Inspiration Abounds!

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

A Little Of This, And A Little Of That

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