A Gift

From two wonderful friends
Donna and Tag.

I won this wonderful book.
I just can't put it down. My mind  is filled with
 thoughts of what it must have been like. The
Civil War has always been of interest to me and this just is 
another element of it. A more intimate and human side so to speak.
Thank you for this treasure dear friend and of course Tag.
 You two are the real gift. A treasured friendship.

Squash Book

Been having a little fun making Squash books.

This is what one looked like opened up.

The true color .

The saying is...

"Good friends are like the stars, you don't always

see them, but you know they are there."

Summer of Color Comes to an End

 

Summer of Color is coming to an end. 

So I decided to make a mosaic of all I have done so far.

This has been such a delightful project 

that I have decided to keep filling my

journal to the very end.

I would like to thank Kristin very much

for such a delightful time.

Here's hoping we can do it again.

Thank you Kristin!!!!

Green Grow Journal Finished!!!

Just finished up this journal and thought you

might like to see what I did with my little

stitching piece. 

I decided this would be a watercolor journal. 

It has 60 pages of 140lb watercolor paper. 

It measures 8 1/2 x 5 1/2, has a linen 

cover with the hand embroidery with 

vintage button and beads.

Just another fun project now back to organizing 

my studio. Should be able to get my big

drafting table in today.... I hope, I hope, I hope!!!!

Sketchbooks Accordion Style

 I have been having fun making these accordion journals.

They are perfect for taking with you to sketch, or

for a mini series on one subject.

I have joined several sketch groups and find 

making my own journals  enjoyable.

These small journals measure 4"x6".

They will hold 10 4x6 sketches or one 

can open them out to make a long mural or

part mural & some smaller sketches. Very versatile

Each cover is different. Some have a pressed flower in paper,

some different papers and some will have personal sketches.

I make them with watercolor paper so that I can paint my sketches

either on site or later in the studio.

 I am also making other larger sketchbooks and some journals.

Will post those later.

Coptic Stitch Journals & 3 Visitors

I decided to make some journals. I wanted to be able to 

add lots of items or objects to them. So I did the coptic stitch

for the binding. This way there is room to add items and

 also the pages will lay flat.

I had fun making a padded cover and back.

Added some laces,felt, stitching,hand-made

beads, cork beads, tiny pearls and cotton photo of a bird.

All on natural linen. 

While I sat stitching in the garden I had three 

little visitors. Mama, papa and baby bunny dropped

by for a little snack. I was amazed that they paid me no mind.

Just continued on their merry little way. They seldom eat my flowers,

(sometimes there is a renegade) just nibble on the grass and do a 

 fabulous job of trimming the flower garden edges. They are my 

hired help. LOL

Have a great day!!!

I've Been Reading....

I found Kate Hanley by accident some years back and it was the best "find" I have had. She writes about yoga and different ways to have a good mind and body. Now I am not a yoga person as I have always feared I would end up in a pretzel position and never be able to get out of it. But Kate is different. I could hardly believe that a certain way of just breathing would do so much good. When I am driving down the road of insanity ( that's what I call I-90) I use her techniques to arrive at my destination calm, cool and somewhat collected ( for me that is major).

She asked me awhile back to review her book and I was thrilled to do so. I was not disappointed. In fact I found it to be the most helpful read I could imagine. On the cover it said "77 simple strategies for serenity". She was true to her word. I was totally amazed by this wonderful book. I have never met Kate but I consider her a friend indeed. I gave the book to several friends and they too love it.

I am writing this because I have read so many blogs where the "stress" word has come up and we are dealing with some tough times. This little book and Kate's website has helped me. So I just thought I'd pass it along. I promise she won't turn you into a pretzel. Her website is, msmindbody ,if you care to look. Have a great day!!!