Moving past November

 ...Wow... November dumped so many challenges... but, I'm happy to say, I'm on the other side of it now. I found literally, NO time for art, writing, or my regular crafting.  But, all through the month I played with my old crazy quilt designs. So, last week I found a few squares that I started over five years ago, dug out my threads and ribbons, and took up the needle once again. I forgot how satisfying it is!

This first block... I didn't like so much. Where you see the brown velvet with pieces of lace... that was a shocking pink satin, really way too bright. So I dismantled a Christmas stocking and pieced in some darker browns. I'll probably add some more flowers and such.

 This block was partially done. Watching the 49ers on Sunday, I appliqued some dyed lace pieces, then did all the flower work. Remembering the stitches is one thing, coordinating my fingers is another!

 Here's a close up...

 Ah... then I remembered how to do the cabbage roses...

 I love French knots since they are so easy to do. Not so sure about my 'lazy daisy'... spacing petals, four or five... guess it doesn't really matter... it's what feels right, right?

 So, yesterday I sewed together two more foundational blocks. I like crazy quilts with deep, saturated colors. I've added both new and vintage laces.

 The lace and doily below was part of another old block (of a different size), so I re-pieced it to fit, then dyed two lace appliques to compliment the salmon color. Actually, the lace was one long applique I fussy cut into two. I'm imagining lots of flowers and embroidery all over this.

 Close up of part of the lace applique.

 Years ago I found these in the estate (stash) of an elderly dress maker. I picked up dozens of cards of gimp trim, and also dozens of silk flowers and ribbons. All of these came from about 1918!! You can see the price of the silk ribbon was 1 Cent a yard! I sold most of the ribbons, but still have a few in my stash. I almost don't want to use them... but we all know that's silly.

 Here are some of the ribbons.....

And... I couldn't help capturing a winter's nap.... Lulu is yawning, Molly is snoring.

A Blessed Thanks Giving to You

May your holiday be filled with blessings.

Are you ready to joing me?

Only one more day until NaNoWriMo begins! I'm getting up at 5:30 to set aside time to write in the mornings when I'm fresh!






And... are you prepared to vote next week? These women made it possible for us! Let's honor them by using our VOTES! (This cloth/lace book is available in my Etsy Shop.)

Returning home today...

Yes, I loved being up here at Lake Tahoe, snowed in, because I got soooo much done! Here are the bottles I began. (I'm saving the lace and wax for my studio at home.)


And here is the pile of newly covered journals.

And some of my worktable mess....

Now for a beautiful drive home on a sunny Fall day, through the heartland of California.... to our home sweet cottage in the Redwoods.

A working vacation!

Hubby and I were able to book a week up here at Lake Tahoe.... a perfect condo to spread out and do my yearly paste paper creations. I like having the large kitchen, lots of counter space, and to work in such beautiful scenery. We thought we'd take a few drives to see the fall colors, beautiful golden aspen trees and all. Last week it was in the 70's here.

YIPES! In came winter! Snow and Ice and me in my Berkenstocks! But is is amazingly beautiful. Today, our fifth day, the sun is finally out. (I have such respect for people who live in the snow!)

So, first few days were all about creating paste papers... I made 50 sheets! Then a day and a half, cutting and creating journals. I did 25 larger composition book journals and 15 smaller ones. Both will be on sale in my etsy shop soon.

When I wanted a break, I switched to felting soaps. So, our condo smells so delicious!

Then, yesterday, I switched gears and started soldering on beautiful vintage bottles. No pics of those yet... maybe later today.

So, that's what a working vacation looks like. Here are the pictures....

 Even the scraps are beautiful! Great for collage.

Art Nouveau Fabric and Lace Book

Yes, I posted this last Spring.... and now it's time to let it go to a new home. Measures approximately 10x6". Really very lovely....  Being listed today in My Irish Gypsy Etsy Shop.

True Inspiration!

Think I've been busy?????

All available in my Etsy Shop!

"Votes for Women" A fabric & Lace Book

Ah... this has been in my mind for several months! Finally, I harvested my ideas, and here it is. Just in time for our election. It makes me so thankful that these women paved the way for us.

 (For Sale in my Etsy shop.)

 It measures about three inches thick.

 Inside the first spread.... pocket on the left holds a copy of the 19th Amendment, giving Women the right to vote. The fabric on the right side is from an antique Victorian dress, lace and snaps. All the photos have been printed on fabric. Though out you will see both vintage and new laces and trims.

 From the next spread.....

 Note the ebony piece of jewelry tied on with vintage lace.

 Lucy Burns was just one of many who went to jail, were forced fed, all so we can vote.  The pocket on the right side holds an image of one of the posters of the time.

 Last page spread.... the vintage doily on the right encases another pocket, with another poster, asking for your vote.

 The back side. The entire book is covered with rich, heavy upholstery fabric. The interior pages are made from some heavy ticking-looking fabric, that honors those who went to jail.

 (For Sale in my Etsy shop.)