-12-03T13:04:00.000-08:00

I ran into an old and very dear, dear friend this morning while out walking. We shared current family updates and this and that. We then started to talk about our passions and creative pursuits (he's a master carpenter and teaches those skills at one of our local colleges). I told him about my rug hooking and current desire to draw and use pastels. He told me about how he's finally following a dream of his which is to play the electric guitar. We discovered that we're both at "that certain age" where the old bucket list comes into play. He told me that he just wants to know he can play the electric guitar well enough to feel good about it.... to have accomplished a goal that's always been on the back burner while it's still realistic to do so. I told him it's the same with my drawing. I don't have any aspirations to become good enough to show, sell, or gift... just to feel good about it. Drawing is so much fun, and it gives me such a sense of accomplishment, more than anything else I've done in some time. I guess my blog is where I feel comfortable enough to put things I do out there for you guys to see and share a little about where I'm at right now. So, that being said, here's my latest pastel!

This pastel has been great fun, but also a challenge for me. The piece is somewhat large, about 12"x12". I love owls, as we have several that grace our treetops regularly. I think this may be my Christmas card this year.

Below is my latest pencil drawing of our little Iris....

Another challenge, but I learned a lot about shading and light. Also the use of my various pencils.

Of course I'm still hooking, and once again (oh dear, I just love making these) knitting socks...

I adore this sweet little turquoise stripe..... didn't think I'd be knitting more socks, but I couldn't resist these colors! Have a wonderful weekend!

dulcy

Hooking Clutches and Pottery Lust

2010-11-29T07:52:00.000-08:00

Hope your Thanksgiving holiday was fabulous! We did have a wonderful time, and am missing family members who had to hit the highways yesterday to return home. I didn't create much (except meals) over the past few days, so thought I'd share with you my newest Christmas clutch I finished a week or so ago.

Also, you might notice that the clutch is sitting on the doll-sized granny square quilt that I finally crocheted together.

Now, I really must take a moment to show you my current pottery obsession, work by Julie Whitemore.

I purchased this darling fox cup and tiny cottage bowl from her a few weeks ago. I just adore her work! I need more pottery like a hole in the head, but artist made pottery is one of my most favorite things, and Julie's is absolutely charming! It's almost impossible to nab a piece on her Etsy store without a prior order. I ordered the foxy cup, and was lucky enough to catch the little bowl before some other lucky fan popped in ahead of me. Here's another closeup of the tiny bowl....

Isn't it just the sweetest little thing? Check out her blog, and you'll be transported into a Beatrix Potter wonderland of pottery.

I'm currently working on a pastel of the most beautiful owl. I haven't touched it for over a week... so I really must get back at it, and today is mostly reserved for drawing and errands, plus work at the library children's store this afternoon into evening. Thought a bit (but only a bit) about getting out some Christmas... but enjoying my home picked up and uncluttered from Thanksgiving. Also, haven't been out blog visiting in awhile, but will drop by soon. Hope your week is wonderfully productive and stress free....
xo
dulcy

Pattern and Color.... Can't Get Enough!

2010-11-11T12:59:00.000-08:00

I've been hooking, crocheting, knitting, and a little bit of this and that for the past few days. I'm in one of my nesting/inspirational modes. That's when I look around the house with a critical eye to see what needs some changing, rearranging, and just plain "put it out of sight now!"

I'm completely inspired by Scandinavian art and in particular, the world of Gudrun Sjoden's line of fabrics, clothes, and homey stuff. I took a peek around and decided to add a little folky arty color and pattern wherever I could. After a trip to the fabric store I came home with these two vibrant and bold prints......

I'm using these to line a couple of shelves in the dining room wood and glass door hutch. I'm taking out the fussy china and glass stuff that I rarely use, and adding pretty pottery and my Mom's fabulous Ukrainian eggs. Mom was quite well known for her gorgeous eggs here, and also her home in the Kansas City area. Her use of color and design was vibrant and intricate... she sold and displayed in art shows for years. I did a post of some of her eggs a couple of years ago, and will again. The patterns and colors of fabric and folk art eggs breathed new life into the old dark hutch. My next project is to finish crocheting granny squares and get those turned into a throw for the couch. The colors are dreamy! Photo when finished.

I've been hooking my baby clutches, and finished this one.....

This mini clutch has a special home to go to at Christmas.

I'm really having fun with this one still in progress....

This little birdie also has a Christmas home waiting for it. I'll post again when it's finished.

