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

Time to Create & Time to Rest

This is what it looks like today from the upstairs bedroom window.

A bit out of focus, and shooting through the window and screen, but I never grow tired of this view.  Lush with rain and spring.  Peonies are just beginning to open, so lots of sweet smelling bouquets.  The black locust is blooming now (white flowers of front view) and just smell heavenly.  Keeping the windows open!!

I'm resting this week, as the past month has been busy, and I've worked hard.  Ended well with my husbands show, my sale, and good friends visiting.

I was part of a sweet little spring bizarre on Sunday at Tea Bar and Bites Cafe.  Lots of fun creative types, and lovely friends.  Great way to spend a pretty Sunday.  I sold shawls, and let go of some "gently used " hooked bags and pillows.  Had a few second thoughts on selling things I'd worked hard on, but such fun to move on to friends!

Here's the lovely Valerie!  She snagged up a bag before I was barely unpacked, and by the end of the show was the proud owner of a new shawl.  I was the lucky one, as I was able to acquire two of her gorgeous crocheted bracelets.  I haven't photographed those, but will share next time.

I was able to get in some knitting during the sale, and finished my "shortie" socks.  This is a soft, but vibrant, merino super wash I picked up at the fiber fest in Texas.  It's called "Vintage" and I just love the colors!

Since these are done, I can get back to my never ending log cabin scrappy throw.  Three more blocks to outline in the joining color, stitch together, done!

I feel creatively drained right now, so lots of gardening, reading, and knitting.  Although..... feeling the pull of rug hooking again.  I may draw something up before the day is over.  Another bag maybe????

xo
dulcy

Spring Magic

It feels really magical around our house this time of year.  Everything is big, wild, and green!

I feel like that sense of magic carries over into my life and creativity.

I'm just loving building papermache teacups!  I will be part of a spring sale in a couple of weeks, and I've decided to add several of these.  Using up recycled paper to make these little cuties is great fun!

I like to make them look a bit grungy and old, then tie natty looking ribbon on the handles.

Last weekend I went to Texas and met up with my friend Mary.  We attended the Dallas Fiber Fest and had a great time lusting over all the hand dyed yarns!  I thought I'd never make another pair of socks, but couldn't resist this pretty yarn.  It has a real vintage feel.  Making more of a shorty sock for spring.  Much quicker knit!  All the colors in this picture inspire me!

Another magical piece of my picture is my little cabin dollhouse created by Gooseberry Creek Designs.  I've added a bit of spring to the porch.  The rug is a little punch needle brooch I made several years ago, and the sheep is a winter Saturday project my friend Tammy and I cooked up.

And the downstairs is looking cosy too.

Still painting away in my Jane LaFazzio watercolor and mixed media journaling class.  This past week we were to choose a subject, and draw it using different methods.... creating a journal page.  I chose to draw some of my jewelry.

Hope you're feeling a sense of magic this spring.......

xo
dulcy

Fiber Loves........

My little dream girl is hooked and waiting to be mounted on painted canvas.  I think I'm going to use a burnt sienna with some gold as my background colors to frame her off with.

Tools of the trade......... I made the little leaf pottery at a First Friday Art Walk a couple of years ago, and the shells are from a beach in Nova Scotia. 

Current pair of knitted socks on their way to being finished.....  I truly think I'm done with socks for now, but am taking a trip to the yarn store tomorrow, so never say never!

 

And am so excited to share a Christmas present from hubby.  A new year's subscription to my favorite mag...... SELVEDGE!!  Just got my first issue this week.......... If you're a fiber gal like me, this magazine (actually it's more like a book) is a must.  The problem is they quit carrying it at any of the book stores here. 

It's perfect for cold winter evenings in front of the fire.  My other gift is a subscription to the British edition of Country Living (as I've stated here many times in the past, HEADS AND TAILS ABOVE IT'S AMERICAN SISTER!)  Unfortunately, my first issue doesn't arrive until March or April.  I have no idea why it takes so long.  Hubby feels sorry for me as he says "trolling Barnes and Noble each month for the latest issues................".  Pitiful.........

xo

dulcy