Foxy Lady

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

Week's Snippets

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

Hooking Clutches and Pottery Lust

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