Well, need to get things gathered up and head out to drawing class. I'm working on a pencil portrait of our little Iris (cat, not child, thank goodness). I'm really challenged by this one... more difficult than old Albert. More on that later. Hope you're feeling inspired as well and living your bliss!
xo
dulcy

Christmas Clutches and Forcing an Indoor Garden

2010-11-01T12:19:00.000-07:00

I've been trying to hook some for Christmas. If you hook, you may find the dilemma of wanting to hook something for everyone, but not the time to get it all done. Of course.... you may be someone who plans ahead, gets things done and put away, possibly even wrapped. Oh, I so do envy your diligence! The above is one of, maybe..... five, little hooked clutches I'm hoping to gift to friends. This is the front and back of my first completed clutch, and another is just about done with construction. I hooked this one with someone special in mind.... hence the colors, coffee cup, and bluebirds of happiness. I really like making something small like this. Done fairly quick (if I stay with it, and don't get lured by my drawing pad) and not a huge hooking commitment involved.

Today I spent the morning outside emptying flower pots, washing them out, and readying things to be put to bed for the season. I volunteer at our Library Center gift chop, Between Friends, and I found this great book there about a month ago. I thought, "How perfect to help uplift myself from the end of the gardening season blues!"

forcing, etc by Katherine Whiteside..... an autographed copy for only $4.00! We sell gently used books in the gift shop, so I am constantly bringing books home. This one was a real find for me. The photos by Richard Felber are fabulous! It's a "how to" book on forcing just about anything indoors. At the moment I'm trying to force acorns. I have them in a little bowl in my kitchen window with some rocks and water. The book says it takes about a month. I'm almost at three weeks and nothing yet. Has anyone tried this with success? In the book, these really cute little stems have popped up and look darling in the dish with rocks and shells. Today I separated out my amaryllis bulbs, repotted, and stored in the garage for the next couple of months. Katherine says that they're really best to bring in after Christmas.... first of January. So, that's the plan. Anyway, this book is great to just look at, and there's all kinds of things she's forced to bloom besides the standard paperwhites and hyacinths. I particularly like the forced stems and branches. It's a great way to bring some of your garden indoors for the winter.

Hope things are going well in your world, and all survived Halloween in one piece. Off now to finished my second little Christmas Clutch.
xo
dulcy

Current Creative Pursuits

2010-10-23T17:11:00.000-07:00

I'm just dropping in a few pictures of what I'm working on lately at the doorstep.

The following are a couple of snippets of Christmas presents currently in progress. It's okay to post, because the two recipients aren't likely to check my blog. These are still in the experimental stage, so I'll post finished projects when they're complete.

Last weekend I took my first pastels class. Below you'll find the completed project. It's, what I believe to be, an English robin. It's a rather large piece.... took three hours of class time, then I worked on it for a couple of hours at home. I really, really like working with the pastels... lots of blending and layering. Quite relaxing, actually!

Next month we'll be working on an owl, one of my very favorite birds! We hear them, and when we're lucky, see them roosted in the trees around out house. Hope you're enjoying a beautiful fall day!

dulcy

A HodgePodge Of This And That

2010-10-15T15:07:00.000-07:00

Well Hello! Ok.... I am trying to keep everything that's still with me in the garden going. I got this same way last year, where I started to feel a little blue about losing my flowers, blooming trees, shrubs, etc. I love watching all the leaves fall, but feel a wee bit melancholy about winter coming on. I sort of go into a kind of denial about the eventual freeze that will leave everything laying over wilted, soggy, and gone for the year. I continue to water, prune, and deadhead my little ones as though it's still the middle of summer. You may remember a recent post about Ms. Toad.... now known as Pansy because I believe she (?) has moved into my pansies for the winter.... well, she made an appearance the other morning.......

She spent most of the day in that spot contemplating whatever toads contemplate about. I checked on her frequently, and eventually she dug back down until I could see only the her eyes peering up.

Besides garden brooding, I've been working on my drawing. You may remember that I started a class this summer, and was happy to report that I had drawn a passable eye. Well.... I've been working on an entire face. You may be able (hopefully) to recognize the subject of this portrait.

Yes, its Albert, or Mr. E=MCsquared..... I actually had a lot of fun with this, and tomorrow am starting a pastels class. We'll be doing an English robin. Finally some color!

I'm still working on bags. This is my latest. I really enjoyed working with neutrals and black. Below is the back view (where I concentrated most of my design).

I guess that's about it here at the doorstep. Thank you for taking time to read this little hodgepodge of stuff going on in my world here at the end of the lane. Looking forward to another lovely weekend, and hope you're able to do the same.

dulcy

Oh... once again... can't say "thank you" enough for leaving all the lovely comments about the magazine thing. But I will..... THANK YOU!

The Best Part Of Blogging Is You!

