American Made

Spent a lovely day at Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art with my friend Ann.  We took a tapestry class, and got to catch the American Made show.  Lots of FABULOUS folk art!  Here's a shot of a lovely old, and gorgeously simple, hooked rug.

We're so lucky to have this absolute jewel of a museum in our area.  Going back soon to spend more time at the show.

I haven't been hooking, but wanting to..... just don't have a design idea right now.  Maybe something small that doesn't require too much time, planning, and wool.

I have been knitting on hubby's yellow socks.

They're bright, happy, and his favorite color.  I ordered this fabulous yarn from old bloggy friend Dag.  She has the most wonderful yarns that she spins and dyes.  Check out her Etsy store!

I've been working on a small garden project.  It seems that each spring I get a bit too excited to clean out my garden, and start pulling up vinca, leaves, etc.  Well I, more than occasionally, pull up other little plants that have been patiently waiting to come up on their own.  Sometimes I forget what they are, and replant.  So...... I started a little watercolor garden journal to help me remember.   These are my first two pages.

They are pretty sketchy and a bit abstract, but fun for me to paint this way.  I've since labeled the plants, and attached little packets to the back of each page for the cards of new plants, and maybe some seeds.  I have three more pages to go to complete this front garden.

Nice rainy day today.... planning to cut some of the pretty crepe myrtle that's profusely blooming at the moment and bring in a bouquet.  Loving summer, but feeling the tug towards fall.  Not yet though.

xo

dulcy

Summer Is......

Spent Sunflowers

The next best thing to sunflowers in a vase, are spent ones laying outside for the birds.  They're still so lovely!  I'm looking forward to tomorrow when our little farm across the road is open and I can get some more.  Way too much shade here for them to grow.

Ava's Hooking Project

Grandchildren are visiting, and that means activities.  Our little Ava finally finished her rug hooked puppy dog.  She worked so diligently on this.  I think she did a really nice job!

Rides In The Convertible Bug

Ava and I have also spent lots of time driving around with the top down (or hood, as she calls it) and AC blasting.  She likes to go where there's lots of people out and about and wave to them as though we're in some kind of parade.  So much fun!

Indoor Fiber Art

Hot days bring me inside to work on more shawls.  Already preparing for fall and holiday bizarres.  I've started adding extra long sari silk in with the fringe and each shawl has one embellishment.  This one is now Janet's, but adorned with a small piece of patina brass.

I really love this turquoise shawl, which is a nice cotton/silk blend.

On all the others I've added one or two rough cut mineral stones.  Small and subtle.  This one has a bit of aqua aura and rose quartz.

The one below has a cool chunk of smokey quartz added to the fringe.

I love the idea of one added stone or embellishment as sort of a "happy surprise" to each shawl.  Not enough to become too hippy or clanky, but you know it's there.

Need to get out and hit the flower garden.  I've worked so hard on it this year, and am proud that I still have quite a bit of color using only perennials with not much sun time.  Maybe two to three hours a day of it.  Discovering new flowering plants through the Master Gardener program, and knowledgeable friends.

Happy Day!

xo

dulcy