Always Good To Get Away

It's always good to get away, even for a few days.  It doesn't have to be far.... just a tank of gas or so.

We took off with the bikes to the wonderful Katy Trail that runs along the Missouri River.  Gorgeous scenery, and best of all, lots of wineries!

Here's honey after a long day of biking and photographing.

We also took time to do a nice portrait with my sturdy little bug and bike rack.

Lovely vineyards surround..... lots of fall color finally starting to explode.

One of the many things I love about Missouri, is the old and historical homes lovingly kept up in the small river towns.  This one is a beauty!

Another fun find are the barn quilts all over the place!  There are maps to all of them, but really, if you drive the back roads like we do, you're bound to spot several.  I just love the happy surprise when they pop up!

We spent a day and night in the quaint river town of Rocheport.  Had fun biking, wining and dining.  Took a few minutes to sit on the steps outside our B&B to sketch the cute little cottage across the road.

Home now and back in the studio weaving (and today, cleaning and organizing art supplies).  I'm really excited about rug hooking again, and having lots of fun with a new project.  Here's a peek.

xo

dulcy

Secret Gardens and Small Things

My garden is changing quickly.  Less brights, but lots of greens and browns.... which are just as lovely.  I have one more page of my garden journal that I really need to get done so the project is complete for this year.  Already new ideas collecting for next spring as shade is heavier than ever, and I need to move away from some of my standard bloomers.  I'm actually already quite excited to make some changes, and plan to add a special page in my journal to record my 2017 garden ideas.

The above is a tiny secret garden we were steered to while visiting the little country town of Ava a week ago.  We went to attend the Saturday market on the square, and while visiting a wonderful little art gallery, the owner told us to check out her secret garden down the block.  It's not wide enough to stretch my arms between the two buildings.... and at the end she's painted a lovely mural on the skinny wall.  I just love it!  So sweet to take this wee space that no one really sees, and yet make it beautiful!

Speaking of wee creations, I made this tiny pillow last week.  It's actually a little pattern on linen I picked up several months ago.  I've been wanting to create and hook something large and grand..... but just can't come up with what I want, or the enthusiasm to do it.  So.... this little piece was enough to feel productive, and hopefully, jump start a new design.  It's only about 5"x10",  and just the right size to find a good spot.

Someone else has also found a good spot!  Little Iris on the hedge apple rug.  The yellow bird house behind her was one of the reasons we went to Ava.  There was a very old man selling them.  He had lots and lots.... all bright colors.  We ended up getting four!  They are finding homes in the yard, and also for gifts.

I never seem to tire of weaving on my triloom.  I especially like how this shawl turned out.  It's a special order, and will be moving on.  Hard one for me to let go of, but going to a lovely lady and a good home.

It's a bit muggy here.... but I'm feeling fall and good energy.

xo

dulcy  

Making Stuff

Very busy time right now.  All fun and creative!  I've been sidetracked by a new little lovely, paper mache tea cups.  On Easter while others were painting eggs, I had my hands in flour and water making paste.  These are my first two cuties.

I used an Ann Wood pattern that you can find here.  I have three more put together just waiting for paper mache and paint.  I'm kind of obsessed with these.

Because of being side tracked by tea cups, I haven't done a whole lot in my sketchbook this week.  Below is an exercise I did using my Tombow pen.  tricky....

I've finished up several shawls over the past month or so.  Two are at our library gift shop, Between Friends, and these two I'm holding onto for a sale later in the month.

I'm currently using a gorgeous Noro solo yarn that's a cotton/silk blend.  Lightweight and perfect for spring and summer!

xo
dulcy