2010-10-09T11:48:00.000-07:00

Dear friends...before I show you the results of my "Haute Handbag" drawing, let me please take a moment to thank all you fabulous blogging buddies who have been so kind to leave such sweet and touching comments to me about my little foray into the world of publishing. As I said in my previous post, this was just a lark.... can I do something like this? Will anyone be interested enough in my bags to include them in an issue? Well, after that hurdle, I thought the best part was getting accepted, then I thought the best part was seeing my bags in print, but....BY FAR.... the best part was hearing from all of you! I mean it! You guys are just the best.... and if I haven't gotten to you yet to thank you for your comment.... please know that I intend to. I can't begin to tell you how moved I was by your kindness and the feeling of joy each time I read a new comment. I'm not used to getting a lot of comments on my blog, so 24 was like Christmas for me!

Also, in my previous post, at the time I posted..... I was not aware that my blogging buddy (and I know she's several of yours) Mary Stanley from Art Spirit was also included in the same issue. Mary does fabulous work in several different mediums, rug hooking being only one part of her vast repertoire of skills. If you haven't yet, please visit her blog. I'm sure you will soon become a regular like me.

And now for the drawing........I was going to put more energy and creativity into this..... but we're on the way out the door to the Sequiota Art Fair. My hubby is waiting patiently for me to finish this post. So I put all the names entered into my little worm basket I use when hooking a project.

Then....I pulled the name myself.... I really hope you don't mind.....I was truly completely fair. And the winner is (drum roll please).....

Miss Maggie from Grandma Yellow Hair! I couldn't be more thrilled! Maggie has become a dear bloggy friend of mine, and has the most wonderful blog. She writes from her heart, and has me either laughing, crying, or both just about every time I check in. Maggie dear, I have your email, so I'll get in touch with you this weekend to get mailing details.

Have a lovely weekend!

dulcy

"Haute Handbags" and Me!

2010-10-01T10:48:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends..... I have an article and a selection of my bags in the October edition of "Haute Handbags" published by Somerset Studio.

Last fall I decided, basically on a lark, to read the submitting process and see what was involved. I took it step by step. My husband photographed the bags and I wrote an article. Sent it off, and what do ya know... I heard from them in about two days! They wanted me to send my bags to them to shoot for April's magazine. Did all that, and then was pushed back to this issue. So... here I am page 67! If you get an opportunity, you can check out the article. I found mine at Borders, but "Haute Handbags" is usually also carried by Barnes and Nobles. I haven't gone over the entire issue yet, but if you like unusual and handmade bags, there's lots of fun and creative ones to see. Most of them have "how to make" instructions. Oh..... one more thing..... I bought three copies, but just checked the mail and Somerset sent me another. So, if you would like me to send a copy to you, please leave a comment and I'll draw a winner next week (probably Friday). Here's to a fabulous fall weekend!
xo
dulcy

It's ALWAYS About The Color!

2010-09-27T14:52:00.000-07:00

New bag is coming along nicely.... I'm done hooking.... now for pockets, lining, strap, and buttons. I found the most perfect button in mom's old button tin. I think it was part of a set she used when she made a coat a long time ago (30-40 years.....?). Again, love working with these neutrals and black. Great look for winter!

Fall seems to be the time for all the warm colors like orange, yellow, brown, etc. I'm kind of tired of all the traditional fall decorations. I guess it's just gotten so over the top in the last several years. I'm liking very simple decorations and lots of jewel toned colors. Purples, pinks, scarlets, bright royal blues, and intense golds.

I pulled the last of my spindly petunias Saturday, and planted these gorgeous dark purple pansies for winter. As I was planting, out popped a good sized toad. Poor thing.... I think it was dug in for the winter. It hopped out and patiently waited on the step while I finished planting. I gently picked it up and put it back amongst the pansies, and hopefully, it dug it's way back down in the nice warm soil.

Don't you just love these pink mums?! Once again, I forsook the golds and reds for these pretty posies.

My periwinkle blue asters are just brilliant! These sorts of colors seem kinda old fashioned to me, and that's what I find so appealing. I'm sure that I'll eventually come back to the more traditional fall color scheme. Maybe I'm just having a hard time letting go of summer. I still have lovely blooming pink petunias, and gorgeous blooming fuchsia geraniums. Also, my blue daze is spectacular right now. I imagine the cool night temperatures are doing the magic. The temps. also enticed me to get some home-made tomato soup going in the crock pot for this evening's meal. Well..... it's that time of day.... yoga time! Gotta go and stretch..... Here's to a lovely week ahead....xo

Hooking, Knitting, Fiber.... Isn't Life Grand!

