Blogging For The Better

Haven't blogged in a bit, and quite frankly, wondering "why bother?".  But... I've also cruised around from time to time checking out other blogs,  Instagram, facebook sites, Pinterest, and am always so amazed at all the creativity!  I love to follow wonderful artists at these sites, and occasionally will leave my own comments.  Sometime I'll get a reply back!  Whenever I feel a bit in a slump, something as simple as a few photos of great homes, gardens, art, and fashion are all I need to get back at it.  So.... (well now that my computer is fixed.... a pesky issue) I'll post a few photos of what I'm up to, and what is making me happy and feel creative.

I've been hooking a lot over the past few months, and just finished this small abstract landscape.

This piece was inspired by one of my husband, Jim Mayfield's, photos taken while traveling through the Netherlands last spring.

I've also had a lot of fun making pillows.  Here's a couple of girls.  Rosie and Violet.  They're about 18" tall and 10" wide.

I still have one more to do to make a set of three.  These will be for sale later next fall.  Speaking of owls, our friends called the other day and told us to get over quick!  New baby barred owls just emerged from the nest in their yard.  We jumped in the car and got there in time for a great viewing.  Jim grabbed several shots.

I'm still working on lots of shawls and a few bags.  Saving bags for fall sale, and shawls I've been selling in a couple of different shops.  Love the silk/mohair blend of yarn.  Light and soft!

Spending special time with family.  Just returned from Chicago where we had the most lovely time with little grand daughter Ruby, who just celebrated becoming two years old.

 

Of course, my favorite place to be is home.  It's garden time and I couldn't be happier than when puttering around the house and garden.  Here's a picture of our front and porch.  I'm using this shot for tags on my shawls. 

A view of the back yard after one of the many extended rains we're currently enjoying.

A sweet little guy resting in the front garden.

And one of our gorgeously brilliant hibiscus!

So.....passing on a long post to you in hopes of adding a bit of color and creativity to your day!

Namaste....
dulcy

Luscious Color Leads To Lots Of Creativity

Spring is practically officially here.... and I've kicked it off by planting pansies, sorting through and replenishing bits of my wardrobe, and lots of hooking and weaving!

I've made a few more shawls.... and just LOVE the ribbon addition!

The one above I paired with this sweet little bag (bag already sold).  Love all the greens, pinks, and blues...... I made this same one below, minus ribbon, as a gift for my friend Maria.  She just moved to Greece and I felt the luscious greens and blues were the perfect colors to go with her new life.

Recently dragged home the sweetest new find!  This pretty little shabby, but much loved, velvet chair.

My latest hooked piece fit perfectly on the back.  Size and colors!

Of course, the addition of a new chair means new slip covers for the previous chair that was in that corner, as it's been moved.  I'm feeling the need for lots of springtime updates.  Love heading into my studio for new possibilities!

xo
dulcy

Hooking Small...........

I'm in a hooking phase where I just want to hook small quick projects.  I've come off the end of two good sized rugs, and I'm just plain tired of something long and drawn out.  I'm sure some of you know exactly what I mean.  I've been playing with hooking little bags.  I like to scale way down in the spring and summer.  I usually have a larger bag that I work out of, but when I'm ready to head out the door for coffee with friends, a movie, or dinner out with hubby..... I like to go small and simple.

It's my little "posy pouch" perfect for a bit of cash, cards, lipstick, and keys.  Yes, sometimes the phone needs to be left behind.  And I feel better for it!

Easy back closure with vintage pearl button.

A nice long leather strap so it can be draped over my head and across my shoulder.  Don't have to think about "where's my purse?"

I've finished my first "Easter Candy Sock".

It's been a joy watching the candy colored yarn evolve into vibrant stripes as I hook.  These will be fun early spring sockies to wear!

Hopes to you for a joyful and creative weekend!
xo
dulcy

Dug In For Winter And Feeling Creative

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

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

"Haute Handbags" and Me!

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

Groundhogs and Handbags?

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!

xo

Jan's Bag

Here are views of the bag I made for my friend Jan, of Summer Sundays.  She is also part of the magic that is Leola's.

Under Construction

One more baggy just about done.  Construction is always my challenge, but I like finding better and easier ways to put it all together.  This one is spoken for, and I'll know where it lives and will get to visit it from time to time.

It's Gone and I Miss It

This is my latest little bag, and I put it in DB Designs for sale.  Well, it sold the first day, which is very nice and all......but I kind of miss it.  It was my favorite, plus I didn't really anticipate it's selling that fast.  I thought it would be fun to have it somewhere, I could visit it for awhile, and eventually I would pick it up, bring it home, and it would be mine to carry!  Anyway, I thought I would share my "use ta be" bag with you, and I hope whoever has this little sweet purse now will love it and give it a nice home with lots of TLC.

Coming Up Roses

The hooking is done, and now on to lining and assembly. I'm using the plaid wool that I've already attached to bag and have started to sew in. The red plaid to the side is for the strap. If you look carefully at the shadow to the right, you can see a kitty head (that would be Iris).

Coming Up Roses

Beginning of new handbag. The other side of the bag will be very similar, and the background will be in browns. I just can't seem to get enough of bag hook'n!