2010-09-19T12:20:00.000-07:00

Isn't this gorgeous!! Done by my lovey Lily. It's from a photo of a church in Costa Rica she took and turned into a rug this summer at our Jane Halliwell Green workshop in Maine. The sky is absolutely brilliant, and the blue church with all the shadows makes for such a rich combination of colors. Don't even know where to begin with the flowers other than FABULOUS! Well Done Lily!

I'm currently working in neutrals. This is part of a motif that will become a handbag eventually. Doing this one for a friend, and really love working in these creams and mushroom colors. The black will be background and the plaid will be the lining.

Purple stripe socks are almost done.... weekend spent hooking, knitting, perusing the new edition of "selvedge".... heaven!

xo dulcy

Friday Night At The Creamery

2010-09-04T19:03:00.000-07:00

Above you will find myself, Sheri, and Tammy at our rug show held Friday night at the Creamery Arts Center in Springfield. The Creamery is a wonderful old building that functioned as a place to pasteurize milk many years ago. It was purchased, restored, and now is an arts center with a lovely gallery, rooms for classes, library, and dance studio. There are several more rugs in the show, but we took this view because the rugs that each of us hooked are in the same order as we are in the picture (does that make any sense at all?). We were so honored to be invited to show our work, which will be hanging during the month of September.

I'm sorry to repeat the same scene, but really wanted to include lovely friends who came out for the show. Kathleen, her aunt and my dear friend Ann (a wonderful artist and art teacher), and Sally (another patron of the arts, and creator of the most delightful lamps made from charming found treasures.... without pictures, I can't describe her work and do it justice).

On the way home from our show, I talked with my husband about showing ones art. I wondered, since we weren't there to actually sell anything, why we bother. Does it seem show-offy, are we boring our friends.... do they feel obligated to come out and see our stuff? As usual, my Jim has the best answers to my questions that mostly come from some inferior place inside of me. Having been an artist his whole life, and having perhaps exhibited his work in hundreds of shows, he said, "No.... you're simply sharing your passion with the people you care about." And that's exactly that! I love to show people rug hooking, and share with them the fun and excitement I get from creating a rug or bag. The rush from coming up with just the "right" combination of colors and the fabulous feel of the linen on wool. Any of you that hook rugs, or work with fiber know exactly what I mean.

So, dear friends.... thanks for letting me indulge in a little show and tell, and know that I so enjoy looking and commenting on your work as well.... blogging has been a HUGE source of inspiration for me over the years, and a wonderful venue to share this crazy and wonderful rug hooking passion of mine.
xo
dulcy

Dogwoods AT The Doorstep

2010-08-25T11:55:00.000-07:00

Finally done with this one! I have enjoyed hooking my doorstep more than anything I've done in a long time. I guess because I was doing something way different from my recent pieces (which basically means not a hand bag). My original plan had been not to have a border.... but after a conversation (well actually two long convos that covered everything from art to politics ) with Tammy, she suggested doubled folded quilt tape. I bought a nice chocolate brown and some very tiny cording. The doubled folded tape is good and wide, so it covers my cut linen on the back. I probably should have take a picture of the back so you can see what I'm talking about. Anyway, Tammy's suggestions worked like a charm, and was easy peasy to do. That's about it at the doorstep today.... but I must comment on the gorgeous weather we are finally having! We slept with the windows nice and wide open last night, and I mean it was like being drugged! I just love sleeping with fresh air blowing in. Air conditioning makes me feel stuffy and close. I tend to toss about. Last night was heaven..... xo

And I Hook

2010-08-16T13:33:00.000-07:00

I hook and I hook.... this is mostly all 4 cut, and I'm loving it. The detail can be tedious, but I get into it. The smallest loop seems important. Maybe because it's my house and the design is based on my husbands photography. Maybe it's because I began this rug in Maine taking a class with my step daughter, Lily. Maybe it's because I feel like I'm painting. It doesn't matter to me. I simply love rug hooking, and the repetitive process that ends up with such texture and design. If you hook, you know what I mean.

Today I was running errands and listening to my IPod. I have Deanne Fitzpatrick's new cd loaded, and I'm listening to her essays on art and life in general. She was telling about how sometimes she might go someplace, get to talking, and maybe say more than she had intended. Then worry about it later. I know exactly what she means, as I imagine most of us probably do. Deanne then went on to say that it happens and we're just saying what we most likely needed to. Maybe it's best not to worry about it and just let it go. I had the most wonderful mind cleanse as I listened to this essay. I had written a letter a year ago to a couple of friends. It was very nice.... nothing weird or mean. I just needed to get some stuff off my chest. The letter was four pages! I talked about a lot. I probably said more than was necessary. I was on a roll. This letter has bugged me.... but as I listened to my IPod, I just let it go! I felt like a dust ball in the corner of my brain had finally been swept free. I expressed myself in that letter honestly and real. I wrote much about my life and passions.... I said things that are important to me. I'm glad I wrote it. Thanks for your words Deanne.

Too Hot To Play Outside!

2010-08-10T14:25:00.000-07:00

Except for an early morning walk, and watering my quickly fading flowers, I spent the day inside. It's blazing out there...., but my husband did spend the better part of his day mowing. It's a big job, but when he's done it looks just like a park! This is a view from the upstairs bedroom looking out towards our studio out back. Leaf reflection is kind of cool I think... Our upstairs bedroom is practically a green house! A few of the plants have gotten so big, I imagine that if we ever sell this place the plants will either have to be cut down, or remain with new owners (heaven forbid that ever happens!).

Another view from the same window of our pond and wacky fence.

I'm knitting....yet another pair....of socks. Absolutely loving this new sock wool! The colors are scrumptious.... My sock knitting has vastly improved since my last pair. This is the fifth pair I've done, but it's taken me all five to really get it right. I've also got another set of #1 needles that are quite a bit longer than my previous set... fewer dropped stitches.

Here's sweet Willow reclining and catching her late afternoon cat nap. This nap closely follows her midday nap, which comes just on the tail end of her late morning kitty snooze. These naps usually take place upstairs shortly following her early morning doze on the screened porch. I've also included another peek at my doorstep rug, which is still under construction.
xo
dulcy

Fiber On My Mind!

2010-08-02T13:13:00.000-07:00

I wanted to make a blog post, but not much going on except just trying to stay cool. The Ozarks is literally dripping with humidity, which can be suffocating, but quite good for the skin (let's look on the bright side, class half full, etc.). While out running errands, the car temp. gauge read 101!

Even though it's blazing outside, I've got fiber on my mind, and looking forward to new projects on the horizon. I'm not doing anything new or particularly exciting at the moment, but have made a lot of headway on my hooked doorstep piece a post or two down. I'll share more of that next week. In lieu of newly hooked excitement... I decided to share a few other little fiber moments that all you crafty and creative friends might find interesting.

As most of you may know by now, we spent a lovely two weeks during June in Maine and Nova Scotia. While having tea and muffins in Gilbert's Lighthouse, I was so captivated by the hooked mats hanging about. I was especially drawn to this little mat (about 10"x10") because it so nicely expresses the quaint and brightly painted fishing cottages that are nestled along the coastline of Nova Scotia. I love the straight line hooking, which is very different than I see around here. I grabbed this sweet mat up, and it's my favorite NS souvenir.... except for a heart shaped rock my husband brought back to our room after an early morning walk (I was still sleeping......).

These are a couple of little cotton scarves I crocheted last spring. They are for two of my favorite gal pals, Cyndi and Claire, for their birthdays (in April and May.... oh dear). I also felted the little flowers and pinned them on. Obviously, we are way past our birthday celebrations, but just haven't found the time to get together for our gift exchange. Isn't that terrible! We need some priorities in life!

This is some new sock yarn that I'm really excited about! It's sort of an egg plant color..... I'm finishing up another pair, then on to these. My next project will be a surprise! Delving into new fiber territories.....

Totally non-fiber related, but here's our Little Iris. I happened upon her sitting on this little chair the other day, and she was more than happy to have her picture snapped. A calm and cooperative cat she is not! I imagine she had probably been doing something naughty just prior to this moment.

xoxo
Dulcy

Goodies In The Mail and Hooking Steadfastly

2010-07-24T14:17:00.000-07:00

I was so excited to find my package from Sharon of Sweet Repose in the mailbox! Sharon makes uniquely beautiful jewelry. I had lusted over her necklaces for a couple of years, and finally took the plunge and ordered this one. It was calling out "Dulcy..." when I saw it on her blog. Sharon's work is modern, but has such a nice vintagey antique quality to it. I love the combination of the black vintage glass with the turquoise crystals. The bird and charm are burnished and old looking. It's especially fabulous with a black or white tee shirt (I'm for keeping it simple when I'm wearing a piece like this since it makes a statement all it's own). Sharon also included a couple hunks of her luscious homemade soaps. Lilac and Brown Sugar Fig. My bathroom smells heavenly! Check out Sharon's blog so you can see her fabulous selection of repurposed antiques and vintage goodies. She also has a great take on life and art, plus her photography is wonderful!

This hot summer's day finds me diligently hooking away on my front door piece I started last month when attending Jane Halliwell Green's workshop. I'm so excited to see that one of her rugs made it onto the cover of the new "Celebrations" book. I'm not surprised. Her work is very artfully done with lots of shading and details. Her wool is fabulous, and Jane's technique is very "painterly......"

Well.... off to run more wool through my cutter.... 4 cut..... must be patient with this one. Hope this steamy day finds you cool and comfy. Maybe working on your art, reading a good book, checking out a new flick at the cinema, or perhaps just a catnap is in order.

xo
dulcy

Find Me At Grandmayellowhair!

2010-07-20T07:09:00.000-07:00

I have a little blogazine story over on Maggie's blog. We bumped into each other out here in blog land sometime ago, and her stories are just the best. The first time I read her blog about her escapades with "Ms. Pearl" I was laughing out loud, and have retold them to friends. My story is mostly things about myself that some of you probably already know, but please check out Maggie's blog on a regular basis. She profiles other bloggers on her blogazine regularly in addition to her personal posts. Great way to meet other bloggers and get to know Maggie. It's well worth your time!

Here's a nice shot from Maine that might cool your brain on this hot summer's day.
xo
dulcy

My Switch Is Flipped To "ON"

2010-07-17T14:52:00.000-07:00

Do you ever get that creativity/hippity hop/can't stop/I want to do it all thing going on? If you're one of my many talented bloggy friends, I know you know exactly what I'm talking about. My summer switch has been flipped to "on" and I can't stop.... nor do I want to. So much to do and so little time. I hope you don't mind me sharing all the little things I've got going on. My favorite part of blogging is visiting other bloggers and sharing in their creative quests. It helps keep me inspired! The following is my current project line-up....

The hooked piece I started in Maine continues with the four cut wool, which is very tiny.... but... love the detail I get with the itsy bitsy pulled loops. A view of the front door on our rock house.

About a month ago I took a class on needle felting from Vickie (her work is FABULOUS) with my super talented bestest bud and collage artist, Katie (her work is also FABULOUS). This is just a little experiment. I'm hooking and felting.... a small mat that I'm making up as I go.

If you've followed my blog for very long at all, you know I'm also a knitter. Knitting is the thing to have on hand when I can't be at my rug frame hooking. Hands that can't stay still issue. The following are my knitted sock (Patience is needed because this can really drive a person crazy using four #1 needles), and I'm loving knitting simple cotton dish clothes.... great to have on hand for quick gifts, and an easy knit, especially when I get the "sock headache".

I've enrolled in an ongoing drawing class to help me with my rug designs. I love to draw, but really need to hone my skills. Now it's not much, but it's my first eye. It took me two classes to draw one eye (I think it may be awhile until I'm doing portraits.....)

This last shot has nothing to do with the subject matter of this post, but I just had to share. We've had three young Cooper's Hawks soaring and whistling around our yard for some days now. If hawks can be considered cute (and I believe they can) these fellas are just the sweetest things to watch. They leap and play and seem so joyful just being alive! Yesterday, all three were sitting on the garden bench together (let me tell ya, they may still be babies, but these guys are huge!). I grabbed my camera, but one of them jumped to the top of the bench. This isn't the greatest shot because I was far away, and in the house. But if you look closely, you can see the one on top of the bench and the other two on the seat. I love summer! Have a beautiful day....
xo

One more thing.... I will be back with more shots from Nova Scotia....eventually.... with a heat index in the 100's, I'm wistfully dreaming of the breezy Bay of Fundy and the cool climate and roaring waves along the Nova Scotia coastline.

New Tote, and Vacation Pics. from Nova Scotia

2010-07-10T15:21:00.000-07:00

Above is a shot of my new fall tote. I just love working with these colors, and I'm especially smitten with the dark teal (I prefer the term "midnight teal") for the background. One of those wonderful finds when looking for a completely different color.

And now for assorted shots of my trip to Nova Scotia.

Tide pooling on the beach....

Knitting on the ferry...

Gilbert's Lighthouse where I bought a cute hooked mat done by someone in the NS guild.

Coastline with lighthouse (actually, this was taken in New Brunswick).

Shed with fish netting....digging those colors!

Glorious lupine everywhere!!!!!

Lobster traps abound, as does the tasty treat....

Hastily made new friends who invited us up to watch the sunset over the ocean (there was wine involved.... yippee... great new friends!).

That's all the NS shots I'll display for now. I don't want you to feel the need to make a hasty retreat with too many "How I spent my summer vacation" photos. I'll post some next time of the many colorful boats and homes that grace the coastline.
xo
dulcy

Hooking in Searsport Maine

2010-07-01T13:03:00.000-07:00

I just returned from a lovely vacation to Maine, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia. And, yes, I'm tired and glad to be home. But, travel is truly invigorating and always creatively stimulating for me. It's good for me to see the world through new eyes. Colors become more bold when viewed from a new perspective. I just love to see how people live in other parts of the country and world. I got so excited when I saw the faded salt box houses of Maine, and the brightly colored homes along the coast of Nova Scotia. Watching whales and dolphins gliding by from the ferry between New Brunswick and Nova Scotia was a real treat as was seeing hooked rugs from the early parts of the 19th and 20th century at the Farnsworth Museum in Rockland Maine.

The original purpose of the trip was to take a rug hooking class with Jane Halliwell Green in Searsport, Maine. My lovely and talented step-daughter, Lily, took the class with me. We learned so much, and had such a fabulous time! I'm posting just a very few pictures from class.

The puppies like resting in the display case (how cute!) greeted us at the door. Dixie and Dexter love being part of all the goings on.

Jane, teaching one of several new techniques. Lots to absorb..... but new exciting ideas swimming around my overly stimulated brain!

Dee, my neighbor, and Jim's tour director of the area (thanks Dee!).

Gobs of wool everywhere.. Paradise!

Lily and her rug. It's from a picture she took in Costa Rica of a church bordering the jungle (fabulous!!).

My project, a picture of our front doorstop. I haven't got much done because I'm hooking in a very small cut, and trying to shade and pixelate as I go. It's 14"x22".

Last.... end of day on the coast of Maine after a nice lobster (or some kind of seafood.. I had so much I can't remember) dinner.

I'll post more of Maine, and shots from Nova Scotia in a few days. xo

Color Abounds!

2010-06-09T12:17:00.000-07:00

Color is everywhere around here, and it's really got me psyched to hook, plant, cook, and just plain create!

We planted many hydrangeas a few years ago, and they're really starting to burst forth with color. I love it when the colors are not set, but rather mixed.... yet they change over time. Right now this beauty is pink, blue, and green. Lovely after last night's rain.

It's really hard to beat white! This is a small portion of a massive bush that's probably a good forty years old. It's great for cutting huge bouquets.

I planted this hanging basked with just one wave petunia plant. It was kind of spindly at first, but has filled out nicely. I'm currently in love with old fashioned pinks and blues in the garden.

I love the lavender plant mixing in with the pink dianthus.

Jim and Graham feeding the fish among the day lilies.

Swinging in the sunshine.

And playing freeze tag.

Lastly.... the new fall bag I'm currently working on. I couldn't get my hands on the antique black I had originally chosen as a background. My best surprises are when I'm forced to rethink my plan. I found this lovely dark teal/green that gives the piece a more jewel tone feel. I will hit and miss various colors from the flowers around the edge of the dark teal.

Off to prepare my pattern for the Jane Halliwell Green class next week in Searsport, Maine. Very excited!

Groundhogs and Handbags?

2010-06-01T08:44:00.000-07:00

Are groundhogs considered cute? I believe so.... especially when they are babies exploring the garden. This little guy was all over the place! About the size of a small guinea pig.

New fall bag in progress.......

This fall flower motif will be on both sides of the tote I'm currently working on. I'm thinking of a background in antique black, with lots of hit and miss colors around the edge.

I've sort of veered away from my original hooking plan, which was to do two more summer flower pillows. I started thinking about how much I'm enjoying my hydrangea tote this season, and how I would like something to replace it in the fall. So.... started digging through my cabinet of wool, found some colors I love, and started pulling the loops! Also, I received this stand for my Puritan frame. My talented can-do-all hubby,Jim, did some alterations, and now I'm hooking comfortably in my favorite chair.

Yes..... I realize there's absolutely no relation between groundhogs and hooking, but those are things that make me happy, so thought I'd share!

Ring Around Our Rosie

2010-05-23T17:20:00.000-07:00

Our little Rosie left us May 12th, and now resides in her own little spot back by the pond. She had been ill, and had many issues that caused her discomfort. I hooked this pillow to keep on the bench where she spent about 98% of her time. Losing our pets, as you all know, is just so horribly sad. She led a very lovely little quiet kitty life. I don't know how old she was (probably about 14 yrs.) because we found her high up nesting in our grape arbor at our previous home many years ago. She was quite a pretty little girl, dainty, and always had the very best of manners. We miss her a lot right now, but are comforted knowing she is with us in our thoughts and memories... Also in the backyard..... Thanks to my friends that helped me with some tough decisions, especially my dear friend Katie who gave me some wonderful words on grace and happiness.

If You Must Know.......

2010-05-05T13:55:00.000-07:00

After reading the comments on my previous post today, I decided it was easier to tell everyone about the fence at once, instead of repeating the story at each of your blogs. At our previous home, my husband (please check out link on the right, a recent video story on him) decided to paint the inside of our privacy fence with abstract designs. Well..... when we put the house up for sale, our buyer did not want the fence (can't imagine why!). So..... we brought it with us! We don't really feel the need for a privacy fence where we live now, so hubby has set up bits and pieces around the property. Most of it is out back by our pond. We are so happy that the new home owner didn't want our piece of art.... well, now that the moving part is way in the past. We just love our fence, and thanks for the the inquiries about it!

It's All About Flowers!

2010-05-05T09:01:00.000-07:00

My Garden Hydrangea pillow is hooked, and now on to the assembly. I think I'm going to stuff it, and hand-sew on a soft wool backing. I had lots of fun prodding the edges!

I took the following photos around some of our back gardens this morning. The iris is gorgeous right now, and the peonies are just opening. One of my favorite "happies" is to make a peony bouquet and put them in an old glass Ball jar.

Hope you enjoyed a nice little garden stroll!

Pillows and Teapots

2010-04-29T14:48:00.000-07:00

This is my latest....I'm working on a hydrangea pillow design. I'm trying to keep my colors faded and old looking, and I'm really loving working with a different color palette than my usual brights. I have yet to finish the motif and hook the border. I'm then planning on prodding the edges with deep purple/rose petals. You know, I've lost count of how many pieces I've hooked over the past 5 or 6 years, but have never done a pillow. I'm hoping it will be the first of 3 floral pillow designs I have dreamt up.

Moving on to teapots and tea cozies............

Notice my poor naked teapot to the left. Well, I made a cup of tea yesterday morning. After I poured it I decided to put my newly hooked tea cozy by Primitive Spirit (Karen Kahle) over my teapot for a sort of warming test drive.

It looks just too cute, but really wanting it to be functional. About half hour later we had a visitor. I asked him if he'd like a cup of tea, and he said, "I would love one". Well, I was a bit worried that my water would have cooled too much by then, and I would need to make another pot. But, YIPPEE, the water was still quite hot after being kept all tidy and warm in it's tea cozy. I lined the cozy (as per directions from Karen) with a quilted muslin, so that's what did the trick. I'm sure all that hooked wool didn't hurt.

Moving on.....once again I spent too much $$ at Teal's nursery this afternoon. After planting my pots all morning, I went and bought more for hanging baskets....also found a gallon pot of Spanish Lavender with the most beautiful blooms. I already have a few lavender plants, but not Spanish. So.....I'm out the door with gloves and spade! Have a fab weekend. xo

Lavender Tea Cozy and Indigo Bunting....I Love Spring!

2010-04-23T08:06:00.000-07:00

Finished hooking my tea cozy from Primitive Spirit (Karen Kahle) and will get to the assembly part soon. I simply LOVE this little piece. Started it at the Boat House Hook In, and haven't put it down. I tried to follow her color scheme, because it just grabbed me, and I didn't want it any different. This, with my Pretty Chicken Kitchen rug, will be my kitchen updates for the year. Lots cheaper than new appliances, counters, and tile! I am really anxious to begin a new pillow design, so not sure if I can wait to begin hooking again. I'm one of those hookers who needs to finish one project before I move on to the next. But.......enough about hooking......I jumped on getting this post done, because below you'll see an indigo bunting that was at my feeder a bit ago, and I just had to share it with you. The photo is a bit blurred because I had to take it through the kitchen window, and the little darling kept moving about. These tiny beauties are a sure sign of spring at our place. Sometimes I've seen them all over the drive, and it literally looked like bright blue paper had been tossed about.

Well....off to do some yoga, and then head out to a wonderful nursey in Ash Grove to load up on annuals for the pots. Enjoy this lovely springy Friday!

2nd Annual Boathouse Hookin

2010-04-20T12:39:00.000-07:00

The Boathouse Hookin was Saturday, and I'm sharing a few shots with you. Above you'll see Tammy, Katie, and Renee.....a few of my Springfield hooking buddies. As you scroll down you'll see a few pictures of rugs done by our talented crew from the Ozarks!

Felting by Vicki Hardcastle....it gets my "WOW" vote!

Pretty Chicken Kitchen Rug

2010-04-09T13:39:00.000-07:00

Pretty Chicken Kitchen Rug.....say that three times fast!

She's hooked, and now onto the bind off....strips or covered cord? She will be on the kitchen floor in front of the sink, so will take a lot of wear.